Luther's Small Catechism Part 6

_35. When do we trust in G.o.d above all things?_

We trust in G.o.d above all things when we have confidence in Him as in a loving father, and when we look to Him for every blessing, and put all our affairs into His hands.

=1 Pet. 5:7. Casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you.=

=Ps. 37:5. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pa.s.s.=

_36. Why must we trust in G.o.d alone?_

Because He is our almighty and faithful Friend.

_37. Name some virtues that follow upon true fear, love, and trust in G.o.d._

Humility, patience, and self-denial.

=1 Pet. 5:5, 6. G.o.d resisteth the proud and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of G.o.d, that He may exalt you in due time.=

=Job 1:21. The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord!=

=Matt. 26:39. Not as I will, but as Thou wilt.=

THE SECOND COMMANDMENT.

=Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy G.o.d in vain: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.=

_That is_,

We should fear and love G.o.d, and not curse, swear, conjure, lie, or deceive by His name, but call upon His name in every time of need, and worship Him with prayer, praise, and thanksgiving.

_38. What is meant by the "name" of G.o.d?_

1. The usual names given to Him in the Bible.

2. His nature and attributes and all that by which He is especially known, such as His Word, sacraments, and works.

_39. When is the name of G.o.d taken in vain?_

When it is used in a thoughtless and mocking manner and without devotion and reverence.

_40. How is this done?_

1. When we use G.o.d's name or Word in jesting or as a by-word.

2. When we find fault with anything G.o.d has done.

3. When we use the name of G.o.d in cursing, swearing, conjuring, lying, or deceiving.

_41. What is it to curse by the name of G.o.d?_

It is to call down evil upon ourselves, our neighbor, or any other created thing, by the name of G.o.d.

_42. What is it to swear by the name of G.o.d?_

It is to bear witness to anything by the holy name of G.o.d.

_43. Are we never permitted to swear?_

Yes; when the proper authorities demand it in G.o.d's stead.

_44. Why is it a great sin to commit perjury?_

Because the perjurer shows open disregard for G.o.d and the salvation of his own soul, and frankly calls down the judgment of G.o.d upon himself.

_45. Are cursing and swearing sinful when the name of G.o.d is not used?_

Yes, indeed; for whatever we curse or swear by, we really do so by G.o.d who is the Lord of all things.

=Matt. 5:34-37. Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is G.o.d's throne:=

=Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.=

=Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.=

=But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.=

_46. Are cursing and swearing sinful when they have become a habit?_

Most certainly; for a sinful habit proves that sin is our master.

_47. What is it to conjure by the name of G.o.d?_

It is trying to cure diseases, or to practice any other kind of superst.i.tion, by the name of G.o.d or a pa.s.sage from the Bible.

_48. How do we lie and deceive by the name of G.o.d?_

By perjury, false teaching, and hypocrisy.

=Matt. 15:9. In vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.=

=t.i.tus 1:16. They profess that they know G.o.d; but by their works they deny Him.=

_49. What must he expect who takes the name of G.o.d in vain?_

Great punishment, both in time and eternity; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh His name in vain.

_50. How do we use the name of G.o.d properly?_

When we sincerely call upon the name of G.o.d in every time of need, and worship Him with prayer, praise, and thanksgiving.