Luther's Small Catechism Part 21

On the last day, when the Lord Jesus returns to earth, the bodies of the dead shall be made alive and shall be reunited with their souls.

=John 5:28, 29. The hour is coming, in which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of judgment.=

_257. What change shall then take place in the bodies of the believers?_

Their bodies shall arise glorified and incorruptible, like unto the body of the risen Lord Jesus Christ.

=1 Cor. 15:42, 43. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:=

=It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power.=

_258. Where do all the risen go after the day of judgment?_

The chosen enter into life everlasting; the condemned, into eternal death.

=Matt. 25:46. These shall go away into everlasting punishment; but the righteous into eternal life.=

_259. What is life everlasting?_

Life everlasting is the blessed state in which the chosen are free from all evil, and live forever in fellowship with their G.o.d and Savior, praising G.o.d in the company of the holy angels, in everlasting peace and joy.

=Matt. 25:34. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.=

_260. What is eternal death?_

Eternal death is a dreadful state of separation from G.o.d, and everlasting anguish and suffering in h.e.l.l.

=Matt. 25:41. Then shall he also say unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.=

_261. Who are thus condemned?_

All who continue in impenitence and unbelief until death.

=John 3:36. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of G.o.d abideth on him.=

_262. Who, on the other hand, obtain life everlasting?_

All who continue steadfast in faith until death.

=Rev. 2:10. [R. V.] Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life.=

_263. Why do you end your confession of faith with the word Amen?_

Because I know that what I here confess is certainly true.

_264. What must you do that you may continue steadfast in faith and also increase therein?_

I will pray G.o.d every day graciously to help and strengthen me.

PART THREE.

THE LORD'S PRAYER.

_265. What is prayer?_

Prayer is the child-like communion of our hearts with G.o.d, in which we tell Him all our needs, and earnestly seek some gift from Him.

_266. Who should pray?_

All should pray; even little children.

_267. But can all pray in this manner?_

No, not the impenitent; their hearts are not right with G.o.d, and they do not seek Him earnestly.

_268. In whose name must we pray?_

We must pray in the name of Jesus.

=John 16:23. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.=

_269. What is meant by praying in the name of Jesus?_

To pray in the name of Jesus is to ask on the strength of what He has done for us, and His intercession with the Father.

_270. How should we pray?_

We should pray humbly, confidently as a child, and reverently.

_271. When should we pray?_

The att.i.tude of our hearts should be one of constant prayer, and our communion with G.o.d should not be confined to certain times and places, but we should speak with Him whenever we feel the need of it.

=1 Thess. 5:17. Pray without ceasing.=

=Eph. 6: 18. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.=

_272. For whom should we pray?_

We should pray not only for ourselves, but also for others,--even our enemies.

=1 Tim. 2:1-3. Matt. 5:44.=

_273. For what should we pray?_