Luther's Small Catechism - LightNovelsOnl.com
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We must obey the Word and receive it into our hearts.
=John 7:17. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of G.o.d, or whether I speak of myself.=
_6. Is the Bible then the only safe rule of our faith and duty?_
Yes; the Bible alone contains full information of the will of G.o.d concerning our salvation.
_7. How do we rightly use the Word of G.o.d?_
We must first look to G.o.d for the light of His Spirit, and then read with devotion and an earnest purpose to live according to the Word.
=1 Cor. 2:14. [R. V.] The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of G.o.d: for they are foolishness unto him; and he cannot know them, because they are spiritually judged.=
_8. Who should read the Bible?_
It is the will of G.o.d that all should use His Word and love it as a dear gift.
_9. What is the substance of all the books of the Bible?_
The great truth that Jesus is the way to salvation for all who believe.
=John 20:31. But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of G.o.d; and that believing ye might have life through his name.=
_10. How is the Bible divided in regard to its teaching?_
It is divided into Law and Gospel.
_11. What is the Law?_
The Law is the divine Word which tells us what we must do.
_12. What is the Gospel?_
The Gospel is the glad tidings of the grace of G.o.d in Jesus Christ our Savior.
PART ONE.
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, OR THE LAW.
_13. How has G.o.d given His law to us?_
1. In the creation G.o.d wrote His Law in the heart of man.
(Conscience.) Rom. 2:15.
2. At Mount Sinai He gave His Law in the Ten Commandments, written on two tables of stone. Ex. 20:1-17.
_14. Does this Law demand outward observance only?_
No; it demands the whole man, and the willing obedience of heart and mind.
=Luk. 10:27. Thou shalt love the Lord thy G.o.d with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind.=
_15. Can we be saved through the Law?_
No; since the fall in sin no man can perfectly keep the Law.
=Rom. 8:7. The carnal mind is enmity against G.o.d: for it is not subject to the law of G.o.d, neither indeed can it be.=
_16. Of what benefit, then, is the Law?_
1. It points out to us our sins and the wrath of G.o.d toward sin.
=Rom. 3:20. [R. V.] Through the law cometh the knowledge of sin.=
2. It makes us anxious to seek Christ.
=Gal. 3:24. The law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ.=
3. It points out to the believer what fruits his faith must bear.
=Ps. 119:105. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.=
_17. What is the substance of the law?_
Love to G.o.d, ourselves, and our neighbor. Matt. 22:37-40.
=Rom. 13:10. [R. V.] Love is the fulfilment of the law.=
=1 Tim. 1:5. [R. V.] But the end of the charge is love out of a pure heart and a good conscience and faith unfeigned.=
THE FIRST TABLE OF THE LAW.
_18. What is the substance of the first table?_
Love of G.o.d.
=Luk 10:27. Thou shalt love the Lord thy G.o.d with all thy heart, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind.=
THE FIRST COMMANDMENT.
=Thou shalt have no other G.o.ds before me.=
_That is_,
