Martin Luther's Small Catechism

Martin Luther's Small Catechism (1529)

Part 1: The Ten Commandments

Part 2: The Creed

Part 3: The Lord's Prayer

Part 4: Baptism

Part 5: Confession

Part 6: Sacrament of the Altar

Appendix 1: Daily Devotions

Appendix 2: Table of Duties

I. The Ten Commandments:

As the head of the family should teach them in all simplicity to his household.

A. The First Commandment

"Thou shalt have no other Gods."

Q. What does this mean?

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

B. The Second Commandment

"Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord Thy God in vain."

Q. What does this mean?

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

C. The Third Commandment

"Remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy."

Q. What does this mean?

A. We should fear and love God that we do not despise preaching and His Word, but hold it sacred and gladly hear and learn it.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

D. The Fourth Commandment

"Thou shalt honor thy father and thy mother, that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth."

Q. What does this mean?

A. We should fear and love God that we do not despise our parents and superiors, nor provoke them to anger, but honor, serve, and obey them, and hold them in love and esteem.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

E. The Fifth Commandment

"Thou shalt not kill."

Q. What does this mean?

A. We should fear and love God that we do not hurt nor harm our neighbor in his body, but help and befriend him in every bodily need.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

F. The Sixth Commandment

"Thou shalt not commit adultery."

Q. What does this mean?

A. We should fear and love God that we lead a chaste and decent life in word and deed, and honor and love his spouse.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

G. The Seventh Commandment

"Thou shalt not steal."

Q. What does this mean?

A. We should fear and love God that we do not take our neighbor's money or goods, nor get them by false ware or dealing, but help him to improve and protect his property and business.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

H. The Eighth Commandment

"Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor."

Q. What does this mean?

A.We should fear and love God that we do not deceitfully belie, betray, slander, nor defame our neighbor, but defend him, speak well of him, and put the best construction on everything.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I. The Ninth Commandment

"Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house."

Q. What does this mean?

A. We should fear and love God that we do not craftily seek to get our neighbor's inheritance or house, nor obtain it by a show of right, but help and be of service to him in keeping it.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

J. The Tenth Commandment

"Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his man-servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his cattle, nor anything that is thy neighbor's."

Q. What does this mean?

A.We should fear and love God that we do not alienate, beg, or take away from our neighbor his wife, servants, or cattle, but urge them to stay and do their duty.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

K. The Conclusion to the Commandments

Q. What does God say to us about all these commandments?

A. This is what He says:<

`` 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.''

Q. What does it mean?

A. God threatens to punish all that transgress these commandments. Therefore we should fear His wrath, and not do contrary to them.

But He promises grace and every blessing to all that keep these commandments. Therefore we should also love and trust in Him, and willingly do according to His commandments.

Back to Index.

Back to LCCF confessions

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Part Two: The Creed

As the head of the family should teach it in all simplicity to his household.

I. The First Article: On Creation

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

Q. What does this mean?

A. I believe that God has made me with all creatures, giving me my body and soul, eyes, ears and all the my members, my reason and all my faculties;

And that He still preserves me; therefore richly and daily providing clothing and shoes, meat and drink, house and home, wife and children, land, cattle and all my goods, and all that I need to keep my body and life.defending me against all danger,and guarding and protecting me from all evil;

And all this out of fatherly,divine goodness and mercy,without any merit or worthiness in me;

For all of which, It is my duty to thank and praise, and to serve and obey Him.

This is most certainly true!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

II. The Second Article: On Redemption

And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and buried, He descended to Hell, on the third day He rose again from the dead, ascended into Heaven and sat down at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

Q. What does this mean?

A. I believe that Jesus Christ is 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 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 sufferings and death;

That I should be His own, and live under Him in His kingdom and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence and blessedness, even as He is risen from death, lives and reigns to all eternity.

This is most certainly true.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

III. The Third Article: Of Santification

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.

Q. What does this mean?

A. I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, nor 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; In like manner 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 daily and richly forgives all sins to me and all believers;

And will at the last day raise up me and all the dead, And give unto me and all believers in Christ eternal life.

In which Christian Church, He daily and richly forgives all sins to me and every believer.

And will at the last day, raise up me and all the dead.

And give unto me and all believers in Christ eternal life.

This is most certainly true!

Back to Index

Back to LCCF confessions

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Lord's Prayer

The Simple Way a Father Should Present it to His Household

I. THE ADDRESS

Our Father, Who is in Heaven.

Q. What does this mean?

A.God would by these words tenderly invite us to believe that He is our true Father, and that we are His true children, so that we may with all boldness and confidence ask Him as dear children ask their dear father.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

II. The First Petition

Hallowed be Thy name.

Q. What does this mean?

A. The name of God is indeed holy in itself; but we pray in this petition that it be holy among us also.

Q. How is this done?

A. When the Word of God is taught in its truth and purity, and we as the children of God lead a holy life according to it. To this 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!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

III. The Second Petition

Thy Kingdom come.

Q. What does this mean?

A. The kingdom of God comes indeed without our prayer, of itself; but we pray in this petition that it come unto us also.

Q. How is this done?

A. 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 hereafter in eternity.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

IV. The Third Petition

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

Q. What does this mean?

A. The gracious good will of God is done indeed without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it be done with us also.

Q. How is this done?

A. When God breaks every evil will and counsel, and hinders whatever would not let us hallow the name of God nor let His kingdom come, such as the will of the devil, of the world, and of our flesh; but strengthens and keeps us steadfast in His Word and in the faith unto our end. This is His gracious good will.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

V. The Fourth Petition

Give us this day our daily bread.

Q. What does this mean?

A. God gives daily bread indeed without our asking, even to all the wicked; but we pray in this petition that He would lead us to appreciate, and to receive with thanksgiving, our daily bread.

Q. What, then, is meant by daily bread?

A. Everything that we need for our bodily welfare, such as food, drink, clothing, shoes, house, home, land, cattle, money, goods, a pious spouse, pious children, pious servants, pious and faithful rulers, good government, good weather, peace, health, education, honor, faithful friends, good neighbors, and the like.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VI. The Fifth Petition

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

Q. What does this mean?

A. We pray in this petition that our Father in heaven would not look upon our sins, nor on their account deny our prayers; for we are worthy of none of the things for which we ask, 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.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VII. The Sixth Petition

And lead us not into temptation.

Q. What does this mean?

A. God tempts no one, of course, but we pray in this request that God will protect us and save us, so that the Devil, the world and our bodily desires will neither deceive us nor seduce us into heresy, despair or other serious shame or vice, and so that we will win and be victorious in the end, even if they attack us.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VIII. The Seventh Petition

But deliver us from evil.

Q. What does this mean?

A. God surely 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 lead us into misbelief, despair, and other great shame and vice; and though we be assailed by them, that still we may finally overcome and obtain the victory.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

IX. The Doxology

For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory for ever and ever. Amen

Q. What does this mean?

A. 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 promised that He will hear us. Amen, amen, that is, Yea, yea, so shall it be.

Back to Index

Back to LCCF confessions

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Sacrament of Holy Baptism:

The Simple Way a Father Should Present it to His Household

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I. Q. What is Baptism?

A.Baptism is not simple water only, but it is water used by God's command and connected with God's Word.

Q. What is that Word of God?

A.Christ, our Lord, says in the last chapter of Matthew: "Go ye, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

II. Q. What does Baptism give or profit?

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

Q. What are such words and promise of God?

A. Christ, our Lord, says in the last chapter of Mark: "He that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved; but he that believeth not, shall be damned."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

III. Q. How can water do these great things?

A. It is not the water that does them indeed, but the Word of God which is in and with the water, and faith which trusts this 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 Baptism; that is, a gracious water of life and a washing of regeneration in the Holy Ghost.

As Saint Paul says to Titus, chapter third: "God saved us 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.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

IV. Q. What does this baptizing with water signify?

A. It signifies that the old Adam in us is to be drowned by daily contrition and repentance, and is to die with all sins and evil lusts; and that again a new man should daily come forth and arise who shall live before God in righteousness and purity forever.

Q. Where is this written?

A. St. Paul says to the Romans in chapter six: ``We are buried with Christ through Baptism into death, so that, in the same way Christ is risen from the dead by the glory of the Father, thus also must we walk in a new life.''

Back to Index

Back to LCCF confessions

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE MINISTRY OF THE KEYS AND CONFESSION

As the head of the family should teach them in all simplicity to his household.

What is the ministry of the Keys?

The ministry of the Keys is the peculiar authority of the Church, given by Christ to His Church on earth, to forgive the sins of penitent sinners unto them, but to retain the sins of the impenitent as long as they do not repent.

Where is this written?

Thus writes the holy Evangelist John, chapter twenty; "The Lord Jesus breathed on His disciples, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost! Whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained."

What do you believe according to these words?

I believe that when the called ministers of Christ deal with us according to His divine command (especially when they exclude manifestly impenitent sinners from the Christian congregation, and again, when they absolve those who repent of their sins and are willing to amend), this is as valid and certain, in heaven also, as if Christ, our dear Lord, dealt with us Himself.

HOW THE UNLEARNED SHOULD BE TAUGHT TO CONFESS

. I. Q. What is confession?

A. Confession has two parts:

Confession embraces two parts: the one is, that we confess our sins; the other, that we receive absolution, or forgiveness, from the minister as from God Himself, in no wise doubting, but firmly believing that our sins are thus forgiven before God in heaven.

II. Q. What sins should we confess?

A. When speaking to God, we should plead guilty to all sins, even those we don't know about, just as we do in the ``Our Father,'' but when speaking to the confessor, only the sins we know about, which we know about and feel in our hearts.

Q. Which are these?

A. Here consider your station according to the Ten Commandments, whether you are a father, mother, son, daughter, master, mistress, or servant: whether you have been disobedient, unfaithful, slothful; whether you have grieved any one by word or deed; whether you have stolen, neglected, or slighted aught, or done injury.

Back to Index

Back to LCCF confessions

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Sacrament of the Altar:

As the head of the family should teach it in all simplicity to his household.

I. Q. What is the Sacrament of the Altar?

A. It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under instituted by Christ Himself.

II. Q. Where is this written?

A. The holy Evangelists, Matthew, Mark and 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, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me."

III. Q. What is the benefit of this eating and drinking?

A. That is shown us by 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.

IV. Q. Who,then, receives this sacrament worthily?

A. Fasting and bodily preparation is, indeed, a fine outward custom; 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 who does not believe these words, or who doubts, is unworthy and unprepared.

For the words, "For you," require only believing hearts.

Back to Index

Back to LCCF confessions

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Daily Devotions

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

Morning prayer

In the name of God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. 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 that Thou wouldst keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please Thee. For into Thy hands I commend 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.

Evening Prayer

In the name of God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. I thank Thee, my Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Thy dear Son, that Thou hast graciously kept me this day; and I pray Thee that Thou wouldst forgive me all my sins, wherever I have done wrong, and graciously keep me this night. For into Thy hands I commend 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.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To ask a blessing

The eyes of all wait upon Thee, O Lord, and Thou givest them their meat in due season; Thou openest Thy hands and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.

Lord God, Heavenly Father, bless us and these Thy gifts, which we receive from Thy bountiful goodness, through Jesus Christ, out Lord. Amen.

To say grace

O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy endureth forever....

We thank Thee, Lord God, Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, for all Thy benefits, who livest and reignest for ever and ever. Amen.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TABLE OF DUTIES

Certain passages of Scripture for various classes and stations of men, whereby these are to be admonished of their respective offices and duties.

Bishops, pastors, and preachers

"A bishop must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach; not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; not a novice; holding fast the faithful Word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers." I Tim. 3; Titus 1.

What we owe to our preachers and teachers

"Let him that is taught in the Word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things." Gal. 6.

"Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel." I Cor. 9.

"Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the Word and doctrine. For the Scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn; and the laborer is worthy of his reward." I Tim. 5.

"Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves; for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief; for that is unprofitable for you." Heb. 13.

Civil government

"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God; the powers that be are ordained of God.~ Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God; and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For he beareth not the sword in vain; for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.? Rom. 13.

Husbands

"Ye husbands, dwell with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. And be not bitter against them." I Pet. 3; Col. 3.

Wives

"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord; even as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord' whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement." Eph. 5; I Pet. 3.

Parents

"Ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath, lest they be discouraged; but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." Eph. 6; Col. 3.

Children

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord; for this is-right. Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise: that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth." Eph. 6.

Servants, hired men, laborers, etc.

"Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; not with eye-service, as menpleasers; but as the 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 whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free." Eph. 6.

Masters and mistresses

"And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening; knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him." Eph. 6.

Young people in general

"Ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder, and be clothed with humility; for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.. "I Pet. 5.

Widows

"She that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day; but she that liveth in pleasure, is dead while she liveth." I Tim. 5.

All in common

"Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.- Herein are comprehended all the commandments. “ And persevere in prayer for all men." Rom. 13; I Tim. 2.

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

Back to Index

. Back to LCCF confessions