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What is your only comfort in life and death?

That I am not my own, but belong with body and soul, both in life and in death, to my faithful SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST. He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious BLOOD and has set me free from all the power of the devil. He also preserves me in such a way that without the will of my HEAVENly FATHER, not a hair can fall from my head; indeed, all things must work together for my salvation. Therefore, by his HOLY SPIRIT, he also assures me of eternal life and makes me heartily willing and ready from now on to live for him.

What do you need to know in order to live and die in the joy of this comfort?

First, how great my sins and misery are; second, how I am delivered from all my sins and misery; third, how I am to be thankful to GOD for such deliverance.

What does GOD’s law require of us?

CHRIST teaches us this in a summary in Matthew: love the LORD your GOD with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: love your neighbor as yourself. All the law and the prophets hang on these two commandments.

Why must he be a true and righteous man?

He must be a true man because the justice of GOD requires that the same human nature that has sinned should pay for sin. He must be a righteous man because one who himself is a sinner cannot pay for others.

What, then, must a CHRISTIAN believe?

All that is promised us in the gospel, which the articles of our catholic and undoubted CHRISTIAN faith teach us in a summary.

What are these articles?

I believe in GOD the FATHER almighty, CREATOR of HEAVEN and earth. I believe in JESUS CHRIST, his only-begotten SON, our LORD; he was conceived by the HOLY SPIRIT, born of the virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell. On the third day, he arose from the dead; he ascended into HEAVEN, and sat at the right hand of GOD the FATHER almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the HOLY SPIRIT; I believe in a holy catholic CHRISTIAN church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and life everlasting.

How are these articles divided?

Into three parts: the first is about GOD the FATHER and our CREATION; the second is about GOD the SON and our redemption; the third is about GOD the HOLY SPIRIT And our sanctification.

Since there is only one GOD, why do you speak of three persons, FATHER, SON, and HOLY SPIRIT?

Because GOD has so revealed himself in his word that these three distinct persons are the one, true, eternal GOD. GOD the FATHER and our CREATION.

What do you believe when you say: I believe in GOD the FATHER almighty, CREATOR of HEAVEN and earth?

That the eternal FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, who out of nothing created HEAVEN and earth and all that is in them, and who still upholds and governs them by his eternal counsel and providence, is, for the sake of CHRIST his SON, my GOD and my FATHER. In him, I trust so completely as to have no doubt that he will provide me with all things necessary for body and soul, and will also turn to my GOD whatever adversity he sends me in this life of sorrow. He is able to do so as almighty GOD, and willing also as a faithful FATHER.

What do you understand by the providence of GOD?

GOD’s providence is his almighty and ever-present power, whereby, as with his hand, he still upholds HEAVEN and earth and all creatures, and so governs them that leaf and blade, rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, food and drink, health and sickness, riches and poverty, indeed, all things, come to us not by chance but by his FATHER hand.

Why is the SON of GOD called JESUS, that is, SAVIOR?

Because he saves us from all our sins, and because salvation is not to be sought or found in anyone else.

Why is he called CHRIST, that is, anointed?

Because he has been ordained by GOD the FATHER, and anointed with the HOLY SPIRIT, to be our chief prophet and teacher, who has fully revealed to us the secret counsel and will of GOD Concerning our redemption; our only high priest, who by the one sacrifice of his body has redeemed us, and who continually intercedes for us before the FATHER; and our eternal king, who governs us by his word and SPIRIT, and who defends and preserves using the redemption obtained for us.

Why are you called a CHRISTIAN?

Because I am a member of CHRIST by faith and thus share in his anointing, so that I may prophet confess his name, as priest present myself a living sacrifice of thankfulness to him, and as king fight with a free and good conscience against sin and the devil in this life, and hereafter reign with him eternally over all creatures.

Why is he called GOD’s only-begotten SON, since we also are children of GOD?

Because CHRIST alone is the eternal, natural SON of GOD. We, however, are children of GOD by adoption, through grace, for CHRIST’s sake.

Why do you call him our LORD?

Because he has ransomed us, body and soul, from all our sins, not with silver or gold but with his precious BLOOD, and has freed us from all the power of the devil to make us his own possession.

What do you confess when you say: he was conceived by the HOLY SPIRIT, born of the virgin Mary?

The eternal SON of GOD, who is and remains true and eternal GOD, took upon himself true human nature from the flesh and BLOOD of the virgin Mary, through the working of the HOLY SPIRIT. Thus he is also the true seed of David, and like his brothers in every respect, yet without sin.

What benefit do you receive from the holy conception and birth of CHRIST?

He is our mediator, and with his innocence and perfect holiness covers, in the sight of GOD, my sin, in which I was conceived and born.

What do you confess when you say that he suffered?

During all the time he lived on earth, but especially at the end, CHRIST bore in body and soul the wrath of GOD against the sin of the whole human race. Thus, by his suffering, as the only atoning sacrifice, he has redeemed our body and soul from everlasting damnation, and obtained for the grace of GOD, righteousness, and eternal life.

Why did he suffer under Pontius Pilate as a judge?

Though innocent, CHRIST was condemned by an earthly judge, and so he freed us from the severe judgment of GOD that was to fall on us.

Why was it necessary for CHRIST to humble himself even unto death?

Because of the justice and truth of GOD Satisfaction for our sins could be made in no other way than by the death of the SON of GOD.

Why was he buried?

His burial testified that he had really died.

Why is there added: he descended into hell?

In my greatest sorrows and temptations, I may be assured and comforted that my LORD JESUS CHRIST, by his unspeakable anguish, pain, terror, and agony, which he endured throughout all his sufferings but especially on the cross, has delivered me from the anguish and torment of hell.

How does CHRIST’s resurrection benefit us?

First, by his resurrection, he has overcome death, so that he could make us share in the righteousness which he had obtained for us by his death. Second, by his power, we too are raised up to a new life. Third, CHRIST’s resurrection is to us a sure pledge of our glorious resurrection.

What do you confess when you say, he ascended into HEAVEN?

That CHRIST, before the eyes of his disciples, was taken up from the earth into HEAVEN, and that he is there for our benefit until he comes again to judge the living and the dead.

How does the glory of CHRIST, our Head, benefit us?

First, his HOLY SPIRIT pours out HEAVENly gifts upon us, his members. Second, by his power, he defends and preserves us against all enemies.

What do you believe concerning the HOLY SPIRIT?

First, he is, together with the FATHER and the SON, the true and eternal GOD. Second, he is also given to me, to make me by true faith share in CHRIST and all his benefits, to comfort me, and to remain with me forever.

What do you believe concerning the holy catholic CHRISTIAN church?

I believe that the SON of GOD, out of the whole human race, from the beginning of the world to its end, gathers, defends, and preserves for himself, by his SPIRIT and word, in the unity of the true faith, a church chosen to everlasting life. And I believe that I am and forever shall remain a living member of it.

What do you understand by the communion of saints?

First, believers, all and everyone, as members of CHRIST have communion with him and share in all his treasures and gifts. Second, everyone is duty-bound to use his gifts readily and cheerfully for the benefit and well-being of the other members.

What comfort does the resurrection of the body offer you?

Not only shall my soul after this life immediately be taken up to CHRIST, my head, but also this my flesh, raised by the power of CHRIST, shall be reunited with my soul and made like CHRIST’s glorious body.

Why do you say that you are righteous only by faith?

Not that I am acceptable to GOD on account of the worthiness of my faith, for only the satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness of CHRIST my righteousness before GOD. I can receive this righteousness and make it my own by faith only.

What are the sacraments?

The sacraments are holy, visible signs and seals. They were instituted by GOD so that by their use he might more fully declare and seal to us the promise of the gospel. And this is the promise: that GOD graciously grants us forgiveness of sins and everlasting life because of the one sacrifice of CHRIST accomplished on the cross.

How many sacraments has CHRIST instituted in the new covenant?

Two: holy baptism and the holy supper.

How does holy baptism signify and seal to you that the one sacrifice of CHRIST on the cross benefits you?

In this way: CHRIST instituted this outward washing and with it gave the promise that, as surely as water washes away the dirt from the body, so certainly his BLOOD and SPIRIT wash away the impurity of my soul, that is, all my sins.

What does it mean to be washed with CHRIST’s BLOOD and SPIRIT?

To be washed with CHRIST’s BLOOD means to receive forgiveness of sins from GOD, through grace, because of CHRIST’s BLOOD, poured out for using his sacrifice on the cross. To be washed with his SPIRIT means to be renewed by the HOLY SPIRIT and sanctified to be members of CHRIST, so that more and more we become dead to sin and lead a holy and blameless life.

Where has CHRIST promised that he will wash us with his BLOOD and SPIRIT as surely as we are washed with the water of baptism?

In the institution of baptism, where he says: Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the fatherland of the sound of the HOLY SPIRIT. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. This promise is repeated when Scripture calls baptism the washing of rebirth and the washing away of sins.

Why then does the HOLY SPIRIT call baptism the washing of regeneration and the washing away of sins?

GOD speaks in this way for a good reason. He wants to teach us that the BLOOD and SPIRIT of CHRIST remove our sins just as water takes away dirt from the body. But, even more important, he wants to assure us by this divine pledge and sign that we are truly cleansed from our sins SPIRITually. We are bodily washed with water.

How does the LORD’s supper signify and seal to you that you share in CHRIST’s one sacrifice on the cross and in all his gifts?

In this way: CHRIST has commanded me and all believers to eat of this broken bread and drink of this cup in remembrance of him. With this command, he gave these promises: First, as surely as I see with my eyes the bread of the LORD broken for me and the cup given to me, so surely was his body offered for me and his BLOOD poured out for me on the cross. Second, as surely as I receive from the hand of the minister and taste with my mouth the bread and the cup of the LORDas sure signs of CHRIST’s body and BLOOD, so surely does he himself nourish and refresh my soul to everlasting life with his crucified body and shed BLOOD.

Where has CHRIST promised that he will nourish and refresh believers with his body and BLOOD as surely as they eat of this broken bread and drink of this cup?

In the institution of the LORD’s supper: The LORD JESUS, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me. ”In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my BLOOD; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me. ”For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the LORD’s death until he comes. This promise is repeated by Paul when he says: is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks participation in the BLOOD of CHRIST?

And is not the bread that we break participation in the body of CHRIST?

Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf.

Why then does CHRIST call the bread his body and the cup his BLOOD, or the new covenant in his BLOOD, and why does Paul speak of a participation in the body and BLOOD of CHRIST?

CHRIST speaks in this way for a good reason: he wants to teach us by his supper as bread and wine sustain using this temporary life, so his crucified body and shed BLOOD are true food and drink for our souls to eternal life. But, even more important, he wants to assure us by this visible sign and pledge, first, that through the working of the HOLY SPIRIT, we share in his true body and BLOOD as surely as we receive with our mouths these holy signs in remembrance of him, and, second, that all his suffering and obedience are as certainly or as if we personally had suffered and paid for our sins.

Who is to come to the table of the LORD?

Those who are truly displeased with themselves because of their sins and yet trust that they have forgiven them and that their remaining weakness is covered by the suffering and death of CHRIST, and who also desire more and more to strengthen their faith and amend their life. But hypocrites and those who do not repent eat and drink judgment upon themselves.

What are the keys of the kingdom of HEAVEN?

The preaching of the holy gospel and church discipline. By these two the kingdom of HEAVEN is opened to believers and closed to unbelievers.

How is the kingdom of HEAVEN opened and closed by the preaching of the gospel?

According to the command of CHRIST, the kingdom of HEAVEN is opened when it is proclaimed and publicly testified to each and every believer that GOD has really forgiven all their sins for the sake of CHRIST’s merits, as often as they by true faith accept the promise of the gospel. The kingdom of HEAVEN is closed when it is proclaimed and testified to all unbelievers and hypocrites that the wrath of GOD and eternal condemnation rests on them as long as they do not repent. According to this testimony of the gospel, GOD will judge both in this life and in the life to come.

What is the true repentance or conversion of man?

It is the dying of the old nature and the coming to life of the new.

What is the dying of old nature?

It is to grieve with heartfelt sorrow that we have offended GOD by our sin, and more and more to hate it and flee from it.

How are these commandments divided?

Into two parts. The first teaches us how to live in relation to GOD; the second, what duties we owe our neighbor.

What is idolatry?

Idolatry, shaving or inventing something in which to put our trust instead of, or in addition to, the only true GOD who has revealed himself in his word.

What does GOD require in the second commandment?

We are not to make an image of GOD in any way, nor to worship him in any other manner than he has commanded in his word.

What is required in the third commandment?

We are not to blaspheme or to abuse the name of GOD by cursing perjury, or unnecessary oaths, nor to share in such horrible sins by being silent bystanders. Rather, we must use the holy name of GOD only with fear and reverence, so that we may rightly confess him, call upon him, and praise him in all our words and works.

What does GOD require of the fourth commandment?

First, that the ministry of the gospel and the schools be maintained and that, especially on the day of rest, I diligently attend the church of GOD to hear GOD’s word, to use the sacraments, to call publicly upon the LORD, and to give CHRISTIAN offerings for the poor. Second, that all the days of my life I rest from my evil works, let the LORD work in me through his HOLY SPIRIT, and so begin in this life the eternal Sabbath.

What does GOD require of the sixth commandment?

I am not to dishonor, hate, injure, or kill my neighbor by thoughts, words, or gestures, and much less by deeds, whether personally or through another; rather, I am to put away all desire for revenge. Moreover, I am not to harm or recklessly endanger myself. Therefore, also, the government bears the sword to prevent murder.

What does the seventh commandment teach us?

That all unchastity is cursed by GOD. We must therefore detest it from the heart and live chaste and disciplined lives, both within and outside of holy marriage.

What does GOD forbid in the eighth commandment?

God forbids not only outright theft and robbery but also such wicked schemes and devices as false weights and measures, deceptive merchandising, counterfeit money, and usury; we must not defraud our neighbor in any way, whether by force or by show of right. In addition, GOD forbids all greed and all abuse or squandering of his gifts.

What does GOD require of you in this commandment?

I must promote my neighbor’s goods wherever I can and may, deal with him as I would like others to deal with me, and work faithfully so that I may be able to give to those in need.

What is required in the ninth commandment?

I must not give false testimony against anyone, twist no one’s words, not gossip or slander, nor condemn or join in condemning anyone rashly and unheard. Rather, I must avoid all lying and deceit as the devil’s own works, under penalty of GOD’s heavy wrath. In court and everywhere else, I must love the truth, speak and confess it honestly, and do what I can to defend and promote my neighbor’s honor and reputation.

What does the tenth commandment require of us?

Not even the slightest thought or desire contrary to any of GOD’s commandments should ever arise in our hearts. Rather, with all our hearts we should always hate all sin and delight in all righteousness.

Why is prayer necessary for CHRISTIANS?

Because prayer is the most important part of the thankfulness which GOD requires of us. Moreover, GOD will give his grace and the HOLY SPIRIT Only to those who constantly and with heartfelt longing ask him for these gifts and thank him for them.

What has GOD commanded us to ask of him?

All the things we need for body and soul, as included in the prayer which CHRIST our LORD himself taught us.

Why has CHRIST commanded us to address GOD as our FATHER?

To awaken in us at the very beginning of our prayers that childlike reverence and trust toward GOD which should be basic to our prayer: GOD has become our FATHER through CHRIST and will much less deny us what we ask of him in faith than our FATHERS would refuse us earthly things.

What is the first petition?

Hallowed be your name. That is: grant us first of all that we may rightly know you, and sanctify, glorify, and praise you in all your works, in which shine forth your almighty power, wisdom, goodness, righteousness, mercy, and truth. Grant us also that we may direct our whole life –our thoughts, words, and actions –that your name is not blasphemed because of us but always honored and praised.

What is the second petition?

Your kingdom comes. That is: so rule us by your word and SPIRIT That more and more we submit to you. Preserve and increase your church. Destroy the works of the devil, every power that raises itself against you, and every conspiracy against your holy word. Do all this until the fullness of your kingdom comes, wherein you shall be all in all.

What is the fourth petition?

Give us today our daily bread. That is: Provide us with all our bodily needs so that we may acknowledge that you are the only fountain of all good and that our care and labor, and also your gifts, cannot do us any good without your blessing. Grant, therefore, that we may withdraw our trust from all creatures and place it only in you.

What is the fifth petition?

Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. That is: for the sake of CHRIST’s BLOOD, do not impute to us, wretched sinners, any of our transgressions, nor the evil which still clings to us, as we also find this evidence of your grace in us that we are fully determined wholeheartedly to forgive our neighbor.

What is the sixth petition?

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. That is: in ourselves, we are so weak that we cannot stand even for a moment. Moreover, our sworn enemies –the devil, the world, and our own flesh –do not cease to attack us. Will you, therefore, uphold and strengthen us by the power of your HOLY SPIRIT, so that in this SPIRITual war we may not go down to defeat, but always firmly resist our enemies until we finally obtain complete victory?

How do you conclude your prayer?

For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. That is: all this we ask of you because, as our king, having power over all things, you are both willing and able to give us all that is good and because not we but your holy name should receive all glory forever.

What does the word amen mean?

Amen means: it is true and certain. For GOD has much more certainly heard my prayer than I feel in my heart that I desire this of him.