An Explanation of Luther's Small Catechism Part 2

_What is meant by this Article?_

_Ans._ I believe that Jesus Christ, true G.o.d, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary, is my Lord; who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature, secured and delivered me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil, not with silver and gold, but with His holy and precious blood, and with His innocent sufferings and death; in order that I might be His, live under Him in His kingdom, and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness; even as He is risen from the dead, and lives and reigns to all eternity. This is most certainly true.

THIRD ARTICLE.--OF SANCTIFICATION.

I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy Christian Church, the Communion of Saints; the Forgiveness of sins; the Resurrection of the body; and the Life everlasting. Amen.

_What is meant by this Article?_

_Ans._ I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Ghost has called me through the Gospel, enlightened me by His gifts, and sanctified and preserved me in the true faith; in like manner as He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth, and preserves it in union with Jesus Christ in the true faith; in which Christian Church He daily forgives abundantly all my sins, and the sins of all believers, and will raise up me and all the dead at the last day, and will grant everlasting life to me and to all who believe in Christ.

This is most certainly true.

PART III.

THE LORD'S PRAYER.

_In the plain form in which it is to be taught by the head of a family._

INTRODUCTION.

Our Father Who art in heaven.

_What is meant by this Introduction?_

_Ans._ G.o.d would thereby affectionately encourage us to believe that He is truly our Father, and that we are His children indeed, so that we may call upon Him with all cheerfulness and confidence, even as beloved children entreat their affectionate parent.

FIRST PEt.i.tION.

Hallowed be Thy Name.

_What is meant by this Pet.i.tion?_

_Ans._ The Name of G.o.d is indeed holy in itself; but we pray in this pet.i.tion that it may be hallowed also by us.

_How is this effected?_

_Ans._ When the Word of G.o.d is taught in its truth and purity, and we, as the children of G.o.d, lead holy lives, in accordance with it; to this may our blessed Father in heaven help us! But whoever teaches and lives otherwise than as G.o.d's Word prescribes, profanes the Name of G.o.d among us; from this preserve us, Heavenly Father!

SECOND PEt.i.tION.

Thy kingdom come.

_What is meant by this Pet.i.tion?_

_Ans._ The kingdom of G.o.d comes indeed of itself, without our prayer; but we pray in this pet.i.tion that it may come unto us also.

_When is this effected?_

_Ans._ When our Heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit, so that by His grace we believe His holy Word, and live a G.o.dly life here on earth, and in heaven for ever.

THIRD PEt.i.tION.

Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

_What is meant by this Pet.i.tion?_

_Ans._ The good and gracious will of G.o.d is done indeed without our prayer; but we pray in this pet.i.tion that it may be done by us also.

_When is this effected?_

_Ans._ When G.o.d frustrates and brings to naught every evil counsel and purpose, which would hinder us from hallowing the Name of G.o.d, and prevent His kingdom from coming to us, such as the will of the devil, of the world, and of our own flesh; and when He strengthens us, and keeps us steadfast in His Word, and in the faith, even unto our end. This is His gracious and good will.

FOURTH PEt.i.tION.

Give us this day our daily bread.

_What is meant by this Pet.i.tion?_

_Ans._ G.o.d gives indeed without our prayer even to the wicked also their daily bread; but we pray in this pet.i.tion that He would make us sensible of His benefits, and enable us to receive our daily bread with thanksgiving.

_What is implied in the words: "Our daily bread"?_

_Ans._ All things that pertain to the wants and the support of this present life; such as food, raiment, money, goods, house and land, and other property; a believing spouse and good children; trustworthy servants and faithful magistrates; favorable seasons, peace and health; education and honor; true friends, good neighbors, and the like.

FIFTH PEt.i.tION.

And forgive us our trespa.s.ses, as we forgive those who trespa.s.s against us.

_What is meant by this Pet.i.tion?_

_Ans._ We pray in this pet.i.tion, that our Heavenly Father would not regard our sins, nor deny us our requests on account of them; for we are not worthy of anything for which we pray, and have not merited it; but that He would grant us all things through grace, although we daily commit much sin, and deserve chastis.e.m.e.nt alone. We will therefore, on our part, both heartily forgive, and also readily do good to those who may injure or offend us.

SIXTH PEt.i.tION.

And, lead us not into temptation.

_What is meant by this Pet.i.tion?_

_Ans._ G.o.d indeed tempts no one to sin; but we pray in this pet.i.tion that G.o.d would so guard and preserve us, that the devil, the world, and our own flesh, may not deceive us, nor lead us into error and unbelief, despair, and other great and shameful sins; and that, though we may be thus tempted, we may, nevertheless, finally prevail and gain the victory.

SEVENTH PEt.i.tION.

But deliver us from evil.