Luther's Small Catechism Part 14

_146. Will G.o.d, then, leave all men to perish?_

No; G.o.d has in love sent His Son Jesus Christ to save man.

=John 3:16. For G.o.d so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.=

_147. When was this Savior first promised to the world?_

Immediately after the fall.

=Gen. 3:15. The seed of the woman shall bruise the serpent's head.=

_148. When was Christ sent to the world?_

In the fulness of time; that is, the time appointed and prepared by G.o.d Himself.

=Gal. 4:4. [R. V.] When the fulness of the time was come, G.o.d sent forth his Son born of a woman.=

THE SECOND ARTICLE.

CONCERNING REDEMPTION.

=I believe in Jesus Christ His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into h.e.l.l; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of G.o.d the Father Almighty; from whence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.=

_That is_,

I believe that Jesus Christ is true G.o.d, begotten of the Father from eternity; I also believe that He is true man, born of the Virgin Mary; that He is my Lord, who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned sinner; who has freed me from sin, from death, and from the power of Satan, not with gold or silver, but with His holy and precious blood and His innocent death.

All this He has done that I might be His own, and that I might serve Him in righteousness, innocence, and happiness, and live and reign with Him in His kingdom forever, even as He arose from the dead, lives and reigns through all eternity.

All this is certainly true.

_149. What do you mean when you say "I believe in Jesus Christ?"_

Trusting in Jesus Christ with all my heart, I surrender myself to Him as my only Savior from sin, and death, and the power of Satan.

=Acts 4:12. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.=

_150. Who is Jesus Christ?_

The Son of G.o.d and the Son of Mary, true G.o.d and true man.

_151. How does Christ have divine nature?_

He is begotten of the Father from eternity.

_152. How does Christ have human nature?_

He is conceived by the Holy Ghost, and born of the Virgin Mary.

_153. What does the Bible say about Christ being true G.o.d?_

The Bible calls Him the only begotten Son of G.o.d, and one with the Father.

The Bible also expressly calls Him G.o.d.

=John 10:30. I and my Father are one.=

=John 5:23. All men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He that honoreth not the Son honoreth not the Father which hath sent Him.=

=1 John 5:20. This is the true G.o.d, and eternal life.=

=John 1:1. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with G.o.d, and the Word was G.o.d.=

=John 3:16.=

_154. What does the Bible say about Christ being both G.o.d and man?_

It says, The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us. John 1:14.

And,

When the fulness of the time came, G.o.d sent forth His Son, born of a woman. [R. V.] Gal. 4:4.

_155. Why must the Son of G.o.d become true man?_

In order that He might suffer and die for us.

_156. Why must our Savior be true G.o.d?_

In order that His death and His blood might have everlasting power to atone for sin.

_157. Is Jesus conceived and born with sin?_

No; He is conceived by the Holy Ghost and therefore without sin.

=Luke 1:35. The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of G.o.d.=

_158. What does the name Jesus signify?_

A Savior.

=Matt. 1:21. Thou shalt call His name Jesus: for He shall save His people from their sins.=

_159. What does the name Christ signify?_

The same as Messiah; that is, the Anointed or the Consecrated.

_160. How was Jesus anointed?_