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 wors.h.i.+p 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 wors.h.i.+p 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 wors.h.i.+p Him with prayer, praise, and thanksgiving.