Luther's Small Catechism
A simple explanation of Christian doctrine for the household.
The Ten Commandments
The First Commandment
▼What does this mean?
We should fear, love, and trust in God above all things.
Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
According to the Large Catechism, what is the 'maker' of a god?
What does Luther identify as the most common idol in the world?
The Second Commandment
▼What does this mean?
We should fear and love God that we may not curse, swear, use witchcraft, lie, or deceive by His name, but call upon it in every trouble, pray, praise, and give thanks.
Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
What positive action is mandated by the Second Commandment?
How is God's name profaned according to Lutheran teaching?
The Third Commandment
▼What does this mean?
We should fear and love God that we may not despise preaching and His Word, but hold it sacred, and gladly hear and learn it.
Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
What makes the Sabbath day holy according to the Large Catechism?
What is the primary duty for a Christian under the Third Commandment?
The Fourth Commandment
▼What does this mean?
We should fear and love God that we may not despise nor anger our parents and masters, but give them honor, serve, obey, and hold them in love and esteem.
Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
From what source does all earthly authority flow according to Luther?
What is the 'Table of Duties' in the Small Catechism related to?
The Fifth Commandment
▼What does this mean?
We should fear and love God that we may not hurt nor harm our neighbor in his body, but help and befriend him in every bodily need [in every need and danger of life and body].
Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
What is the positive requirement for a Christian regarding their neighbor's life?
How can the Fifth Commandment be broken without physical violence?
The Sixth Commandment
▼What does this mean?
We should fear and love God that we may lead a chaste and decent life in words and deeds, and each love and honor his spouse.
Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
According to Luther, what biblical 'mystery' does marriage reflect?
What does this commandment require of husbands and wives?
The Seventh Commandment
▼What does this mean?
We should fear and love God that we may not take our neighbor's money or property, nor get them by false ware or dealing, but help him to improve and protect his property and business [that his means are preserved and his condition is improved].
Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
What term does Luther use for those who steal using 'legal' tricks or trade?
What positive duty does a Christian have toward a neighbor's property?
The Eighth Commandment
▼What does this mean?
We should fear and love God that we may not deceitfully belie, betray, slander, or defame our neighbor, but defend him, [think and] speak well of him, and put the best construction on everything.
Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
What is the 'best construction' rule in the Eighth Commandment?
How should a Christian first handle a brother's sin according to Matthew 18?
The Ninth Commandment
▼What does this mean?
We should fear and love God that we may not craftily seek to get our neighbor's inheritance or house, and obtain it by a show of [justice and] right, etc., but help and be of service to him in keeping it.
Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
What does the Ninth Commandment specifically protect?
To whom does Luther say the commandments against coveting are especially addressed?
The Tenth Commandment
▼What does this mean?
We should fear and love God that we may not estrange, force, or entice away our neighbor's wife, servants, or cattle, but urge them to stay and [diligently] do their duty.
Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
What is the positive requirement regarding a neighbor's workers?
What is the theological function of the Ninth and Tenth Commandments as a whole?
The Close of the Commandments
▼What Does God Say of All These Commandments?
He says thus (Exod. 20:5f): I the Lord, thy God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate Me, and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love Me and keep My commandments.
What does this mean?
God threatens to punish all that transgress these commandments. Therefore we should dread His wrath and not act contrary to these commandments. But He promises grace and every blessing to all that keep these commandments. Therefore we should also love and trust in Him, and gladly do [zealously and diligently order our whole life] according to His commandments.
Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
The Apostles' Creed
The Apostles' Creed - First Article
▼What does this mean?
I believe that God has made me and all creatures; that He has given me my body and soul, eyes, ears, and all my limbs, my reason, and all my senses, and still preserves them; in addition thereto, clothing and shoes, meat and drink, house and homestead, wife and children, fields, cattle, and all my goods; that He provides me richly and daily with all that I need to support this body and life, protects me from all danger, and guards me and preserves me from all evil; and all this out of pure, fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me; for all which I owe it to Him to thank, praise, serve, and obey Him. This is most certainly true.
Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
According to the Small Catechism, what is the basis for God providing all that we need?
What does the First Article teach about God's ongoing work?
The Apostles' Creed - Second Article
▼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, who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature, purchased and won [delivered] me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil, not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death, in order that I may be [wholly] His own, and live under Him in His kingdom, and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, even as He is risen from the dead, lives and reigns to all eternity. This is most certainly true.
Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
What does the word 'Lord' essentially mean in Luther's explanation of the Second Article?
From what three powers has Christ redeemed the believer?
The Apostles' Creed - Third Article
▼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 Ghost has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith; even as He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith; in which Christian Church He forgives daily and richly all sins to me and all believers, and at the last day will raise up me and all the dead, and will give to me and to all believers in Christ everlasting life. This is most certainly true.
Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
Why is the work of the Holy Spirit necessary according to the Small Catechism?
Where does the Holy Spirit daily and richly forgive sins?
The Lord's Prayer
The Lord's Prayer - Introduction
▼What does this mean?
God would thereby [with this little introduction] tenderly urge us to believe that He is our true Father, and that we are His true children, so that we may ask Him confidently with all assurance, as dear children ask their dear father.
Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
What does the introduction to the Lord's Prayer 'tenderly invite' us to do?
The Lord's Prayer - First Petition
▼What does this mean?
God's name is indeed holy in itself; but we pray in this petition that it may become holy among us also.
How is this done?
When the Word of God is taught in its truth and purity, and we as the children of God also lead holy lives in accordance with it. To this end help us, dear Father in heaven. But he that teaches and lives otherwise than God's Word teaches profanes the name of God among us. From this preserve us, Heavenly Father.
Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
How is God's name kept holy among us?
The Lord's Prayer - Second Petition
▼What does this mean?
The kingdom of God comes indeed without our prayer, of itself; but we pray in this petition that it may come unto us also.
How is this done?
When our heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit, so that by His grace we believe His holy Word and lead a godly life here in time and yonder in eternity.
Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
What is requested of the Father in the Second Petition?
The Lord's Prayer - Third Petition
▼What does this mean?
The good and gracious will of God is done indeed without our prayer; but we pray in this petition that it may be done among us also.
How is this done?
When God breaks and hinders every evil counsel and will which would not let us hallow the name of God nor let His kingdom come, such as the will of the devil, the world, and our flesh; but strengthens and keeps us steadfast in His Word and in faith unto our end. This is His gracious and good will.
Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
According to the Small Catechism, what does God do to ensure His will is done?
The Lord's Prayer - Fourth Petition
▼What does this mean?
God gives daily bread, even without our prayer, to all wicked men; but we pray in this petition that He would lead us to know it, and to receive our daily bread with thanksgiving.
What is meant by daily bread?
Everything that belongs to the support and wants of the body, such as meat, drink, clothing, shoes, house, homestead, field, cattle, money, goods, a pious spouse, pious children, pious servants, pious and faithful magistrates, good government, good weather, peace, health, discipline, honor, good friends, faithful neighbors, and the like.
Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
What is included in the definition of 'daily bread'?
The Lord's Prayer - Fifth Petition
▼What does this mean?
We pray in this petition that our Father in heaven would not look upon our sins, nor deny such petitions on account of them; for we are worthy of none of the things for which we pray, neither have we deserved them; but that He would grant them all to us by grace; for we daily sin much, and indeed deserve nothing but punishment. So will we verily, on our part, also heartily forgive and also readily do good to those who sin against us.
Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
Why do we say 'as we forgive' in this petition?
The Lord's Prayer - Sixth Petition
▼What does this mean?
God, indeed, tempts no one; but we pray in this petition that God would guard and keep us, so that the devil, the world, and our flesh may not deceive us, nor seduce us into misbelief, despair, and other great shame and vice; and though we be assailed by them, that still we may finally overcome and gain the victory.
Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
What are the three powers mentioned that seek to mislead the believer into false belief and despair?
The Lord's Prayer - Seventh Petition
▼What does this mean?
We pray in this petition, as in a summary, that our Father in heaven would deliver us from all manner of evil, of body and soul, property and honor, and at last, when our last hour shall come, grant us a blessed end, and graciously take us from this vale of tears to Himself into heaven.
Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
What is the primary request regarding the 'last hour' in the Seventh Petition?
The Lord's Prayer - Conclusion
▼What does this mean?
That I should be certain that these petitions are acceptable to our Father in heaven and heard; for He Himself has commanded us so to pray, and has promised that He will hear us. Amen, Amen; that is, Yea, yea, it shall be so.
Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
What does the word 'Amen' mean in the context of the Lord's Prayer?
The Sacrament of Holy Baptism
Holy Baptism - Part 1
▼What is Baptism?
Baptism is not simple water only, but it is the water comprehended in God's command and connected with God's Word.
Which is that word of God?
Christ, our Lord, says in the last chapter of Matthew (Matthew 28:19): Go ye into all the world and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
What two things together constitute Baptism according to the Small Catechism?
According to the Large Catechism, what is Baptism called when the Word is separated from the water?
Holy Baptism - Part 2
▼What does Baptism give or profit?
It works forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare.
Which are such words and promises of God?
Christ, our Lord, says in the last chapter of Mark (Mark 16:16): He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
What is the primary power or 'work' of Baptism described in the Small Catechism?
To whom does Baptism grant eternal salvation?
Holy Baptism - Part 3
▼How can water do such great things?
It is not the water indeed that does them, but the word of God which is in and with the water, and faith, which trusts such word of God in the water. For without the word of God the water is simple water and no baptism. But with the word of God it is a baptism, that is, a gracious water of life and a washing of regeneration in the Holy Ghost, as St. Paul says, Titus 3:5-8: By the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ, our Savior, that, being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying.
Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
What biblical passage is used to describe Baptism as the 'washing of regeneration'?
What role does faith play in the efficacy of the water in Baptism?
Holy Baptism - Part 4
▼What does such baptizing with water signify?
It signifies that the old Adam in us should, by daily contrition and repentance, be drowned and die with all sins and evil lusts, and, again, a new man daily come forth and arise; who shall live before God in righteousness and purity forever.
Where is this written?
St. Paul says Romans 6:4: We are buried with Christ by Baptism into death, that, like as He was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
According to Romans 6, we are buried with Christ by baptism into what?
How often should the 'new man' emerge in the life of a Christian?
Confession
Confession
▼What is Confession?
Confession embraces two parts: the one is, that we confess our sins; the other, that we receive absolution, or forgiveness, from the confessor, as from God Himself, and in no wise doubt, but firmly believe, that our sins are thereby forgiven before God in heaven.
What sins should we confess?
Before God we should plead guilty of all sins, even of those which we do not know, as we do in the Lord's Prayer. But before the confessor we should confess those sins alone which we know and feel in our hearts.
Which are these?
Here consider your station according to the Ten Commandments, whether you are a father, mother, son, daughter, master, mistress, a man-servant or maid-servant; whether you have been disobedient, unfaithful, slothful; whether you have grieved any one by words or deeds; whether you have stolen, neglected, or wasted aught, or done other injury.
Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
What are the two parts of Confession in the Lutheran tradition?
According to the Small Catechism, what sins should we confess to the pastor?
The Office of the Keys
▼What is the Office of the Keys?
The Office of the Keys is that special authority which Christ has given to His Church on earth to forgive the sins of repentant sinners, but to withhold forgiveness from the unrepentant as long as they do not repent.
What do you believe according to these words?
I believe that when the called ministers of Christ deal with us by His divine command... this is just as valid and certain, even in heaven, as if Christ our dear Lord dealt with us Himself.
Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
Which scriptural passage is the primary 'word of institution' for the Office of the Keys?
How certain should a Christian be of the absolution spoken by a called minister?
The Sacrament of the Altar
Sacrament of the Altar - What is it?
▼What is the Sacrament of the Altar?
It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, under the bread and wine, for us Christians to eat and to drink, instituted by Christ Himself.
Where is this written?
The holy Evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and St. Paul, write thus: Our Lord Jesus Christ, the same night in which He was betrayed, took bread: and when He had given thanks, He brake it, and gave it to His disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is My body, which is given for you. This do in remembrance of Me_. _After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Take, drink ye all of it. This cup is the new testament in My blood, which is shed for you for the remission of sins. This do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me.
Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
What is received 'in, with, and under' the bread and wine?
What determines the validity of the Sacrament according to the Large Catechism?
Sacrament of the Altar - The Benefit
▼What is the benefit of such eating and drinking?
That is shown us in these words: Given, and shed for you, for the remission of sins; namely, that in the Sacrament forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation are given us through these words. For where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation.
Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
What are the three core benefits given in the Sacrament of the Altar?
Why is the Sacrament referred to as a 'precious antidote'?
Sacrament of the Altar - The Power
▼How can bodily eating and drinking do such great things?
It is not the eating and drinking, indeed, that does them, but the words which stand here, namely: Given, and shed for you, for the remission of sins. Which words are, beside the bodily eating and drinking, as the chief thing in the Sacrament; and he that believes these words has what they say and express, namely, the forgiveness of sins.
Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
What does the Small Catechism identify as the 'main thing' in the Sacrament?
To what does the Formula of Concord ascribe the true presence of Christ?
Sacrament of the Altar - Worthiness
▼Who, then, receives such Sacrament worthily?
Fasting and bodily preparation is, indeed, a fine outward training; but he is truly worthy and well prepared who has faith in these words: Given, and shed for you, for the remission of sins. But he that does not believe these words, or doubts, is unworthy and unfit; for the words For you require altogether believing hearts.
Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
Who is 'truly worthy and well-prepared' to receive the Sacrament?
What is the result for those who eat and drink unworthily (without faith)?
Daily Prayers
Morning Prayer
▼In the morning, when you rise, you shall bless yourself with the holy cross and say:
In the name of God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Then, kneeling or standing, repeat the Creed and the Lord's Prayer. If you choose, you may, in addition, say this little prayer:
I thank Thee, my Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Thy dear Son, that Thou hast kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray Thee to keep me this day also from sin and all evil, that all my doings and life may please Thee. For into Thy hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Thy holy angel be with me, that the Wicked Foe may have no power over me. Amen.
Then go to your work with joy, singing a hymn, as the Ten Commandments, or what your devotion may suggest.
Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
What is the first act recommended in Luther's Morning Prayer?
In the Morning Prayer, what is the purpose of asking for God's holy angel?
Evening Prayer
▼In the evening, when you go to bed, you shall bless yourself with the holy cross and say:
In the name of God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Then, kneeling or standing, repeat the Creed and the Lord's Prayer. If you choose, you may, in addition, say this little prayer:
I thank Thee, my Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Thy dear Son, that Thou hast graciously kept me this day, and I pray Thee to forgive me all my sins, where I have done wrong, and graciously keep me this night. For into Thy hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Thy holy angel be with me, that the Wicked Foe may have no power over me. Amen.
Then go to sleep promptly and cheerfully.
Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
What does the believer specifically ask God to forgive in the Evening Prayer?
The Evening Prayer is described in the sources as a daily return to what?
Asking a Blessing
▼The children and servants shall go to the table with folded hands and reverently, and say:
The eyes of all wait upon Thee, O Lord; and Thou givest them their meat in due season; Thou openest Thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.
Note: To satisfy the desire means that all animals receive so much to eat that they are on this account joyful and of good cheer; for care and avarice hinder such satisfaction.
Then the Lord's Prayer, and the prayer here following:
Lord God, Heavenly Father, bless us and these Thy gifts, which we take from Thy bountiful goodness, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
Which Psalm is traditionally used when asking a blessing before a meal?
What is the focus of the blessing before a meal?
Returning Thanks
▼Likewise also after the meal they shall reverently and with folded hands say:
O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy endureth forever. He giveth food to all flesh; He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry. He delighteth not in the strength of the horse; He taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man. The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear Him, in those that hope in His mercy.
Then the Lord's Prayer and the prayer here following:
We thank Thee, Lord God, Father, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, for all Thy benefits, who livest and reignest forever and ever. Amen.
Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
What attribute of God is highlighted in the prayer after a meal?
Which article of the Creed does returning thanks after a meal reinforce?
Table of Duties
Table of Duties: For Bishops, Pastors, and Preachers
▼Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
Which of the following is a specific requirement for a bishop according to the Table of Duties?
Why is a pastor expected to rule his own house well?
Table of Duties: What the Hearers Owe to Their Pastors
▼Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
What does the Scripture mean by 'double honor' for those who labor in the Word?
Why should hearers obey their leaders according to Hebrews 13:17?
Table of Duties: Concerning Civil Government
▼Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
What is the primary role of the civil magistrate according to Romans 13?
From where does civil authority derive its power?
Table of Duties: What Subjects Owe to the Magistrates
▼Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
Why does the Small Catechism say citizens should be subject to government?
What specific act should Christians perform for their rulers according to 1 Timothy 2:1-2?
Table of Duties: For Husbands
▼Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
What is the consequence of a husband not honoring his wife?
What is the model for a husband's love according to Ephesians 5?
Table of Duties: For Wives
▼Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
Who is presented as a biblical model for wives in the Table of Duties?
According to the sources, what is of 'great price' in the sight of God for a wife?
Table of Duties: For Parents
▼Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
What are parents forbidden from doing to their children?
What is the positive duty of parents mentioned in the Table of Duties?
Table of Duties: For Children
▼Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
What is the promise attached to the commandment to honor parents?
Why is a child's obedience considered a 'golden work'?
Table of Duties: For Male and Female Servants, Hired Men, and Laborers
▼Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
How should a Christian worker perform their duties?
What is the motivation for a worker to serve faithfully even under a harsh master?
Table of Duties: For Masters and Mistresses
▼Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
What are masters specifically commanded to 'forbear'?
What should a master always keep in mind regarding his own status?
Table of Duties: For Young Persons in General
▼Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Table of Duties: For Widows
▼Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
What is the duty of a 'widow indeed'?
Table of Duties: For All in Common
▼Explanation (Large Catechism Summary)
Quiz
What is the summary of all 'Relative Duties' to one's neighbor?
Christian Questions with Their Answers
[The “Christian Questions with Their Answers,” designating Luther as the author, first appeared in an edition of the Small Catechism in 1551, five years after Luther’s death].
After confession and instruction in the Ten Commandments, the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper, the pastor may ask, or Christians may ask themselves these questions:
Introduction
1. Do you believe that you are a sinner?
▼Yes, I believe it. I am a sinner.
Explanation
Quiz
What is the primary belief required before receiving the Sacrament?
2. How do you know this?
▼From the Ten Commandments, which I have not kept.
Explanation
Quiz
According to the sources, what tool reveals that a person is a sinner?
3. Are you sorry for your sins?
▼Yes, I am sorry that I have sinned against God.
Explanation
Quiz
What characterizes the heart of a person rightly prepared for the Sacrament?
4. What have you deserved from God because of your sins?
▼His wrath and displeasure, temporal death, and eternal damnation. See Romans 6:21, 23.
Explanation
Quiz
What are the consequences of sin according to the Small Catechism?
5. Do you hope to be saved?
▼Yes, that is my hope.
Explanation
Quiz
Upon what is the Christian's hope for salvation based?
6. In whom then do you trust?
▼In my dear Lord Jesus Christ.
Explanation
Quiz
Who is the object of the Christian's trust for salvation?
7. Who is Christ?
▼The Son of God, true God and man.
Explanation
Quiz
What are the two natures of Jesus Christ?
8. How many Gods are there?
▼Only one, but there are three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Explanation
Quiz
How many persons exist in the one Godhead?
9. What has Christ done for you that you trust in Him?
▼He died for me and shed His blood for me on the cross for the forgiveness of sins.
Explanation
Quiz
What specific act of Christ provides the basis for trust in Him?
10. Did the Father also die for you?
▼He did not. The Father is God only, as is the Holy Spirit; but the Son is both true God and true man. He died for me and shed his blood for me.
Explanation
Quiz
Why did the Father not die for the sins of the world?
11. How do you know this?
▼From the holy Gospel, from the words instituting the Sacrament, and by His body and blood given me as a pledge in the Sacrament.
Explanation
Quiz
What serves as a 'pledge' of Christ's work for the believer?
12. What are the Words of Institution?
▼Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when He was betrayed, took bread and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to the disciples and said: “Take eat; this is My body, which is given for you. This do in remembrance of Me.” In the same way also He took the cup after supper, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying: “Drink of it, all of you; this cup is the new testament in My blood, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me."
Explanation
Quiz
What is the primary benefit of the Sacrament mentioned in the Words of Institution?
13. Do you believe, then, that the true body and blood of Christ are in the Sacrament?
▼Yes, I believe it.
Explanation
Quiz
Upon what is the validity of the body and blood in the Sacrament founded?
14. What convinces you to believe this?
▼The word of Christ: Take, eat, this is My body; drink of it, all of you, this is My blood.
Explanation
Quiz
What does the Formula of Concord describe as the power making Christ present?
15. What should we do when we eat His body and drink His blood, and in this way receive His pledge?
▼We should remember and proclaim His death and the shedding of His blood, as He taught us: This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.
Explanation
Quiz
How is the promise of the Sacrament received by the individual?
16. Why should we remember and proclaim His death?
▼First, so that we may learn to believe that no creature could make satisfaction for our sins. Only Christ, true God and man, could do that. Second, so we may learn to be horrified by our sins, and to regard them as very serious. Third, so we may find joy and comfort in Christ alone, and through faith in Him be saved.
Explanation
Quiz
Why is the Sacrament described as a 'daily pasture' for the soul?
17. What motivated Christ to die and make full payment for your sins?
▼His great love for His Father and for me and other sinners, as it is written in John 14; Romans 5; Galatians 2 and Ephesians 5.
Explanation
Quiz
For whom is the Lord's Supper especially intended?
18. Finally, why do you wish to go to the Sacrament?
▼That I may learn to believe that Christ, out of great love, died for my sin, and also learn from Him to love God and my neighbor.
Explanation
Quiz
What defines true 'worthiness' to receive the Sacrament?
19. What should admonish and encourage a Christian to receive the Sacrament frequently?
▼First, both the command and the promise of Christ the Lord. Second, his own pressing need, because of which the command, encouragement, and promise are given.
Explanation
Quiz
What is the 'chief thing' in the Sacrament that delivers the benefits?
20. But what should you do if you are not aware of this need and have no hunger and thirst for the Sacrament?
▼To such a person no better advice can be given than this: first, he should touch his body to see if he still has flesh and blood. Then he should believe what the Scriptures say of it in Galatians 5 and Romans 7. Second, 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 in John 15-16 and in 1 John 2 and 1 John 5. Third, he will certainly have the devil also around him, who with his lying and murdering day and night will let him have no peace, within or without, as the Scriptures picture him in John 8 and John 16; 1 Peter 5; Ephesians 6; and 2 Timothy 2.
Explanation
Quiz
What is the advice for those who lack hunger for the Lord's Supper?
According to Question 20, what three things should a person consider if they are indifferent to the Sacrament?
Catechism text sourced from bookofconcord.org.