14. For what purpose did God give us His Word? To make us wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
15. How should we use the Bible? We should diligently read it. And we should seek the Lord Jesus, our Savior, therein, that we may find salvation through faith in Him.
18. What do we learn from the Gospel? The Gospel tells us the love of God toward sinners, and saves us through faith in Jesus Christ.
19. Hence, what is the substance of the Bible, or God’s Word? Jesus Christ, our Savior. For Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness to everyone that believeth (Rom. 10:4). (Comp. Gal. 3:24)
34. What blessings do we derive from this obedience of our Savior? He that believes in Him is justified in the sight of God, and learns to follow him. (Rom. 10:4 Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness to everyone that believeth. Rom. 5:19 By the obedience of One shall many be made righteous. Ps. 119:32 I will run the way of Thy commandments when Thou shalt enlarge my heart. Jerem. 32:40 I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me. 2 Cor. 5:21; Rom. 8:1; Eph. 2:10; Ps. 86:11)
86. And how shall we be cleansed and kept from unchastity? Only through faith in our holy and spotless Savior, who cleanses us from all sin. 1 Pet. 1:19,22 Ye were redeemed with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot; --seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit. 1 John 1:7 The blood of Jesus, His Son, cleanseth us from all sin. (Comp. Col. 2:9)
116. Then, how can we stand accepted in the sight of God? Not by the works of the Law; but only through faith in Jesus Christ. Rom. 3:20,23,24,28 By the Law is the knowledge of sin. For there is no difference; for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Therefore, we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the Law. Rom. 10:4 Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness to everyone that believeth. Gal 3:24 Wherefore the Law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
128. But what must we all confess and pray in view of these commandments, threats, and promises of God? O Lord, enter not into judgment with Thy servant; for in Thy sight shall no man living be justified. (Ps. 143:2) Is. 64:6 We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags. Rom. 3:23 for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.
132. Why is it necessary to learn the Gospel? 1. The Law tells us only what we are to do; but the Gospel tells us what God does for us, and what He gives us. 2. By the Law we cannot be saved; but the Gospel saves us through faith. 3. What the Law requires of us, that God gives us through the Gospel. (Comp. Q16-19,34,116) (Rom. 3:23,24,28; Rom. 10:4; Rom. 1:16; Ps. 119:32, Rom. 8:3,4 What the Law could not do (in that it was weak through the flesh), God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us.)
140. What are you through this trust, called faith? A Christian. For faith distinguishes Christians from all unbelievers, who reject the Word of God, and from all superstitious persons, who have no Word of God for their superstition (Comp. Q44) 2 Cor. 6:14-18, Eph. 2:11,12 Remember that ye, being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, that at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenant of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world. Is. 8:19,20; Micah 3:7; Col. 2:8; John 8:31; 2 Thess. 2:12; Rev. 22:15)
141. But are there not also believers outside of Christendom? No; though they believe and know that there is a God, they do not trust in Him and His Word. Rom. 1:19-23, Jas. 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou dost well; the devils also believe, and tremble. Ps. 78:22 They believed not in God, and trusted not in His salvation. Gen. 15:1 Fear not, Abram; I am thy Shield, and they exceeding great Reward. Is. 57:21 There is no peace to the wicked, saith my God. Rom. 8:15 Ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. (Mark 5:36; Ps. 27:1; Ps. 73:26)
142. Which words of the First Article in particular bid us to believe in God? The words, Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
143. What do Christians confess by saying, I believe in God the FATHER? That God is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ; And that we are the children of God by faith in Jesus Christ. (Gal. 4:4 When the fullness of time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman. Gal. 3:26 Ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 1 John 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. Rom. 8:15 Ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
154. Hence, how does God preserve you? By natural means.* (*Footnote: Those who imagine that God preserves them without natural means we call enthusiasts, or fanatics. The word “therefor” in our Catechism rejects all enthusiasm. See Matt. 4:5-7; Is. 38:21.)
166. What has God done according to His great love toward sinners? He promised and sent the Savior, who justified us before God and saved us. (Gen. 3:15; Gal. 4:4,5; Gal. 3:13,14; John 3:16; Rom. 3:24; 1 John 3:8 For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. Matt. 18:11 The Son of man is come to save that which was lost. 1 Tim. 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.) (My notes—none of the UOJ proof passages are used here to cite a universal forgiveness of the world.)
179. Why is He called our High Priest? He reconciled us to God, offering up Himself for our sins. (Lev. 16; John 11:49-52; Heb. 9:1-12; Matt. 27:50,51; Col. 1:19-22; Heb. 7:26,27 Such an High Priest became us who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s; for this He did once when He offered up Himself. 2 Cor. 5:19 God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them, and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation. Eph. 5:2 Christ hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God. Rom. 5:10 We were reconciled to God by the death of His Son. 1 Pet. 2:24; Rom. 5:18,19; 1 John 2:2; John 1:29; John 10:17,18)
182. With which words of the Catechism do you confess that you too trust in Jesus Christ, your Savior? With the words, I believe that Jesus Christ is my Lord, who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature.
183. What do you confess with these words? The great fundamental truth of the Gospel and Christian doctrine: Christ justified me in the sight of God. (My sin forgiven; God imputes it to me no more; He has saved me.) (Comp. Q164 and 165.) (Zeph. 3:14-20; Is. 53; Ps. 103; Rom. 5; Is. 53:6 The Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all. Rom. 3:24 All have sinned, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Eph. 1:7 We have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. 2 Cor. 5:19-21 God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them, and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation. For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. Rom. 10:4; Rom. 8:1 There is therefore no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus. Rom. 4:8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. Is. 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation; He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness.) (Comp. Rom. 5:19; Gal. 3:13,14; Zeph. 3:15; Rom. 8: 31-34; Matt. 18:11)
184. What does Holy Scripture call this great blessing of the redemption through Jesus Christ? Justification. Rom. 5:18 As by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation, even so by the righteousness of One the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. (Comp. Luke 18:14.)
185. How did Christ redeem, justify, and save us? He purchased and won us, humbling Himself to the death of the cross. (State of humiliation.) Phil. 2:7,8 He made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Rom. 5:19 As by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of One shall many be made righteous. Mark 10:45 The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many. 1 Cor. 6:19,20; Acts 20:28.
203. Of what does the resurrection of Christ assure you? 1. That Christ is the Son of God. 2. That He did redeem and justify me before God. 3. That He will raise up me also from death. Matt. 26:62-66 and John 20:19-28; Rom. 1:4; Rom. 4:25 Jesus was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification. Rom. 8:33,34; John 6:40; John 14:19; John 10:27,28; Phil. 3:21; John 16:22; 1 Cor. 6:14; 2 Cor. 4:14.
211. Christ having redeemed us, what do we need for our salvation? That we believe in Jesus Christ, our Lord, and at last come to Him for evermore. Acts 16:30,31 What must I do to be saved?—Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. Mark 1:15 Jesus said, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent ye, and believe the Gospel. Rom. 10:4; John 3:16; John 17:24 Jesus said, Father, I will that they also whom Thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which Thou hast given me. John 1:12; Matt. 10:22; Rev. 3:21; Ps. 16:11.
212. But what must you and all sinners confess? I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, nor come to Him. 1 Cor. 12:3 No man can say that Jesus is the Lord but by the Holy Ghost. Eph. 2:1 Ye were dead in trespasses and sins. 1 Cor. 1:18 The preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness. Eph. 2:8,9 By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God; not of works, lest any man should boast. Rom. 9:16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy. 1 Cor. 2:14; 1 Cor. 1:23.
213. What more has God, therefore, done according to His great love toward sinners? He promised and sent the Holy Ghost, who appropriates salvation to us through faith, and keeps us unto everlasting life. (Comp. Q166) Ezek. 36:26,27; Joel 2:28 seqq; John 14:26; John 15:26; John 16:13,14; Rom. 8:14-17; Tit. 3:5-7; 2 Cor. 1:21,22.
218. What do we call that work of the Holy Ghost whereby He appropriates salvation to us through faith and keeps us unto everlasting life? Sanctification. 2 Thess. 2:13,14 We are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth; whereunto He called you by our Gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
219. Whereby does the Holy Ghost do His Work of sanctification? By external means; namely by the Gospel which we hear and read, and which is sealed to us by the visible sacraments: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. (Comp. Q153 and 154.) Acts 2; Acts 8:26-39; Acts 10:34-48; Acts 16:13-15; Rom. 10:17 Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. 2 Tim. 3:15 (Q13); 1 John 5:13 (Q14); Acts 2:38 Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Comp. Gal. 3:2,5; Rom. 15:4; Acts 26:17,18; 1 Pet. 3:21; 1 Cor. 11:24-26)
220. What do we, therefore, call the Gospel and the sacraments? The means of grace.
224. Hence, who is converted, or regenerate, or a true Christian? Everyone who believes in Jesus Christ, our Lord.
229. Mention some gifts with which the Holy Ghost has enlightened and blessed you! The knowledge that Jesus Christ is my Savior; the assurance of faith that I am justified before God through Christ; peace with God; the hope of heaven; the witness that I am a child of God; comfort in all tribulation; confidence to pray; and all blessedness which Jesus Christ, my Lord, obtained for me. Rom. 5:1-5; Rom. 8:14-17,26,27; Ps. 51:10-12; Is. 61:1-3; John 17:3; 1 Cor. 12:3; 1 Cor. 6:11 Ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. Rom. 14:17 The kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Rom. 8:16 The Spirit beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God. (Comp. Rom. 8:15, Q141) Tit. 3:5-7.
230. What do you mean by saying, The Holy Ghost has sanctified me in the true faith? The Holy Ghost has separated me from the ungodly world in order to cleanse my heart through faith. 2 Cor. 6:14-18; Deut. 7:6 Thou are an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto Himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. 1 Pet. 2:9; Eph. 1:4 God hath chosen us in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him. 1 Thess. 4:7 God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. Jerem. 31:3 I have loved thee with an everlasting love; therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee. John 17:17 Sanctify them through Thy truth; Thy Word is truth. Acts 15:8,9 God gave them the Holy Ghost, purifying their hearts by faith.
241. What is the tie by which the Holy Ghost unites the saints? Not anything external, but the one true faith in Jesus Christ. Eph. 4:3-6; Luke 17:20-21; John 10:27,28; John 17:20,21 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word, that they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in us.
245. Whereby does the Holy Ghost call, gather, enlighten, sanctify, and keep the Church? By the means of grace: the Gospel and the sacraments. (Comp. Q219 and 220) Eph. 5:25,26; Acts 2:38,39,41; John 10:16.
256. Which is the most precious gift that the Holy Ghost bestows on the Church by the Gospel? The forgiveness of sins, or the righteousness of God. (Justification) Rom. 4:7,8 Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. Rom. 1:17 In the Gospel is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
257. Why is this a needful and precious gift? Because by our sins we are lost and condemned creatures. But where there is forgiveness of sins, there is life and salvation. (Comp. Q164, 165, 183 and 192)
258. Why do even the saints still need forgiveness of sins? Because we daily sin much and deserve nothing but punishment. Rom. 7:18-25; Ps. 143:2; Phil. 3:12; Rom. 7:18.
259. But what may we according to the Word of God confess with the Christian Church in the Third Article? I believe in the forgiveness of sins. Ps. 103; Exod. 34:5-7; Micah 7:18,19.
260. What do you confess with these words? I believe that the Holy Ghost in the Christian Church on earth daily and richly forgives all sins to me and all believers. Lament. 3:22,23; Rom. 5:20 Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound. Is. 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Ps. 103:2,3 Bless the Lord, O my soul; who forgiveth all thine iniquities. Micah 7:18,19 Who is a God like unto Thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He retaineth not His anger forever, because He delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, He will have compassion upon us, He will subdue our iniquities; and Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.
261. What does that mean that God forgives your sins? God does no more look upon my sins, but justifies me; that is, He acquits me from all guilt and punishment. (Comp. Q183 and 184) Luke 18:9-14; Rom. 5; Rom. 8:33 Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Rom. 8:1; Eph. 1:7; Rom. 3:24; Rom. 4:8; Col. 2:13,14 He hath forgiven you all trespasses, blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us. (Comp. Rom. 3:25; Rom. 5:18)
262. Why do we say that the HOLY GHOST forgives our sins, whereas we are justified before God through the redemption of Christ? The Holy Ghost by the Gospel awards the righteousness of Christ to us, and gives our faith assurance thereof. 1 Cor. 6:11; 2 Cor. 5:19; Acts 2:38; Is. 38:17 Behold, for peace I had great bitterness; but Thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption; for Thou hast cast all my sins behind Thy back. (Comp. Is. 40:1,2; Is. 61:1,2; Luke 24:47; John 20:21-23; Matt. 9:2,6; Matt. 26:28; Is. 61:10.)
263. To whom does God forgive sins? To me and all believers. “Our works are all rejected, all claims of merit pass for naught.” Luke 18:9-14; Matt. 18:23-27; Rom. 3:21-28; Rom. 4 and 5. Acts 10:43 To Jesus give all the prophets witness that through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins. Rom. 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the Law. Rom. 10:4; Rom. 4:5,6; Is. 53:11; John 3:18,36; Mark 16:16.
264. Where are sins forgiven? In the Christian Church on earth.
265. Why do we say, In the Christian Church on earth? Because Christ gave the Gospel to His Church on earth: in the Gospel we have the forgiveness of sins. (Ministry of the Keys) Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; 1 Pet. 2:9; Luke 10:16; 2 Cor. 5:19; Luke 24:47; Matt. 16:19; Matt. 18:18; John 20:22,23; Eph. 4:10-12; Luke 5:18-26.
286. How are we the children of God? By faith in Jesus Christ. (Comp. Q143 and 144.) Gal. 3:26.
287. In whose name must we, therefore, pray? In the name of Jesus; that is, believing in Him who reconciled us to God. (Comp. Q179 and 183) John 16:23; Is. 1:15; Is. 59:1,2.
338. After instruction in the Ten Commandments, the Creed, and Prayer, whereof does our Catechism also treat in particular? Of the means of grace. (Comp. Q219 and 220.)
339. Why is it necessary to learn about these? Because the Lord, our Savior, deals with us by these means only. (Comp. Q154 and 265.)
340. What is the benefit of this particular instruction? That we surely know how the grace of God appropriates salvation to us also. Ps. 80:3
390. What, then, 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.
392. Who, then, in fact has forgiveness of sins from the Gospel? All penitent sinners. (Comp. Q263 and 379.)
393. But who has no forgiveness? All the impenitent as long as they do not repent. Is. 26:10 Let favor be showed to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteousness, and will not behold the majesty of the Lord.
406. Why should we at Confession first confess our sins? Because we desire that absolution, or forgiveness, be pronounced on us personally. But forgiveness is for those who confess their sins. Prov. 28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. Ps. 32:5 I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord. And Thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. 1 John 1:8,9 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
450. How do sinners make this forgiving grace their own? Not by their own unworthiness; but by faith alone. “Our works are all rejected, all claims of merit pass for naught.” (Comp. Q263)
Responsible for pastoral leadership by proclaiming the Word of God and serving on the Elder Board.
The following are five quotations from Martin Luther on the subject of faith. They are taken from What Luther Says, compiled by Ewald M. Plass, Volume I, pages 477-479, paragraphs 1412-1415, and 1420.
Rev. Paul Rydecki
