THE SMALL CATECHISM

TEN COMMANDMENTS

As the head of the family should teach them in a simple way to those of his household.

The First Commandment

You shall have no other gods.

What does this mean?

We should fear, love, and trust in God above all things.

The Second Commandment

You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.

What does this mean?

We should fear and love God that we do not use His name to curse, swear, practice witchcraft, lie, or deceive; but we should call upon His name in every trouble, pray, praise, and give thanks.

The Third Commandment

Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.

What does this mean?

We should fear and love God that we do not despise His Word and the preaching of it; but we should regard God’s Word as holy and gladly hear and learn it.

The Fourth Commandment

You shall honor your father and your mother that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.

What does this mean?

We should fear and love God that we do not despise nor anger our parents or superiors; but we should honor, serve, and obey them, and give them love and respect.

The Fifth Commandment

You shall not murder.

What does this mean?

We should fear and love God that we do not hurt nor harm our neighbor’s body; but we should help and be a friend to him in every bodily need.

The Sixth Commandment

You shall not commit adultery.

What does this mean?

We should fear and love God that we live a pure and decent life in words and actions, and that husband and wife love and honor one another.

The Seventh Commandment

You shall not steal.

What does this mean?

We should fear and love God that we do not take our neighbor’s money or possessions, nor get them in a dishonest way; but we should help him to improve and protect his property and way of making a living.

The Eighth Commandment

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

What does this mean?

We should fear and love God that we do not tell lies about our neighbor, betray him, or say anything that might ruin his good name and reputation; but we should defend him, speak well of him, and explain all his words and actions in the best possible way.

The Ninth Commandment

You shall not covet your neighbor’s house.

What does this mean?

We should fear and love God that we do not sinfully desire to get our neighbor’s inheritance or house by a trick or in a way that appears to be right; but we should do everything we can to help him keep what is his.

The Tenth Commandment

You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his workers, nor his animals, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.

What does this mean?

We should fear and love God that we do not sinfully desire to use tricks or force, or do anything that might cause our neighbor to lose his wife, workers, or animals; but we should urge them to stay and do their duty.

The Conclusion

What does God say about all of these commandments?

He says, “I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands of those who love Me and keep My commandments.”

What does this mean?

God threatens to punish all who do not obey these commandments. Therefore, we should fear His anger and not do anything against what He commands. God also promises grace and every blessing to those who obey these commandments. Therefore, we should love and trust Him and willingly do what He commands.

THE APOSTLES’ CREED

As the head of the family should teach it in the simplest way to those in his household.

The First Article

(About Creation)

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.

What does this mean?

I believe that God has created me and all creatures. He has given me my body and life, eyes, ears, and all my bodily members, my mind, and all my senses and still keeps them for me.

God also preserves me by richly and daily providing clothing and shoes, food and drink, house and home, spouse and children, land, animals, and all my property and all I need to support this body and life. He protects me from all danger. He guards and defends me from every evil.

God does all this because He is my good and gracious Father in heaven, not because of anything I have done to earn or deserve it.

For all of this it is my duty to thank, praise, serve, and obey Him.

This is most certainly true.

The Second Article

(About Redemption)

And 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 hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven and sitteth on the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

What does this mean?

I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the virgin Mary, is my Lord.

He has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person, purchased and won me from all sin, from death, and from the power of the devil, not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and His innocent suffering and death.

He did this that I should be His very own, live under Him in His kingdom, and serve Him in eternal righteousness, innocence, and joy; just as He is risen from death, lives and reigns in eternity.

This is most certainly true.

The Third Article

(About Sanctification)

I believe in the Holy Ghost; the Holy Christian Church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

What does this mean?

I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him.

But the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified, and kept me in true faith.

In the same way He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith.

In this Christian Church He daily and richly forgives all sins to me and all believers.

On the Last Day He will raise me and all the dead and give to me and all believers in Christ eternal life.

This is most certainly true.

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM

As the head of the family should teach it in a simple way to those in his household.

l. What is Baptism?

Baptism is not just plain water. It is water used by God’s command and connected with God’s Word.

What is that Word of God?

Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Matthew, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).

2. What are the benefits of Baptism?

Baptism works the forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe, as the words and promises of God declare.

What are these words and promises of God?

Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Mark, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark l6:l6).

3. How can water do such great things?

The water doesn’t actually do anything by itself. The power is in God’s Word, which is in and with the water, and in faith which trusts this Word of God in the water.

Without the Word of God it is just plain water, and there is no baptism. But with the Word of God it really is a baptism; that is, a gracious water of life and washing of rebirth through the Holy Spirit.

Just as Saint Paul says in the third chapter of Titus:

“According to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying…” (Titus 3:5-8).

4. What is the meaning of this Baptism with water?

It means that the old Adam in us should be drowned by daily contrition and repentance and die with all sins and evil desires. It also means that a new man should daily appear and arise, who lives eternally before God in righteousness and purity.

Where is this written?

Saint Paul says in the sixth chapter of Romans, “Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4).

THE OFFICE OF THE KEYS AND CONFESSION

As the head of the family should teach it in a simple way to those in his household.

A. The Office of the Keys

l. What is the Office of the Keys?

The Office of the Keys is the special power Christ gave to His Church on earth to forgive the sins of penitent sinners and to retain the sins of the impenitent as long as they do not repent.

Where is this written?

The holy evangelist John writes in chapter 20: “[Jesus] breathed on [His disciples] and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained’” (John 20:22,23)

2. How does a Christian congregation use the Keys?

A Christian congregation, with its pastor, uses the keys according to Christ’s command, either by forgiving those who repent of their sins and are willing to change, or by excluding those who are obviously impenitent from the Christian congregation. These actions are as valid and certain in heaven also as if Christ our dear Lord were dealing with us Himself.

B. Confession

l. What is Confession?

There are two parts to confession. One is that we confess our sins. The other is that we receive absolution, or forgiveness, from a fellow Christian as from God Himself, not doubting, but firmly believing that our sins are forgiven in this way before our heavenly Father.

2. What sins should we confess?

Before God we should plead guilty of all sins, even those we don’t know we have done, as we do in the Lord’s Prayer. However, before one another we should confess only those sins which we know and feel in our hearts.

3. Which sins are these?

Examine your place in life according to the Ten Commandments. Have you been faithful as a father, mother, son, daughter, employer or employee? Have you been disobedient, unfaithful, or lazy? Have you injured anyone by what you have said or done? Have you stolen anything, neglected your duty, been careless, or damaged anything?

4. What will a fellow Christian say to someone who has confessed his or her sins?

He will say, “According to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ I forgive you your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

THE SACRAMENT OF THE ALTAR

As the head of the family should teach it in a simple way to those in his household.

l. What is the Sacrament of the Altar?

It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, given to us Christians under the bread and wine to eat and to drink, as it was instituted by Christ Himself.

Where is this written?

The holy evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke, and the apostle Paul write this way: “Our Lord Jesus Christ, the same night in which He was betrayed, took bread; and, when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to His disciples saying, ଀Take, eat. This is My body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.’

“In the same way He took the cup, after supper, gave thanks, and gave it to them saying, ‘Drink of it, all of you. This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.’”

2. What is the benefit of this eating and drinking?

The words, “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins,” show us that God gives forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation through the Sacrament. For where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation.

3. How can eating and drinking do such wonderful things?

Eating and drinking actually do nothing. It is the words, “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins” which do this. These words, together with the bodily eating and drinking, are the main part of the Sacrament. Whoever believes these words has exactly what they say: forgiveness of sins.

4. When is an individual properly prepared to receive this Sacrament?

Customs in connection with eating and clothing are indeed a fine preparation. However, a person is truly worthy and well-prepared who has faith in these words, “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.” Whoever does not believe these words or doubts them is unworthy and unprepared. The words, “for you,” require nothing but believing hearts.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

(King James Version)

As the head of the family should teach it in the simplest way to those in his household.

The Address

“Our Father, who art in heaven.”

What does this mean?

With these words God tenderly encourages us to believe that He is our true Father and we are His true children, so that we may ask Him boldly and with complete confidence as dear children ask their dear father.

The First Petition

“Hallowed be Thy name.”

What does this mean?

God’s name is certainly holy all by itself, but we pray in this petition that we also keep it holy.

How is God’s name kept holy?

God’s name is kept holy when the Word of God is taught in its truth and purity, and we as children of God also live a holy life according to it. Help us do this, dear heavenly Father.

But whoever teaches and lives contrary to the Word of God dishonors God’s name among us. Keep us from doing this, heavenly Father.

The Second Petition

“Thy kingdom come.”

What does this mean?

God’s kingdom certainly comes all by itself, even without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it also come to us.

How does the kingdom of God come?

God’s kingdom comes when our heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit, so that by His grace we believe His holy Word and live a godly life here in time and hereafter in eternity.

The Third Petition

“Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

What does this mean?

God’s good and gracious will is certainly done without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it be done among us also.

How is God’s will done?

God’s will is done when He breaks and stops every evil will and plan of those who do not want us to hallow His name or let His kingdom come, such as the will of the devil, of the world, and of our own flesh. His will is also done when He gives us strength and keeps us firm in His Word and in faith for as long as we live. This is God’s good and gracious will.

The Fourth Petition

“Give us this day our daily bread.”

What does this mean?

God gives daily bread without our asking, even to unbelievers, but we pray in this petition that He would teach us to realize this and to receive our daily bread with thanksgiving.

What is meant by daily bread?

“Daily bread” means everything we need for our bodily well-being. It includes food, drink, clothes, shoes, house, home, land, animals, money and goods, a godly husband or wife, godly children, godly workers, godly and faithful leaders, good government, good weather, peace, health, education, honor, faithful friends, trustworthy neighbors - and things like that.

The Fifth Petition

“And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

What does this mean?

We pray in this petition that our Father in heaven would not look on our sins or deny our prayer because of them. We are not worthy of things for which we are asking, neither have we deserved them. However, we ask that our Father would by His grace give us what we ask; even though we sin often every day and indeed deserve nothing but punishment. We, too, will from our hearts gladly forgive and do good to all those who sin against us.

The Sixth Petition

“And lead us not into temptation.”

What does this mean?

God indeed tempts no one; but we pray in this petition that He would guard and keep us so that the devil, the world, and our flesh do not deceive us or lead us into misbelief, hopelessness, or any other shameful or sinful acts; and, although we are tempted by them, we ask that we win in the end and keep the victory.

The Seventh Petition

“But deliver us from evil.”

What does this mean?

We pray in this petition that our Father in heaven would deliver us from every evil to body and soul, property and reputation, and finally, when our last hour comes, give us a joyful end and graciously take us from this valley of sorrows to Himself in heaven.

The Doxology

“For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.”

What does “Amen” mean?

“Amen” means that I should be certain that these petitions are really heard by the Father in heaven; for He Himself has instructed us to pray in this way and promised that He will hear us. “Amen! amen!” that is, “Yes, indeed, it shall be so!”

THE LORD’S PRAYER

(New King James Version)

“Our Father in heaven. Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And do not lead us into temptation. But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”

DAILY PRAYERS

How the head of the family should teach his household to pray in the morning and evening, to ask a blessing and say grace at the table.

The Morning Prayer

In the name of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept all harm and danger away from me last night; and I pray that You would also protect me today from sin and every evil, that my life and all my behavior may please You. Into Your hand I entrust my body and soul and everything else. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the devil may have no power over me. Amen.

The Evening Prayer

In the name of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have graciously kept me today, and I pray that You would forgive me all my sins, wherever I have done wrong, and graciously protect me tonight. Into Your hand I entrust my body and soul and everything else. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the devil may have no power over me. Amen.

To Ask a Blessing

The eyes of all look expectantly to You, O Lord, and You give them their food in due season. You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. Psalm 145:15

Lord God, heavenly Father, bless us and these Your gifts, which we receive from Your bountiful goodness through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

To Say Grace

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good. For His mercy endures forever. Amen. Psalm 106:1

We thank you, Lord God, heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, for all Your kindness, who lives and reigns eternally. Amen.

TABLE OF DUTIES

l. Pastors

A pastor must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence; not a novice; holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict. 1 Timothy 3:2ff; Titus 1:9

2. What the hearers owe their pastors

Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel. 1 Corinthians 9:14

Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. Galatians 6:6

Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” 1 Timothy 5:17,18

Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. Hebrews 13:17

3. Civil Government

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves…He does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Romans 13:1-4

4. Husbands

Likewise you husbands, dwell with [your wives] with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered. 1 Peter 3:7

Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them. Colossians 3:19

5. Wives

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror. Ephesians 5:22; 1 Peter 3:6

6. Parents

And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4

7. Children

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” Ephesians 6:1-3

8. Employees

Be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord… Ephesians 6:5-8; Colossians 3:22

9. Employers

And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him. Ephesians 6:9

10. Young People

Likewise, you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time. 1 Peter 5:5,6

11. Widows

Now she who is really a widow, and left alone, trusts in God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. But she who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives. 1 Timothy 5:5,6

12. For Everybody

All of the commandments are summed up in this saying: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Romans 13:9

And continue in prayer for all men.

Let each his lesson learn with care.
And all the household well shall fare.

CHRISTIAN QUESTIONS

For those who are about to partake of the Lord’s Supper

1. Do you believe that you are a sinner?

Yes, I believe that I am a sinner.

2. How do you know this?

I know this from the Ten Commandments, which I have not kept.

3. Are you sorry for your sins?

Yes, I am sorry that I have sinned against God.

4. What have you deserved to receive from God because of your sins?

I have deserved His anger and displeasure, temporal death, and eternal damnation.

5. Do you also hope to be saved?

Yes, this is my hope.

6. Whom do you then trust?

I trust in my dear Lord, Jesus Christ.

7. Who is Christ?

Christ is God’s Son, true God and man.

8. How many gods are there?

There is only one God, but three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

9. What has Christ done for you that you trust in Him?

He shed His blood for me and died for me on the cross for the forgiveness of my sins.

10. Did the Father also die for you?

No, the Father is God only, as is the Holy Spirit; but the Son is true God and true man; He shed His blood and died for me.

11. How do you know this?

I know this from the holy Gospel and from the words of the Sacrament and by His body and blood which are given me as a pledge in the Sacrament.

12. What are those words?

Our Lord Jesus Christ, the same night in which He was betrayed, took bread; and, when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to His disciples, saying, “Take, eat. This is My body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.”

In the same way He took the cup, after supper, gave thanks and gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you. This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”

13. Do you believe, then, that the true body and blood of Christ are in the Sacramen

Yes, I believe this.

14. What leads you to believe this?

I am moved to believe this from the word of Christ: “Take, eat, this is My body…drink of it, all of you, this is My blood.”

15. What should we do when we eat His body and drink His blood and in this way receive His pledge?

We should proclaim and remember the shedding of His blood and His death, just as He taught us, “Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”

16. Why should we proclaim and remember His death?

We should do this so that we learn: (1) to believe that no creature could possibly do enough to pay for our sins - only Christ, true God and true man, could - (2) to be frightened by our sins and consider them to be great indeed; and (3) to find joy and comfort in Him, knowing that we are saved through this same faith.

17. What caused Jesus to die and do what was needed to pay for our sin

Jesus did all this because of His great love for the Father and each one of us, as the Scriptures teach: John 15:13; Romans 5:8; Galatians 2:20.

18. Finally, why do you want to go to the Sacrament?

From this I learn to believe that Christ died for my sin out of His great love for me. I also learn from Him to love God and my neighbor.

19. What should warn and move a Christian to receive the Sacrament frequently?

As far as God is concerned, a Christian should be moved by the command and promise of Christ, the Lord. As far as he himself is concerned, he should be moved by the trouble that lies heavily upon him - the very reason the command, encouragement, and promise were given.

20. But what should a person do when he or she feels no need and has no hunger and thirst for the Sacrament?

No better advice can be given to such a person than for him to put his hand on his body and feel whether he still has flesh and blood and believe what the Scriptures say about this: Galatians 5:17, 19-21; Romans 7:18.

Next, he should look around to see whether he is still in the world and remember that there will be no lack of sin and trouble, as the Scriptures say: John 15, 16; 1 John 2:15,16; 5:19.

Finally, he will certainly have the devil to contend with, who with his lies and murder day and night allows him no inner or outer peace, as the Scriptures picture him: John 8:44; Ephesians 6:10-12; 1 Peter 5:8,9; 2 Timothy 2:26.

21. But what should you do if you are sick and unable to come to the Lord’s Supper?

Then I should ask the pastor to come to me, pray with me, and administer the Sacrament to me privately.

22. When is the proper time to do this?

I should ask the pastor, not only when death is near, but early enough, before all physical and mental powers are gone.

23. Why should you do this?

I should do this to receive the assurance in the Sacrament of the body and blood that my sins are forgiven, and that salvation is mine.