CATECHIZATIONSONLUTHER’SSMALLCATECHISM

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CATECHIZATIONSONLUTHER’SSMALLCATECHISM

BYREV.HENRYJACOBSCHUH

AHelperforTeachersoftheCatechismClassesinSundaySchoolsandforPastorsandParishSchoolTeachersintheirCatecheticalWork

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Whiletheoriginaltextisinthepublicdomain,theformattingandcontentsofthisvolumeareundercopyright.

Pleaserespectthelaborthathasgoneintotherestorationofthiswork.

Originallypublished1915bytheLutheranBookConcern,Columbus,Ohio.

Unabridged.

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Contents

CopyrightInformation

Contents

Preface.

IntroductoryQuestions.

Lesson1.Religion.

Lesson2.TheCatechism.

Lesson3.TheHolyScriptures.

Part1.TheHolyTenCommandments.

Lesson4.TheLaw.

Lesson5.TheFirstTableOfTheLaw.

Lesson6.ThePrefaceToTheFirstCommandment.

Lesson7.WhatIsForbiddenInTheFirstCommandment.

Lesson8.WhatIsCommandedInTheFirstCommandment.

Lesson9.WhatIsMeantByTheNameOfGod.

Lesson10.WhatIsForbiddenInTheSecondCommandment.

Lesson11.WhatIsRequiredInTheSecondCommandment.

Lesson12.TheLord’sDay.

Lesson13.KeepingTheLord’sDay.

Lesson14.TheSecondTableOfTheLaw.

Lesson15.WhatIsForbiddenInTheFourthCommandment.

Lesson16.WhatIsCommandedInTheFourthCommandment.

Lesson17WhatIsForbiddenInTheFifthCommandment.

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Lesson18.WhatIsCommandedInTheFifthCommandment.

Lesson19.WhatIsForbiddenInTheSixthCommandment.

Lesson20.WhatIsCommandedInTheSixthCommandment.

Lesson21.Marriage.

Lesson22.WhatIsForbiddenInTheSeventhCommandment.

Lesson23.WhatIsCommandedInTheSeventhCommandment.

Lesson24.WhatIsForbiddenInTheEighthCommandment.

Lesson25.WhatIsCommandedInTheEighthCommandment.

Lesson26.WhatIsForbiddenInTheNinthCommandment.

Lesson27.WhatIsCommandedInTheNinthCommandment.

Lesson28.WhatIsForbiddenInTheTenthCommandment.

Lesson29.WhatIsCommandedInTheTenthCommandment.

Lesson30.TheConclusion,TheEarnestThreat.

Lesson31.TheGraciousPromise.

Lesson32.TheUseOfTheLaw.

Lesson33.Sin.

Lesson34.OriginalSin.

Lesson35.ActualSin.

Lesson36.TheConsequenceOfSin.

Part2.TheThreeArticlesoftheHolyChristianFaith

Lesson37.TheCreed.

Lesson38.TheGospel.

Lesson39.TheDifferenceBetweenLawAndGospel.

Lesson40.TheBeingOfGod.

Lesson41.TheAttributesOfGod.

Lesson42.TheTrinity.

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Lesson43.TheWillOfGod.

TheFirstArticle

Lesson44.Faith.

Lesson45.Creation.

Lesson46.GoodAngels.

Lesson47.BadAngels.

Lesson48.TheCreationOfManAndTheImageOfGod.

Lesson49.Providence.

TheSecondArticle:

1.ThePersonOfChrist

Lesson50.TheNamesOfTheSavior.

Lesson51.TheDivinityOfChrist.

Lesson52.TheHumanityOfChrist.

Lesson53.TheTwoNaturesOfChrist.

2.OfTheOfficeOfChrist

Lesson54.Christ,OurProphet.

Lesson55.Christ,OurHighPriest.

Lesson56.Christ,OurKing.

TheTwoStatesOfChrist

1.TheStateOfHumiliation

Lesson57.WhereinItConsists.

Lesson58.TheObjectOfChrist’sHumiliation.

2.TheStateOfExaltation

Lesson59.TheDescentIntoHell.

Lesson60.TheResurrectionOfChrist.

Lesson61.Christ’sAscensionIntoHeaven.

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Lesson62.Christ’sComingToJudgment.

TheThirdArticleOfTheCreed.

Lesson63.ThePersonOfTheHolyGhost.

Lesson64.Conversion.

Lesson65.ContritionAndFaith.

Lesson66.TheOrderOfSalvation.

Lesson67.Sanctification.

Lesson68.GoodWorks.

Lesson69.PreservationInTheFaith.

Lesson70.TheChristianChurch.

Lesson71TheChristianChurch(Continued).

Lesson72.TheForgivenessOfSin,OrJustification.

Lesson73.TheResurrectionOfTheBody.

Lesson74.EternalLife.

Lesson75.Election.

Lesson76.Hell.

Lesson77.Prayer.

Lesson78.TheIntroductionToTheLord’sPrayer.

Lesson79.TheFirstPetition.

Lesson80.TheSecondPetition.

Lesson81.TheThirdPetition.

Lesson82.TheFourthPetition.

Lesson83.TheFifthPetition.

Lesson84.TheSixthPetition.

Lesson85.TheSeventhPetition.

Lesson86.TheConclusion.

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Lesson87.TheSacramentsInGeneral.

Lesson88.WhatIsBaptism?

Lesson89.WhoShouldBeBaptized?

Lesson90.SponsorsAndConfirmation.

Lesson91.WhatDoesBaptismGiveOrProfit?

Lesson92.HowCanWaterDoSuchGreatThings?

Lesson93.WhatDoesBaptismSignify?

Confession

Lesson94.OfConfession.

Lesson95.WhatSinsShouldWeConfess?

Lesson96.TheConfessionalPrayer.

TheOfficeoftheKeys

Lesson97.WhatIsTheOfficeOfTheKeys?

Lesson98.WhatDoYouBelieveInAccordanceWithTheseWords?

TheFifthChiefPartOfTheCatechism,OrLord’sSupper.

Lesson99.WhatIsTheSacramentOfTheAltar?

Lesson100.TheEarthlyElements.

Lesson101.TheHeavenlyElements.

Lesson102.WhatIsTheBenefitOfSuchEatingAndDrinking?

Lesson103.HowCanBodilyEatingandDrinkingDoSuchGreatThings?

Lesson104.WhoReceivesTheSacramentWorthily?

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Benediction

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Preface.

TheSunday-schoolistheprincipalagencyofreligiousinstructionforthevastmajorityof thechildrenofourchurch.Thousandsof themcannotbereachedbyusthroughanyothermeans.ItthereforestandstoreasonthatwemustputfortheveryefforttomaketheteachingofourSunday-schooljustaseffectiveaswecanpossiblymakeit.Luther’sSmallerCatechismisthebesttextbookforreligiousinstructionthathasyetbeenofferedtothechurch.Fornearly400yearsithasheldthisplaceinourchurchandmillionshavedrankthis“milkof theGospel” as theverybest food for spiritual babes.TheCatechism is thetrue“mother-milk”forLutheranchildren.

OneoftheweaknessesofourSunday-schoolteachinghashithertobeenthatitmadetoolittleuseofthis“Layman’sBible.”Lutherplacedovereachoneofthechiefparts thewords: “As theheadof the family should teach them inallsimplicity to his household.” If the head of the average family is expected toteach thecatechismit iscertainlynotasking toomuchof theaverageSunday-school teacher to teach it.Whatmore important things canwe teach childrenthantheTenCommandments,theCreed,theLord’sPrayerandtheSacraments?

Letusnotoverlook the importanceofmemorywork.Memory is about thefirstmental faculty that begins to develop in the child, and it shouldbegivenfirstattention.TeachtheinfantclassestheTenCommandments,andtheLord’sPrayer.Thengoon to theCreed.After this let theprimaryclassesmemorizeafewofthesimplerproofpassagesundertheTenCommandmentsandtheCreed.OurBookConcernispublishingthesepassagesincardform,selectedaccordingto the age and ability of the scholar. Let the intermediate classes go on andmemorizeLuther’sexplanationoftheCommandments,theCreedandtheLord’sPrayer.ThengooninthemoreadvancedclasseswiththeSacraments.Thusinafewyears thewhole textof theCatechismandall theprincipalproofpassageswillhavebeencommittedtomemory.

But we believe more can be done to teach the Catechism in the Sunday-school thanmerememorywork.ThePastorshouldcatechize thewholeschool

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onsomeportionoftheCatechismeverySunday.Andteachersofmoreadvancedclasses can very profitably make use of the Catechism as a text book. Thisvolumeofcatechizationshasbeenpreparedasanaidtoteachersinthiswork.Itpresupposes scholars of the age of about thirteen or fourteen years who havestudied Bible History and memorized the text of the Catechism and its chiefproofpassages.ItisintendedasanillustrationofhowtoteachtheCatechismintheSunday-school.EachscholarshouldhaveacopyoftheCatechismpublishedbyourOhioSynod,towhichthenumbersinparenthesesrefer,andalsoaBiblefor ready reference. The looking up of proof passages is of the greatestimportance.Our children should get better acquaintedwith their Bibles and alittlepracticewillenablethemtoturntoanypassageatamoment’snotice.

If, incidentally, the author has done his brethren in theministry a favor inpreparing these catechizations, and they find themhelpful in their catecheticalwork,itwouldbeasourceofgreatsatisfaction,asthereisawonderfuldearthofpractical literature of this kind in the English language. May God bless oureffortstobringupthechildrenentrustedtousinthenurtureandadmonitionoftheLord.

TheAuthor.

Anna,Ohio,July30th,1914.

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IntroductoryQuestions.

Lesson1.Religion.

(Questions1and2.)

1)(1)ReadthefirstquestioninthesecondpartofyourCatechism.“Whatisyourfaith?”2)Whatisthesubjectofthisquestion?Thesubjectofthisquestionisfaith.3) To what have we reference, when we speak of men as Christian,

MohammedanorHeathen?Wehavereferencetotheirfaith.4)Givemeanotherwordfor“Faith.”Theword“Religion.”5)Whenwelookaroundusintheworld,whatdowesee?Weseetrees,animals,hills,riversandmen.6)Howdoweseethesethings?Weseethemwithoureyes.7)Whatdowecallthepowerbywhichwesee?Wecallitsight.8)Sightisoneofthesenses.Howmanysenseshavewe?Wehavefivesenses.9)Namethem.Seeing,hearing,feeling,smellingandtasting.10)Bythesesenseswelearntoknowtheworld.Whomadetheworld?Godmadetheworld.11)ReadtheScripturepassage.Ps.104:24.“OLord,howmanifoldare thyworks!Inwisdomhast thoumadethemall;

theearthisfullofthyriches.”

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12)Ofwhomshouldwethinkwhenwelookuponallthesethingsaroundus?

WeshouldthinkofGodwhomadethem.13)Yes. andwe should not only think of him, but learn to know him.

Arithmetic,geography,andthelike,teachusconcerningGod’sworks.Butwhatdoesreligionteachus?

ItteachesusconcerningGod.14)Butreligionismorethanmereteaching.Withwhomdoesituniteus?ItunitesuswithGod.15)Readthepassage,Ps.103:13.“Likeasafatherpitiethhischildren,sotheLordpitieththemthatfearhim.”16)WithwhatistherelationbetweenGodandusherecompared?Withtherelationbetweenafatherandhischildren.17)Whatdoestruereligionteachandbringabout?TheproperrelationbetweenGodandman.18)Now.whatdowecallourselves,accordingtotheanswertoQuestion

1,intheCatechism?WecallourselvesChristians.19)AfterwhomdowecallourselvesChristians?WecallourselvesChristiansafterChrist.20)WhydowecallourselvesafterHim?Becauseheisthefounderofourreligion.21)Whatreligionisitwhichweconfess?WeconfesstheChristianreligion.22)WhatotherreligionsaretherebesidestheChristianreligion?TheJewish,Mohammedan,andthePaganreligions.23)Howmanytruereligionsarethere?Thereisbutone.24)Whichisthis?TheChristianreligion.25)Thenwhatarealltheothers?Allothersarefalsereligions.26) Open your Bibles and read the last sentence of the passage Acts

11:26.“AndthediscipleswerecalledChristiansfirstinAntioch.”27)WherewerethedisciplesfirstcalledChristians?InthecityofAntioch.

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28)WhereisAntioch?AntiochisinSyria.29)WhowerecalledChristians?ThediscipleswerecalledChristians.30)Whatdoestheword“disciple”mean?Itmeansscholarorfollower.31)Whosedisciplesorfollowersareheremeant?ThedisciplesofChrist.32)Whatdoestheterm“disciplesofChrist”mean?Thosewhobelieveinandfollowhim.33) (2) The second question in the catechism reads: “Why are you a

Christian?”Readtheanswer.“BecauseIbelieveinGodtheFather,SonandHolyGhost,andambaptized

inHisname.”34)Inwhomdoyoubelieve?IbelieveinGod,theFather,SonandHolyGhost.35)Readthefirstfourwordsofthisanswer.“IbelieveinGod.”36)Inwhoseexistencedoyoubelieve?IbelieveintheexistenceofGod.37)WhatdowecallpeoplewhodonotbelieveintheexistenceofGod?Wecallthemunbelievers,infidels,atheists.38)OpenyourBiblesagain,andreadthepassage“Ps.14:1.”“Thefool

hathsaidinhisheart,ThereisnoGod.”39)What do the Scriptures call suchpeoplewhodeny the existence of

God?Theycallthemfools.40)WhoistheGodinwhomyoubelieve?GodtheFather,SonandHolyGhost.41)HowmanyGodsarethere?ThereisoneGod.42)Butwhydoyoumentionthreenames?BecausetherearethreepersonsinGod.43)Yes,therearethree,andyetthereisbutone.Letmegiveyouaword

thatexpressesthisthought.Theword“Triune.”Whatdoesthefirstsyllableofthiswordstandfor?

Itstandsforthree.

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44)Andwhatdoesthesecondsyllablestandfor?Itstandsforone.45)What,then,doestheword“Triune”mean?Itmeansthreeinone.46)WhatdoyoucallpeoplewhobelieveintheTriuneGod?WecallthemChristians.47) What do the various pagan religions teach with reference to the

numberofGods?TheyteachthattherearemanyGods.48)WhatdoestheChristianreligionteach?ItteachesthereisoneGod.49) Jews andMohammedans also teach there is oneGod. butwhatdo

theydeny?Theydenythattherearethreepersons.50)WhatreligionaloneteachesthatGodisthreeinone?TheChristianreligion.51) In theCatechism,Answer2, there isanotherreasongiven foryour

beingaChristian.Whatisit?“IambaptizedinHisname.”52)Inwhosenameareyoubaptized?InthenameofGodtheFather,SonandHolyGhost.53)Whenwereyoubaptized?Iwasbaptizedininfancy.54)Whatdidyoubecomethroughbaptism?IbecameaChristian.55)WhatimportantcommanddidtheSaviorgivehisApostles?Matt. 28:19. “Goye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the

nameoftheFather,andoftheSon,andoftheHolyGhost.”56)Theexpression“teach”heremeans,makedisciples,Christianizeall

nations.HowthenwerethedisciplestomakeChristiansofallnations?BybaptizingtheminthenameoftheTriuneGod.57)WhatelsedidtheSaviorcommandinthelastverseofthatchapter?“TeachingthemtoobserveallthingswhatsoeverIhavecommandedyou.”58)Whatweretheapostlestodowiththosewhohadbeenbaptized?TheyweretoteachthemallthattheSaviorhadcommanded.59)Thisistheorderwhichweobservewithyou,children;firstyouwere

madeChristians through baptism, now you are being taught the faith or

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religioninwhichyouwerebaptized.Whatreligionisthis?ItistheChristianReligion.

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Lesson2.TheCatechism.

(Question3.)

1) (3) “What do you believe concerningGod the Father, son andHolyGhost?”

“All that is contained in the fivechiefpartsofChristiandoctrine,or in theCatechism.”

2)WhentheSaviorwastwelveyearsoldheaccompaniedhisparentstoJerusalem, andwhen they returned the child Jesus tarried behind in thecity.Wheredidhisparentsfindhimwhentheywentbackseekinghim?

TheyfoundhimintheTemple.3)Inwhosecompanywashe?Hewaswiththedoctors.4)Thesedoctorswereteachers.Whatweretheydoinginthetemple?TheywereteachingthewordofGod.5)Sowhatdoesthetitle“Doctor”meanintheScriptures?Itmeansateacher.6)If“Doctor”meansateacher,thenwhatdoes“Doctrine”mean?Itmeansthatwhichistaught.7)Whatdoctrineisitthatisspokenofintheanswertoquestion3?ItistheChristiandoctrine.8)Theword“Christian”istakenfromwhatotherword?Fromtheword“Christ.”9) Why is this doctrine that is contained in the Catechism called

“Christian”?BecauseChristtaughtit.10)TowhomdidChristteachthisdoctrine?Hetaughtittohisdisciples.11)Whatwerethedisciplestodowiththisdoctrine?Theyweretoteachittoothers.12) Yes, and they again to others. And so you are being taught in

accordancewith thewill and commandof theSavior.But this doctrine is

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calledChristiannotonlybecauseChristisitsauthor,butbecauseHeisitschiefcontents.WhoisthegreatcenterandheartofChristiandoctrine?

OurLordJesusChrist.13) Turn to 1 Cor. 1:23, and read what the apostle says about his

preaching.“WepreachChristandhimcrucified.”14)Whomdidtheapostlepreachandteach?HepreachedChrist.15)Yes,JesusChrist,astheonlySaviorofsinfulmen,wastheburdenof

allhispreaching.Whatdoctrinedidheteach?HetaughttheChristiandoctrine.16)Thisdoctrinewestillteachandpreach.HowmanypartsofChristian

doctrinearethere?TherearefivechiefpartsofChristiandoctrine.17)Whatkindofpartsdowecallthem?Wecallthemchiefparts.18)Whydowecallthemchiefparts?Becausetheyaretheprincipal,themostimportantparts.19)Yes, theyarethethingswhicheveryChristianshouldknow,believe

andpractice.IfwearereallyChristiansweshouldknowthechiefpartsofChristiandoctrine.InwhatlittlebookarethesefivechiefpartsofChristiandoctrinesetbeforeusandexplained?

IntheCatechism.20)Therearedifferentwaysofteaching.WhenaministeroftheGospel

preachesfromthepulpitheteaches,andwhatdothepeopledo?Theylisten.21)Butwhenateacherinstructschildren,howdoeshegoaboutit?Heasksquestions.22)Andwhatdothechildrendo?Theyanswer.23)Whatdowecallthismethodofteachingbymeansofquestionsand

answers?Wecallitcatechizing.24)Whatdowecallatextbookwhichfollowsthismethod?WecallitaCatechism.25)NowturntothetitlepageofthefirstpartofyourCatechism,page5,

andreadthefirstword.“Enchiridion.”

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26) This means a manual, a handbook. For what purpose do we usemanualsorhandbooks?

Forthepurposeofinstruction.27)ThenwhyistheCatechismcalledamanual?Becauseitisahandbookforinstruction.28)ForwhatkindofinstructionistheCatechismtobeahandbook?Forreligiousinstruction.29)WhatdoweproposetoteachbymeansoftheCatechism?TheChristianreligion.30)Whatcatechismisitthatwehavebeforeus?TheSmallerCatechism.31)Whosesmallercatechismisit?Dr.MartinLuther’ssmallercatechism.32) What other Catechism did Luther write besides this smaller

Catechism?TheLargerCatechism.33)Tellmefromthetitle,page5,forwhomdidLutherwritethissmaller

Catechism?ForPastorsandpreachers.34)Whatpurposewasittoserve?It was to be a handbook for pastors and preachers to be used when they

instructedchildrenintheChristianreligion.35)WhosedutyisitfirstofalltoteachchildrentheChristianreligion?Itisthedutyofparents.36)Readwhattheapostlesaysonthissubject,Eph.6:4.“Ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath, but bring them up in the

nurtureandadmonitionoftheLord.”37) Luther reminds parents of this duty in the words he places at the

headofeachoneofthefivechiefparts.Readthesewords,page13.“TheTenCommandments,astheheadofthefamilyshouldteachtheminall

simplicitytohishousehold.”38)Doparents,asarule,teachtheirchildrentheCatechism?Theydonot.39) What does the Savior command his apostles in John 21, the last

sentenceofthe15thverse.“Hesaithuntohim.Feedmylambs.”40)WhoarethelambsinChrist’sflock?

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Theyarethechildren.41)Thenwhoseduty is it,next to thatof theparents, to teachchildren

theChristianreligion?Itisthedutyofthepastors.42)Yes,andbecauseyourparentshavenotthetimeandoftenneitherthe

abilitynorthewillingnesstoteachthesethings,itisallthemorenecessarythat pastors and teachers should do it.What textbook dowe use for thisreligiousinstruction?

Luther’sSmallerCatechism.43)AndbesidesthesmallerCatechism,whichwehaveinthefirstpartof

ourmanual,whathaveweinthesecondpart?Read from page 45. “Short explanation of the doctrinal parts of the

Catechism.”44)Thissecondpart is intendedto leadustoabetterunderstandingof

theCatechism.ItisbasedonandfollowsLuther’ssmallerCatechism.WhatinducedLuthertowritehissmallerCatechism?

Readfromthepreface,page7.“ThedeplorabledestitutionwhichIrecentlyobserved,duringavisitationofthechurches,hasimpelledandconstrainedmetoprepare this catechism orChristian doctrine in such a small and simple form.Alas, what manifold misery I beheld! The common people, especially in thevillages, knownothing at all ofChristian doctrine andmany pastors are quiteunfitandincompetenttoteach.”

45)ThisLutherwrotein1529.Whatwastheconditionofthechurchatthattime?

Therewasgrossignoranceamongbothpastorsandpeople.46)Yes, andnot only gross ignorance, butmuch superstition and false

doctrine.WhatgreatworkdidLutheraccomplishbythehelpofGod?HeaccomplishedtheworkoftheReformation.47) What little book was a very powerful instrument in the

accomplishmentofthisgreatwork?ThesmallerCatechism.48)Whatusefulthingsareyoutaughtinthepublicschools?Reading,writing,arithmetic,geographyandthelike.49)Whyisitsoimportantthatyoushouldlearnthesethings?Sothatwemaygetalongwellintheworld.50)Butwhatisevenmoreimportantthanyourwelfareinthisworld?Ourwelfareintheworldtocome.

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51)Whereareyoutaughtwhatisnecessaryforyourspiritualandeternalwelfare?

Inchurch,atSunday-schoolandinthecatecheticalclass.52)Whattextbookdoweuseforthispurpose?Luther’sSmallerCatechism.53)How,then,shouldyouregardthestudyoftheCatechism?Weshouldregarditasveryimportant.

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Lesson3.TheHolyScriptures.

(Questions4-7.)

1) (4) “Whence is the catechism taken?” Give me the answer fromquestion4.

“FromtheWordofGodortheBible.”2)Theword“Bible”meansbook.Whyisthisbookcalledthebook?Becauseitisthemostimportantofallbooks.3)WhosewordistheBible?ItisGod’sword.4)WhospeakstousIntheBible?GodhimselfspeakstousintheBible.5)(5)Question5tellsuswhywecalltheBiblethewordofGod.Readthe

answer.“BecauseGodgave it inwriting through theprophets in theOldTestament

andthroughtheEvangelistsandApostlesintheNew.”6)Awordmaybe spokenorwritten. InwhatwaydidGodgiveushis

word?Hegaveitinwriting.7)WhatnameoftheBibleexpressesthis?TheHolyScriptures.8)Whatadvantageisthereingivingawordinwriting?Writingpreservesandkeepsitfromchange.9)When teaching is done simply by word of mouth, what is liable to

occurasthematterpassesfromonepersontoanother?Thingsareomitted,changedoradded.10)What,kindofthingsareusuallyputdowninwriting?Importantthings,suchasdeeds,agreements,wills,contracts,etc.11)Yes,Godhad somethingvery important to tellus,and sohehad it

put down inwriting.Whowere themen throughwhomGod gave us hiswordinwriting?

TheProphets,EvangelistsandApostles.

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12)HowdidthesemenwritewhatisrecordedintheBible?Givemetheanswerbyrepeatingthepassage2Peter1:21,“Butholymenof

GodspakeastheyweremovedbytheHolyGhost.”13)Inthepassage2Tim.3:15-17,St.PaultellshowtheHolyScriptures

weregiven.Lookatthepassageandtellme.“AllScriptureisgivenbyinspirationofGod.”14)In1Cor.2:12-13,theapostletellsushowhecametoknowthethings

whichhespokeandwrote.Whatdoeshesay?“WeknowthethingsthatarefreelygiventousofGod.”15) How came these men to know the things which they taught and

wrote?TheyweregiventhembyGod.16) And what does the apostle say about the words in which they

expressedthethoughtsthatweregiventhembyGod?“Whichthingsalsowespeak,notinthewordswhichman’swisdomteacheth,

butwhichtheHolyGhostteacheth.”17) Yes, not only the thoughts but the very words of the Bible are

inspired.ThereforewhatdoweproperlycalltheBible?WecallitthewordofGod.18)IntowhattwopartsistheBibledivided?IntotheOldandNewTestaments.19)NamethebooksoftheOldTestament.Youwillfindthemintheindex

ofyourBibles.Genesis,Exodus,Leviticus,Numbers,Deuteronomy,Joshua,Judges,Ruth,1

Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra,Nehemiah,Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs.Ecclesiastes,TheSong of Solomon,Isaiah,Jeremiah,Lamentations,Ezekiel,Daniel,Hosea,Amos,Obadiah,Jonah,Micah,Nahum,Habakkuk,Zephaniah,Haggai,Zachariah,Malachi.

20)ThebooksoftheOldTestamentwerefirstgiventotheJewishpeople.Thereforeinwhatlanguageweretheywritten?

IntheJewishorHebrewlanguage.21) Name the books of the New Testament. You will find them in the

indextoyourBibles.TheGospelsofMatthew,Mark,LukeandJohn,theActsoftheApostles,the

Epistles of Paul to the Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians,Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1

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Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, Epistle of James, 1 Peter, 2Peter,1John,2John,3John,Jude,Revelation.

22)AtthetimewhentheNewTestamentwaswrittentheGreeklanguagewasuniversallyknownbymenof letters, therefore inwhat languagewerethesewritingsgiven?

TheyweregivenintheGreeklanguage.23)ThebooksoftheBiblewerenotallwrittenatthesametime.Between the first and last there lies aperiodof about1,600years.Andyet

they not only all have the same divine origin, but they all teach the samedoctrine.WhatisitthattheLordteachesusintheBible?

Heteachesusthewayofsalvation.24)RepeattheScripturepassage2Tim.3:15-17.“AndthatfromachildthouhastknowntheHolyScriptures,whichareable

to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. AllScripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, forreproof,forcorrection,forinstructioninrighteousness:thatthemanofGodmaybeperfect,thoroughlyfurnisheduntoallgoodworks.”

25)TowhomdidSt.Paulwritethesewords?HewrotethemtoTimothy.26)WhenhadTimothybeguntolearntheScriptures?HelearnedtheScripturesinhischildhood.27)ItiswellforchildrentolearntheScripturesearly.WhatdidSt.Paul

saytheScriptureswereabletodoforhisyoungfriendTimothy?Hesaidtheywereabletomakehimwiseuntosalvation.28)AndwhatisthewayofsalvationastaughtintheScriptures?ThewayofsalvationisbyfaithinChristJesus.29)TheapostleherealsotellsuswhatthepurposeoftheBibleis.What

aretheScripturesprofitablefor?“Fordoctrine,forreproof,forcorrection,forinstructioninrighteousness.”30)Theapostletellsusintheclosingclauseofthisverse:“Thattheman

ofGodmaybeperfect, thoroughly furnisheduntoallgoodworks.”WhenGod does a thing he does it right.What else dowe need beside theHolyScripturestoteachusthewayoflife?

Weneednothingelse.31)WhenamanhastheBible,howishefurnishedwithreferencetolife

andgodliness?Heisperfect,thoroughlyfurnisheduntoallgoodworks.

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32)TheBible isGod’sword.Whatdoes theSavior sayofGod’sword.John17,thelatterpartofthe17thverse?

“Thywordistruth.”33) Yes, when God says a thing in the Bible there can be no mistake

aboutit.Howshouldwe,therefore,regardtheteachingsoftheBible?WeshouldregardtheteachingsoftheBibleasabsolutelytrue.34)When there seems to be a difference between the teachings of the

Bibleandthoseofscience,whichofthetwoshouldweregardascorrect?TheteachingsoftheBible.35)(6)“WhatarethefivechiefpartsofChristiandoctrine?”“The Ten Commandments, the Christian Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, Holy

Baptism,andtheLord’sSupper.”36) (7) “What is in general the right use and benefit of all these chief

parts”?“Thatwelearntoknow:1.Whoweare,andhowwestandinthesightofthe

LordourGod;2.WhoGodis,andhowwemaybecomereconciledandunitedwithHim.”

37)Whomarewetolearntoknowfirstofall?Wearetolearntoknowourselves.38) Where are we told about ourselves, our creation, fall into sin,

redemption,sanctificationandeternalsalvation?WearetoldthesethingsintheBible.39)Whocertainlyknowsusbetterthanweknowourselves?God,whoknowsallthings.40)WheredoesGodteachuswhatweare?IntheBible.41)WhatareweinthesightofaholyandrighteousGod?Wearepoorsinners.42)AndwhatdoestheBiblesaywehavedeservedbyoursins?Wehavedeservedpunishment.43) What else are we to learn from the five chief parts of Christian

doctrine?WearetolearnwhoGodisandhowwemaybecomereconciledandunited

withhim.44)HowhasGodrevealedhimselftousinnature?Hehasrevealedhimselfthroughhisworks.

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45)Yes, from naturewe learn thatGod ismighty,wise and good. Butwhat isstillmorenecessaryforsinfulmantoknow?Tellmefromthe lastclauseoftheanswertoquestion7.

“Howwemaybecomereconciledandunitedwithhim.”46) Where a reconciliation is necessary between two persons, what

relationmusthaveexistedbetweenthem?Theymusthavebeenenemies.47)WhatcausedthisenmitybetweenGodandmen?Sincausedthisenmity.48)Whatdowecallamanwhostandsbetweentwoopposingpartiesand

triestomakepeace?Wecallhimapeacemaker,amediator.49)NowopenyourBibleandreadthepassage1Tim.2:5.6."For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man

ChristJesus;whogavehimselfaransomforall,tobetestifiedinduetime.50)WhoistheonemediatorbetweenGodandmen?ThemanChristJesus.51)NowrepeatthepassageJohn5:39.“SearchtheScriptures,forinthemyethinkyehaveeternallife;andtheyare

theywhichtestifyofme.”52) What does the Savior here mean when he says, “Search the

Scriptures”?HemeansstudytheScriptures.53)WhatarewetofindintheScriptures?Wearetofindeternallife.54)Andofwhomdotheytestify?TheytestifyoftheSavior.55) Yes, let this be our earnest purpose in studying the Bible and the

catechismthatwemaylearntoknowandbelieveontheSavior.WhothenisthegreatcenterandheartoftheBible?

OurSaviorJesusChrist.56) But let us not only hear and learn the word of God.What else is

necessaryinorderthatwemaybecometrulyblessed?TellmetheanswerbyrepeatingLuke11:28.

“BlessedaretheythathearthewordofGodandkeepit.”57)WhatdoestheSaviorheremeanbykeepingthewordofGod?Hemeansrememberingitandobeyingit.

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58) Yes, we should keep God’s word in our memory, but where elseshouldwekeepit?

Weshouldkeepitinourhearts.

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Part1.TheHolyTenCommandments.

OfTheFirstChiefPartOfTheCatechism

Lesson4.TheLaw.

(Questions8-9.)

1)(8)"Whatisthefirstchiefpartofthecatechism?“TheHolyTenCommandments.”2)Whatarethesecommandmentscalled?Theyarecalledholy.3)Whogaveusthesecommandments?Godgavethem.4)WhatqualityorattributeofGodisreflectedinthesecommandments

thatmakesthemholy?Hisholiness.5)Thenwhatisonereasonwhythesecommandmentsarecalledholy?BecauseGod,whogavethem,isholy.6)TurntoLev.19:2,andreadwhatistherewritten.“Yeshallbeholy:forI,theLordyourGod,amholy.”7)Godisnotonlyholyhimself,butwhatdoesherequireofusalso?Herequiresthatwetooshouldbeholy.8) Yes, and this requirement of God is set before us in the ten

commandments.This, then, isanotherreasonwhythecommandmentsarecalledholy.Stateit.

BecauseinthemGodasksustobeholy.

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9)(9)“Whataretheholytencommandments?”“Theyarethesumofthedivinelaw,whichGodatcreationimplantedinman,

andthensolemnlyrepeatedonMt.Sinai.”10)Whatissetbeforeusinthesecommandments?Thedivinelaw.11)Whatisacommandment?Acommandmentisalaw.12)Whatdoesalawtellus?Ittellsuswhatweshoulddo.13)Andwhenalawforbidsuscertainthings,whatdoesittellus?Ittellsuswhatweshouldnotdo.14)Whattwothingsthendoesthelawsetbeforeus?Whatweshoulddoandwhatweshouldnotdo.15)Alawlaysdownalineofconduct.Whenyouwanttodrawastraight

line,whatdoyouuse?Weusearuler.16)Becausethelawlaysdownastraightlineforourconduct,whatmay

itbecalled?Itmaybecalledarule.17)Whatlawisitthatiscontainedinthetencommandments?Thedivinelaw.18)Divinelawmeanswhoselaw?God’slaw.19)Whyarethetencommandmentscalledthedivinelaw?BecauseGodgavethem.20)Ouranswertoquestion9doesnotsimplysaythetencommandments

arethedivinelaw,butwhatelsedoesitsay?Theyarethesumofthedivinelaw.21)Whatisthesumoftwoormorenumbers?Itisafigurethatexpresseswhattheyamounttowhenaddedup.22)Godgavemany laws,but inwhat short formdoeshegive the sum

andsubstanceofallhislaws?Inthetencommandments.23)Whogaveusthislaw?Godgaveit.24)WhyhasGodarighttogiveusalaw?BecauseheistheLord.

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25)Yes,he is theCreatorandRulerofall things,andwhatdoweowehim?

Weowehimobedience.26)TowhomdidGodgivethislaw?Godgavethislawtoman.27)WhendidGodfirstgivehislawtoman?Hefirstgaveitatcreation.28)HowdidGodgivemanhislawatcreation?Heimplanteditinhim.29)RepeattheScripturepassageRom.2:14.15.“For when the Gentiles which have not the law, do by nature the things

containedinthelaw,thesehavingnotthelaw,arealawuntothemselves;whichshow theworkof the lawwritten in theirhearts, their consciencealsobearingwitness, and their thoughts the meanwhile accusing or else excusing oneanother.”

30)WhentheApostleherespeaksoftheGentileswhomdoeshemean?Hemeanstheheathen.31)Whenhesaystheyhavenotthelaw,whatlawdoeshemean?Hemeansthetencommandments.32) And yet he says they know something of the law. He even says

somethingaboutthelaw’sbeingwrittenforthem.Whatdoeshesay?Thelawiswrittenintheirhearts.33)At creation the lawwas implanted inman’s heart.What does this

mean?Thelawwaswritteninhisheart.34)TheapostleherealsotellsushowtheGentilesdothelaw.Whatdoeshesayaboutit?Bynaturetheydothethingswritteninthelaw.35)Isitnecessaryforwatertobetoldtorundownhill?No,becauseitdoessobynature,ofitsownaccord.36)Yes,Godmadeitso.Itisthenatureofwatertorundownhill,offire

toburn,ofthesuntoshine.Whatdidman,whenhewasfirstcreated,takepleasureindoing?

HetookpleasureindoingGod’swill.37)Beforemanfellintosinitwasasnaturalforhimtodorightasitis

forwatertorundownhill,forfiretoburn,forthesuntoshine.Butmanis

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no longer in the condition inwhich hewas at creation.What sad changetookplaceinhim?

Hefellintosin.38)Andbythatfallhelosttheperfectknowledgeofandcheerfulnessto

do the will of God. When I tell you a thing and you do not properlyunderstandnorrememberit,whatmustIdotomakeitclearandfix it inyourminds?

Youmustrepeatit.39)Accordingtoquestion9,whatdidGoddowithhislaw?Herepeatedit.40)Whywasthisnecessary?Becausemenhadforgottenanddidnotproperlyunderstandthelaw.41) Men by nature know something of the law. But what kind of

knowledgedotheylack?Theylackaclearanddistinctknowledge.42)Whatdowecallthatvoiceinmanwhichaccuseshimwhenhedoes

wrong?Wecallitconscience.43)Butman’sconscienceisbynaturenolongerclearandreliable.Somethinkathingisrightandothersthatitiswrong.Ifwehadnothingtogo

bybutourconscienceswecouldneverbesurewhatisrightorwrong.NowwhatdidGoddoinorderthatwemighthaveanabsolutelyreliablestandardofrightandwrong?

Hegaveusthetencommandments.44)WhatdidIjustcallthetencommandments?Anabsolutelyreliablestandardofrightandwrong.45)Onthataccounttheyaresometimescalledthemorallaw.Wheredid

Godgivethislaw?HegaveitatMt.Sinai.46)ThroughwhomdidGodgivethelaw?HegaveitthroughMoses.47)OfwhatpeoplewasMosestheleader?HewasleaderoftheJews.48)ButforwhomwasthislawintendedbesidestheJews?Itwasintendedforallmen.49)Yousayintheanswertoquestion9Godsolemnlyrepeatedhislawon

Mt.Sinai.Letusnoticesomeofthesolemnthingswhichtookplaceduring

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thegivingof the law.Turn toLev. 19and20andread theaccountof thegivingofthelaw.Tellmefromchapter19.verse18.whatwastobeseenonthisoccasion?

“Mt.Sinaiwas altogether on a smokebecause theLorddescendedon it infire.Thewholemountainquakedgreatly.”

50)Nowtellmefromthesamechapter,verse16.whatwastobeheard?“Therewerethunders...andthevoiceofthetrumpetexceedinglyloud.”51)Andagainverse19.“Andwhenthevoiceof thetrumpetwaxedlouderandlouder,Mosesspake

andtheLordansweredhimbyavoice.”52)Whatimpressiondidthismakeuponthepeople?Verse19.“Allthepeoplethatwasinthecamptrembled.”53)Andagainchapter20,verse19.“AndtheysaiduntoMoses,speakthouwithusandwewillhear,butletnot

Godspeakwithuslestwedie.”54)WhatdidMosesanswer?Verse20.“Fearnot:forGodiscometoproveyou,andthathisfearmaybebeforeyour

faces,thatyesinnot.”55) ItwasGod’s intention to impress thepeoplewith the sacrednessof

hislaw.Howshouldweaccordinglyregardit?Assomethingsolemnandsacred.

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Lesson5.TheFirstTableOfTheLaw.

(Questions10-13.)

1)(10)“HowaretheTenCommandmentsdivided?”Intotwoparts,calledTables.2)ThroughwhomdidGodgivetheTenCommandments?HegavethemthroughMoses.3)HowdidhegivetheCommandmentstoMoses?Ontwotablesofstone.4)Whatdoyoucallatableortabletofstoneusedforwriting?Wecallitaslate.5)ReadwhatiswrittenExodus24:12.“AndtheLordsaiduntoMoses,Comeuptomeintothemount,andbethere:

andIwillgivetheetablesofstone,andalaw,andcommandmentswhichIhavewritten;thatthoumayestteachthem.”

6)AndagainwhatiswrittenExodus31:18.“Andhe(God)gaveuntoMoses,whenhehadmadeanendofcommuning

withhimuponMt.Sinai, twotablesof testimony, tablesofstone,writtenwiththefingerofGod.”

7)Godnotonlyspokethecommandments,butwhatdidhedo?Hewrotethem.8)Awordmaybespokenorwritten.Whatadvantageisthereinwriting

whatyouhavetosay?Itfixesandpreservesthesaying.9)Whowrotethetencommandments?Godhimselfwrotethem.10)WhenGodtakesthepainstoputdownathinginwriting,howmust

heregardit?Hemustregarditasveryimportant.11)Howthenshouldweregardthecommandments?Asoftheverygreatestimportance.

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12) How did God impress the fact upon us that his law is fixed andunalterable?

Bywritingituponstone.13)Onhowmanystonetableswerethecommandmentswritten?Theywerewrittenontwotables.14)DotheScripturepassageswhichyouhavejustreadtellusanything

astohowmanycommandmentswereoneachtable?Theydonot.15) Neither do the Scriptures anywhere else tell us this. And yet the

commandmentsthemselvesshowushowwemaydividethem.SometellusourdutiestowardGod,othersourdutiestowardman.Andsowemakethedivisiononthegroundoftheircontents.ThefirstthreeCommandmentstellusofourdutiestowardGod,thereforeweplacethemonwhichtable?

Weplacethemonthefirsttable.16)(11)“Ofwhatdoesthefirsttableofthelawtreat?”“OflovetoGod.”17)WhatthenisourdutytowardGod?Tolovehim.18)Nowtellme,ofwhatdoesthesecondtableofthelawtreat?Youwillfindtheanswergivenunderquestion50.“Oflovetoourneighbor.”19)Whatisourdutytowardourneighbor?Tolovehim.20)Whatthendobothtablesofthelawaskofus?Theyasklove.21)YouwillfindthisexpressedinRomans13:10.Readthelatterhalfof

thepassage.“Therefore,loveisthefulfillingofthelaw.”22)Howisthelawfulfilled?Thelawisfulfilledbylove.23)(12)“Whatisthesumorcontentsofthefirsttable?”“ThouShaltlovetheLordthyGod,withallthyheart,andwithallthysoul,

andwithallthymind.”24)WhatdoesthisScripturepassageshowus?Itshowsusthesumorcontentsofthefirsttableofthelaw.25) Let us read the passage in its connection. Matt. 22:34-40. What

questionhadoneofthePhariseesputtotheSavior?Verse36.“Master,whichisthegreatcommandmentinthelaw?”

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26)Whatdidhemeanbythegreatcommandment?Theprincipalormostimportantcommandment.27)AndtothisquestiontheSaviorgavetheansweryouhavejustrecited.

WhatdidhetherebydeclarethecommandmentoflovetowardsGodtobe?Themostimportantofallcommandments.28)Yes,andmorethanthis.Readwhathesays,verse40.“Onthesetwocommandmentshangallthelawandtheprophets.”29)Hedeclaresnotonlythatthesecommandmentsrequiringlovearethe

greatcommandments,butwhatelse?Thatallthelawhangsonthesecommandments.30)Whatdoeshemeanbythis?ThatwhatthelawrequiresisthatweloveGodandourneighbor.31)Whatthen,istheonethingwhichthelawrequires?Itrequireslove.32)WhomwouldGodhaveuslovefirstofall?Hewouldhaveuslovehimself.33)Whenweloveathing,howdoweregardit?Weregardithighly.34)Whenweloveapersonwhatdowethinkofhim?Wethinkagreatdealofhim.35)HowhasGodshownhimselfworthyofourlove?Bydoingusgood.36)Whataresomeofthegoodthingswhichshouldmoveustolovehim?Hehascreatedusandkeepsus.HesentustheSavior.37)WhatinducesGodtobestowuponussuchblessings?Helovesus.38)Readthepassage,John3:16.“Godso loved theworld thathegave

his only begottenSon, thatwhosoever believeth in him shouldnot perish,buthaveeverlastinglife.”

39)WhatisheresaidofGod’srelationtotheworld?Helovedtheworld.40)Whatdidhislovefortheworldinducehimtodo?ItinducedhimtogivehisonlybegottenSon.41)TowhatshouldthisgreatloveofGodmoveus?Itshouldmoveustolovehiminreturn.42)Thisisexpressedinthepassage,1John4:19.Readit.“Welovehimbecausehefirstlovedus.”

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43)Nowtellme,howdoesGodsayyoushouldlovehim?“Withallthyheart,withallthysoul,andwithallthymind.”44)Love,then,issomethingthatisnotdonewiththehand,orthemouth.

Butwhereistheseatoflove?Intheheart,soulandmind.45)ThisisexpressedinPsalm84:2.Readthepassage.“Mysoullongeth,yea,evenfaintethforthecourtsoftheLord;myheartand

myfleshcriethoutforthelivingGod.”46)Goddoesnotsimplyregardourwordsandactions,butwhatdoeshe

lookupon?Helooksuponourhearts.47)In1Samuel16,thelatterhalfofthe7thverse,theLordhimselftells

usthis.Readit.“Manlookethontheoutwardappearance,buttheLordlookethontheheart.”48)WhatdoesGodsayastohowweshouldlovehim?“Withallthyheart,withallthysoulandwithallthymind.”49)Whatlittlewordhereoccursthreetimes?Theword“all.”50)WhydoesGodrepeatthiswordthreetimes?Becausehewantsourwholeheart,soulandmind.51) The relation betweenGod and us is sometimes comparedwith the

relationbetweenabridegroomandhisbride.Howdoesabrideregardherbridegroom?

Sheloveshim.52)Howmanydoesshelovebesideshim?None.Sheloveshimonly.53)Whenarepeoplenotonspeakingtermswitheachother?Whentheyhateeachother.54)Butwhentheyloveeachother.Whatdotheydelightin?Ineachother’scompany.Theyliketotalktoeachother.55)AndifweloveGodhowwillthislovemanifestitself?Wewilldelighttobewithhimandtospeaktohim.56)Howmaywedothis?Wemaydothisinprayer.57) Inwhichcommandmentareweasked toworshipGodwithprayer,

praiseandthanksgiving?Inthesecondcommandment.

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58) Ifwe loveGodwewilldelight tobewithhim, tohearhisword. Inwhichcommandmentareweaskedtogladlyhearandlearnhisword?

Inthethirdcommandment.59)IfwetrulyloveGod,wewillnotonlyprayto,praiseandthankhim,

and hear his word, butwewill domore.What does the Savior say John14:15?

“Ifyeloveme,keepmycommandments.”60)Howmayweshowourlovetohim?Bykeepinghiscommandments.61)WhatistobeourmotiveinkeepingGod’scommandments?Ourlovetohim.62)Thisthoughtisalsoexpressedin1John5:3.Readthepassage.“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments; and his

commandmentsarenotgrievous.”63) Of what is our Obedience to God’s commandments to be an

evidence?Itistobeanevidencethatwelovehim.64)(13)“Howmanycommandmentsdoesthefirsttablecontain?”“Thefirstthree.”

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Lesson6.ThePrefaceToTheFirstCommandment.

(Question14-15.)

1)(14)“WhichistheFirstCommandment?”“IamtheLord,thyGod.Thoushalthavenoothergodsbeforeme.”2)(15)“Whatdoesthismean?”“Weshouldfear,loveandtrustinGodaboveallthings.”3)Repeatthefirstsentenceofthiscommandment.“IamtheLord,thyGod.”4)Whatpartofspeechisthefirstwordofthissentence?Apersonalpronoun.5)Forwhatdoesapersonalpronounstand?Itstandsforaperson.6)Forwhatdoesthepronoun“I”standintheFirstCommandment?ItstandsfortheLordGod.7)Yes,Godisnotamerething,oraname,oranideainthemindofman,

butaperson.Personalpronounsmaybeofhowmanypersons?Ofthefirst,secondorthirdpersons.8)Ofwhichisthepronoun“I”?Ofthefirstperson.9)Why?Becauseitstandsforthepersonspeaking.10)ThenhowdoesthiscommandmentplaceGodbeforeus?Asthepersonspeaking.11)Repeatthefirsttwowordsinthesentence.“Iam.”12)Canarockoranimagesay,“Iam”?Itcannot.13)Whatkindofabeingisitthatcansay“Iam”?Alivingbeing,oraperson.14)Readthepassage.Jer.10:10“ButtheLordisthetrueGod,heisthelivingGod,andaneverlastingking.”

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15)Anidolisadeadthing,butwhatisheresaidofthetrueGod?“HeisthelivingGod.”16)BywhattwowordsinthisprefacedoesGodsaythathelives?Whenhesays,“Iam.”17)Godsaidthisover3,000yearsago,butwhendoeshestillsayit?Hesaysitnow,andatalltimes.18)WhereisGodwhenhesays,“Iam”?Godiseverywhere.19) Yes, children, the God who says “I am,” always was, is now and

alwayswillbe.Heiseverywhere.Heiswithusthismoment,thoughwecannotseehim.WhatdoesGodcallhimselfinthispreface?

“TheLord,thyGod.”20)Whatisalord?Onewhorulesorcommands.21)TurntoGen.42:30.WhatdidJoseph’sbrethrensayofhim?Thathewasthelordoftheland.22)Whydidtheysaythis?BecausethekinghadmadehimrulerofthelandofEgypt.23)Whathasalordarighttogiveout?Togiveoutcommands.24)WhyhasGodarighttogiveuscommandments?BecauseheisourLord.25)ButinthisprefaceGoddoesnotcallhimselfalord,butwhatdoeshe

say?“IamtheLord.”26)WhydoeshecallhimselftheLord,andnotalord?Becauseheistheonlylord.27)IfheisLord,thenwhatarewe?Weareservants,subjects.28)Andifitishistocommand,whatisourduty?Ourdutyistoobey.29)WhenGodsays,“Thoushalt,”whatshouldwesay?Weshouldsay,Iwill.30)What other personal pronoun have we in this preface, besides the

pronoun“I”?Thepronoun“thy.”31)Whatpersondoesthispronounstandfor?

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Forthesecondperson.32)Whichisthesecondperson?Thepersonspokento.33)TowhatpeoplewasGodspeakingwhenhefirstspokethesewords?TothechildrenofIsrael.34)Buttowhomdoeshespeaknowinthesewords?Hespeakstous.35)Godherecallshimself“ThyGod.”Doeshespeakinthesingularor

pluralnumber?Hespeaksinthesingularnumber.36)Howwouldhesayifhespokeinthepluralnumber?Hewouldsay:yourGod.37)Godhas special reasons for speaking in the singularnumber as he

doesinallthecommandments.Whenyouhearhimsay,“ThyGod,”“Thoushalt,”towhatindividualpersonishespeaking?

Heisspeakingtome.38)Yes,itisasthoughGodsingledyououtandspoketoyoupersonally.

Whenyouspeaktoothersofyourfather,whatpersonalpronoundoyouuseinconnectionwiththeword“father”?

Isay,myfather.39)Andhowdoesyourfatherspeakofyou?Hesays,Mysonormydaughter.40)Whatdoesthispronounsayinthisconnection?Itsaysthatmyfatherismine,andIamhis.41)Yes,itexpressesapersonal,afamilyrelation.Youarenotstrangers.

Youbelongtoeachother.Towhomcouldyounotsay“my”?Toastranger.42)WhenGodcallshimself,“ThyGod,”whatdoeshewanttosay?What

doesheexpressbytheword“thy”?Thatheismine;thathebelongstome.43)WhatwordexpressesthisintimaterelationofGodtous?Theword“father.”44)IfGodisyourfather,thenwhatareyou?Iamhischild.45)WheredoestheSaviorhimselfteachustocallGod“Father”?IntheLord’sPrayer.

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46) When God calls himself “Thy God,” what does this express withreferencetothepast?

ThathealwayswasmyGod.47)AndwhatdidhedoforyouasyourGod?Hecreatedme.Hecaredforme.48)Andwhatdo thesewords, “ThyGod,” implywith reference to the

future?ThathewillalwaysbemyGod.49)Andofwhatmayyouthenbeconfident?Thathewillcareforandkeepme.50) Luther, giving us the meaning of the first commandment, tells us

whatweoweGodbecausehe is indeedandtruthourGod.Whatdoeshesay?

“Weshouldfear,loveandtrustinGodaboveallthings.”

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Lesson7.WhatIsForbiddenInTheFirstCommandment.

(Questions16-17.)

1)RepeatthesecondsentenceoftheFirstCommandment.“Thoushalthavenoothergodsbeforeme.”2)Whatdothesewordsspeakof?Ofothergods.3)(16)“Whatdoyouunderstandby‘othergods’”?Readthefirstpartof

theanswertoquestion16.“All thatmendevise in theplaceofGod,andtowhichtheygivethehonor

duetoGod.”4)AretherereallyanyothergodsbesidestheonetrueGod,whosays,“I

amtheLord,thyGod”?Therearenot.5)Whenamanisinafever,ornotinhisrightmind,heoftenseesthings

that donot exist, and speaks to personswho arenot present.Whatwordexpressesthis?

Heimaginesthings.6)Yes,andsomenhaveimaginedotherthingstobeGod,althoughthey

arenot,andhaveput these things in theplaceofGod.Andwhatdo theygivethesethings?

TheygivethemthehonorduetoGod.7) The answer to question 16 tells us some of the things which men

imaginetobegods,andtowhichtheygivethehonorduetoGod.Whatismentionedundernumber1?

“Theidolsoftheheathen.”8)OpenyourBiblesandread,Psalm115:2-8.Whatisheresaidofidols

inverse4?“Theiridolsaresilverandgold,theworkofmen’shands.”9)Tellmefromverse2,whoisitthatmakesandworshipssuchidols?Theheathenmakeandworshipidols.

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10)Whatissaidoftheseidols,verses5to7?Theycanneitherspeak,norsee,norhear,norsmell,norhandle.11)Whatwouldyousayofathingthatcanneitherspeak,see,hear,smell

norhandle?Itisadeadthing.12)Yes,andyetmenintheirblindnesswillfalldownandworshipsucha

deadthing.WhatdidthechildrenofIsraelatMt.SinaimakeintheplaceofGod?

Theymadeagoldencalf.13)Howdidtheyhonorthiscalf?Theyfelldownandworshipedit.14)Whatkindofhonordidtheythusshowthisidol?Theyshoweditdivinehonor.15)TurntoEx.32:4,andtellmewhattheycalledthisgoldencalfwhich

theyhadmadewiththeirownhands.“These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of

Egypt.”16)Buttheheathendonotworshipdeadimagesonly;someworshipthe

sun,othersworshipanimals, suchascattleorserpents,andsomeworshipfire.Whatdotheymakeofallthesethings?

Theymakeidolsofthem.17)Read thepassage,Acts14:8-15.Hereweare toldofacaseofgross

idolatry.WhenPaulhadhealedtheimpotentman,whatdidthepeoplesay?Verse11.

“Thegodsarecomedowntous.”18)Whattwogodsdidtheymention.Verse12.TheycalledBarnabasJupiterandPaulMercurius.19)TheseweretwoimaginarygodsoftheancientGreeks,ofwhomthey

hadimagesintheirtemples.ButwhatdidPauladmonishthepeopletodo?Verse15.

ToturnfromthesevanitiesuntothelivingGod.20)What is mentioned under number 2, of question 16, as something

whichmenputintheplaceofGod?“Picturesandcarvedimagesthataresetupforworship.”21)Readwhatiswritten,Ex.20:4-5,andtellmewhatisthereforbidden.Tomakeanygravenimagesorlikeness.22)Forwhatpurposedidtheheathenmaketheseimagesorstatues?

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Forthepurposeofworship.23)Readwhatissaidinthe5thverseofthischapter.“Thoushaltnotbowdownthyselftothem,norservethem.”24) What, then, is it that God forbids with reference to pictures and

images?Heforbidsworshipingthem.25)Tellmefromnumber3ofquestion16,whatelsedomenput inthe

placeofGod?“Departedsaints,iftheybeinvoked.”26)ReadthepassageIsa.63:16,andtellmeofwhatdepartedpiousman

orsaintdoesitspeak.ItspeaksofAbraham.27)WhatdoesitsayofAbraham?Thatheisignorantofus.28)Whatgoodwoulditdoustopraytodepartedsaints?Itwoulddousnogood.29)Nowturntothepassage,Rev.19:10.ItwasanangelofGodwhohad

beenspeakingtoSt.John.WhatwastheApostleabouttodo?Hefellathisfeettoworshiphim.30) Butwhat did the angel say? “See thou do it not: I am thy fellow-

servantandoneofthybrethren.”31) If it iswrong toworshipevenanangel, thenwhatotherworship is

surelyalsowrong?Theworshipofsaints.32)Whereisthisworshipcarriedon?IntheRomanCatholicChurch.33)Whatsaintparticularlydotheyworship?TheVirginMary.34)Nowtellmefromnumber4,question16,whatelsedomenputinthe

place of God? “All gifts and possessions of men, if one puts his trust inthem.”

35)TurntoEph.5:5.andtellmewhatistheresaidofthecovetousman.Heisanidolater.36)Whatistheidolorfalsegodthatheworships?Heworshipshismoney.37) The same kind of idolatry is referred to in Job 31:24. Read the

passage.

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“If I havemade goldmyhope, or have said to the fine gold:Thou artmyconfidence.”

38)NowturntoPhil.3:19,andtellmeanothergodthatmenmake.“Theymaketheirbellytheirgod.”39)Yes,whomdomen,whothinkonlyofthemselvesandknowandcare

fornothinghigherthantoeat,drinkandenjoythegoodthingsofthislife,reallyworship?

Theyworshipthemselves.40) In Acts 12:21-23, there is a case of idolatry recorded.Who is the

wickedmantherereferredto?Herod.41)Whatwashepleasedtohavethepeoplesayofhim,whenhespoke?“Itisthevoiceofagod,andnotofaman.”42) When a man or woman is vain and self-conceited, proud of his

wisdom,strength,beauty,skillandthelike,whatdoessuchapersonmakeofhimself?

Hemakesanidolofhimself.43)WhatdoesGodsayofthehonorthatisduehim?Repeatthepassage

Isa.42:8.“I am theLord, that ismyname: andmyglorywill I riot give to another,

neithermypraisetogravenimages.”44)(17)“What,then,isforbiddeninthiscommandment?”“ThatwegivetoanycreaturewhateverthehonorthatbelongstoGodalone.”45)Repeatthepassage.Matt.4:10.“ThoushaltworshiptheLord,thyGod,andhimonlyshaltthouserve.”46)WhathonorarewehereaskedtogiveGod?Weareaskedtoworshipandservehim.47)Towhomalone,then,doesthehonorofworshipbelong?ItbelongstoGodalone.48)WhentheIndianworshipsthesun,whathonorisheshowingit?ThehonorwhichbelongstoGodalone.49)Nowtellmeofthefirstcommandment,whatdoesthismean?“Weshouldfear,loveandtrustinGodaboveallthings.”50)WhataccordingtothisisthefirsthonorwhichweshouldshowGod?Weshouldfearhimaboveallthings.51)Repeatthepassage.Matt.10:28.

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“Fearnotthemthatkillthebody,butarenotabletokillthesoul;butratherfearhimwhichisabletodestroybothsoulandbodyinhell.”

52)WhenwefearmenasmuchasormorethanwefearGod,whatkindofhonorareweshowingthem?

Weareshowingthemdivinehonor,thehonorthatbelongstoGodalone.53)WhatisthesecondhonorwhichweoweGod?Weshouldlovehimaboveallthings.54)Whenweloveanypersonorthingasmuchasormorethanwelove

God,whathonorarewegivingthatpersonorthing?Wearegivingitdivinehonor,thehonorwhichbelongstoGodalone.55)Whomdoparentslovemostamongallmen?Theylovetheirchildren.56)Whomdochildrenlovemostamongallmen?Theylovetheirparents.57)Andyet,whatarewewarnedagainst,Matt.10:37?“Hethat lovethfatherormothermore thanmeisnotworthyofme;andhe

thatlovethsonordaughtermorethanmeisnotworthyofme.”58)Yes,therearepeoplethatfairlyworshiptheirchildren.Whatdothey

makeofthemwhentheylovethemasmuchormorethanGod?Theymakeidolsofthem.59)WhatisthethirdhonorwhichweoweGod?Weshouldtrustinhimaboveallthings.60)Butwhenwetrustinourfriends,ourmoney,ourwisdom,orskillas

muchasormorethanwetrustinGod,whatkindofhonorareweshowingthem?

Weareshowingthemdivinehonor,thehonorthatbelongstoGodalone.61)WhatdoesGodsayofhimthattrustethinmeninsteadofGod?Jer.17:5.“Cursedbethemanthattrustethinman,andmakethfleshhisarm,

andwhoseheartdepartethfromtheLord.”

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Lesson8.WhatIsCommandedInTheFirstCommandment.

(Questions18-22.)

1) (18) “What on the other hand is commanded in the FirstCommandment?”

“Thatweshouldfear,loveandtrustinGodaboveallthings.”2)(19)“Whatdoesthismean?”“TostandinchildlikeaweofGod,toregardhimasthehighestgood,andto

looktoHimforeveryblessing.”3) What three words in the answer to question 18 express our duty

towardGod?Thewords“fear,”“love”and“trust.”4)Intheanswertoquestion19thesewordsareexplained.Whatdoesit

meantofearGod?ItmeanstostandinchildlikeaweofGod.5)ReadthepassageGen.3:9:10.andtellmefromthe10thversehowdid

AdamfeeltowardGodafterhehadsinned?Hesaid,“Iwasafraid.”6)WhywasAdamafraidofGod?Becausehehadsinned.7)Whatwasheafraidof?Hewasafraidofpunishment.8)Children,itisnotthisfearwhichtheFirstCommandmentasksofus.

“Fear”heredoesnotmeantobeafraidof,butwhatdoesitmeanaccordingtoquestion19?

Tostandinaweof.9)ReadthepassagePs.33:8.“Letall theearth fear theLord: letall the inhabitantsof theworldstand in

aweofHim.”10)Accordingtothispassage,then,whatdoesitmeantofeartheLord?Tostandinaweofhim.

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11)Whatkindofaweorfearshouldthisbe?Itshouldbechildlikeawe.12)Inwhomdowefindsuchaweorrespect?Inchildrentowardtheirparents.13) We cannot fear or reverence God without knowing him. But the

betterweknowhim.hiswonderfulattributes,hisgloriousworks,themorewillwestandinaweofhim.ToknowJesusChrististoknowGod.ThiswelearnfromJohn17:3.Repeatthepassage.

“Thisiseternallife,thattheymightknowthee,theonlytrueGod,andJesusChristwhomthouhastsent.”

14)Whatdoesthischildlikefearofchildrentowardstheirparentsinducethemtoavoid?

Toavoidwhatdispleasestheirparents.15)ThesameistrueofourfearofGod.Whatdoesitinduceustoavoid?GivemetheanswerbyreadingProv.16:6,thelatterhalf.“BythefearoftheLordmendepartfromevil.”16) When Joseph was tempted by Potiphar’s wicked wife to commit

adultery,whatdidheanswer?Gen.39:9.“HowcanIdothisgreatwickednessandsinagainstGod?”17)Ofwhomdidhethinkwhenhewastemptedtosin?HethoughtofGod.18)Yes,heknewGodwaspresentandsawallthings.Howdidheregard

sin?Asgreatwickedness.19)Againstwhomdidheknowsinwasanoffense?AnoffenseagainstGod.20)IfwearereallyGod’sdearchildrenwhatshouldwefeartodo?WeshouldfeartooffendGod.21)AndhowisGodoffended?Godisoffendedbysin.22) Why would not the three pious Jews, Shadrach, Meshach and

Abednegofalldownandworshipthegoldenimage?BecausetheyfearedGod.23)TheyfearedGodmorethantheyfearedwhom?Morethantheyfearedtheking.24)Whywould notLuther take backwhat he hadwritten against the

popewhenaskedtodosobeforetheDietofWorms?

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BecausehefearedGod.25)MorethanwhomdidhefearGod?Morethantheemperororthepope.26)HowdoesthecatechismsayweshouldfearGod?Weshouldfearhimaboveallthings.27)What else does God ask of us besides that we fear him above all

things?Thatwelovehimaboveallthings.28)Tellmefromtheanswertoquestion19howourlovetoGodshould

moveustoregardhim.Weshouldregardhimasthehighestgood.29)Howdoweregardthingsthatwelove?Weregardthemasgood.30)HowshouldweregardGod?Asthehighestgood.31)WhatdoesthepsalmistsayofhisrelationtoGodinPs.73:25-26?“Whomhave I inheavenbutThee?and there isnoneupon theearth that I

desirebesideThee.Myfleshandmyheartfaileth:butGodisthestrengthofmyheart,andmyportionforever.”

32)TellmefromthishowmuchhelovedGod.HelovedGodmorethananythinginheavenoronearth.33) Abraham had a son Isaac whom he dearly loved. What strange

commanddidGodgivehimconcerninghisson?Thatheshouldsacrificehissonasaburntoffering.34)WhatwasAbrahamwilling todowhenGodgavehim this strange

command?Hewaswillingtoobey,andwasabouttoofferuphisson.35)Abrahamlovedhisson,butwhomdidhelovemore?HelovedGodmore.36)Turnto1John4:19,andtellmewhyweshouldloveGod.Becausehefirstlovedus.37)Nowtellmefrom1John5:3.howwemayshowourlovetoGod.“ThisistheloveofGodthatwekeephiscommandments.”38)WhatelsedoesGodaskofusbesidesthatwefearandlovehimabove

allthings?Thatwetrustinhimaboveallthings.

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39)Tellmefromtheanswertoquestion19whatitmeanstotrustinGodaboveallthings.

Tolooktohimforeverygood.40)ReadthepassageJames1:17.“Everygoodgiftandeveryperfectgift

isfromabove,andcomethdownfromtheFatheroflights,withwhomisnovariablenessneithershadowofturning.”

41)Fromwhomdoallgoodthingscome?TheycomefromGod.42)Whenwe look to anyperson for somethinggoodweare convinced

thatheisbothableandwillingtogiveit.WhatcanyousayofGod’sabilitytogiveuswhatweneed?

Heisabletodoallthings,heisalmighty.43)Tellmethiswithascripturepassage.YouwillfinditinLuke1:37.“ForwithGodnothingshallbeimpossible.”44)Nowwhatabouthiswillingnesstogiveusallweneed?Heisnotonlyablebutalsowillingtogiveuswhatweneed.45)WhatdoesGodsay,Ps.50:15?“Calluponmeinthedayoftrouble,Iwilldeliverthee.”46)Menwould oftenbewilling to helpus if they only could, and they

couldofteniftheyonlywould,butwhatisthecasewithGod?Heisbothableandwillingtohelp.47)Yes,andthereforehowshouldweregardhimandhispromises?Weshouldputconfidenceinhimandhispromises.48)TellmethisbyrepeatingProv.3:5.“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart: and lean not on thine own

understanding.”49)WhenIsraelwaspursuedbyPharaoh’shostsattheRedSeainwhom

didMosesputhistrust?Tellmebyreadingwhathesaidtothepeople.Ex.14:13.

“AndMosessaiduntothepeople,fearyenot,standstill,andseethesalvationoftheLord.”

50)Yes,andtheysawit;fortheirtrustintheLordwasnotputtoshame.HowwastheirtrustintheLordproventobewellplaced?

Thechildrenof Israelpassedsafely through theRedSeaand theEgyptiansweredrowned.

51)WhenDavid andGoliathmet to decide the victory between IsraelandthePhilistines,inwhatdidGoliathputhisconfidence?

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Inhisgreatstrengthandinhismightyweapons.52)InwhomdidDavidtrust?HetrustedinGod.53)WhatwordsofDavidplainlyshowthis?Read1Sam.17:45.“ThenDavidsaidtothePhilistine,Thoucomesttomewithaswordandwith

aspearandwithashield,butIcometotheeinthenameoftheLordofhosts,theGodofthearmiesofIsraelwhomthouhastdefied.”

54)AndhowdidtheissueshowthatDavid’sconfidenceinGodwasnotvain?

Davidslewthegiantandcutoffhishead.55)What did it require on the part ofAbrahamwhen in obedience to

God’s command in his old age he left his fatherland to go into a far offcountrythatGodwouldshowhim,notknowingwherehewasgoing?

ItrequiredgreatfaithandconfidenceinGod.56)HowdoestheCatechismsayweshouldtrustinGod?WeshouldtrustinGodaboveallthings.57)RepeatthepassagePs.118:8:9.“ItisbettertotrustintheLordthan

to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to putconfidenceinprinces.”

58)WhyisitbettertotrustintheLordthantoputconfidenceinmen?Becauseheismoreableandwillingtohelpthanthey.59)NowreadwhatiswrittenPs.42:11.“Whyartthoucastdown,Omysoul?andwhyartthoudisquietedwithinme?

Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of mycountenance,andmyGod.”

60) (20) “Why is it that Luther begins the explanation of eachcommandmentwiththewords:WeshouldfearandloveGod?”

“HewouldtherebypointoutthesourcewhencealltheworksrequiredintheTenCommandmentsshouldflow;namelyfearandlovetoGod.”

61)WhatisthesourceofalltrueobediencetoGod’scommandments?ThefearandloveofGod.62) Yes, children, not the hope of reward nor the fear of punishment

should move us to keep God’s commandments. Why do the wickedsometimesoutwardlykeepthelaw?

Becausetheyhopetoberewardedortheyfearpunishment.

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63) But why do God’s dear children walk in the way of hiscommandments?

BecausetheyfearandlovetheirheavenlyFather.64)(21)“WhydoyounotrepeattheTenCommandmentsinjustasmany

wordsasMosesrecordedthem?”“BecausepartpertainstotheJewsonly,andpartisbutafurtherexplanation.”65)Now turn to the account of the giving of the law and readwhat is

written,Ex.20:1:2.“AndGodspakeallthesewordssaying:IamtheLordthyGod,whichhave

broughttheeoutofthelandofEgypt,outofthehouseofbondage.”66)Towhomdidthisdeliverancerefer?ItreferredtothechildrenofIsrael.67)NowreadEx.20:4.5.“Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of

anythingthatisinheavenabove,orthatisintheearthbeneath,orthatisinthewater under the earth.Thou shalt not bowdown thyself to them, norworshipthem.”

68)Ofwhichcommandmentarethesewordsafurtherexplanation?Theyareafurtherexplanationofthefirstcommandment.69) (22) “Could they, however, not in good conscience be repeated in

full?”“Certainly;butintheentireNewTestamenttheyarenowheresorepeated;we

arethereforerightinfollowingtheApostles.”

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Lesson9.WhatIsMeantByTheNameOfGod.

(Questions23-25.)

1)(23)“Whichisthesecondcommandment?”“ThoushaltnottakethenameoftheLordthyGodinvain.”2)(24)“Whatdoesthismean?”“WeshouldfearandloveGod,thatwemaynotcurse,swear,usewitchcraft,

lieordeceivebyhisname;butcalluponitineverytrouble,pray,praiseandgivethanks.”

3)Ofwhatdoesthiscommandmenttreat?IttreatsofthenameofGod.4)(25)“WhatdoesthenameofGodimply?”“All that God has revealed of himself in the Holy Scriptures, such as his

essence,attributes,willandcommand.”5)Withwhomisthenameofapersoncloselyconnected?Withthepersonhimself.6)Whenwewishtodesignateaperson,whatdowementionfirstofall?Wementionhisname.7)Forwhomdoesthenameofapersonstand?Itstandsfortheperson.8)Whatkindofnounisthenameofaperson?Itisapropernoun.9)Whatisapropernoun?Thenameofaparticularpersonorplace.10)Whenwesay“GeorgeWashington,”ofwhomdowethink?WethinkofthefirstPresidentoftheUnitedStates.11)Whenwementionthename“MartinLuther,”ofwhomdowethink?WethinkofthegreatReformer.12)SowhenwementionthenameofGod,ofwhomdowethink?WethinkofGodhimself.13)WhataresomeofthenamesofGod?God,TheLord,Jehovah,JesusChrist,theSavior,Immanuel,HolyGhost.

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14)Readthepassage,Ex.3:13-15,andtellmewhatMosesaskedGodtotellhim?

HeaskedGodtotellhimHisname.15)WhatdoesGodsayinanswertothisquestion?Verse14.“AndGodsaiduntoMoses.IamthatIam.”16)AndagainVerse15.“TheLordGodofyourfathers,theGodofAbraham,theGodofIsaac,and

theGodofJacob,hathsentmeuntoyou:thisismynameforever.”17)Fromthiswe see that thenameofGod indicates the living, eternal

Godhimself.Butwhenwementionthenameofapersonwealsothinkofhisattributesorqualities.Thenamenotonlytellsuswho,butwhatheis.Forinstance, when I say “John Smith,” what does this name tell me withreferencetothesexofthepersonwhobearsthisname?

Ittellsmethatheisaman.18)WhenIhearthename“Methuselah.”ofwhatdoesitremindmewith

referencetotheageofthepersonsonamed?Thathewastheoldestpersonwhoeverlived.19)When Imention the name “Samson,”what does this name remind

meof?Thathewasthestrongestman.20)When I say, “Solomon,” of what am I remindedwith reference to

wisdom?Thathewasthewisestmanthateverlived.21)SothenamesofGodremindusofhisattributes.Whatnamedowe

giveGodwhenwewishtospeakofhimasall-powerful?WecallhimtheAlmighty.22)Whatnameindicatesthatheiswithoutbeginningorend?TheEternal.23)Towhomelsecanthesenamesbeapplied?Tonooneelse.24)Whynot?Becausenooneelsehastheseattributes.25) These names. “The Almighty, The Eternal, The Allwise,” because

theyproperlybelongtoGodalone,arewhatkindofnames?Theyarepropernames.26)Men sometimeshavenameswhichdonot at all indicatewhat they

are.Forinstance,agirlwithdarkcomplexionandblackhairmaybecalled

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“Clara,” that is “the fair one.” Or a quarrelsome boy may be called“Frederick,” that is, “rich inpeace.”But this is never the casewithGod.WhatdoHisnamesalwaysindicate?

Theyindicatejustwhatheis.27)Readthepassage.Ex.34:5-7.Whatarewetoldinthe5thversethat

GodHimselfproclaimedtoMoses.HeproclaimedthenameoftheLord.28)Whatdidhecallhimself,verse6?HecalledHimself,“TheLord,theLordGod.”29)Andwhatdidhesayofhisattributes?He called himself, merciful and gracious, long suffering and abundant in

goodnessandtruth.30)SoinproclaimingthenameoftheLord,whatdidGodmention?Hementionedhisattributes.31) Read the passage, Deut. 18:18-19, and tell me how God says the

prophetwhowastobesentwouldspeak?“Heshallspeakinmyname.”32)Whosewillorcommandshouldhemakeknowntothepeople?ThewillandcommandofGod.33)Whosenamewashe to reveal to thepeoplewhenhe told them the

willandcommandofGod?HewastorevealthenameofGod.34)ThenwhatelsedoesthenameofGodstandfor?ItstandsforHiswillandcommand.35)WherehasGodrevealedhimself,thatis,hisname,tous?IntheHolyScriptures.36)Whenastrangerintroduceshimselftous,whatdoeshemention?Hementionshisname.37) SoGod introduces himself to us in theBible.What does he tell us

abouthimself?Hetellsushisname.38)Intellingushisname,henotonlygivesusthewordsbywhichheis

called,butwhatelse?Hetellsushisattributes.39)Andwhatelse?Hiswillandcommand.40)Godisholy,andthereforehowshouldweregardeverythingthathas

referencetohim?

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Weshouldregarditasholy.41) When we revere a person, how do we regard everything that is

connectedwiththatperson?Weregarditwithreverence.42)Sothehousesinwhichgreatmenlived,thebooksorpenswhichthey

used,theclothingwhichtheywore,thearmswhichtheycarriedareprizedveryhighly.Whyisthisdone?

Forthesakeofthepersonswhousedthesethings.43)Your fatherperhapsgaveyoua ringorawatch,whydoyouprize

thesethingssohighly?Forthesakeofmyfatherwhogavethemtome.44)Ofwhomdothesegiftsremindyou?Theyremindmeofthepersonwhogavethem.45) So it is with other sacred or holy things.Why dowe speak of the

Bibleasthe“holy”Bible?BecauseGodgaveittous.46)WhydowespeakofBaptismas“holy”baptism?BecauseitwasinstitutedbyGod.47)Whydowecallthesacramentofthealtarthe“holy”communion?BecauseitisChrist’ssacrament.48)Howshouldweregardallthesethings?Weshouldregardthemwithreverence.49)Whyshouldweregardthemassacred?BecausetheyareconnectedwithGod.50) Yes, the reverence which we owe God’s name, also includes those

things uponwhich the sacredness of his name is reflected.Mention somesuchthings.

TheBible,theSacraments,theChurch.51)HowdoesGodregardanydisrespectshownthesethings?Asadishonortowardhimself.

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Lesson10.WhatIsForbiddenInTheSecondCommandment.

(Questions26-32.)

1)(26)“Whatisforbiddeninthiscommandment?”“To take thenameofGod invain; that is,we shouldnot curse, swear, use

witchcraft,lieordeceivebyhisname.”2)Repeat the secondcommandment.“Thoushaltnot take thenameof

theLordthyGodinvain.”3)Whenisathingtakenorusedinvain?Whenweuseittonopurpose.4)Yes,orwemightsaywhenweuse it forpurposes forwhich it isnot

intended.Godhasrevealedhisnametousforapurpose.Nowwhenweusehisnamethoughtlesslyorirreverently,orwrongfully,howdoweuseit?

Weuseitinvain.5)Intheanswertoquestion24somewrongusesofthenameofGodare

mentioned.WhatisthefirstthingweshouldnotdobythenameofGod?WeshouldnotcursebythenameofGod.6)(27)“WhatdoesitmeantocursebythenameofGod?”“ItmeanstoblasphemeGod,oralsobytheholynameofGodtowishevilto

one’sselfortoourneighbor.”7)RepeatthepassageLev.24:1.5:16.“SpeakuntothechildrenofIsrael,

saying: Whosoever curseth his God shall bear his sin, and he thatblasphemeththenameoftheLord,heshallsurelybeputtodeath,andallthecongregationshallcertainlystonehim.”

8)Whattwowordsarehereusedtoexpressthesamething?Thewords“curse”and“blaspheme.”9) To blaspheme means to speak sneeringly of God, to insult him or

expresshatredofhimorhisword.WhatawfulpunishmentwastobevisitedonhimwhocursedorblasphemedGod?

Hewastobeputtodeath.10)Whatelseismeantbycursingbesidesblasphemy?

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Towisheviltoone’sselfortoourneighborinthenameofGod.11)Whatdoesonewishhimselforanotherwhenhecurseshim?Hewisheshimevil.12) It isbadenough towishanyone evil,but inwhosenamedoesone

wishevilwhocurses?HewishesevilinthenameofGod.13)Whodoeshewishshoulddotheeviltotheonewhomhecurses?HewishesthatGodshoulddohimevil.14)Yes,forinstancewhenamanwishesthatGodshoulddamnanother,

he drags God down to be a partner of his own hatred and wickedness.Repeatthepassage,James3:9:10.

“WiththetongueblessweGod,eventheFather;andtherewithcursewemen,whicharemadeafterthesimilitudeofGod.Outofthesamemouthproceedethblessingandcursing.Mybrethren,thesethingsoughtnotsotobe.”

15)Whattwothingscomeoutofthesamemouth?Outofthesamemouthproceedblessingandcursing.16)Howarethesetwothingsrelatedtoeachother?Theoneistheoppositeoftheother.17)IfcursingmeanstowishevilinthenameofGod.whatdoesblessing

mean?Itmeanstowishgood.18)Forwhichofthesetwothingsshouldweuseourtongues?Weshouldusethemforblessingonly.19)ThesameistaughtinRom.12:14.Repeatthepassage.“Blessthemwhichpersecuteyou,blessandcursenot.”20)WhatelseisforbiddeninthenameofGodbesidescursing?Swearingisalsoforbidden.21)Whatkindoflanguageiscursingandthoughtlessorfalseswearing?Itisprofanelanguage.22)(28)“WhatdoesitmeantoswearbythenameofGod?”“It means to appeal to God as witness of the truth and avenger of the

untruth.”23)Toswearmeanstotakeanoath.Uponwhomdowecallwhenwetake

anoath?WecalluponGod.24) Yes, we appeal to him, as St. Paul did in 2 Cor. 1:23. Read the

passage.

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“MoreoverIcallGodforarecord.”25)ThesamehedoesinRom.1:9.Readthispassage.“ForGodismywitness.”26)ForwhatpurposedoeshecalluponGod?HecallsuponGodasawitness.27)Whatisawitnesstodo?Heistotestifytowhathehasseenorheard.28)IntakinganoathwhatdoweaskGodtowitness?Towitnessthetruthofwhatwearesaying.29)WhyisGodabletodothis?Becauseheiseverywherepresent,seesandhearsallthings.30)But forwhatotherpurposedowecalluponGodwhenwe takean

oath?Wealsocalluponhimasavengeroftheuntruth.31)Whatdoesitmeantoavenge?Itmeanstopunish.32)Whenanyoneisputunderoathheisaskedtostandup,toholdup

hisrighthand,tolayhishandontheBible,ortokisstheBible.Theofficersays:"YoudosolemnlySwearbyAlmightyGod,etc.Thetakingofanoathisthereforewhatkindofamatter?

Itisaverysolemnmatter.33) (29) “Darewe, then, according to this commandment not swear at

all?”“WemaywhenthehonorofGod,ourneighbor’sneedorthecourtsdemand

it.”34)Whenmaywe,firstofall,takeanoath?WhenthehonorofGoddemandsit.35) In Deut. 6:13. God commands the taking of an oath. Repeat the

passage.“ThoushaltfeartheLordthyGod,andshaltservehim,andshaltswearbyhis

name.”36)ThesameissaidinJer.4:2.Repeatthispassage.“And thou shalt swear, The Lord liveth in truth, in judgment and in

righteousness.”37)When the Savior stood before the high priest he was asked under

oathwhetherhewastheSonofGod.Matt.26:63:64.HisownhonorandthehonorofGodwasatstake.Whatdidhedounderthesecircumstances?

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Heansweredunderoath.38)Underwhatothercircumstancesmaywetakeanoath?Whenourneighbor’sneeddemandsit.39)RepeatthepassageHeb.6:16.“Formenverilyswearbyagreater:andanoathforconfirmationistothem

anendofallstrife.”40)Yes,anoathservestoconfirmormakesureourtestimony.Whoalonehasarighttodemandanoathofus?Thecourts,orthegovernmentalonehasthisright.41)Inwhosenamedothecourtsactwhentheydemandanoath?TheyactinthenameofGod.42)(30)“Whatswearingisforbidden?”“Thoughtlessandfalseswearing.”43) The oaths that you hear constantly on the streets in ordinary

conversationfromthelipsofwickedmenwhodonotthinkofwhattheyaredoing,arewhatkindofoaths?

Theyarethoughtlessoaths.44)Whenmenonenteringthemanyso-calledsecretsocietiesofourday,

bind themselves under oath to keep secret what shall be told them, notknowingwhether these thingsmaybekept secretwitha good conscience,whatkindofswearingisthis?

Itisthoughtlessandthereforewickedswearing.45)ReadthepassageMatt.14:7.“Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would

ask.”46) King Herod promised the daughter of Herodias, who had danced

before him, that hewould give her anything shewould ask, not knowingwhatshemightask.Whatkindofanoathwasthis?

Itwasathoughtless,wickedoath.47)NowrepeatwhattheSaviorsaysMatt.5:33-37.“Again,yehaveheardthatithasbeensaidbythemofoldtime.Thoushalt

notforswearthyself,butshaltperformuntotheLordthineoaths:butIsayuntoyou,swearnotatall;neitherbyheaven;foritisGod’sthrone:norbytheearthfor it ishis footstool:neitherbyJerusalem, for it is thecityof thegreatKing.Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hairwhite or black. But let your communication be, yea, yea; nay, nay: forwhatsoeverismorethanthesecomethofevil.”

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48)Whatarethoughtlessoaths?Theyareoathsthataretakenwithoutthinking.49)Yes, such oaths as:OLord, byChrist, byGod and the like, aswe

hear them on the streets daily. How should we regard such thoughtlessoaths?

Weshouldregardthemaswickedandprofane.50)Whatshouldanhonestman’swordbeequalto?Anhonestman’swordshouldbeasgoodashisoath.51)Whatotherswearingisforbiddenbesidesthoughtlessswearing?Falseswearingisalsoforbidden.52)RepeatthepassageLev.19:12.“Yeshallnotswearbymynamefalsely,neithershaltthouprofanethename

ofthyGod;forIamtheLordyourGod.”53)Whatishereforbidden?ToswearfalselybythenameofGod.54)Whatdoesitmeantoswearfalsely?Itmeanstosweartoalie.55)Falseswearing iscalledperjury,and ispunishedbythecourtsasa

crime.WhatdoesonewhoswearsfalselyaskGodtodo?HeasksGodtopunishhim.56)Totakeafalseoathistocommitperjury.TheperjurerasksGodto

withdrawfromhimeveryblessing,toexcludehimfromheaven,tocondemnhim tohell.An example of such a false oathwehave inPeterduring thetrialofChristbeforethehighpriest.CanyoutellmewhatawfulsinPetertherecommitted?

HedeniedwithanoaththatheevenknewtheSavior.57)Anexampleofhowthewickedsecretlybandthemselvestogetherby

oathsisrecordedinActs2.3:12.Readthepassage.“And when it was day certain of the Jews banded together, and bound

themselvesunderacurse,sayingthat theywouldneithereatnordrinktill theyhadkilledPaul.”

58)WeshouldnotcursenorswearbythenameofGod,butwhatelseisforbiddeninthesecondcommandment?

Weshouldnotusewitchcraft.59)(31)“WhatdoesitmeantousewitchcraftbythenameofGod?”“Itmeans not only,with the help of the devil to harm our neighbor in his

personorproperty,butalsobyasuperstitiousabuseofGod’snameandword,or

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byothermeans,seeminglytoworkgood;forinstancetodriveawaysicknessinmanandbeast,discoverconcealedthings,stopbloodandthelike.”

60)Withwhosehelpdothosewhousewitchcraftaccomplishthethingswhichtheydo?

Theydothesethingswiththehelpofthedevil.61)Whatdosuchpeopledoorpretendtodo?Toharmtheirneighbor,orevenseeminglytoworkgood.62)Whataresomeofthethingswhichtheypretendtodo?Todriveawaysickness,discoverconcealedthings,stopbloodandthelike.63)Howdotheyaccomplishthesethings?ByasuperstitiousabuseofGod’snameandWordorothermeans.64)Mostof thesethingsaremeredeception.Butwheresuchthingsare

really accomplished they are wrong, if done by means which God hasforbidden.WhatdoesGodsayofallsuchpractices,Deut.18:10-12?

“Thereshallnotbefoundamongyouanyonethatmakethhissonordaughtertopassthroughthefire,orthatusethdivination,oranobserveroftimes,oranenchanter,orawitch,oracharmer,oraconsulteroffamiliarspirits,orawizard,oranecromancer.ForallthatdothesethingsareanabominationuntotheLord.”

65) How does God regard all such practices as fortune telling, pow-wowing,callingthespiritsofthedeadandthelike?

Hehatesthem,theyareanabominationtohim.66)Theaccountwrittenin1Sam.28:5-25,tellswhatkingSauldidafter

the Spirit ofGodhad departed fromhim on account of his disobedience.Forwhomdidhesend?

Hesentforawomanhavingafamiliarspirit,awitch.67)Yes,peoplewhobelieveinwizardsandwitchesplainlyshowthatthey

donotstandrightwithGod.Whatdotheylack?TheylackconfidenceinGod.68)Whatelseisforbiddeninthesecondcommandmentbesidescursing,

swearingandusingwitchcraft?Lyinganddeceivingbyhisnameisalsoforbidden.69)(32)“WhatdoesitmeantolieanddeceivebythenameofGod?”“Itmeans topalmoff falsedoctrine as theWordofGod, or tohaveGod’s

wordonthelipsonly.”70)Whatisalie?Alieisanuntruth.71)Butwhatspeciallyingisforbiddeninthesecondcommandment?

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LyinganddeceivingbythenameofGod.72)RepeatthepassageJer.23:31:32.“BeholdIamagainsttheprophets,saiththeLord,thatusetheirtongues,and

say:He saith,Behold I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith theLord, and do tell them, and causemypeople to err by their lies, and by theirlightness, yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore, they shall notprofitthispeopleatall,saiththeLord.”

73)WhatkindofprophetswerethesewhomGodhadnotsentandwhoprophesiedfalsedreams?

Theywerefalseprophets.74)WhatdofalseprophetsteachorpalmoffasGod’sWord?TheypalmofffalsedoctrineasGod’sWord.75)Whosenamedotheyusetocoverupthisfalsedoctrine?TheyuseGod’sname.76)ButthereisanotherwayoflyinganddeceivinginthenameofGod.

Whatisit?TohaveGod’swordonthelipsonly.77)RepeatthepassageMatt.1.5:8.“Thispeopledrawethnighuntomewiththeirmouth,andhonorethmewith

theirlips,buttheirheartisfarfromme.”78)GivealsothepassagePs.50:16:17.“ButuntothewickedGodsaith:Whathastthoutodotodeclaremystatutes,

or that thou shouldest takemycovenant in thymouth? seeing that thouhatestinstruction,andcastestmywordbehindthee.”

79)AndagainMatt.7:21.“Noteveryonethatsaithuntome.Lord,Lord,shallenterintothekingdomof

heaven;buthethatdoeththewillofmyFatherwhichisinheaven.”80)Whenmenuseanoutwardappearanceofpietyasacloakwithwhich

tocoveruptheirwickedness,whatdowecallthem?Wecallthemhypocrites.81)Whosenamedohypocritesabuse?TheyabusethenameofGod.

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Lesson11.WhatIsRequiredInTheSecondCommandment.

(Questions33-37.)

1)(33)“Whatisenjoineduponusinthiscommandment?”“ThatweusethenameofGodaright;orcalluponit ineverytrouble,pray,

praiseandgivethanks.”2)WherehasGodrevealedhisname,thatishimself,tous?HehasrevealedhimselftousintheHolyScriptures.3)Hehasdonethis forapurpose. Inwhatrelationdoeshestandtous

andwetohim?HeisourFather,andwearehischildren.4)AsaFatherGodspeakstousinhisword,andwhatshouldwealsodo

tohim?Weshouldalsospeaktohim.5)Whendowedothis?Wedothiswhenwepray.6)Whendoesachildcallitsfatherbyname?Whenithassomethingtoaskofhim.7)SoweshouldcalluponthenameofGod.When,particularly,shouldwecalluponthenameofGod?Weshouldcalluponhimineverytrouble.8)(34)“WhatdoesitmeantocalluponGodineverytrouble?”“ItmeansineveryneedtofleetoGodaloneforrefuge,andinchild-liketrust

seekhelpofHim.”9)Towhomshouldwefleeineveryneed?WeshouldfleetoGod.10)Repeatthepassage,Ps.50:15.“Calluponmeinthedayoftrouble;Iwilldeliverthee,andthoushaltglorify

me.”11)WhathasGodpromisedtodowhenyoucalluponhimintrouble?Hesays,“Iwilldeliverthee.”

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12) Jacob was in danger when his brother Esau went out with 400soldierstotakerevengeonhimashereturnedtohishomeinCanaan.WhatdidJacobdoinhisgreattrouble?TurntoGen.32:11,andanswer.

Heprayed toGod: “Deliverme, I pray thee, from the handofmybrother,fromthehandofEsau.”

13)Davidwas indangerofhis life, forSaulsought tokillhim.TellmefromPs.35:17,whathedidinsuchtrouble.

HecalledonGod,saying:“Lord...rescuemysoulfromtheirdestructions.”14)WhatdidtheSyrophenicianwomandowhenshewasingreattrouble

onaccountofherdaughter?Matt.15:25.ShefelldownatJesus’feetandprayed:“Lord,helpme.”15)Thetenleperswereingreattrouble,fortheywereafflictedwithan

incurablediseaseWhatdidtheydowhentheysawJesus?Luke17:13.’Theylifteduptheirvoicesandsaid,Jesus,Master,havemercy

onus."16)ButwearetofleetoGodineveryneed.Thatis,notonlywhenweare

in bodily trouble, but also when we are in spiritual need.What was thematterwith the poor publicanwho stood in the temple andwould not somuchasliftuphiseyesuntoheaven?

Hewasintroubleonaccountofhissins.17)Whatdidhedointhistrouble?Heprayed,“Godbemercifultomeasinner.”18)Davidalso is an exampleofhowwe should calluponGodwhen in

troubleonaccountofoursins.Readthefirstverseofthe51stPsalm.“Havemercyuponme,OGod,accordingtothylovingkindness:according

tothemultitudeofthytendermerciesblotoutmytransgressions.”19) Tell me from the answer to question 34, howwe should seek help

fromGod.“Inchildliketrust.”20)ThischildliketrustissetforthinPs.145:18-19.Repeatthepassage.“TheLordisnighuntoallthemthatcalluponhim,toallthatcalluponhimin

truth.Hewillfulfillthedesireofthemthatfearhim:healsowillheartheircry,andwillsavethem.”

21)TheCatechismnotonly says thatwe should callupon thenameofGodineverytrouble;whatelsedoesitsayweshoulddo?

Weshould“pray,praise,andgivethanks.”22)(35)“Whatdoesitmeantopray?”

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“ItmeanstoliftupourheartintruedevotiontoGodandaskforeverygoodthinginJesus’name.”

23)WhenwepraywenotonlyliftupourvoicestoGodbutwhatdoweliftup?

Weliftupourhearts.24)Yes,prayerisnotthemererepetitionofwords,butit isamatterof

theheart.HowshouldweliftupourheartstoGod?Weshouldliftupourheartsintruedevotion.25)Whatmayweaskfor,accordingtoquestion35?“Foreverygoodthing.”2B.That is, foreverythingwhichweneed. Inwhosenamemayweask

forthesethings?WeshouldaskinJesus’name.27)Wepoorsinnersarenotworthyofanything,andifwecamebefore

Goddependingonourowngoodnesswecertainlywouldgetnothing.ButwedependuponJesus,whoisGod’sowndear.Son,andwhoreconcileduswithGodandtoldustopraytohisandourFather.Onhisaccountalonewemayhopetobeheardwhenwepray.WhatthendoesitmeantoprayinthenameofJesus?

Itmeanstoaskforhissake,andbecausehetoldus.28)Repeatthepassage,1Tim.2:1.“Iexhort,therefore,that,firstofall,supplications,prayers,intercessions,and

givingofthanksbemadeforallmen.”29)Weshouldnotonlyprayoccasionallywhenweareinspecialtrouble;

forwhatdoestheapostlesay,Eph.6:18?“PrayingalwayswithallprayerandsupplicationintheSpirit,andwatching

thereuntowithallperseveranceandsupplicationforallsaints.”30)Andalso,1Thess.5:17.“Praywithoutceasing.”31)Yes,weshouldliveeverydayinthespiritofprayer.Whatelseshould

weuseGod’snamefor,besidesprayer?Weshouldalsopraiseandgivethanks.32)(36)“Whatdoesitmeantopraiseandgivethanks?”“ItmeanstolaudandextolGodforhisgloriousattributesandworks,andhis

manifoldblessings.”33)Howdowespeakofamanwhenwepraisehim?Wespeakwellofhim.

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34)WhenAdmiralDeweydestroyed theSpanish fleet in theharbor ofManila,whatwaseverybodytalkingabout?

AboutwhatgreatthingsDeweyhaddone.35)WhenDavidslewGoliath,whatdidthewomenofIsraelsayandsing

abouthim?Read 1 Sam. 18:6-7. “Saul has slain his thousands, but David his ten

thousands.”36)SowhenwepraiseGodwesaygreatthingsofhim.Whatgreatthings

canwesayofGodastohisattributes?ThatHeisalmighty,eternal,all-wise,mercifulandtruthful.37)Andwhatgreatthingscanwesayastohisworks?ThatHecreatedtheworld.ThatHepreservesit.ThatHesentustheSavior.38)Yes,children,thesethingsarewellworthspeakingof,andwhenwe

speakofthemandmakethemknown,whatdowedo?WepraiseGod.39)RepeatthepassagePs.103:1-2."BlesstheLord,Omysoul,andall that iswithinme,blesshisHolyname.

BlesstheLord,Omysoul,andforgetnotallhisbenefits.40)WhatisheresaidaboutthenameoftheLord?Weshouldblessit.41)Tobless theLordmeans topraisehim.Whatdoes thePsalmistsay

aboutthis,Ps.146:2?“WhileIlivewillIpraisetheLord:IwillsingpraisesuntomyGodwhileI

haveanybeing.”42)InwhatotherwayshouldweuseGod’snamebesidesinprayerand

praise?Weshouldalsogivethanks.43)Whenshouldwegivethanks?Whensomeonehasdoneusafavor.44)ForwhatshouldwegiveGodthanks,accordingtotheanswertoquestion36?“ForHismanifoldblessings.”45) What are some of these blessings? Tell me by repeating Luther’s

explanationoftheFirstArticle.“IbelievethatGodhasmademeandallcreatures;thathehasgivenmemy

bodyandsoul,eyes,ears,andallmymembers,myreasonandallmysenses,andstillpreserves them;alsoclothingandshoes,meatanddrink,houseandhome,

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wife and children, fields, cattle, and all my goods; that he richly and dailyprovidesmewithallthatIneedtosupportthisbodyandlife;thathedefendsmeagainstalldanger,andguardsandprotectsmefromallevil;andallthispurelyoutof fatherly,divinegoodnessandmercy,withoutanymeritorworthiness inme;forallwhichitismydutytothankandpraise,toserveandobeyhim.Thisismostcertainlytrue.”

46)WhathasinducedGodtobestowsuchblessingsuponyou?Allthishedoes“outoffatherly,divinegoodnessandmercy.”47)Whatdoyouowehimforthisgoodness?“Forallthisitismydutytothankandpraise,toserveandobeyhim.”48)Towhatdoesthe106thPsalm,verse1,admonishus?“OgivethanksuntotheLord,forheisgood;forhismercyendurethforever.”49)WhatdoestheApostlePaulsay,Eph.5:20?“GivingthanksalwaysforallthingsuntoGodandtheFatherinthenameof

ourLordJesusChrist.”50)You, remember the story of the ten lepers.WhenJesushadhealed

them,whatdidoneofthemdo?Luke17:16.HefelldownatJesus’feetandgavethanks.51)(37)“Whatisthreatenedinthiscommandment?”“The Lord will not hold him guiltless, that taketh his name In vain.” (Ex.

20:7.Deut.5:11.)“Iwillbeaswiftwitnessagainstthesorcerers,andagainsttheadulterersandagainstfalseswearers.”(Mal.3:5.Ezek.17:11-20.)

52)WhenGodsayshewillnotholdamanguiltless,howdoesheregardsuchaman?

Heregardshimguilty.53)Yes,Godwillnotexcuseaguiltyman,butwhatwillHedo?Hewillpunishhim.54)AgainstwhomwillGodbea swiftwitness, that is, towhomwillhe

meteoutswiftjustice?Againstsorcerers,andagainstadulterers,andagainstfalseswearers.

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Lesson12.TheLord’sDay.

(Questions38-44.)

1)(38)“Whichisthethirdcommandment?”“RemembertheSabbathDaytokeepitholy.”2)(39)“Whatdoesthismean?”“We should fear and loveGod thatwemay not despise preaching and his

word,butholditsacredandgladlyhearandlearnit.”3)(40)“WhatistheHolyDayorSabbath?”“Thedayonwhichwerestorceasefromlabor.”Gen.2:2:3.4)Turntothispassageandreadit.“AndontheseventhdayGodendedhisworkwhichhehadmade;andrested

ontheseventhday,fromallhisworkwhichhehadmade.AndGodblessedtheseventhday,andsanctifiedit;becausethatinithehadrestedfromallhisworkwhichGodcreatedandmade.”

5)Intheaccountofthegivingofthelaw,Ex.20:9-11,thiscommandmentisgivenatgreatlength.Letusreadthepassage.InhowmanydaysdidGodmakeheavenandearth?

Hemadeheavenandearthinsixdays.6)WhatdidGoddoontheseventhday?Herestedfromallhiswork.7)WhatdidGoddowiththeseventhday?Heblessedtheseventhdayandsanctifiedit.8)Thatmeanshesetitapartasaholyday.Ashehimselfhadrestedafter

hiswork,whatdoeshealsoaskustodo?Heasksustorestafterwork.9)Godmademanforwork,butheisnottoworkallthetime.Whatareweinneedofafterwork?Weareinneedofrest.10)ThisisindicatedbythenamewhichGodgavetheseventhday.Whatdidhecallit?HecalledittheSabbath.

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11)Theword“Sabbath”meansrest.ButrestwasnottheonlyobjectthatGodhadinviewwhenhesetapartandsanctifiedtheseventhday.ReadthepassageLev.23:3.

“Sixdaysshallworkbedone;but theseventhday is thesabbathof rest., aholyconvocation.”

12)Herethesabbath iscallednotonlyadayofrest,butwhatelse is itcalled?

ItiscalledaHolyConvocation.13)Thatmeansadayonwhichthepeopleweretocometogether.Forwhat purposewere they to assemble? Theywere to come together for

worship.14)SotheSabbathwasnotonlytobeadayofrest,butwhatelse?Itwasalsotobeadayofworship.15)TowhomdidGodfirstgivehislaw?HegaveittotheJews.16)Wehavealready seen that some things inGod’s lawconcerned the

Jews only. They were God’s peculiar, chosen people. Ho gave themregulationsconcerningsacrifices,distinctionofmeatsandspecialholydays,whichdonotconcernallmen.SothesettingapartofapeculiardayofrestandworshipconcernedtheJewsonly.OfwhomdoesGodrequirerestandworship?

Herequiresrestandworshipofallmen.17)Ofwhomdidhe require that this rest andworshipbedoneon the

seventhday?ThisherequiredoftheJewsonly.18)TheOldTestamentwasinforceuptowhosecoming?UptothecomingofChrist.19)WhenChrist came,whatwas donewith all the special lawswhich

concernedtheJewsonly?Theyweredoneawaywith.20) (41) “WhydoweChristiansno longerkeep the seventhday of the

week,asdidthechildrenofGodintheOldTestament?”“BecauseGod’schildrenintheNewTestamentarenolongerboundtoafixed

dayandtoitslegalobservance.”21)WhowerethechildrenofGodintheOldTestament?TheJewswereGod’schildrenintheOldTestament.

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22)WhatdayoftheweekhadGodsetapartandfixedastheirdayofrestandworship?

Hehadsetaparttheseventhday.23)WhenJesus’disciples,on theSabbathday,walked throughagrain

fieldandpluckedtheearsandate,theJewsthoughttheycommittedagreatsin, as we see from Matt. 12:1-13. But what did the Savior say withreferencetotheSabbath?

“TheSonofmanisLordevenoftheSabbathday.”24)Yes, thisappointmentofa fixeddaywasnotoneof theunalterable

thingsinGod’slaw.IthadserveditspurposewhentheLordoftheSabbathhadappeared.Howlongwasittobeinforce?

ItwastobeinforceuntilChristcame.25)WhatdoesSt.Paulsay,Col.2:16-17?“Letnoman, therefore, judgeyou inmeatordrink,or in respectof aholy

day,orofthenewmoon,oroftheSabbathdays;whichareashadowofthingstocome;butthebodyisofChrist.”

26)TheapostlehereputsthelawoftheSabbathdaysinthesameclasswithwhatotherlaws?

Withthelawsconcerningmeats,drinksandholidays.27)GodhadgiventheJewsspecial lawswithreferencetomeats.What

kindofmeat,forinstance,weretheynotallowedtoeat?Theywerenotallowedtoeatpork.28)Hehadalsogiventhemspeciallawswithreferencetoholidays.What

feastweretheytokeepinmemoryoftheirdeliverancefromthebondageofEgypt?

ThefeastofthePassover.29)TheapostleinCol.2:16-17,says.Letnomanjudgeyouinrespectto

these things. He means, let no man condemn you for not keeping thesespeciallaws.Forofwhomwereallthesethingstobeashadow?

TheyweretobeashadowofChrist.30)Theshadowofathing iscastbefore,andisasignorpictureofthe

thing.Butwhenhavewenoneedoftheshadoworpictureofathing?Whenwehavethethingitself,31) The Old Testament was a time of fixed forms and special

appointments. God dealt with the Jews as with children whom we keepunderstrictregulations,butaschildrenbecomeoldertheyareallowedmore

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liberty. So St. Paul speaks of the liberty of God’s children in the NewTestament.Gal.5:1.Repeatthepassage.

“Standfast,therefore,inthelibertywherewithChristhathmadeusfree,andbenotentangledagainintheyokeofbondage.”

32)WhatdoeshesayChristdidforus?Hemadeusfree.33)Yes,andhemeansthatChristmadeusfreefromthespeciallawsand

regulationswhichrestedasayokeontheJews,andamongtheseisalsotheappointmentofafixeddayanditslegalobservance.WhatwastheobjectoftheappointmentoftheSabbath?

Itsobjectwasrestandworship.34)ThisGodasksofallmen,butwhatcanyousaywithreferencetothe

timeforsuchrestandworship?Thisislefttoourownjudgment.35)Soweconcludefromwhattheapostlesays.Rom.14:5-6.Read.“Oneman esteemeth one day above another; another esteemeth every day

alike.Leteverymanbefullypersuadedinhisownmind.Hethatregardeththeday,regardethituntotheLord;andhethatregardethnottheday,totheLordhedothnotregardit.”

36)ToaChristianonedayisinitselfnotholierthananother.InthefirstchurchatJerusalemthebelieversmeteverydayforworship,asweseefromActs2:46.Readthepassage.

“AndtheycontinueddailywithoneaccordInthetemple.”37)(42)“WhythendoweChristianskeepacertainday?”“Because it is inkeepingwithgoodorder tohaveanappointedday for the

publicworshiprequiredbyGod.”38)WhatthenisalsorequiredofusChristians?ThepublicworshipofGodisrequiredofus.39)Godnotonlyaskseveryoneofustoworshiphiminprivate,butwhat

elsedoesherequire?Thatweallcometogetherandworshiphiminpublic.40)Whenmenaretomeetforanypurpose,whatisnecessaryastotime?Itisnecessarythattheyagreeuponandappointatimeformeeting.41)Sowhatisnecessaryforpublicworship?Itisnecessarythatwehaveasettime.42)WhatdoestheApostlesay,1Cor.14:40?“Letallthingsbedonedecentlyandinorder.”

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43) Christians are to do everything orderly, and this applies to theirpublicworshipalso.Whatkindofamatteristheappointmentofaspecialdayforpublicworship?

Itisamatteroforder.44)Whichdayhasbeensetapartasourdayofrestandpublicworship?Sundayhasbeensetapartasadayofrestandpublicworship.45)WhichdayoftheweekisSunday?Sundayisthefirstdayoftheweek.46)(43)“WhydowetakeSunday?”“BecauseitisthedayoftheresurrectionofChrist,andthechurchhaskeptit

sincethetimeoftheApostles.”47)Christianswereat libertytomeetforworshipanydayoftheweek.

Whydidthefirstdayoftheweekseemtothemthemostappropriate?BecauseitwasthedayonwhichtheLordJesusarosefromthedead.48)Yes,and thisresurrectionof theSavior isof suchgreat importance

thatwedowelltothinkofitoftenandcelebrateiteveryweek.Whendowedothis?

WedothisonSunday.49)Readthepassage,Mark16:2.“Andveryearlyinthemorning,thefirstdayoftheweek,theycameuntothe

sepulchreattherisingofthesun.”50) And now, let us see from Acts 20:7, how the early Christians

observedthisday.“And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to

breakbread,Paulpreacheduntothem,readytodepartonthemorrow.”51)Onwhichdayoftheweekdidtheymeetforpreachingandprayer?Onthefirstdayoftheweek.52)Thesameisevidentfrom1Cor.16:2.“Uponthefirstdayoftheweek,leteveryoneofyoulaybyhiminstore,as

Godhasprosperedhim.”53)Sincewhenhas the firstdayof theweekbeenobservedasadayof

restandpublicworship?Sincethedaysoftheapostles.54)“WhoagreeduponthisdayintheexerciseofChristianliberty?”Thechurchagreeduponit.55)WhatdidtheJewscalltheirdayofworship?TheycalledittheSabbath.

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56) Nowhere in the New Testament is the Christian’s day of worshipcalled Sabbath.But inRev. 1:10,we find the day called by amuchmoreappropriatename.Readthepassage.

“IwasintheSpiritontheLord’sDayandheardbehindmeagreatvoiceasofatrumpet.”

57)WhymaythefirstdayoftheweekbecalledtheLord’sDay?Becauseitisthedayofhisresurrection.58) What other holidays have we in the Christian church besides the

Lord’sDayorSunday?Christmas,Easter,Pentecost.59) (44) “Why dowe in addition, keep other days, such asChristmas,

Easter,Pentecost?”“Thatwemayhavea fixed time in common to consider thegreatdeedsof

God,andrenderhimduepraiseforthesame.”60)WhatgreateventdowecelebrateonChristmasday?WecelebratethebirthofChrist.61)Yes,forwhatdowepraiseGodonthisday?ThathesenthisonlybegottenSonintotheworldtobeourSavior.62)WhatarethefourSundaysprevioustoChristmascalled?TheyarecalledAdventSundays.63)Adventmeans“Coming.”Forwhosecomingdoestheadventseason

prepareus?ItpreparesusforthecomingofChrist.64)WhatgreateventdowecelebrateonEaster?WecelebratetheresurrectionofChrist.65)WhatholidaydowekeepthreedaysbeforeEaster?WekeepGoodFriday.66)Whattookplaceonthisday?Christwascrucified.67)WhatarethesixweeksbeforeEastercalled?TheyarecalledLent.68)Whatshouldwethinkofduringthisseason?WeshouldthinkofthesufferingsanddeathoftheSavior.69)WhatgreateventdowecelebrateonPentecost?Wecelebrate theoutpouringof theHolyGhost upon theApostles and first

Christians.

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70)TheSundayafterPentecostiscalledTrinitySunday,andhowarealltheremainingSundaysoftheChurchyearnumberedandnamed?

AssomanySundaysafterTrinity.71)RepeatthepassagePs.26:6-8.“Iwillwashminehandsininnocency,

sowillIcompassthinealtar,OLord,thatImaypublishwiththevoiceofthanksgiving,andtellofthywondrousworks.”

72)Whatthenistheobjectofspecialholidaysinthechurch?TorememberGod’swondrousworksandgivehimthanksforthem.

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Lesson13.KeepingTheLord’sDay.

(Questions45-49.)

1)(45)“Whatisenjoinedonusinthis(Third)Commandment?”“That we remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy, or that we hold

preachingandhisWordsacredandgladlyhearandlearnit.”2)WhatdoweChristianscallthefirstdayoftheweek?WecallitSundayortheLord’sday.3)Howshouldwekeepthisday?Weshouldkeepitholy.4)Readwhatiswritten1Tim.4:4:5.“For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be

receivedwiththanksgiving,foritissanctifiedbytheWordofGodandprayer.”5)Tosanctifyathingmeanstosetitapartandregarditholy.Howarethingssanctifiedormadeholy?BytheWordofGodandprayer.6)Whatisitthen,thatmakestheLord’sdayholy?TheWordofGodandprayer.7)TheLord’sdayhasbeensetapartforwhatpurpose?ForthepreachingoftheWordofGodandforprayerorworship.8)Yes, this is the real object of theLord’sday.How shouldwe regard

preachingandhisWord?Weshouldholditsacred.9)Whatdoesthismean?Weshouldregarditassomethingholy.10)WhatispreachedtousontheLord’sday?TheWordofGodispreachedtous.11) When God’s Word is preached to us how should we conduct

ourselvestowardit?Weshouldgladlyhearandlearnit.12)Whatisthefirstthingherementioned?WeshouldheartheWordofGod.

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13)Andhowshouldwehearit?Weshouldhearitgladly.14)Yes.we should be glad thatwe have the opportunity to hear it, of

whichmany are deprived. It is a blessed privilege. Read what is writtenEccles.5:1.

“Keep thy footwhen thougoest to thehouseofGodandbemore ready tohearthantogivethesacrificeoffools.”

15)WhenwehearthepreachingoftheGospelwhoisitthatisspeakingtous?

Godhimselfisspeakingtous.16)ReadwhattheSaviorsays,Luke10:16.“Hethathearethyouhearethme.”17) We should not only hear the Word of God; what else does the

Catechismsayweshoulddo?WeshouldlearnIt.18)ReadwhatiswrittenJames1:25.“Butwhosolookethintotheperfectlawofliberty,andcontinueththerein,he

beingnotaforgetfulhearer,butadoeroftheword,thismanshallbeblessedinhisdeed.”

19)WhatkindofhearingdoestheApostleherewarnagainst?Againstforgetfulhearing.20) (46) Question 46 of the Catechism tells usmore at length howwe

shouldkeeptheLord’sday.Thequestionreads:“Whenisthisdone?”“WhenweholdGod’sWordasourhighest treasure,and thereforenotonly

makediligentuseof it ourselves at home,but alsowithheartfelt pleasure anddevotionhearitinpublicworshipandmoreandmorelearntounderstandanddoit.”

21)HowshouldweregardtheWordofGod?Weshouldregarditasourhighesttreasure.22)Yes,thereisnothingmorepreciousthanGod’sWord.Itissacredand

we should regard it with awe. This we see from Isa. 66:2. Repeat thepassage.

“ButtothismanwillIlook,eventohimthatispoorandofacontritespiritandthattremblethatmyword.”

23)Repeatthepassage1Thess.2:13.“WhenyereceivedtheWordofGod,whichyeheardofus,yereceiveditnot

asthewordofmen,but,asitisintruth,theWordofGod.”

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24)HowdidthesepeopleregardandreceivetheApostle’spreaching"TheyreceiveditastheWordofGod.25)Tellmefromtheanswertoquestion46whatshouldwedowithGod’s

Wordathome?Weshouldmakediligentuseofit.26)Howcanwemakediligentuseofitathome?Byreadingandlearningit.27)Yes,readachaptereveryday,learnyourSunday-schoollesson,think

overit,talkaboutit,askGodtohelpyouunderstandit.Butinwhatotherwaydoesquestion46tellustouseGod’sWord?

Withheartfeltpleasureanddevotiontohearitinpublicworship.28)Whyshouldwedelighttogotochurch?ThatwemayhearthepreachingofGod’sWord.29)Howshouldwehearit?Weshouldhearitwithheartfeltpleasureanddevotion.30)WhenGodspeakstous,whatshouldwedo?Weshouldhearandgiveattention.31)WhatdidSamuelsaywhenheheardthevoiceofGodinthetemple?

1Sam.3:10.Hesaid,“Speak;forthyservantheareth.”32)When your father or your teacher speaks to you,what should you

do?Ishouldlistentowhattheyaresaying.33)HowmuchmorewhenGodspeakstoyou.Butnotonlyshouldyou

trytounderstandGod’sWord:whatelsedoesquestion46say?WeshoulddotheWordofGod.34)Yes,thatmeanstakeittoheartandliveandactaccordingtoit.WhatdoestheSaviorhimselfsayaboutthis,Luke11:28?“BlessedaretheythatheartheWordofGodandkeepit.”35) When the Savior was twelve years old, where did he go with his

parents?HewenttoJerusalematthefeastofthePassover.36)Whentheymissedhimonthewayhomeandwentbackseekinghim,

wheredidtheyfindhim?Theyfoundhiminthetemple,sittinginthemidstofthedoctors.37)Whatwashedoingthere?Hewashearingthemandaskingquestions.

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38)Whatelsedoestheministerdoinchurchbesidespreach?HebaptizesandgivestheHolyCommunion.39)Andhowshouldweregardtheseacts?Weshouldregardthemasholy.40)Andhowshouldwefollowandtakepartintheseordinances?Withreverenceanddevotion.41) In what else does public worship consist besides preaching and

administeringthesacraments?Italsoconsistsinsongandprayer.42)Whatdoes theproperkeepingof theLord’sdayrequireofuswith

referencetothesepartsoftheservice?Itrequiresthatwejoinwiththecongregationinsingingandprayer.43)Whatistakenupduringthesingingafterthesermon?Thecollectionorofferingistakenup.44)Whatisthisofferingfor?Itisforthesupportofthechurch.45)Tellmefrom1Cor.16:1-2.concerningwhatdidtheapostlewriteto

theChristiansatCorinth?Hewroteconcerningthecollectionforthesaints.46)Whenwasthiscollectiontobetakenup?Itwastobetakenuponthefirstdayoftheweek,47)Yes,ontheLord’sdaywhentheycametogetherforpublicworship.

Howwaseveryonetogiveinthiscollection?HewastogiveasGodhadprosperedhim.48)IfwelovetheservicesofGod’shouseweshouldbegladtogivewhat

isnecessarytokeepthemup.WhatdoestheapostlewriteinGal.6:6?“LethimthatistaughtintheWordcommunicateuntohimthatteachethinall

goodthings.”49)(47)“Whatisforbiddeninthiscommandment.”“WeshouldnotdespisepreachingandGod’sword.”50)(48)“Whenisthisdone?”“When we look upon it is a matter of indifference, and therefore without

necessityneglecttohearandconsiderit.”51)Supposeyour father sentyouword thathewanted to speak toyou

andyoupaidnoattentionanddidnotcometohearwhathehadtosay,howwouldheregardsuchconduct?

Hewouldregarditasaninsult.

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52)Whatwoulditshowonyourpart?ItwouldshowthatIhadnorespectformyfather,thatIdespisedhim.53)Andhowdo thewicked show that theyhaveno reverence forGod

anddespisehim?ByrefusingtohearhisWord.51)Whatisitthatkeepspeopleawayfrompublicworship?Theirwork,amusementormerecarelessness.55)WhatdoestheSaviorsaytotheJews,John8:47?“HethatisofGodhearethGod’swords:yethereforehearthemnot,because

yearenotofGod.”56) When people use the Lord’s day as a day of common labor, of

idleness, drunkenness, gluttony or sinful lust what do they show withreferencetotheirrelationtoGod?

TheyshowthattheydespiseGod.57)RepeatthepassageLuke10:16.“Hethathearethyouhearethme;andhethatdespisethyoudespisethme;and

hethatdespisethmedespisethhimthatsentme.”58)AgainstwhatdoestheapostlewarninHeb.10:25?He warns against “forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the

mannerofsomeis.”59)ForwhatpurposeshouldChristiansassembleontheLord’sday?Theyshouldassembleforpublicworship.60)AndtheywhoneglectthisnotonlysinagainstGod;howdotheysin

againstthemselves?Theydeprivethemselvesofagreatblessing.61)(49)“Whatisthreatenedinthiscommandment?”“Becausethouhastrejectedknowledge,Iwillalsorejectthee.”(Hosea4:6.)62)WhomdopeoplerejectwhentheyrejecttheknowledgewhichGod’s

Wordalonegives?TheyrejectGod.63)Andwhatpunishmentwillbevisiteduponsuchpeople?Godwillrejectthem.

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Lesson14.TheSecondTableOfTheLaw.

(Questions50-54.)

1)(50)“Ofwhatdoesthesecondtableofthedivinelawtreat?”“Oflovetoourneighbor.”2)Howdowedividetheholytencommandments?Intotwopartscalledtables.3)Howmanycommandmentsareonthefirsttable?Thefirstthree.4)Ofwhatdotheytreat?TheytreatoflovetoGod.5)WhatisitthatGodasksofuswithreferencetohimself?Heasksthatwelovehim.6)TellmethiswithaScripturepassage.“ThoushaltlovetheLordthyGodwithallthyheart,andwithallthysouland

withallthymind.”7)WhomelseshouldwelovebesidesGod?Weshouldalsoloveourneighbor.8)WhatthenistheonethingthatGodasksofusinthelaw?Heaskslove.9)(51)Yes,lovetoGodandlovetoourneighbor.Thesecondtableofthe

lawasksustoloveourneighbor“Whatisthesumofthistable?”“Thoushaltlovethyneighborasthyself(Matt.22:39).”“Allthingswhatsoeveryewouldthatmenshoulddotoyou,doyeevensoto

them.”10)(52)“Whoisourneighbor?”“Everyonewhostandsinneedofourcounselandassistance,behefriendor

foeorwhohemay.”11) It is important thatweunderstand firstofallwhoourneighbor is.

Whoisgenerallymeantbytheterm“neighbor”?Thepersonwholivesnextdoor.

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12)Yes,but therearepersonswhoarecloser tous than thosewho livenextdoor.Whoarethey?

Thosewholiveinthesamefamilywithus,ourparents,brothersandsisters,childrenandallofourownhousehold.

13)Turnto1Tim.5:8.andreadwhatistherewritten.“Andifanyprovidenotforhisown,andspeciallyforthoseofhishouse,he

hathdeniedthefaith,andisworsethananinfidel.”14)Whatpersonsareherespokenofasthoseforwhomweshouldcare?Weshouldcareforthoseofourownhouse.15)Yes, theseare so to speakournearestneighbors,andhave the first

claimonourlove.NowreadwhatiswrittenGal.6:10“Aswehavethereforeopportunityletusdogooduntoallmen,butespecially

untothemwhoareofthehouseholdoffaith.”16)Whathouseholdisherespokenof?Thehouseholdoffaith.17)Yes,thisisthespiritualfamilyofthechurch.Howshouldweregard

allChristians?Weshouldregardthemasourbrethren.18)Iftheyareourbrethrenonwhathavetheyaspecialclaim?Theyhaveaclaimonourlove.19)Towhomarewespeciallyaskedtodogood?Tothoseofthehouseholdoffaith.20)Buttheapostleinthepassagejustreadasksustodogoodtowhom?Todogoodtoallmen.21)Thenhowshouldweregardallmen?Weshouldregardallmenasourneighbors.22) On one occasion a certain lawyer put the question to the Savior:

“Whoismyneighbor?”YouwillfindtheSavior’sanswerrecordedinLuke10:2.5-.37. Turn to the passage and let us read it. What story did Jesusrelateinanswertothelawyer’squestion?

HerelatedthestoryofthegoodSamaritan.23) In this storyJesuswants to impressonus the fact thatallmenare

ourneighbors.WhowasthepoormanwhowentdownfromJerusalemtoJerichoandfellamongthieves?

HewasaJew.24)Andwhowasthemanwhohadmercyuponhim?HewasaSamaritan.

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25)Howdidthesemendifferfromeachother?Theydifferedastotheirnationality.26)Andhowelsedidtheydiffer?Theywereofdifferentreligions.27)Isitprobablethattheykneweachother?No,verylikelytheywerestrangers.28)Whatwas the feelingbetween theJewsand theSamaritansat that

time?Theywereenemies.29)After relating the story to the lawyerwhatquestiondid theSavior

puttohim?Youwillfinditinverse36.“Which now of these three, thinkest thou,was neighbor unto him that fell

amongthethieves?”30)Andwhatanswerdidthemangive?"Hethatshewedmercyonhim.31) What other persons are mentioned in the story besides the

Samaritan?ThepriestandtheLevite.32)Ofwhatnationalitywerethey?TheywereJews.33)Whatwastheirreligion?TheywereoftheJewishreligion.34)Andyethowdidtheyacttowardtheirpoorneighbor?Theyactedveryunneighborly.35.AndhowdidtheSamaritan,whowasastrangertohimanddiffered

fromhiminnationalityandreligion,act?Heactedtheneighbor.36)Ourneighborsthenarenotonlyourrelatives,butwhoelse?Notonlyrelativesbutstrangers,areourneighbors.37)Notonlyourfriends,butwhoelse?Ourenemiesarealsoourneighbors.38)ReadwhatiswritteninMal.2:10.“Havewenotallonefather?HathnotoneGodcreatedus?Whydowedeal

treacherously every one against his brother, by profaning the covenant of ourfathers?”

39)AndwhatdoestheLordJesussayMatt.5:44:45?

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“Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hateyou,andpray for themwhichdespitefullyuseyou,andpersecuteyou; thatyemaybethechildrenofyourFatherwhichisinheaven:forhemakethhissuntoriseontheevilandonthegood,andsendethrainonthejustandontheunjust.”

40)Nowhaving seenwhoourneighbor is, let us also seewhatwe owehim.Whatshouldwedotoourneighbor?

Weshouldlovehim.41)(53)“Howshouldweloveourneighbor?”“Notaboveallthings,butasourselves,sothatweasheartilyandconstantly

wishandshowhimailmannerofgoodaswedoourselves.”42)Whomshouldweloveaboveallthings?WeshouldloveGodaboveallthings.43)WhatisLuther’sexplanationoftheFirstCommandment?“Weshouldfear,loveandtrustinGodaboveallthings.”44)Andhowshouldweloveourneighbor?Weshouldlovehimasweloveourselves.45)Howdoeseverymanfeeltowardhimself?Heloveshimself.46)WhydoesGodnotexpresslytellustoloveourselves?Becausewedothatwithoutbeingtold.47)Yes,itisnaturalforustoloveourselves.Whenthisloveforselfgets

tobesostrongthatweforgetotherswhatdowecallit?Wecallitselfishness.48)Thisnaturalself-loveinusistobethemeasureofwhatotherlove?Oftheloveweoweourneighbor.49)TheLordJesusinthepassagewhichyourepeatedabitagotellsus

whatourlovetoourneighborshouldpromptustodo.Whatdoeshesayweshoulddoeventoourenemies?

Weshouldloveourenemies.50)Whatshouldwedotothosewhohateus?Weshoulddogoodtothemthathateus.51)Whatshouldwedotothosewhodespitefullyuseandpersecuteus?Weshouldprayforthem.52)HowdidtheSaviorhimselfdowhathehereasksofus?Heprayedforhismurderersonthecross.Hehealedoneofthemenwhohad

cometotakehimprisoner.

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53) How did the good Samaritan feel toward his poor unfortunateneighbor?

Hehadcompassiononhim.54)Whatdidthiscompassionleadhimtodo?Hewenttohimandbounduphiswounds.55)Whatelsedidhedo?Hetookhimtoaninnandtookcareofhim.56)Andwhatprovisiondidhemakeforhimwhenhedeparted?Hegavethehosttwopencetocareforhim.57)Andwhatdidhepromisetodoonhisreturn?“Whatsoeverthouspendestmore,whenIcomeagainIwillrepaythee.”58)This is a true example of howwe should love ourneighbor.Under

question51therearetwoScripturepassagesquoted.Repeatthesecond.“Allthingswhatsoeveryewouldthatmenshoulddotoyou,doyeevensoto

them.”59) Here the Savior lays down a rule telling us to do to others as we

wouldhavethemdotous.Whatisthisrulecalled?Itiscalledthegoldenrule.60)Yes,anditwelldeservesthisname.Whatfeelingshouldmarkallour

conducttowardourneighbor.Thefeelingoflove.61)NowreadwhatiswrittenRom.13:8-9.“Owenomananything. but to loveone another: for he that loveth another

hathfulfilledthelaw.Forthis,thoushaltnotcommitadultery,thoushaltnotkill,thoushaltnotsteal,thoushaltnotbearfalsewitness,thoushaltnotcovet;andifthere be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying,namely,thoushaltlovethyneighborasthyself.”

62)Soinwhatwordsisallthatthesecondtableofthelawrequiresofusbrieflyexpressed?

Inthewords:“Thoushaltlovethyneighborasthyself.”63) (54) “How many commandments does the second table contain?”

“Thelastseven.”

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Lesson15.WhatIsForbiddenInTheFourthCommandment.

(Questions55-59.)

1)(55)“WhichistheFourthCommandment?”“Thoushalthonorthyfatherandthymother.”2)(56)“Whatdoesthismean?”“We should fear and love God, that we may not despise our parents and

masters,norprovokethemtoanger:butgivethemhonor,serveandobeythem,andholdtheminloveandesteem.”

3)Ofwhomdoesthisfourthcommandmenttreat?Ittreatsoffatherandmother.4)WhoarespokenofinLuther’sexplanationofthecommandment?Parentsandmasters.5)(57)“Whomdoyouunderstandbyparentsandmasters?”“AllthosewhomGodhasplacedoverothers,particularlynaturalparentsand

thosewhoactintheirstead,asalsocivilgovernment.”6)OnwhichtableofthelawisthisCommandment?Itisonthesecondtable.7)Ofwhatdoesthesecondtabletreat?Ittreatsoflovetoourneighbor.8)Whoareournearestneighbors?Thoseinourownfamily.9)Mentionthem.Parents,children,brothersandsisters.10)Not all stand on the same level, but according to question 57what

differenceisthereamongmen?Godhasplacedsomeoverothers.11)Whosearrangementisthisintheworldthatsomepersonsareplaced

overothers?ItisGod’sarrangement.12)WhomhasHeplacedoveryouinthefamily?

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Ourparents,fatherandmother.13) What other parents may there be in the family besides natural

parents?Step-parents,foster-parents,grand-parentsandparents-in-law.14)ReadGen.28:13.“And behold the Lord stood above it, and said: I am the Lord God of

Abraham,thyfather,andtheGodofIsaac.”15)This is from the story of Jacob’s ladder.Godwas talking to Jacob

andwhatdidhecallhimself?HecalledhimselftheGodofAbrahamthyfather.16)WhowasthenaturalfatherofJacob?Isaacwashisfather.17)HowwasAbrahamrelatedtoJacob?Hewashisgrandfather.18)And yetGod calledhimhis father.What dowe see from thiswith

referencetograndparents?Thatweshouldregardthemalsoasparents.19)Yes,andsowithreferencetotheotherkindsofparents.Whoseplace

dostepandfoster-parentstake?Theytaketheplaceofnaturalparents.20)Read2Kings2:12.“AndElishasaw itandhecried:Myfather,myfather, thechariotof Israel

andthehorsementhereof!”21)ElishawaslookingupastheprophetElijahascendedtoheaven,and

whatdidhecallhim?Hecalledhimfather.22)Hewasnothisnaturalfather,butinwhatrelationdidElijahstandto

Elisha?Hewashisteacher.23)AndyetwhatdidElishacallhim?Hecalledhimfather.24)Sowhomdoesthetermfatheralsoinclude?Italsoincludesteachers.25)Inwhosesteaddoteachersstandinschool?Inthesteadofparents.26) But whom does Luther in the explanation of the fourth

commandmentmentionbesidesparents?

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Healsomentionsmasters.27)Whoareourmastersatwork?Foremen,overseersandproprietors.28)ReadMal.1:6.“Asonhonorethhisfatherandaservanthismaster.”29).Whattwopersonsarehereputonthesamelevel?Afatherandamaster,asonandaservant.30)Nowread2Kings5:13.“Andhisservantcamenear,andspakeuntohim,andsaid,Myfather,ifthe

prophethadbidtheedosomegreatthing,wouldstthounothavedoneit?”31)ThisisfromthestoryofNaamantheLeper.Whatdidhisservantcall

him?Hecalledhimfather.32)Weseefromthisthatservantsshouldhonortheirmastersasfathers

andmothers.Nowturnto1Sam.24:11andtellmefromthestoryofSaulandDavidwhatDavidcalledSaul.

Hecalledhimfather.33)WhowasDavid’snaturalfather?JessewasthefatherofDavid.34)WhowasSaul?Saulwasking.35)AndyetwhatdidDavidcallhim?Hecalledhimfather.36)Nowread1Cor.4:15.“ForthoughyehavetenthousandinstructorsinChrist,yethaveyenotmany

fathers:forinChristJesusIhavebegottenyouthroughtheGospel.”37) What honor did St. Paul hero claim with reference to the

Corinthians?Thehonorofbeingtheirfather.38)Whydoesheclaimthishonor?BecausehehadfirstpreachedtheGospeltothem.39)Yes,hewastheirspiritualfather.Whomthenshouldwealsohonoras

fathers?Ourministersandpastors.40)Readwhatiswritten1Tim.5:1.“Rebukenotanelder,butentreathimasafather.”41)HowdoesSt.Paulheroaskthateldersoroldpeoplebetreated?

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Theyshouldbetreatedasfathers.43)ReadalsoLev.19:32.“Thoushaltriseupbeforethehoaryhead,andhonorthefaceoftheoldman.”43) (58) Old people should be honored as fathers and mothers. Now

“Whatisforbiddeninthiscommandment?”“Weshouldnotdespiseourparentsandmasters,norprovokethemtoanger.”44)(59)“Whatdoesthismean?”“Weshouldnotmakelightoftheminourhearts,noroffendtheminwordor

act.”45)Todespiseapersonmeanstothinkhowofhim?Tothinklightofhim.46)Todespiseaperson is to think lessofhimthanweought.Whohas

placedourparentsandmastersoverus.Godhasplacedthemoverus.47)Whenwedespiseourparentsandmasters,whatdoweforgetorfail

tobelieve?ThatGodhasplacedthemoverus.48)Andwhenweforgetordenythis,howwillwetreatthem?Wewilltreatthemwithdisrespect.49)Ifwethusmakelightoftheminourheartswhatwillnaturallyfollow

accordingtoquestion59?Wewilloffendtheminwordandact.50)HowdidAbsalomoffendhisfather?Hestirreduparebellionandtriedtodrivehimfromthethrone.51)HowdidthewickedsonsofElioffendtheirfather?Theyoffendedhimbytheirwickedness.52)HowdidthesonsofJacoboffendtheirfather?Theyoffendedhimbytheirwickednessandespeciallybysellingtheirbrother

Josephintoslavery.53)HowdidthechildrenatBetheloffendtheprophetElisha?Theymockedhim.54)RepeatthepassageProv.30:17.“The eye thatmocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey hismother, the

ravensofthevalleyshallpickitout,andtheyoungeaglesshalleatit.”55)Whatkindofchildrenareherespokenof?Wicked,disobedientchildren.

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56)Yes, disobedient children arewicked children. Luther once said hewould,ratherhaveadeadsonthanadisobedientone.Repeat thepassageExod.21:17.

“Hethatcursethhisfatherorhismothershallsurelybeputtodeath.”57)HowwerechildrenintheOldTestament,whocursedtheirparents,

tobepunished?Theyweretobeputtodeath.

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Lesson16.WhatIsCommandedInTheFourthCommandment.

(QuestionsGO-65.)

1) (60) “What is on the other hand commanded in the FourthCommandment?”

“That we honor our father and mother, or give honor to our parents andmasters,serveandobeythem,andholdtheminloveandesteem.”

2)(61)“Whatismeantbythis?”“ToholdtheminhighregardaspersonsactinginGod’sstead,topleasethem,

cheerfullybesubjecttothem,andtorequitethemwithallmannerofgood.”3)RepeattheFourthCommandment.“Thoushalthonorthyfatherandthymother,thatitmaybewellwiththeeand

thoumayestlivelongontheearth.”4) What is it that God here asks of us with reference to father and

mother?Thatwehonorthem.5)Whatdoesquestion61say?Howshouldweholdthem?Weshouldholdtheminhighregard,aspersonsactinginGod’sstead.6)Whohasplacedthemoverus?Godhasplacedthemoverus.7)Inwhosesteaddotheyact?TheyactinGod’sstead.8)Whogaveuslife?Godgaveuslife.9)Throughwhomdidhegiveuslife?Throughourparents.10)Whoprovidesuswithfood,shelterandraiment?Godprovidesallthesethings.11)Throughwhomdoeshedothis?Throughourparents.

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12)Soourparentsarewhoseagentsorrepresentatives?TheyareGod’sagents.Godblessesusthroughthem.13)AndthisistrueofallwhomGodhasplacedoverus.Whatdoesthe

apostlesay,Rom.13:1?“Leteverysoulbesubjectuntothehigherpowers.Forthereisnopowerbut

ofGod,thepowersthatbeareordainedofGod.”14)Theapostleisherespeakingofcivilgovernment.Whatdoeshesayof

thepowersthatbe?HesaystheyareordainedofGod.15)This is trueofourowngovernmentalso.Weelectourofficers,and

yettheyareordainedofGod.Whenamanisproperlyelectedorappointedtoanoffice,whoisitthathasreallyplacedhimthere?

ItisGod.16)HowdoesGodplacemeninofficeinthiscountry?Throughthevoiceofthepeople.17)Yes, civil authorities areGod’s representatives inmatters of public

order.Whatisthehighesthonorwecanshowthoseinpublicoffice?ThatweregardthemaspersonsactinginGod’sstead.18)WhatdoestheSaviorsayofministersoftheGospelinLuke10:16?“Hethathearethyouhearethme;andhethatdespisethyoudespisethme;and

hethatdespisethmedespisethhimthatsentme.”19)WhenapastorspeaksGod’sword,eitherpubliclyorprivately,how

shouldweregardhim?AsChrist’srepresentative,asapersonactinginGod’sstead.20)RepeatthepassageMal.1:6.“Asonhonorethhisfatherandaservanthismaster.”21)WhatdobothsonandservantowethosewhomGodhasplacedover

them?Theyowethemhonor.22)Thishonormayalsobecalledfear,thatis,childlikereverence,asin

Lev.19:3.Whatisthepassage?“Yeshallfeareverymanhisfatherandhismother.”23)Whatelsedoesthecatechism,question61,saythatweshoulddoto

ourparentsandmastersbesidesholdingtheminhighregard?Weshouldpleasethem.24)Howcanwedothis?Bydoingwhattheylikewithoutbeingtold.

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25)Whatelsedoweoweoursuperiors?Weshouldcheerfullybesubjecttothem.26)Whyshouldweobeythem?BecauseGodsaysso.27)TellmethiswiththeScripturepassageCol.3:20.“Children,obeyyourparents inall things; for this iswell-pleasingunto the

Lord.”28)Howdoesthecatechismsayweshouldbesubjecttothem?Weshouldbesubjecttothemcheerfully.29)Andwhatelsecouldyousayastohowweshouldobey?Weshouldobeypromptly.30) The Savior himself gave us an example of such willing obedience.

TurntoLuke2:51,andreadwhatistherewrittenaboutthechildJesusandhisparents.

“AndhewentdownwiththemandcametoNazareth,andwassubjectuntothem.”

31)HowdidRuthhonorhermother-in-lawNaomi?Ruth1:16.Shewouldnotleaveherafterthedeathofherhusbandbutsaid:“Entreatme

nottoleavethee,ortoreturnfromfollowingafterthee:forwhitherthougoest,Iwillgo;andwherethoulodgest,Iwilllodge;thypeopleshallbemypeople,andthyGodmyGod.”

32)WhatwickedcommanddidkingNebuchadnezzargiveout?Dan.3:4-5.

Thatallmenshouldworshipthegoldenimagethathehadsetup.33)Whorefusedtoobeythiscommand?ThethreepiousJews,Shadrach,MeshachandAbednego.34)Whywasitrighttorefuseobediencetosuchacommandalthoughthe

kinghadgivenit?BecausethecommandwasagainstGod’slaw.35)When those in authority command one thing and God commands

another,whosecommandshouldweobey?GivemetheanswerbyrepeatingthepassageActs5:29.

“WeoughttoobeyGodratherthanmen.”36)WhatelsedoestheCatechismsaythatweoweourparentsaccording

tothelatterpartofquestion61?Weshouldrequitethemwithallmannerofgood.37)NowrepeatthepassageProv.23:22.

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“Hearkenunto thy father that begat-thee, anddespise not thymotherwhensheisold.”

38)Whenparticularlyshouldyounotdespiseyourmother?Whensheisold.39) Some godless children are ashamed of their old parents. You

rememberthestoryofJoseph.Howdidhehonorhisagedfather?HesentforhimtocomedownfromCanaanduringthefamineandlivewith

himinEgypt.40)Whenitwastoldhimthathisfatherhadcome,whatdidhedo?Hemadereadyhischariotsandwentouttomeethim;hefellonhisneckand

kissedhim.41)Andwhatothergreathonordidheshowhim?HeintroducedhimtoKingPharaoh.42)Andwhatprovisiondidhemakeforhisfatherandthewholefamily?HegavethemthelandofGoshenastheirdwellingplaceandprovidedthem

witheverythingtheyneeded.43)Repeatwhattheapostlesays1Tim.5:4.“Torequitetheirparents:forthatisgoodandacceptablebeforeGod.”44)Whatdoesitmeantorequiteparents?Topaythemback.45)Forwhatareweindebtedtothem?Forfood,clothing,shelter,educationandnursingindaysofsickness.46)Whenhaveweopportunitytopaythisback?Whenourparents,intheiroldage,becomefeebleandhelpless.47)Whatreasondoestheapostleassignwhyweshoulddothis?“ForthisisgoodandacceptablebeforeGod.”48)Yes,howcanwe,aschildren,bestshowthatwefearandloveGod?Whenwehonor,serve,obeyandrequiteourparents.49)(62)“Whatisthespecialpromiseattachedtothiscommandment?”“Thatitmaybewellwiththeeandthoumayestlivelongontheearth.”50)Readthepassage,Eph.6:2-3.“Honorthyfatherandmother,whichisthefirstcommandmentwithpromise.

Thatitmaybewellwiththee,andthoumayestlivelongontheearth.”51) Where has God placed this Fourth Commandment in the second

table?Hehasplaceditattheheadofthesecondtable.

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52)Andbythishehasmadeitprominent.Butinwhatotherwayhashedistinguishedthiscommandmentfromallothers?

Byaddingtoitaspecialpromise.53)Whatisthisspecialpromise?“Thatitmaybewellwiththeeandthoumayestlivelongontheearth.”54)Whathashepromisedtothosewhokeepthiscommandment?Well-beingandlonglife.55)(63)“WhydidGodaddthispromisetothiscommandment?”“Toshowhowhighparentsstandinhiseyes,andhowimportantisobedience

totheFourthCommandment.”56)Yes,allrealwelfareinthisworlddependsonobediencetotheFourth

Commandment in the family, school, church, and state. We can notoverestimate its importance. Joseph is a beautiful example of how Godblessesobedient,piouschildren.WhatkindofaboywasJosephathome?

Hewasanobedient,God-fearingboy.57)AndalthoughforatimeitseemedasthoughGodhadforsakenhim,

whatpositiondidheatlastoccupy?HewasarulerofallEgypt,thenextmantotheking.58)(64)“Whatisthreatenedinthiscommandment?”“Cursedbebethatsettethlightbyhisfatherorhismother.”(Deut.27:16.)59)HowwasthiscursevisitedonAbsalom?He perished miserably by the hand of Joab in the rebellion which he had

stirredupagainsthisfather.60)(65)“WhatdoesGodrequireofparentsandallsuperiors?”“That they have and manifest a parental heart toward their children and

subordinates.”61) Parents and all in authority hold a responsible position.What are

parentstoprovidefortheirchildren?Clothing,foodandshelter.62) But in Eph. 6:4, the apostle mentions more than this. Repeat the

passage.“Yefathers,provokenotyourchildrentowrath:butbringthemupinthenurtureandadmonitionoftheLord.”

63)Howshouldtheybringuptheirchildren?InthenurtureandadmonitionoftheLord.64)Whatdoestheapostlesay,1Tim.5:8?“But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own

house,hehathdeniedthefaith,andisworsethananinfidel.”

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65)Childrenshouldhonor theirparents,buthowshouldparentsprovethemselveswithreferencetothishonor?

Theyshouldprovethemselvesworthyofthishonor.66)Thesameistrueofthegovernment.Whatarethoseinpublicoffice

tolookafter?Theyaretolookafterthepublicwelfare.67)Andwhatareteacherstolookafter?Theyaretolookaftertheeducationandtrainingoftheirscholars.68)Whatarepastorstodo?Theyaretolookafterthespiritualwelfareofthosecommittedtotheircare.

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Lesson17WhatIsForbiddenInTheFifthCommandment.

(Questions66-69.)

1)(66)“WhichistheFifthCommandment?”“Thoushaltnotkill.”2)(67)“Whatdoesthismean?”“WeshouldfearandloveGod,thatwemaynothurtnorharmourneighborin

hisbody;buthelpandbefriendhimineverybodilyneed.”3)(68)“Whatisforbiddeninthiscommandment?”“Weshouldnotkill;ornothurtnorharmourneighborinhisbody.”4)Whatdoesitmeantokill?Itmeanstodestroylife.5)Whatlifeisherereferredto?Humanlifeisreferredto.6)HowdidGodformman’sbody?Gen.2:7.Heformeditoutofthedustoftheground.7)Howdidmangethislife?Gen.2:7.Godbreathedintohisnostrilsthebreathoflife,andmanbecamea

livingsoul.8)WhenGodmadeotherlivingcreatures,howdidHegoaboutit?Gen.1:24.“AndGodsaid,Lettheearthbringforththelivingcreature.”9) So we see that man’s life is altogether different from the life of

animals.Inwhoseimagewasmancreated?HewascreatedintheimageofGod.10)WhenGodsays:“Thoushaltnotkill,”whatdoeshewishtoprotect?Hewantstoprotectman’slife.11)Whatlifemaywedestroy?Wemaydestroythelifeofanimals.12)Forwhatpurposemaywekillanimals?Forfoodandclothing,andwhentheyaredangeroustoourownlife.

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13)Buteventhoughitbecomesnecessarytokillanimals,whatshouldweavoidwithreferencetothem?

Weshouldavoidallcruelty.14)HowdoesLutherexplaintheFifthCommandment?Question67.“Weshouldfearand loveGodthatwemaynothurtnorharm

ourneighborinhisbody,buthelpandbefriendhimineverybodilyneed.”15)Whatissaidinthefirstpartofthisanswer?ThatweshouldfearandloveGod.16)Andwhyshouldwereverenceandputsuchahighvalueonthelifeof

man?BecausemanwasmadeintheimageofGod,andhislifeisthebreathofthe

Almighty.17)(68)“Whatisforbiddeninthiscommandment?”“Weshouldnotkill;or,nothurtnorharmourneighborinhisbody.”18)(69)“Howisthisdone?”“Throughhatefulthoughts,wordsanddeeds.”19)Whatisherementionedfirst?Hatefulthoughts.20)Whowasthefirstmurderer?Cain,whokilledhisbrother.21)HowdidCainfeeltowardhisbrotherbeforeheslewhim?Gen.4:5-6.Hewasangrywithhim.22)Andwhatgrewoutofthisanger?Murdergrewoutofit.23)Whenangeriskeptandnursedintheheart,whatdowecallit?Wecallithatred.24)Whatthenistherootofmurder?Angerandhatred...25)HowdoesGodlookuponhimthathatethhisbrother?Givemethe

answerbyrepeatingthepassage,1John3:15.“Whosoeverhatethhisbrotherisamurderer,andyeknowthatnomurderer

hatheternallifeabidinginhim.”26)Now let ushearwhat theSavior says of theheart ofman inMatt.

15:19.“Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications,

thefts,falsewitness,blasphemies.”

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27)Whatkindofheartsmustwehavebynatureifsuchthingsproceedoutofthem?

Verywickedhearts.28)Whoseesandknowsthesemurderousthoughtsofourhearts?God,whoseesandknowsallthings.29)TowhatdoestheapostleadmonishusinEph.4:26?“Beyeangryandsinnot:letnotthesungodownuponyourwrath.”30)Whatshouldwedobeforethesungoesdown?Weshouldgiveupourangerandbereconciled.31)Repeatwhattheapostlesays.Rom.12:19-20.“Avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written

vengeanceismine;Iwillrepay,saiththeLord.Thereforeifthineenemyhunger,feedhim; ifhe thirst,givehimdrink; for insodoing, thoushaltheapcoalsoffireonhishead.”

32)Whatdoesitmeantoavenge?Topaybacklikeforlike.33) The world says: Revenge is sweet. But what should we Christians

thinkofit?Weshouldnottakerevenge,butleavethattoGod.34)Howdohatefulthoughtsfindexpressionfirstofall?Throughhatefulwords.35)Yes,andhateful,insultingwordsaresharpandcuttinglikeasword.

Whatdoweinflictbysuchwords?Weinflictpainandinjury.36)ReadwhatiswritteninthelatterhalfofJer.18:18.“Comeandletussmitehimwiththetongue.”87)HowdidhisenemiesproposetosmitetheProphetJeremiah?Withthetongue.88)Howcouldtheydothis?Bycuttinghimwithinsulting,slanderouslanguage.39)Repeatthepassage,Matt.5:21-22.“Yehaveheardthatitwassaidby

themofold times, thou shaltnotkill; andwhosoever shallkill shallbe indangerof the judgment;butI sayuntoyou, thatwhosoever isangrywithhis brother without a cause, shall be in danger of the judgment; andwhosoevershallsaytohisbrother,Raca,shallbeindangerofthecouncil;butwhosoevershallsay.Thoufool,shallbeindangerofhellfire.”

40)WhichcommandmentistheLordJesushereexplaining?

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HeisexplainingtheFifthCommandment:Thoushaltnotkill.41) And what does he count among the transgressions of this

commandment?Tobeangrywithone’sbrotherwithoutacause.42)Andwhatelsedoeshespeakofasdeservingpunishment?Tocallone’sbrother,Raca,or.Thoufool.43)Thatis,toinsulthimbyhatefulwords,tocallhimuglynames.But

howelse is thiscommandment transgressed,besideswithhateful thoughtsandwords?

Throughhatefulacts.44)WhathatefuldeedwasCainguiltyofagainsthisbrotherAbel?Heslewhim.Hekilledhim.45)Whatawfulcrimedidhetherebycommit?Hecommittedamurder.46)Murderisthewillfuldestructionofhumanlife.Whatevildesignhad

DavidagainstUriah?2Sam.11:14-15.Hearrangedtohavehimkilled.47)Yes,andalthoughhedidnotkillhimhimself,yetwhywasheguilty

ofhisdeath?Becausehearrangedtohaveotherskillhim.48)WhatdidHeroddotothechildrenofBethlehem?Hehadallthosethatweretwoyearsoldandunderkilled.49)Whatanawfulcrimeit istokill innocentlittlechildren!Andyetin

ourdays, thousandsof infantsarekilledbefore theyareborn,andothersareneglecteduntiltheydie,orareinjuredinhealth.

50)Ifamanhaveaviciousanimalandthroughhiscarelessnessapersoniskilledorinjured,whoisresponsible?Exod.21:28-29.

Theowneroftheanimalisresponsible.51) So any other carelessness bywhich our neighbor is endangered or

injuredisatransgressionofthiscommandment,asweseefromDeut.22:8.Readthepassage.

“Whenthoubuildestanewhouse,thenthoushaltmakeabattlementforthyroof,thatthoubringnotblooduponthinehouse,ifanymanfallfromthence.”

52)Itisasintodestroyourneighbor’slife,butwhatelsedoesLuther,inhis explanation of the FifthCommandment, saywe should not do to ourneighbor?

Weshouldnothurtnorharmourneighborinhisbody.

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53)WhatevilintentdidJoseph’sbrothershaveagainsthim?Theywantedtokillhim.54)Andalthoughtheydidnotdothis,whatotherharmdidtheydohim?They threw him into a pit to let him perish and afterward sold him into

slavery.55)WhatharmdidtheEgyptiansdotothechildrenofIsrael?Theyoppressedthemwithheavyburdensandkilledalltheirmalechildren.56)HowdidtheymakelifetotheJews?Theymadelifemiserable.57)HowdidKingSaulcometohisend?1Sam.31:4.Hefelluponhisownsword.58)Whatawfulcrimedidhecommit?Hecommittedsuicide,tookhisownlife.59)Whichoneofthedisciplescommittedthesameterribledeed?Matt.

27:5.JudasIscariot.60)Everyothersinamanmayrepentof.Butwhenamanputsanendto

hisownlife,whatopportunityistherebycutoff?Theopportunityforrepentance.61)Repeatthepassage.Acts16:28.“Dothyselfnoharm.”62)ThisiswhattheapostlecalledouttothejaileratPhilippi.Whatwas

thejailerabouttodobecausehethoughttheprisonershadescaped?Hewasabouttotakehisownlife..63)Itisasintotakeone’sownlife,buttoinjureone’sselforshortenlife

is also a transgression of this commandment. How domen often shortentheirlives?

Byover-work,unnecessaryexposure,neglect,drunkenness,excessiveeating,andthelike.

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Lesson18.WhatIsCommandedInTheFifthCommandment.

(Questions70-71.)

1)Repeatthefifthcommandment.Thoushaltnotkill.2)Whatdoesthismean?“WeshouldfearandloveGodthatwemaynothurtnorharmourneighborin

hisbodybuthelpandbefriendhimineverybodilyneed.”3) In our last lesson we saw what God forbids in this commandment.

Whatistobethesubjectofthislesson?Whatiscommandedinthefifthcommandment.4)(70)“Whatisonthecontrarycommanded?”“Thatwewithkindnessand tenderness renderassistance toourneighbor in

allneedsofthebodyandlife.”5)AccordingtoLuther’sexplanation,whatdoesGodforbidinthefifth

commandment?Thatwehurtorharmourneighborinhisbody.0)Andwhatshouldweonthecontrarydo?Weshouldhelpandbefriendourneighborineverybodilyneed.7)Whatdoesamanneedforhisbody?Heneedsclothing,food,drink,shelter,healthandthelike.8)Amanisinbodilyneedwhenhelacksthesethings.Whatotherword

expressesthis?Thewordwantordistress.9)Afterthepeoplehad listenedtotheLord’spreachingforthreedays,

whatweretheyinneedof,orwhatdidtheylack?Matt.15:32.Theyhadnothingtoeat.10)Whatwouldhavebecomeofthemwithoutfood?Theywouldhaveperished.11)Whydoweneedfood?Topreservelife.

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12)Andwhatelsedoweneedtopreservelifebesidesfood?Weneedclothing,andshelter.13)WhatdoesGodwishtoprotectbythefifthcommandment?Hewishestoprotecthumanlife.14)Theterm“bodilyneed”mayalsomeanbodilydistressortrouble.TheLordJesus in theparableof thegoodSamaritan tellsusofamanwho

wasingreatdistress.Whathadhappenedtohim?He fell among thieves, who stripped him of his raiment and left him half

dead.15)Whatwouldhavebecomeofhimifnoonehadhelpedhim?Hewouldhavedied.16) Inwhat bodily need or distress weremany peoplewho sought the

Savior’shelp?Theyweresick,blind,deafandtroubledwithallmannerofdiseases.17)WhatdoestheCatechismsayweshoulddowhenourneighborisin

bodilyneed?Weshouldhelpandbefriendhim.18)Howshoulditaffectuswhenweseepeopleintroubleanddistress?Weshouldpitythem.19)Yes,thisisplainlytoldusinCol.3:12-13.“Putontherefore,astheelectofGod,holyandbeloved,bowelsofmercies,

kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering; forbearing oneanother,andforgivingoneanother,ifanymanhaveaquarrelagainstany:evenasChristforgaveyou,soalsodoye.”

20)When Jesus beheld the hungry multitude around him, how did itaffecthim?

Hehadcompassiononthem.21)Andwhatdidhedobecausehepitiedthem?Hefedthem.22)WhentheSaviorsawthepoorwidowofNain,whowasabouttobury

heronlyson,howdiditaffecthim?Hepitiedher.23)Andhowdidheexpresshiscompassion?Hespokekindlytoher,andraisedhersontolife.24)Tohavecompassiononamanmeanstosharehissuffering.Weare

membersoneofanother.Whenmyhandormyeyeisinjured,howdoesitaffecttheothermembersofmybody?

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Theyalsofeelthepain.25)Andwhatdotheydo?Theytrytorelievethepain.26) When the good Samaritan found the man who had fallen among

thieves,whatdidhedo?Hehadcompassiononhimandhelpedhim.27)Whenwe arewronged by anybody,what dowe naturally feel like

doing?Wefeellikepayinghimback.28)Whatdowecallthispayingbackevilforevil?Wecallittakingrevenge.29)Whatdoestheapostlesayabouttakingrevenge,Rom.12:19?“Avenge not yourselves, but rather give place untowrath: for it iswritten,

Vengeanceismine;Iwillrepay,saiththeLord.Thereforeifthineenemyhunger,feedhim;ifhethirst,givehimdrink:forinsodoingthoushaltheapcoalsoffireonhishead.”

30)Insteadoftakingvengeanceonourenemies,whatareweadmonishedtodo?

Todothemgood.31)HowdoestheSaviorsayweshouldtreatenemies.Matt.5:44-45?“Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate

you,andprayforthemwhichdespitefullyuseyouandpersecuteyou.”32)AndwhatdoeshesayinMatt.5:25?“Agreewiththineadversaryquicklywhilethouartinthewaywithhim;lest

atanytimetheadversarydelivertheetotheJudge,andthejudgedelivertheetotheofficer,andthoubecastintoprison.”

33)Howshouldwebedisposedtowardthosewhohaveinjuredus?Weshouldbereadytoforgive.34)What does the apostle in the passage Col. 3:13 remind us of with

referencetotheSavior?Thatheforgaveus.35)Andtowhatshouldthismoveus?Weshouldalsoforgivethosewhosinagainstus.36)We shouldnotonly forgivebutwe shouldgive.Repeat thepassage

Isa.58:7.“Isitnottodealthybreadtothehungry,andthatthoubringthepoorthatare

castouttothyhouse?Whenthouseestthenaked,thatthoucoverhim;andthat

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thouhidenotthyselffromthineownflesh?”37)RepeatalsowhatiswrittenHeb.13:16.“Todogoodandtocommunicateforgetnot:forwithsuchsacrificesGodis

wellpleased.”38) The word “communicate” heremeans give. How doesGod regard

cheerfulgiving?Heiswellpleasedwithit.39)Thefifthcommandmentnotonlytellsusnot todestroyhumanlife,

butonthecontrarywhatdoesitaskofus?Todowhatwecantopreserveit.40)ReadwhattheSaviorsaysinhissermononthemount,Matt.5,Verse

5.“Blessedarethemeek,fortheyshallinherittheearth.”41)Andalsoverse7.“Blessedarethemercifulfortheyshallobtainmercy.”42)Andverse9.“Blessedarethepeacemakers:fortheyshallbecalledthechildrenofGod.”43)What does the Savior here say of those whomake peace between

contendingpersonsandnations?Hecallsthemblessed,andsaystheyshallbecalledthechildrenofGod.44)As friends andneighborswe shoulddo everything in ourpower to

makepeace, and asChristian citizenswe shoulduse every effort to avertwar and bloodshed. For all unjust wars are contrary to whichcommandment?

Thefifth,whichsays,“ThouShaltnotkill.”45)What does the fifth commandment ask of uswith reference to our

ownlife?Thatwetakecaretopreserveit.46)Howdowedothis?By providing proper food, clothing, shelter, exercise, ventilation, medicine

andthelike.47) Yes, life is a precious gift of God and we should do all we can to

preserve it. It is that giftwithoutwhichnone of the other earthly gifts ofGodcanbeenjoyed.Next toourown liveswe shouldbeconcernedaboutthe lives of our children.What shouldparentsdo toprotect andpreservethelivesoftheirchildren?

Theyshouldseetoitthattheyhaveproperfood,clothingandshelter.

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48)Whatshouldtheydoincaseofsickness?Nursethemandprovidemedicine.49)(71)“Whatisthreatenedinthiscommandment?”“Whososheddethman’sbloodbymanshallhisbloodbeshed.”(Gen.9:6.)“Alltheythattaketheswordshallperishbythesword.”(Matt.26:52.)50)Whatpunishmentisdealtouttoawillfulandmaliciousmurderer?Heisputtodeath.51)Whoexecutesthispunishment?Thecourtsandthoseinpublicoffice.52)Whogavethecivilauthoritiestherighttopunishevildoers?Godhimselfgavethemthisright.53)Yes,readwhatiswrittenRom.13:3:4.“Forrulersarenotaterrortogoodworks,buttotheevil.Wiltthouthennot

beafraidofthepower?Dothatwhichisgood,andthouwilthavepraiseofthesame:forheistheministerofGodtotheeforgood.Butifthoudothatwhichisevil,beafraid;forhebearethnottheswordinvain;forheistheministerofGod,arevengertoexecutewrathuponhimthatdoethevil.”

54)HowdoesGoddealoutjusticeinthisworld?Throughthecivilcourts.55)When a sheriff executes sentence of death upon a criminal, whose

representativeisheinsodoing?HeistheministerorservantofGod.56)Theapostlesaysofthegovernmentthat itbearethnottheswordin

vain.Whatistheswordusedfor?Tocutandkill.57) What does he mean by saying the government shall not bear the

swordinvain?Hemeansitshallmakeuseofthesword.58)Againstwhomshalltheswordbeused?Againstthosewhodoevil.59)Whenmenareaccusedofevil,whoistogivethemfairtrialandthus

toestablishtheirinnocenceorguilt?Thecourtsaretodothis.60)Andif,afterfairtrial,amanisfoundguilty,whoistopunishhim?Thepublicauthoritiesaretopunishhim.61)Whenadisorderlycrowdormobdealsoutpunishmenttoasupposed

evildoer,whatdowecallsuchanactofviolence?

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Wecallitlynching.62) Yes, and lynching is murder, and a gross sin against which

commandment?ItIsagrosssinagainstthefifthcommandment.

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Lesson19.WhatIsForbiddenInTheSixthCommandment.

(Questions72-75.)

1)(72)“Whichisthesixthcommandment?”“Thoushaltnotcommitadultery.”2)(73)“Whatdoesthismean?”“WeshouldfearandloveGod,thatwemayleadachasteanddecentlifein

wordanddeed,andeachloveandhonorhisspouse.”3)Readwhatiswrittenofthecreationofman.Gen.1:27.“SoGodcreatedmaninhisownimage,intheimageofGodcreatedhehim,

maleandfemalecreatedhethem,”4)OfhowmanykindsdidGodcreatehumanbeings?Oftwokinds,maleandfemale.5)Whatdowecallthisdifference?Wecallitsex.6)AndtheSixthCommandmenttreatsofthisdifferenceofsex.Itteaches

theproperrelationofthesexestoeachother.Whatdoesitteach?Itteachestheproperrelationofthesexestoeachother.7) The commandment speaks of adultery. What does it mean to

adulterateathing?Itmeanstomixitwithinferiorsubstances.8)Whatisthedifferencebetweenpureflourandadulteratedflour?Pureflourisnothingbutflour,adulteratedflourismixedwithsomeinferior

stuff.9)Whatisthedifferencebetweenpurelardandadulteratedlard?Pure lard is nothing but lard, adulterated lard ismixedwith some cheaper

grease.10)What effect has it on anarticle to adulterate it. Itmakes it bad, it

spoilsit.11)Whenanarticleisadulterated,whathasitlost?Ithaslostitspurity.

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12)Yes, and soGodwantsus to avoid everythingbywhichour sexualpurityisspoiledoradulterated.Whatistheoppositeofsexualpurity?

Sexualadulterationoradultery.13) (75) The commandment says, “Thou shalt not commit adultery.”

“Wherebyisthisdone?”“Byunchastethoughts,wordsanddeeds.”14)Whatisthefirstthingherementioned?Unchastethoughts.15)RepeatthepassageMatt.15:19.“Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications,

thefts,falsewitness,blasphemies.”16) Adulteries and fornications are here classed among what kind of

thoughts?Theyareclassedamongevilthoughts.17)Insteadofevilthoughts,whatmightyousay?Badthoughts.18)Yes, and bad thoughts are shameful,mean, dirty, smutty thoughts,

such thoughts as you would be ashamed to have known. These unchastethoughtsgiverisetowhatkindofwordsandacts?

Tounchastewordsandacts.19)Sowhatistherootofmean,dirty,smuttywordsandacts?Mean,dirtyandsmuttythoughts.20)Men,ofcourse,canonlyhearourwordsandseeouracts,butwhat

doesGodtakenoteof?Hetakesnoteevenofourthoughts.21)Readwhatiswritten1Sam.16:7,thelatterhalfoftheverse.“Forman looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the

heart.”22)WhatdoestheSaviorsayMatt.5:27:28?“Yehaveheardthatitwassaidbythemofoldtime.Thoushaltnotcommit

adultery: but I sayuntoyou, thatwhosoever lookethon awoman to lust afterher,hathcommittedadulterywithheralreadyinhisheart.”

23)WhatkindofadulterydoestheLordherespeakof?Hespeaksofadulteryintheheart.24)Whendoesamancommitthisadulteryinhisheart?Whenhelooksuponawomantolustafterher.

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25) Yes, or when he looks at mean, dirty pictures. Our hearts are bynature full of evil, sinful lust. And when such thoughts enter our hearts,whatshouldwedo?

Weshouldcrowdthemout.20) When the wicked wife of Potiphar looked upon and lusted after

Joseph,whatsindidshecommit?Shecommittedadulteryinherheart,andwithhereyes.27)ReadwhattheSaviorsaysinthelatterhalfofMatt.12:34.“Foroutoftheabundanceoftheheartthemouthspeaketh.”28)Whentheheartisfullofathing,howwillitfindexpression?Itwillfindexpressioninwords.29)Sowith theunchaste,unclean thoughtsof theheart,whatwill they

leadto?Theywillleadtothesamekindofwords.30)Read(orrepeat)thepassageEph.5:3:4.“But fornication and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once

namedamongyou,asbecomethsaints;neitherfilthiness,norfoolishtalking,norjesting,whicharenotconvenient:butrathergivingofthanks.”

31)Whentheapostlesaysfornicationanduncleannessshouldnotbesomuchasoncenamedamongus,whatdoeshemean?

Hemeansthatweshouldnottalkaboutsuchthings.32)Whenhespeaksoffilthiness,foolishtalkingandjesting,whatkindof

talkdoeshemean?Hemeansdirty,shameful,smuttytalk,jokesandstories.33) Yes, children, never talk of nor listen to things that you would be

ashamedtohaveyourmothersorsistershear.Forwhoisitthatknowsnotonlyourthoughts,buthearsallourwords?

God,whoseesandhearsailthings.34) Such conversation is not smart, as boys sometimes think, but how

shouldweregardit?Weshouldregarditaswicked.35) What does question 75 speak of besides unchaste thoughts and

words?Unchastedeeds.36)InthepassageEph.5:3-4.somesuchunchastedeedsarementioned.

Howdoesthepassagebegin?

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“Butfornicationandalluncleannessorcovetousness,letitnotbeoncenamedamongyou.”

37) God has ordained that man and woman shall live together inmarriage. Fornication is the living together of men and women withoutbeingmarried.Whatdoestheapostlesayofthisawfulsin?

Itshouldnotbeevennamedamongus.38)Much less should we be guilty of such things.When husband and

wifejoininmarriage,whatdotheypromiseeachother?Thattheywillloveandhonoreachother.39)Yes,theypromisebeforeGodthattheywillallownoonetotakethe

placeofhusbandorwife.Whenthispromiseisbroken,andhusbandorwifeloves or becomes intimate with or runs away with another, what tie isbroken?

Themarriagetieisbroken.40)ThiswasthecasewithPotiphar’swickedwife.Insteadoflovingher

husband, she fell in lovewith Joseph, and asked him to commitwhat sinwithher?

Sheaskedhimtocommitthesinofadultery.41)WhenDavidtookthewifeofUriah,whatsinwasheguiltyof?Hewasguiltyofthesinofadultery.42)Whenhusbandandwifeconsenttogetherinholywedlock,howlong

isthisuniontolast?Aslongastheybothshalllive.43)Whoalonehasarighttoseparatethem?God,whojoinedthemtogether.44)Whatdowecallanyotherseparationofhusbandandwife?Wecallitdivorce.45) Read what the Savior says Matt 19:6. “What God therefore hath

joinedtogether,letnomanputasunder.”46) What does the Savior say of a man who puts away his wife and

marriesanother,Matt.19:9?“And I say unto you, whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for

fornication, and shallmarry another, committeth adultery; andwhosomarriethherwhichisputawaydothcommitadultery.”

47)TheSaviorisherespeakingofdivorce.Forwhatreasononlymayamanputawayhiswife, that is,refuseto livewithher,sothatsheshallnolongerbehiswife?

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Whensheisguiltyoffornication.48)Yes,whensheherselfhasalreadybrokenthemarriagetiebyloving

and livingwithanotherman.And thesame is,ofcourse, trueof thewife.Whenmaysheputawayorrefusetolivewithherhusband?

Whenheisguiltyoflovingandlivingwithanotherwoman.49)Godhasforbiddenthemarriageofnearrelatives.This iscalledthe

sinofincest.Readwhattheapostlewrites1Cor.5:1.“It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such

fornicationasisnotsomuchasnamedamongtheGentiles,thatoneshouldhavehisfather’swife.”

50)TherewasamaninthecongregationatCorinthwholivedwithhisstep-motherashiswife,whatdoestheapostlecallthisrelation?

Hecallsitfornication.51)Yes,andhesaysthateventheheathenwouldbeashamedofsucha

thing.Muchmoreshouldwhobeashamedofit?MuchmoreshouldweChristiansbeashamedofit.52)NowrepeatEph.5:12.“For it isashameeven tospeakof those thingswhicharedoneof themin

secret.”53)The apostle here speaks ofwhatwicked people do in secret.What

doeshesayofthesethings?Itisashameeventospeakofthem.54)Yes,theyaresoshamefulthateventomentionthembringstheblush

of shame to the cheek. Boys or girls, when they are alone, in secret, dothingswhichIdarenotevenname,theyaresoshameful.Ochildren,neverforgetthatGodiseverywhere,seesandknowsallthings.Everyabuseofthebodyanditsmembers,whichtendstomakeusimpureandbase,weshouldavoidandshunastheverydevilhimself.

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Lesson20.WhatIsCommandedInTheSixthCommandment.

(Questions76-79.)

1)RepeattheSixthCommandment.“Thoushaltnotcommitadultery.”2)Whatisforbiddeninthiscommandment?Weshouldnotcommitadultery.3)(76)“Whatisonthecontraryenjoinedinthiscommandment?”“Thatweleadachasteanddecent life in thought,wordanddeed,andeach

loveandhonorhisspouse.”4)Repeatthefirstpartofthisanswer.Thatweleadachasteanddecentlife,inthought,wordanddeed.5)Whatkindoflifeshouldwelead?Weshouldleadachasteanddecentlife.6)Howshouldthischastityanddecencyshowitselffirstofall?Itshouldshowitselfinourthoughts.7)(77)“Whendowelivechasteinthoughts?”“Whenwe,throughthegraceofGod,subdueallunchastedesires.”8)Whatdoestheword“chaste”heremean?Itmeansclean,pure.9)RepeatthepassagePs.51:10.“Createinmeacleanheart,OGod,andrenewarightspiritwithinme.”10)WhatkindofheartdoesthePsalmistaskfor?Heasksforacleanheart.11)Whatdoeshetherebyacknowledgewithreferencetohisheart?Heacknowledgesthatitisunclean.12)Andwhencemustacleanheartcome?Godmustcreateitwithinus.13)Whenwe feel evil, unclean desires arising out of our hearts, what

shouldwedo?WeshouldaskGodtomakeourheartsclean.

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14) The Savior reminds us of this duty to pray when we are intemptation,Matt.26:41.Repeatthepassage.

“Watchandpray,thatyeenternotintotemptation:thespiritiswilling,butthefleshisweak.”

15)Whatdoeshesayofourflesh?Hesaysitisweak.16)Bythefleshhemeansoursinfulnature.Ourheartsaresoweakthat

theyneed constantwatching.Butwatching alonewill not suffice; towhatelsedoestheSavioradmonishus?

Headmonishesustopray.17)Tellmefromquestion77howwearetosubdueallunchastedesires.ThroughthegraceofGod.18)Whenamanisdrunk,whatkindofthoughtsariseinhisheart?Bad,uncleanthoughts.19)Againstwhat,therefore,doestheapostleadmonishus,Eph.5:18?“Andbenotdrunkwithwine,whereinisexcess,butbefilledwiththeSpirit.”20)ReadwhatiswrittenMatt.5:29.“Andifthyrighteyeoffendthee,pluckitout;andcastitfromthee,foritis

profitable for thee that one of thymembers should perish, and not thywholebodybecastintohell.”

21)Whenthingsthatareinthemselvesinnocentgettobedangerous,weshould deny ourselves of them rather than run the risk of being ruinedforever.Eatinganddrinkingarenotsinful,butintemperanceineatinganddrinkingis.Towhatkindofdesiresdointemperanceandidlenesslead?

Theyleadtoevil,unchaste,uncleandesires.22)Therefore,whatshouldweavoidasleadingtounchastity?Weshouldavoidgluttony,drunkennessandidleness.23)TowhatawfulsindidPotiphar’swifetemptJoseph?Shetemptedhimtoadultery.24)WhatdidJosephanswer?Gen.39:9.“HowcanIdothisgreatwickednessandsinagainstGod?”25) Evil thoughts are like fire, they burn and consume. How do we

regardplayingwithfire?Itisverydangerous.26)JosephdidnotplaywiththeevildesireswhichPotiphar’swifetried

to kindle in his heart. He had no pleasure in them; on the contrary, heabhorredthem.Ofwhomdidhethinkwhenhewastempted?

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HethoughtofGod.27)Yes,andthethoughtthatadulterywasasinagainstGodsavedhim.

ThusthegraceofGodsubduedallevildesiresinhim.Weshouldbechasteandpureinourthoughts,buthowelseshouldthischastityandpurityshowitself?

Weshouldalsobechasteandpureinourwords.28)(78)“Whendowelivechasteinwords?”“Whenweshunallunchastetalk,andstrivetobepureinallourwords.”29)RepeatthepassageEph.4:29.“Letnocorruptcommunicationproceedoutofyourmouth,butthatwhichis

goodtotheuseofedifying,thatitmayministergraceuntothehearers.”30)Howdowecommunicateourthoughtstoourneighbor?Bytalkingtohim.31) What kind of communication or talk does the apostle here warn

against?Hewarnsagainstcorruptcommunication.32)Givemeanotherwordfortheword“corrupt.”Foul,rotten,dirty.33)Whatkindoflanguage,then,doestheapostlewarnagainst?Againstfoul,dirtylanguage.34)Whatdoesthecatechismcallsuchlanguageinquestion78?Itcallssuchlanguage“unchastetalk.”35)Whatwouldyoudoifyouhappenedtogetholdofarottenappleora

badegg?Wouldyouputtheminyourmouths?No,Iwouldthrowthemaway.36)Whatkindoflanguageonthecontraryshouldweuse?Weshouldusepure,cleanlanguage.37) In order to be pure ourselveswe should be carefulwithwhomwe

associate. There is an old proverb which says: “Tell me with whom youassociateandIwilltellyouwhoyouare.”Ifamaniscleanandpure,whatkindofcompanywillhekeep?

Hewillkeepcleanandpurecompany.38) If a man delights in the company and conversation of mean and

unchastepersons,whatdoesthisshow?Itshowsthathehimselfisunchasteandmean.39) Yes, because “Birds of a feather flock together.” What does the

apostlesay1Cor.15:38?

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“Evilcommunicationscorruptgoodmanners.”40) What danger is there in associating with a person that has the

smallpox?Thereisdangerofcatchingthedisease.41)Yes, andmoral corruption isworse than smallpox. It poisons both

soulandbody.Whateffecthasbadcompanyongoodmanners?Itcorruptsthem.42)IfIputonerottenappleamongsixsoundones,whatwill theeffect

be?Theywillallgetrotten.13)Weshouldbechasteandpurenotonly inour thoughtsandwords,

butinwhatotherway?Alsoinourdeeds.44)(79)“Whendowelivechasteindeeds?”“Whenweshunallunchastedoingsandallopportunityforthem.”45)Whatdoesthecatechismaskofuswithreferencetounchastedoings?Weshouldshunthem.4G.Whatdoestheapostlesay1Cor.6:18?“Fleefornication.”47)Ifyousawarattlesnakelyinginyourpath,wouldyoucontinueright

on?No,Iwouldturnandrunaway.48) There are men and women who are more dangerous than

rattlesnakes. There are houses that aremore loathsome than pest houses.Whatshouldwedowithreferencetosuchpersonsandplaces?

Weshouldavoidthem.49)Givemeanexampleofthis.JosephfledfromPotiphar’swife.50)Repeatthepassage1Tim.5:22.“Keepthyselfpure.”51)This purity refers to bothbody and soul.Towhat does the apostle

admonishhisyoungfriendTimothyin2Tim.2:22?“Fleealsoyouthfullusts.”52)Thelustswhichtheapostleherereferstoareparticularlydangerous

towhatkindofpeopleastoage?Theyareparticularlydangeroustoyoungpeople.

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53) Yes, and therefore young people particularly should be on theirguardwithreferencetosinsagainstthesixthcommandment.Whatpeoplesometimescallloveisoftennothingbutsinfullust.WhatdoesSolomonsay,Prov.1:10?

“Myson,ifsinnersenticethee,consentthounot.”54)Children,youwillbetemptedbywickedpeople,asJosephwas.What

doesthewisemanurgeuponyouundersuchcircumstances?Weshouldnotconsent.55) Yes, do not yield to the temptation but fight against it. Have the

courage to sayNo!Whatdoes theSavior teachus topray for in thesixthpetition?

“Leadusnotintotemptation.”56)Whenwearetempted,towhomshouldwefleeforhelp?WeshouldfleetoGodforhelp.57) Since we are to ask God not to lead us into temptation, but to

preserve us from it, how foolish and sinful itwould be for us to run intotemptation. There are places where temptation to sins against the sixthcommandment are particularly great. Among these I would mention thedance and the theater.Question 79 tells us to avoid not only all unchastedoings,butwhatelseshouldweshun?

Allopportunityforthem.58)Anythingthathasatendencytoarouseoursinfulpassionsweshould

avoid. We should not put ourselves in the way of danger, but on thecontrarywhatshouldwedo?

Weshouldavoiddanger.59)Repeatthepassage1Tim.2:9."In likemanner also thatwomenadorn themselves inmodest apparel,with

shamefacednessandsobriety.6O)Withwhatkindofapparelshouldwomenadornthemselves?Withmodestapparel.61) That is, they should put on decent clothing. To what sin does all

indecentexposureofthebodytend?Ittendstounchastityandadultery.62) The same is true of all indecent books, papers and pictures. How

shouldwethereforeregardthesethings?Asdangerousandsinful,andshouldavoidthem.

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Lesson21.Marriage.

(Questions80-81.)

1)Repeatthesixthcommandment.“Thoushaltnotcommitadultery.”2)Whatdoesthismean?“Weshouldfearand loveGodthatwemayleadachasteanddecent life in

wordanddeed,andeachloveandhonorhisspouse.”3)Whatisheresaidofone’sspouse?Eachshouldloveandhonorhisspouse.4)(80)“Whatdoesitmeantoloveandhonorone’sspouse?”“To look upon one’s husband orwife as a dear gift ofGod, and to remain

constantinaffectionandfidelitytoeachother.”5)Whatdoestheword“spouse”mean?Itmeanshusbandorwife.6)ReadwhatiswrittenGen.2:18.“AndtheLordGodsaid, it isnotgoodthat themanshouldbealone,Iwill

makehimahelpmeetforhim.”7)WhatdidGoddobecauseHesawthatitwasnotgoodforamantobe

alone?Hemadeawomantobehiswife.8)Whothenistheauthorofmarriage?Godhimselfistheauthorofmarriage.9) In whatmoral condition wereman and womanwhenGod brought

themtogether?Theywerepureandholy.10)WithwhatwordsdidGodblessthefirstcouple?Gen.1:28.“And God blessed them and said unto them: be fruitful and multiply, and

replenishtheearth,andsubdueit.”11)God, who is holy, is the author ofmarriage; thereforemarriage is

whatkindofastate?Itisaholystate.

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12)WhattwokindsofpersonsdidGoduniteinmarriage?Onemanandonewoman.13) According to God’s order then a husband should have howmany

wives?Ahusbandshouldhaveonewife.14)Andawifeshouldhavehowmanyhusbands?Awifeshouldhaveonehusband.15)Whenhusbandandwifeentermarriage,howlongaretheytoremain

together?Aslongastheybothlive.16)Whatmayeitherdouponthedeathoftheother?Eithermaymarryagain.17)OnwhatoccasionwastheLordJesusaguestinthetownofCanaof

Galilee?Hewasguestatawedding.18)WhatremarkablethingdidJesusdoatthiswedding?Jesusturnedwaterintowine.19)Thiswas amiracle. Jesus performedmanymiracles, butwhat can

yousayofthisparticularone?Itwashisfirstmiracle.20)WhatdoesthisshowastohowJesusregardedmarriage?Hewaspleasedwithit.21)What does the Catechism, question 80. say as to how each should

regardone’shusbandorwife?AsadeargiftofGod.22)Whatthenshouldahusbandthinkabouthiswife?ThatGodgavehertohim.23)Andthesame,ofcourse,awifeshouldthinkofherhusband.Inorder

that thismaybe the case youngpeople should be very carefulwhen theyenterthemarriedstate.WhenIsaacwasoldenoughtomarry,whatpromisedidAbrahamhisfathertakefromElieserhiseldestservant?Gen.24:3.

HemadehimswearthathewouldnottakeoneofthewomenofCanaantobeIsaac’swife.

24)WhydoyousupposeAbrahamwassoveryparticularaboutthis?BecausetheCanaaniteswerewickedidolaters.25)Yes, it isvery frequently thecauseofmuchstrifeandmiserywhen

husbandandwifearenotofthesamereligion,orwhenone iswickedand

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frivolous.Many look simply upon beauty,wealth or social standingwhentheyengagetobemarried.Whatismuchmoreimportantthanthese?

Faithandpiety.26)WhowasverymuchconcernedintheselectionofIsaac’swife?HisfatherAbraham.27)Whomshouldyoungpeopleconsultwhentheychooselifepartners?Theyshouldconsulttheirparents.28)As inallmattersof importance,whomaboveall shouldweask for

guidanceintheselectionofhusbandorwife?WeshouldaskGod.29)ReadwhatiswrittenMatt.19:6.“Whereforetheyarenomoretwain,butoneflesh.WhatthereforeGodhath

joinedtogether,letnomanputasunder.”30)Howshouldhusbandandwifelookupontheirunion?Thattheyarenottwobutone.AndthatGodhasjoinedthemtogether.31)ThroughwhomdoesGodpronouncehisblessinguponacouplewhen

theyaremarried?ThroughtheministeroftheGospel.32)WhatdoesLutherinhisexplanationofthesixthcommandmentsay

oftheproperrelationbetweenhusbandandwife.Eachshouldloveandhonortheother.33)Andwhatdoesthelatterhalfofquestion80say?Theyshouldremainconstantinaffectionandfidelitytoeachother.34) Each should love the other. Turn to Eph. 5:25, and readwhat the

apostletheresaystohusbands.“Husbands,loveyourwives,evenasChristalsolovedthechurch,andgave

himselfforit.”35)HowdidChristshowhislovefortheChurch?HediedfortheChurch.36)Soahusband,ifneedbe,shouldbewillingtodieforhiswife.Andin

the same chapter, verse 24, he tells the wives their duty toward theirhusband.Readtheverse.

“Thereforeas theChurch issubjectuntoChrist, so let thewivesbe to theirownhusbandsineverything.”

37)TheChurchissubjecttoChristnotfromcompulsionbutfromlove.Thenwhatshouldbetherelationofawifetoherhusband?

Sheshouldloveherhusband.

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38)What then is the first andmost important duty that husband andwifeoweeachother?

Theyshouldloveeachother.39)Lutherinhisexplanationsaystheyshouldnotonlyloveeachother,

butwhatelseshouldtheydo?Theyshouldhonoreachother.40)What is the greatest honor that each can show the other?Youwill

finditexpressedinthefirstpartofquestion80.ThateachlookupontheotherasadeargiftofGod.41)AndhowshouldweregardallgiftsofGod?Weshouldthinkhighlyofthem.42)AGod-fearinghusbandwillseegoodqualitiesinhiswifethatnoone

elsenotices,and soawife inherhusband.Butnoneofus isperfect.Howshouldtheyregardeachother’sfaults?

Theyshouldoverlookandbepatientwiththem.43)(81)“Whatisthreatenedinthiscommandment?”“WhoremongersandadulterersGodwilljudge.”(Heb.13:4.)“Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor

effeminate,norabusersofthemselveswithmankind,northieves,norcovetous,nordrunkards,norrevilers,norextortionersshall inherit thekingdomofGod.”(1Cor.6:9:10.)

44)Whatisheresaidofwhoremongersandadulterers?Godwilljudgethem.45)Whatdoesthismen?Godwillpunishthem.46)TheinhabitantsofSodomwereparticularlygiventosinsagainstthe

sixthcommandment.HowdidGodpunishthem?Hedestroyedthemwithfirefromheaven.47)SotheCanaanitesweregiventothesesins.WhatdidGodcommand

Israeltodowiththesegodlesspeople?Lev.18:24-25.Todestroythemutterly.48)Children, therearenosinswhichGodpunishesmorecertainlyand

terribly than those against this sixth commandment. Loathsome disease,pain,misery, shame and disgrace, yea death itself, are visited upon thosewholiveuncleanlives.ThecurseofGodrestsonmenandwomenwhoareunchaste intheirthoughts,wordsanddeeds.Evenchildrenandchildren’s

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childrenmustoftensufferfromthesinsofsuchwickedpeople.Whatdoestheapostlesayoftheminthelatterpartofquestion81?

“TheyshallnotinheritthekingdomofGod.”49)Whatdoeshemeanbythis?Theycannotgotoheaven.50) No, not unless they repent and turn from their wickedness. Read

whatiswrittenRev.21:8.“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, andmurderers, and

whoremongers,andsorcerers,andidolaters,andallliars,shallhavetheirpartinthelakewhichburnethwithfireandbrimstone:whichistheseconddeath.”

51) The misery and wretchedness which such people bring uponthemselvesinthisworldisonlythebeginningofawretchednesswhichshallneverendintheworldtocome.HowshouldweregardthiswrathofGod?

Weshouldfearhiswrathandnotactcontrarytohiscommandment.

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Lesson22.WhatIsForbiddenInTheSeventhCommandment.

(Questions82-85.)

1)(82)“Whichistheseventhcommandment?”“Thoushaltnotsteal.”2)(83)“Whatdoesthismean?”“WeshouldfearandloveGodthatwemaynottakeourneighbor’smoneyor

goods, nor get them by false wares or dealing; but help him to improve andprotecthispropertyandbusiness.”

3)(84)“Whatisforbiddeninthiscommandment?”“Weshouldnotsteal;ortakeourneighbor’smoneyorgoods,norgetthemby

falsewaresordealing.”4)Whatdoestheseventhcommandmentsayweshouldnotdo?Itsaysweshouldnotsteal.5)Whatisstealing?Stealingistakingathingthatdoesnotbelongtous.6)WhatdoesLuther,inhisexplanationofthiscommandment(Question

83),sayweshouldnottake?Hesaysweshouldnottakeourneighbor’smoneyorgoods.7) The fifth commandment protects our neighbor’s life, the sixth his

chastity.Whatdoesthisseventhcommandmentprotect?Itprotectshismoneyorgoods.8)Givemeonewordwhichexpressesbothmoneyandgoods.Theword

property.9)Aman’sproperty is thatwhichheowns.Towhomdoes thatbelong

whichisaman’sown?Itbelongstohim.10)Whoisthecreatorandrightfulownerofallthingsinheavenandon

earth?Godisthecreatorandownerofallthings.11)Readthepassage.1Cor.10:26.

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“FortheearthistheLord’s,andthefullnessthereof.”12)WhatthenbelongstoGod?TheearthandthefullnessthereofbelongtoGod.13)Whatdoesthismoan?Itmeanstheworldandeverythingthatisinit.14)Yes,God is the original and rightful ownerof all things.Nowread

whattheLordsays,Jer27:5.“Ihavemade theearth, themanand thebeast thatareupon theground,by

mygreat power and bymyoutstretched arm, and have given it untowhom itseemedmeetuntome.”

15)Theearthwithitsland,forests,minerals,plantsandanimalsbelongstoGodwhomadethemandHenevergivesupHisrightofownership.Andyet,whatissaidinthesecondpartofthepassageyouhavejustread?

ThatGodhasgiventheearthtowhomitpleasedhim.16)NowletusseeinwhatsenseGodgivestomentheearthanditsgoods.

Readwhatiswritten,1Peter4:10.“As every man has received the gift, even so minister the same one to

another,asstewardsofthemanifoldgraceofGod.”17)Whataremencalledinthesecondhalfofthispassage?Theyarecalledstewards.18) In the parable of the unjust steward, Luke 16:1-12, how is God

represented?Heisrepresentedasarichman.19)Andhowarewerepresented?Wearerepresentedasstewards.20) Yes, God entrusts the goods of this world to us.We hold them in

trust. Now let us see how God does this, how we rightly come into thepossessionofthosethingswhichGodintendsustohaveandtoholdintrustforhim.Isaacwasawealthyman.Hepossessedimmenseflocksandherds.Wheredidhegetallthiswealth?

Heinheriteditfromhisfather,Abraham.21)ThisisonewayinwhichGoddealsoutthegoodsofthisworld.Give

methewordthatexpressesthiswayofgettingproperty.Byinheritance.22)Jacobalsobecamearichman.Althoughwhenhelefthomehetook

nothingwithhimbutastaff.Gen.32:10.HestayedwithhisuncleLabanfor20years.Whatdidhedowhilehewaswithhisuncle?

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Hehadchargeofhisflocks.23)Underwhatconditionsdidheperformthislabor?Heworkedforwages.24)SothisisanotherwayinwhichGoddealsoutthegoodsofthisworld.

Whenmayamanlayjustclaimtomoneyorgoods?Whenheearnsthembyhislabor.25)AndyethowdidJacob feel towardGodwithreference tohisgreat

wealth?Gen.32:10.Hesaid:“Iamnotworthyoftheleastofallthemercies,andofallthetruth

whichthouhastshoweduntothyservant.”26)Yes,itwasnotsimplyhislaborthatmadehimrich,buttheblessing

ofGod.WhenSolomonbecamekingofIsraelheaskedforwisdom,butGodgavehimevenmorethanhehadaskedfor.Turnto1Kings3:13,andtellmewhatGodgavehiminadditiontowisdom.

Godgavehimrichesandhonor.27)Readwhatiswritten,Prov.10:22.“TheblessingoftheLord,itmakethrich.”28) When Jacob, returning from Mesopotamia, met his brother Esau

whatdidthelatterofferhim?Gen.32:13-17.Heofferedhimpresents.29)WhywouldithavebeenrightforEsautotakethesegifts?Becausehisbrotherofferedthemtohimasapresent.30) So here is another way in which we may rightly come into the

possessionofmoneyorgoods.Whatisit?Whentheyaregiventousasapresent.31)WhenAbrahamwantedthecaveatMachpelahasaburialplace,how

didheproposetogetit?Gen.23:8:9.Heproposedtobuyit.32)Sohereisanotherwayinwhichwemaygetearthlypossessions.Whatisthisway?Wemaybuythem.33)Whenathingislost,andalleffortsatfindingtheownerarefruitless,

towhomdoesthethingthenbelong?Itbelongstothefinder.34) These then are the ways by which we may rightly come into the

possessionofproperty.Repeatthem.Byinheritance,labor,gift,purchase,findingordiscovery.

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35)TheseareGod’swaysofdividingworldlypossessions.ThesearethewaysinwhichHeblessesmenintemporalthings.Hethatholdspropertyinone of theseways, holds it by right.And, becauseGod has so ordered it,whatmaywecallthisrightofproperty?

Wemaycallitadivineright.36)Yes,therighttohaveandtoholdpropertyisjustasmuchadivine

rightastherighttolive.Infacttheonecannotexistwithouttheother,forwhatdoweneedtolive?

Weneedfood,houses,clothing,money,goodsandthelike.37) Now tell me from question 84, what is forbidden in this seventh

commandment?Weshouldnotsteal,ortakeourneighbor’smoneyorgoods,norgetthemby

falsewaresordealing.38)(85)“Whenisthisdone?”“Whenwewrongfullydesireorappropriatethegoodsofourneighbor.”39)Whatisherementionedfirst?Whenwewrongfullydesirethegoodsofourneighbor.40) Repeat the passage Matt. 15:19. “Out of the heart proceed evil

thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness,blasphemies.”

41)Whatsinisherementionedagainsttheseventhcommandment?Thesinoftheft.42)Where,accordingtotheSaviour’sword,dothesesinscomefrom?Theyproceedoutoftheheart.43)Whenamanhasevildesirestowardshisneighbor’sgoods,hebegins

tolookafterthemlustfully.Repeatthepassage,Prov.23:5.“Wiltthousetthineeyesuponthatwhichisnot.”44) In the seventh chapter of Joshua we are told about aman by the

nameofAchanwhosethisheartandcasthiseyesonthingsthatwerenothisown.Readwhathesays,verse21.

“When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and twohundred shekels of silver, and awedge of gold of fifty shekelsweight, then Icovetedthem,andtookthem.”

45)Whatwasthiscovetingandtaking?Itwasstealing.46)Whenmyneighborhas something that I needorwant, howmay I

rightfullygetit?

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Imaybuyandpayforit.47) Yes, I exchange my money for his goods. What do we call such

exchange?Wecallitbuyingandselling,orbusiness.48)Whatshouldwecarefullyguardagainstinallmattersofbusiness?Weshouldguardagainstdishonestyandfraud.49)Repeatthepassage1Thess.4:6.“Thatnomangobeyondanddefraudhisbrotherinanymatter;becausethat

theLordistheavengerofallsuch.”50)InLev.19:35:36,therearesomedishonestthingsintradeorbusiness

spokenof,whatarethey?“Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, inmeteyard, inweight or in

measure.Justbalances,justweights,justephah,andajusthin,shallyehave.”51)Allshortmeasure,lightweight,alladulterationsortakingadvantage

of the ignorance or inexperience of customers is a sin against the seventhcommandment.Whatdoesthepassage,Luke3:13,warnagainst?

“Exactnomorethanthatwhichisappointedyou.”52)Thisforbidsalloverchargingorexorbitantprices.Weshouldnever

askmore for a thing than it is honestly worth. Repeat the passage Prov.28:8.

“Hethatbyusuryandunjustgainincreasethhissubstance,heshallgatheritforhimthatwillpitythepoor.”

53) Usury is unjust and exorbitant interest. We should never takeadvantageofourneighbor’sneedandchargehimmorefortheuseofmoneyorgoods, justbecausehe ishardpressedandmusthave them.Whatdoesthepassagesayofsuchgain?

Itisunjustgain.54)Andwhatelseissaidofsuchgain?“Heshallgatheritforhimthatwillpitythepoor.”55)Yes,hecannotkeephisunjustgain,itwillbetakenawayfromhim

and given to others who are not so hard-hearted.When a man borrowsmoneyorgoodstowhatisheobligated?

Heisobligatedtopayitbackagain.56)WhatdoesthepassagePs.37:21say?“Thewickedborrowethandpayethnotagain.”57)What kind of people are theywho carelessly go into debt and are

indifferentaboutpayment?

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Theyarewickedpeople.58) When a man works for another, what does the one for whom he

worksowehim?Heoweshimhiswages.59)RepeatthepassageJer.22:13.“Woeuntohimthatbuildethhishousebyunrighteousness,andhischambers

bywrong; thatusethhisneighbor’sservicewithoutwages,andgivethhimnotforhiswork.”

60) What does God say of the man who useth his neighbor’s servicewithoutwages?

Hesays,woeuntohim.61)And thismeans that the curse ofGod rests on suchaman.God is

very particular about this question of wages. Read what is written, Lev.19:13.

“Thoushaltnotdefraudthyneighbor,neitherrobhim;thewagesofhimthatishiredshallnotabidewiththeeallnightuntilthemorning.”

62) And when a man works for wages he should be careful to do anhonestday’swork.Butwhenhe is lazy and careless abouthiswork,howdoeshecomebyhiswages?

Hecomesbythemdishonestly.63)Notonly shouldwebecarefulourselvesnot to steal,butwe should

carefully avoid taking any part with thieves, as in concealing stolenproperty,orcoveringupdishonesty.Readwhatiswritten,Prov.29:24.

“Whosoispartnerwithathiefhatethhisownsoul.”64)Therearepeoplewhoaretoolazytowork,andyettheywanttolive.

Whatdosuchpeopledoforaliving?Theybegorsteal.65)Yes,andoneisasdisgracefulastheother.WhatdoestheApostlesay

ofsuchlazypeople,2Thess.3:10:11?“For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any

wouldnotwork,neithershouldtheyeat.Forwehearthattherearesomewhichwalkamongyoudisorderly,workingnotatall,butarebusybodies.Now themthat are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that withquietnesstheywork,andeattheirownbread.”

66)Readalsowhatiswritten,Prov.18:9.“Healsothatisslothfulinhisworkisbrothertohimthatisagreatwaster.”67)Allgamblingandbettingcomesundertheheadofunjustgain.

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The gambler places his own money in jeopardy unnecessarily and, if hegains,itisill-gotten,foritisneitherinherited,earned,given,boughtnorfound.Gamblersareeither too lazy toworkor toeager toget richand ineithercasethey sin against God’s order in the seventh commandment. So what may werightlycallthegambler?

Thegamblerisathief.68)WhenthepoormanofwhomtheSaviorspeaksinLuke10:30,went

down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and to whom the good Samaritanafterwardshowedsuchmercy,intowhosehandsdidhefall?

Hefellamongthieves.69)Whatdidtheydotohim?Theystrippedhimofhisraimentandwoundedhim.70)Yes,theyrobbedhimevenofhisclothes.Howdidtheytaketheman’s

goods?Theytookthembyforce.71) But not all thieves use force, in what other way is robbery often

committed?Byfraudordeceit.

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Lesson23.WhatIsCommandedInTheSeventhCommandment.

(Questions86-88.)

1)Repeattheseventhcommandment.“Thoushaltnotsteal.”2)Whatdoesthismean?“WeshouldfearandloveGodthatwemaynottakeourneighbor’smoneyor

goods, nor get them by false wares or dealing; but help him to improve andprotecthispropertyandbusiness.”

3)Tellmefirstwhatisforbiddeninthiscommandment(Question84).“We should not steal; or not take our neighbor’smoney or goods, nor get

thembyfalsewaresordealing.”4)(86)“Whatonthecontraryiscommandedus?”“That we help our neighbor to improve and protect his property and

business.”5)Towhomdoallthingsoriginallybelong?TheybelongtoGod.6)WhydoallthingsproperlybelongtoGod?BecauseHecreatedallthings.7) Yes, God is the rightful owner of all property. How then doesman

comeintothepossessionofmoneyorgoods?Godgivesthemtohim.8)Yes,andyetGoddoesnotgiveusthesethingstodowiththemaswe

please.Heisstilltherightfulownerandwillcallustoanaccountfortheiruse.Inwhatwaydoesamanholdthatforwhichheissupposedtorenderanaccount?

Heholdsitintrust.9)Whenamanholdsthingsintrustaccordingtowhosewillmustheuse

them?Accordingtothewilloftheowner.

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10)Godentrustsmoneyandgoods tous forour support in thisworld.Whatmaywesecurewithmoney?

Wemaybuyfood,drink,clothing,housesandthelike.11)Whatdoweneedthesethingsfor?Weneedthesethingstolive.12) Yes, but God is kind and would have us secure not only the bare

necessitiesoflife.Wemayalsohavethecomfortsandenjoyments.Mentionotherthingsforthesecuringofwhichwemayusemoney,besidesthemerenecessitiesoflife.

Wemayusemoneytogetaneducationortotravel.13) Yes, only when it comes to securing things that are not really

necessary, we should be careful not to drift into sinful indulgence. Thenbesidesthethingsweneedforthebodywhatotherwantshavewe?

Wehavespiritualwants.14)Mentionsomethingswhichweneedforourspiritualwelfare.WeneedthewordofGodandtheholysacraments.15)WheredowefindthewordofGodandthesacraments?Wefindtheminthechurch.16)WhatofficehasGodestablishedinthechurchinorderthattheWord

ofGodmaybepreachedandthesacramentsadministered?Hehasestablishedtheofficeoftheministry.17)Howistheofficeoftheministrytobesupported?Itistobesupportedbythecontributionsofthechurchmembers.18)ThisisplainlytaughtinGal.6:6.Turntoandreadthepassage.“LethimthatistaughtinthewordcommunicateuntohimthatteachethInall

goodthings.”19)Andagain1Cor.9:14.“Evenso theLordhathordained, that theywhichpreach theGospelshould

liveoftheGospel.”20)SoititevidentthatGodwantsustousethemoneyandgoodswhich

heentruststousforthesupportoftheministryandthechurch.Hewantsour spiritual as well as our bodily wants supplied. But we should not beselfish in theuseofmoneyorgoods.Godhasentrusted these things tousnotsimplyforourownusebutalsoforthegoodofothers.Whenahusbandorfatherearnsmoney,forwhosewelfare,besideshisown,shouldheusehiswages?

Forthewelfareofhiswifeandchildren.

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21)Turntoandreadthepassage1Tim.5:8.“But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own

house,hehathdeniedthefaith,andisworsethananinfidel.”22) But in looking after the bodily and spiritual wants of others we

should not only think of those of our own households. For what otherpurposeshouldweuseourmoney?

Forthebenefitofthepoor.23)Repeatthepassage1John3:17.“Whoso hath this world’s goods, and seeth his brother have need, and

shuttethuphisbowelsofcompassionfromhim,howdwelleththeloveofGodinhim?”

24) If the loveofGoddwells inourheartshowwillwe show it towardthosewhoareinneed?

Wewillhelpthem.25)Readwhatiswritten,Deut.15:7:8.“Iftherebeamongyouapoormanofoneofthybrethrenwithinanyofthy

gatesinthylandwhichtheLordthyGodgiveththee,thoushaltnothardenthineheart,norshutthinehandfromthypoorbrother:Butthoushaltopenthinehandwideuntohim,andShaltsurelylendhimsufficientforhisneed,inthatwhichhewanteth.”

26)NowrepeatthepassageMatt.5:42.“Givetohimthataskeththee,andfromhimthatwouldborrowoftheeturn

thounotaway.”27)WhattwothingsdoestheSaviorhereaskofus?Thatwegiveandlend.28)Whatisthedifferencebetweengivingandlending?Whenwegiveathingwedonotexpectitbackagain,butwhenweonlylend

itweexpectittobepaidbackagain.29)Whenourneighborisinneeditmaynotalwaysbenecessarytogive

him,butwhatmayattimesbesufficient?Itmaybesufficienttolendhimwhatheneeds.30)ReadwhattheSaviorsays,Luke6:35.“Butloveyeyourenemies,anddogood,andlend,hopingfornothingagain;

andyourrewardshallbegreat.”31)WhatdoestheSaviorheretellusnottobetoomuchconcernedabout

whenwelendtothosewhoareinneed?Aboutgettingitbackagain.

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32)Yes,andthishesayseveninreferencetoourenemies.Weshouldbeliberal with the things which God has so richly given us. What doesSolomonsay,Prov.11:25?

“Thelibera!soulshallbemadefat.”33)Nowreadwhattheapostlewrites,Eph.4:28.“Lethimthatstolestealnomore;butratherlethimlaborwithhishandsthe

thingwhichisgood,thathemayhavetogivetohimthatneedeth.”84)Whatdoestheapostlehereassignasareasonwhyweshouldwork?Thatwemayhavetogivetothosewhoareinneed.35)WhatcommandmentdidtheSaviorgivehisdiscipleswithreference

tothefragmentsthatwereleftafterhehadfedthemultitude?John6:12.“Gatherupthefragmentsthatremain,thatnothingbelost.”36)Yes,we should letnothinggo towaste. Ifwehavemoreof foodor

clothingthanweneedforourselves,whatshouldwedowithit?Weshouldgiveittothepoor.37)Readwhatiswritten,Heb.13:16.“Buttodogoodandtocommunicateforgetnot,forwithsuchsacrificesGod

iswellpleased.”38)And thisdoinggoodandgivingdoesnot simply refer to thebodily

wantsofourneighbor.Whatelseshouldwebeconcernedabout?Weshouldalsobeconcernedabouthisspiritualwants.39) How can we help people who are without the word of God and

ministersoftheGospel?WecansendthemBiblesandmissionaries.40)Yes,thisisaveryproperandGod-pleasingwayofusingourmoney

andgoods.Whatdowecallthisworkofsupplyingthespirituallydestitutewiththemeansofgrace?

Wecallittheworkofmissions.41) (86) Now tell me from question 86 what is commanded us in the

seventhcommandment?“That we help our neighbor to improve and protect his property and

business.”42)(87)“Whenisthisdone?”“Whenwe,ashispropertyandbusinessdemand,cometohisaidwithword

anddeed.”43)Everymanisconcernedaboutimprovinghisownfinancialcondition.

Weareanxioustogetalongwellintheworld.ButtheLordsaysweshould

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loveourneighborasourselves.Ifwedothisthenhowwillwefeelaboutourneighbor’stemporalwelfare?

Wewillbeconcernedthathegetsalongwellintheworld,thathisfinancialconditionisimproved.

44)Whatelsedoesthecommandmentaskofusbesidesthatweimproveourneighbor’spropertyandbusiness?

Thatweprotecthispropertyandbusiness.45)Againstwhatshouldweprotectourneighbor?Weshouldprotecthimagainstloss.46)OfthiswehaveanexampleinthepassageEx.23:4.Repeattheverse,“Ifthoumeetthineenemy’soxorassgoingastray,thoushaltsurelybringit

backtohimagain.”47)WhenJosephwassetoverPotiphar’shousewhatwasheconcerned

aboutwithreferencetohismaster’sproperty?Hewasanxioustoimproveandprotectit.48) How did his master get along financially under Joseph’s

management?Hegotalongwellunderit.49) Suppose our neighbor’s property be in danger from fire or water

whatdoesthisseventhcommandmentdemandofus?Itdemandsthatwehelpsaveourneighbor’sproperty.50)Or if he is indangerof losinghispropertyby thieves or swindlers

whatshouldwedo?Weshouldwarnhim.51)(88)“Whatisthreatenedinthiscommandment?”“KnowyenotthattheunrighteousshallnotinheritthekingdomofGod?”52)By theunrighteousareheremeant thosewhodonotdoright,who

arenothonest.Whatdoestheapostlesayofsuch?HesaystheyshallnotinheritthekingdomofGod.53)Yes,unlessdishonestmenandthievesturnfromtheirwickednessand

repentwhatwillbecomeofthem?Theycannotenterheaven,theywillbelostforever.

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Lesson24.WhatIsForbiddenInTheEighthCommandment.

(Questions89-94.)

1)(89)“Whichistheeighthcommandment?”“Thoushaltnotbearfalsewitnessagainstthyneighbor.”2)(90)“Whatdoesthismean?”“We should fear and love God, that we may not deceitfully belie, betray,

slander,ordefameourneighbor:butexcusehim,speakwellofhim,andputthebestconstructiononeverything.”

3)(91)“Whatisforbiddeninthiscommandment?”“Weshouldnotbearfalsewitness;or,notdeceitfullybelie,betray,slanderor

defameourneighbor.”4)Tobearwitnessortestimonymeanstosaysomethingaboutaperson.

Whatkindofwitnessisspokenofinthiscommandment?Falsewitnessisspokenof.5)Witnessortestimonymaybeofwhattwokinds?Itmaybetrueorfalse.6)Whatisinjuredwhenfalsereportsarespreadaboutaman?Hisgoodnameisinjured.7)SowhatdoesGodwishtoprotectintheeighthcommandment?Godwishestoprotectourneighbor’sgoodname.8)WhatdoesGodwishtoprotectinthefifthcommandment?Heprotectsourneighbor’slife.9)Whatdoesheprotectintheseventhcommandment?Heprotectsourneighbor’sproperty.10) Now in the eighth commandmentGod protects that which is even

morevaluablethanproperty.ReadthepassageProv.22:1.“Agoodnameisrathertobechosenthanriches,andlovingfavorratherthan

goldandsilver.”11)Whatisit,then,thatismorevaluablethanriches?Agoodnameismorevaluablethanriches.

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12)Agoodnameisworthmorethansilverorgold.Moneycannotbuyitnorbringitbackwhenitislost.Bywhatkindofwitnessortestimonyisaman’sgoodnameinjured?

Byfalsewitness.13)InLuther’sexplanationoftheeighthcommandment,question90,he

mentionsvariouswaysofbearingfalsewitness,whatarethey?Weshouldnotdeceitfullybelie,betray,slanderordefameourneighbor.14)(92)“Howisthisdone?”“Inatwofoldway:incommonlifeandincourt.”15)(93)“Whenisitdoneincommonlife?”“When that is said of our neighbor which is not true, or which in charity

shouldnotbesaid,orwhenheiscondemnedunheard.”16)What is the first thingwhichLuther saysweshouldnotdo toward

ourneighbor?Weshouldnotdeceitfullybelieourneighbor.17)Whatisalie?Alieisanuntruth.18)RepeatthepassageEph.4:25.“Whereforeputtingawaylying,speakeverymantruthwithhisneighbor:for

wearemembersoneofanother.”19)Whatshouldweputaway?Weshouldputawaylying.20)Thatmeans,weshouldtellnoliesatall.Butthecatechismhereadds

aword,todescribelying.Howdoesitsayweshouldnotbelieourneighbor?Weshouldnotdeceitfullybelieourneighbor.21)Whatobjecthavemenwhentheylie?Theywanttodeceive.22)WhatdoestheSaviorsay.John8:44,ofthewickedJewswholiedso

shamefullyabouthim?“Yeareofyourfatherthedevil,andthelustsofyourfatheryewilldo:hewas

amurderer fromthebeginning,andabodenot in the truth,because there isnotruthinhim.Whenhespeakethaliehespeakethofhisown:forheisaliar,andthefatherofit.”

23)WhatdoestheSaviorherecallthedevil?Hecallshimamurdererandaliar.24)Yes,andhesaysthedevil isthefatheroflies.Whosefollowersthen

areallliars?

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Theyarefollowersofthedevil.25) Not only should we not belie our neighbor, but what else is

forbidden?Weshouldnotbetrayhim.26)Tobetrayathingmeanstotell it, togive itaway.Whichoneofthe

disciplesbetrayedtheSavior?JudasIscariotbetrayedhim.27)Whatdidherevealtothehighpriests?HerevealedtheplacewheretheycouldfindtheLord,totakehimprisoner.28)RepeatthepassageProv.11:13.“Atale-bearer revealethsecrets:buthe that isofa faithful spiritconcealeth

thematter.”29)Whatdoesthispassagecallthemanwhorevealssecrets?Itcallshimatale-bearer.30)Whatdoscholarsinschoolcallchildrenwhoareeverlastinglytelling

talesaboutothers?Theycallthemtattletales.31) Yes, and, this tale-bearing is a mean, ugly habit. What does the

passagejustrepeatedsayofhimthatisofafaithfulspirit?Itsays,“Heconcealeththematter.”32)Yes,solongaswecanwithagoodconscience,weshouldkeepsilence

with reference to the weaknesses and faults of others. And yet, it maybecomenecessarytorevealsecrets.Forinstance,whenothersareindangeronaccountof thematter.WhenJonathanknewthathis father,kingSaul,haddeterminedtokillDavid,hedidnotkeepthissecret,butwhatdidhedo?

HewarnedhisfriendDavid.33)Whatdoescharityrequireofus?Givemetheanswerbyrepeatingthepassage1Peter4:8.“Charityshallcoverthemultitudeofsins.”34) In Christian charity we should not uncover but cover up our

neighbor’ssins.Ifwecansaynothinggoodofaman,whatshouldweratherdo?

Weshouldrathersaynothingabouthim.35)Wehavenowseenthatweshouldnotdeceitfullybelienorbetrayour

neighbor,butwhatelseisforbiddeninthiseighthcommandment?Weshouldnotslanderordefameourneighbor.

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36) To slander means to spread reports about our neighbor that areinjurious to his character. For instance,when the Jews said of the SaviorthathewasaSamaritanandhadthedevil(John8:48),whatdidtheydotohim?

Theyslanderedhim.37)HowdidPotiphar’swickedwifeslanderJoseph?Shetoldherhusbandthathewishedtocommitadulterywithher.38)WhateffecthadthisslanderonJoseph?Hismasterbelievedhimtobeabadmanandhadhimputinprison.39)Whatdoestheapostlesay,James4:11?“Speaknoteviloneofanother.”40)RepentthepassagePs.50:16,19,20.“But unto the wicked God saith: Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy

tongue frameth deceit. Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother; thouslanderestthineownmother’sson.”

41)Ofwhomarethesethingssaid?Theyaresaidofthewicked.42) Tell me from question 93, the last clause, another way of

transgressingthiscommandment.Whenwecondemnourneighborunheard.43)Whatdoesitmeantocondemnamanunheard?Itmeanstocondemnhimwithoutahearing.44)Beforewecondemnaman,orbelieveabadreportconcerninghim,

whatshouldwedoafterwehaveheardothers?Weshouldhearhim.45)Yes,everymanshouldbegivenachancetodefendhimself.Andhow

longshouldweconsideramaninnocent?Untilheisprovenguilty,46)WhatdoestheSaviorsay,Luke6:37?“Judge not and ye shall not be judged: condemn not and ye shall not be

condemned.”47)This commandment is transgressednot only in common life but in

whatotherway?Question92.Itisalsotransgressedincourt.48)(94)“Whenisitdoneincourt?”“Whenknowinglytheuntruthistold,orthetruthissuppressed.”

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49)Whenawitnessappearsincourtheisputunderoathtotellthetruth,andthewholetruth,andnothingbutthetruth,asheshallanswertoGodatthelastgreatday.Andallwhoareofficiallyconnectedwiththecourt,suchas the judge, the juryand the lawyersarealsounderoath to searchafterand determine what is the truth, and to render a just decision. But howoftenthisoathisviolated!RepeatthepassageProv.17:1.5.

“Hethatjustifieththewickedandhethatcondemneththejust,eventheybothareabominationtotheLord.”

50) How did Pontius Pilate show himself to be this kind of an unjustJudge in the trial of the Savior when the Jews asked him to releaseBarabbasinsteadofJesus?Matt.27:20-26.

HecondemnedtheinnocentSaviorandreleasedtheguiltyBarabbas.51)NowreadwhatiswritteninDeut.1:17.“Yeshallnotrespectpersonsinjudgment;butyeshallhearthesmallaswell

asthegreat;yeshallnotbeafraidofthefaceofman;forthejudgmentisGod’s.”52)Readalsowhatiswritten,Ex.23:8.“Andthoushalttakenogift:forthegiftblindeththewise,andperverteththe

wordsoftherighteous.”53)Whenapersonaccusesanotherfalselyincourthesinsgrosslyagainst

thiscommandment.SotheJewsdidagainsttheSavior.ReadLuke23:2.“Andtheybegantoaccusehim,saying,wefoundthisfellowpervertingthe

nationandforbiddingtogivetributetoCaesar,sayingthathehimselfisChristaking.”

54)Christiansshouldavoidgoingtocourtwitheachother(1Cor.6:1-8).They should settle their difficulties among themselves. To what does theapostleadmonishusinRom.12:18?

“Ifitbepossible,asmuchasliethinyou,livepeaceablywithallmen.”55) And yet, when a Christian is wrongfully accused he may ask the

protectionofthecourt,asweseefromtheexampleofSt.Paul.Acts23:12-17;25:11.Readthelatterpassage.

“ForifIbeanoffender,orhavecommittedanythingworthyofdeath,Irefusenottodie:butifthereisnoneofthesethingswhereoftheseaccuseme,nomanmaydelivermeuntothem.IappealuntoCesar.”

56) But when aman is guilty he should not deny his guilt. So JoshuaadmonishedAchaninJosh.7:19.Readthepassage.

“AndJoshuasaiduntoAchan,Myson,give, Ipray thee,glory to theLordGodof Israel,andmakeconfessionuntohim;and tellmenowwhat thouhast

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done;hideitnotfromme.”57)Whenacaseisontrialincourt,whatisthedutyofthewitnesses?Theirdutyistotellthetruthandthewholetruthandnothingbutthetruth.58)WhatdoesProv.19:5,sayofafalsewitness?“Afalsewitnessshallnotbeunpunished;andhethatspeakethliesshallnot

escape.”59) As instances of such false witnesses we might mention the wicked

menwho testifiedagainstNaboth (1Kings21:13).Andthe falsewitnessesthatwerebrought in against Jesus (Matt. 26:59-61).As also thewitnesseswho testified against Stephen (Acts 6:13:14).What were all these wickedmenguiltyof?

Theywereallguiltyoffalsewitness.60)ReadthepassageEx.23:1.“Thoushaltnotraiseafalsereport:putnotthinehandwiththewickedtobe

anunrighteouswitness.”61)Nooneshouldhaveahandwithwickedpeople,tohelpthemalongin

theirwickedness,as isdonewhenanattorney triesbydishonestmeans toprotect a criminal from just punishment, or to have an innocent personcondemned. Such was the case when the Jews brought in the orator orattorneyTertullusagainstPaul.Acts24:1-8.

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Lesson25.WhatIsCommandedInTheEighthCommandment.

(Questions95-97.)

1)Repeat theeighthcommandment.“Thoushaltnotbear falsewitnessagainstthyneighbor.”

2)Whatdoesthismean?“We should fear and love God, that we may not deceitfully belie, betray,

slander,ordefameourneighbor:butexcusehim,speakwellofhimandputthebestconstructiononeverything.”

3)Whatisforbiddeninthiscommandment?Weshouldnotbearfalsewitness,ornotdeceitfullybelie,betray,slander,or

defameourneighbor.4)(95)“Whatisenjoinedinthiscommandment?”“That we excuse our neighbor, speak well of him and put the best

constructiononeverything.”5)(96)“Whenisthisdone?”“Whenwethinkandspeakwellofourneighbor,andinallthingsstrivetobe

truthful.”6) What should we, according to this answer, do in regard to our

neighbor?Weshouldthinkandspeakwellofhim.7)Inorderthatwemayspeakwellofhim,whatmustwefirstdo?Wemustfirstthinkwellofhim.8)Yes,forwhatshouldourwordsexpress?Theyshouldexpressourthoughts.9)Weshouldnothaveevilbutgoodthoughtsconcerningourneighbor.

That is,we shouldhave a good opinion of him.Repeat thepassageZech.7:10.

“Letnoneofyouimagineevilagainsthisbrotherinyourheart.”10)Tothinkwellofamanistoconsiderhimhonest,andtruthful.When

wearewarnedagainstimaginingevilagainstourbrotherhowareweasked

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toregardhim?Weshouldregardhimashonest,good,truthful.11)But supposeothers tellus theopposite,howshouldweregardsuch

evilreports?Weshouldnotbelievethem.12)Itisjustasbadtobelieveafalsereportastostartorrepeatone.How

long should we regard a man innocent when we hear bad reports abouthim?

Untilheisprovenguilty.13)What doesLuther in his explanation of this commandment saywe

shoulddoinregardtoourneighbor?Weshould excusehim, speakwell of himandput thebest constructionon

everything.14)Whatisthefirstthingweshoulddo?Weshouldexcusehim.15)Thecharacterofaman’sactionsdependsagreatdealonhismotives.

WhenPeterdeniedtheSaviorwhatmovedhimtodoso?Hewasfrightenedintoit.16) Yes, it was not a deliberate act, but one done in haste and under

pressure. But when Judas betrayed the Savior, from what motive did heact?

Hediditformoney.17)Whichwasthegreatersin?ThesinofJudas.18)WhywasthesinofJudasgreaterthanthatofPeter?BecausePeteractedinhasteandJudasacteddeliberately.19)WhatthencouldwesayasanexcuseforPeter’ssin?Wecouldsaythatheactednotfrommalice,butfromfear.20)InwhatwordsdidtheSaviorprayforhisenemiesonthecross?Luke23:34.“Fatherforgivethem,fortheyknownotwhattheydo.”21)WhatexcusedidJesusboreofferforthesinsofhisenemies?Hesaidtheydidnotknowwhattheyweredoing.22)Repeatthepassage1Cor.13:7.“Charitybelievethallthings,hopethallthings,endurethallthings.”23) This means that, because we love our neighbor, we should always

believeandhopethebestconcerninghim.Whichshouldweratherbelieveofhimgoodorevil?

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Weshouldratherbelievethegood.24)Whatelseshouldwedobesidesexcusingourneighbor?Weshouldspeakwellofhim.25)Yes,especiallywhenothersspeakillofhim.Nowread1Sam.19:4.“AndJonathanspakegoodofDaviduntoSaulhisfatherandsaiduntohim,

Let not the king sin against his servant, against David; because he hath notsinnedagainstthee,and,becausehisworkshavebeentothee-wardverygood.”

26)WhenSaulhatedDavidanddeterminedtokillhim,whowasitthatinDavid’sabsencetookhispartandspokegoodofhim?

ItwashisfriendJonathan.27)ReadwhatJonathansaidofhisfriend,1Sam.19:5.“Forheputhislifeinhishand,andslewthePhilistine,andtheLordwrought

agreatsalvationforallIsrael: thousawestit,anddidstrejoice:whereforethenwiltthousinagainstinnocentblood,toslayDavidwithoutacause?”

28)Nowturnto1Sam.22:13:14,andtellmewhoalsospokeforDavidandtookhispartbeforethewickedking?

AblmelechthepriestspokewellofDavid.29)Yes,andhediditatthecostofhislife.NowrepeatProv.31:8-9.“Open thymouth for thedumb in thecauseofall suchasareappointed to

destruction.Openthymouth,judgerighteously,andpleadthecauseofthepoorandneedy.”

30)Whatisthematterwiththedumb?Hecannotspeak.31)Butwhen one is absentwhile others speak evil of him, he can not

speakforhimselfeither,why?Becauseheisnotpresent.32) Yes, an absent one is in the same position as one that is dumb,

becausehe cannot takehis ownpart.Whatareweasked todo for thosewhocannotspeakforthemselves?

Wearetoopenourmouthandspeakforthem.33)NowrepeatthepassageMatt.18:15-17.“If thybrothershall trespassagainst thee,goand tellhimhis faultbetween

theeandhimalone:ifheshallhearthee,thouhastgainedthybrother.Butifhewillnothearthee,thentakewiththeeoneortwomore,thatinthemouthoftwoorthreewitnesseseverywordmaybeestablished.Andifheshallneglecttohearthem,tellituntothechurch:butifheneglecttohearthechurch,lethimbeuntotheeasaheathenmanandapublican.”

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34)Ifanyonehaswrongedyou,towhomshouldyouspeakaboutitfirstofall?

Tohimwhohaswrongedme.35)Andwhoshouldbepresentwhenyouspeaktohimabouthisfault?Noone,Ishouldtellhimofhisfaultbetweenmeandhimalone.36)TheSaviorsays:“Ifheshallheartheethouhastgainedthybrother.”

He means you should rejoice over the fact that your brother has beengained;youshouldforgivehimandsaynomoreaboutit.Butincasehewillnothearyouwhatshouldyoudonext?

Weshouldtakeoneortwowithusaswitnesses.37) Yes, we should not make the matter public yet, but speak to him

againinthepresenceofafewfriends.Ifhehearyouandacknowledgehisfault,whatshouldyoudo?

Ishouldforgivehim.38)Yes,andburythematter.Butifheneglecttohearthem,whatshould

youdo?Tellittothechurch.39)Thatis,makeitpublic,inorderthatthewholechurchmayadmonish

theerringbrother.Ifherepent,whatshouldthechurchdo?Heshouldbeforgiven.40)Butifheneglecttoheareventhechurch,howshouldweregardsuch

awickedperson?TheSaviorsays:“Lethimbeuntotheeasaheathenmanandapublican.”41)TheCatechismtellsusweshould“putthebestconstructiononevery

thing.”That is, so longas it ispossiblewemustconsideraman innocent,andevenwhenheisguiltyofafault,wemustnotconsiderhiscasehopelessuntileverypossibleefforthasbeenmadetogainhim.Question96tellsuswe should thinkand speakwell of outneighbor, andwhat else shouldwedo?

Weshouldinallthingsstrivetobetruthful.42)UnderQuestion93welearnedthepassageEph.4:25.Repeatitagain.“Whereforeputtingawaylying,speakeverymantruthwithhisneighbor:for

wearemembersoneofanother.”43)Whatshouldeverymanspeakwithhisneighbor?Everymanshouldspeaktruthwithhisneighbor.44)Whatdoestheapostleurgeasareasonwhyeverymanshouldspeak

truthwithhisneighbor?

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“Forwearemembersoneofanother.”45)Whenthehandcomesincontactwithahotstoveitdoesnotdeceive

thebody,butwhatmessagedoesitgive?Ittellsthebodythatthestoveishot.46)Whentheeyeseesawhitewallwhatdoesitreport?Itsaysthewalliswhite.47) Yes, the members of the body are truthful and so should we be

truthful to eachother forwearemembersoneof another.Whatdoes theSaviorsay,Matt.5:37?

“Letyourcommunicationbe,Yea,yea;Nay,nay:forwhatsoeverismorethanthesecomethofevil.”

48)TheSaviormeans:whenyou sayyes, it ought tobeyes;andwhenyousayno, itoughttobeno.Amanshouldbeasgoodashisword.Whatkindofpeoplearetheyuponwhosewordyoucandepend?

Theyaretruthfulpeople.49)Readwhatiswritten,Prov.2:7,inthelatterhalfoftheverse.“Heisabucklertothemthatwalkuprightly.”50)ThatisGodwillprotectthosethatspeakthetruth.Nowread1Peter

2:21-23.“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us,

leavingusanexample,thatweshouldfollowhissteps:Whodidnosin,neitherwas guile found in his mouth:Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again;whenhesufferedhethreatenednot;butcommittedhimself tohimthat judgethrighteously.”

51)Theapostlehere tellsus to follow the exampleofChrist.WhatdidChristdowhenhewasreviled,thatisscoffedandslandered?

Herevilednotagain.52)Whatissaidofhismouth,thatis,hislanguage?“Neitherwasguilefoundinhismouth.”53) That is he never spoke to deceive. He spoke the truth under all

circumstances.Hewouldratherdiethanlie.AndwhatdoestheapostlesayofthisexampleoftheSavior?

Hesaysweshouldfollowhissteps.54)(97)“Whatisthepenaltyofthiscommandment?”“LyinglipsareabominationuntotheLord”(Prov,12:22).“Thoushaltdestroy

them that speak leasing (lies): the Lord will abhor the bloody and deceitfulman.”Ps.5:6.

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55)HowdoesGodregardlyinglips?Theyareabominationtohim.56)Thatis,hecan’tbearthem,hehatesthem.Andwhatwillhedowith

themthatspeaklies?Hewilldestroythem.57)WhatkindofmandoesGodabhor,thatis,hate?Heabhorsthebloodyanddeceitfulman.58)Whoisthebloodyman?Themurderer.59)Andwhoisthedeceitfulman?Theliar.60)ThenwhattwokindsofmendoesGodputonthesamelevel?Themurdererandtheliar.

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Lesson26.WhatIsForbiddenInTheNinthCommandment.

(Questions98-101.)

1)(98)“Whichistheninthcommandment?”“Thoushaltnotcovetthyneighbor’shouse.”2)(99)“Whatdoesthismean?”“We should fear and love God, that we may not craftily seek to get our

neighbor’sinheritanceorhouse,norobtainitbyashowofright;buthelpandbeofservicetohiminkeepingit.”

3)(100)“Whatisforbiddeninthiscommandment?”“We should not covet our neighbor’s house; or not craftily seek to get our

neighbor’sinheritanceorhouse,norobtainitbyashowofright.”4)Repeatthetenthcommandment.Question104.“Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife, nor his man-servant, nor his

maidservant,norhisox,norhisass,oranythingthatisthyneighbor’s.”5)These twocommandmentsbeginwith the samewords.Howdo they

bothbegin?“Thoushaltnotcovet.”6)Tocovetmeanstodesire,tolongfor.Turntoandread1Cor.12:31.“Butcovetearnestlythebestgifts.”7)WhatareChristianstocovet?Theyaretocovetthebestgifts.8)Whatdoesthismean?Theyaretodesireorlongforthebestgifts.9)ReadwhatiswrittenPs.119:40.“Behold,Ihavelongedafterthyprecepts.”10)Suchlongingisnotwrong.WhatdoestheSaviorsay,Luke10:24?“ForItellyou,thatmanyprophetsandkingshavedesiredtoseethosethings

whichyesee,andhavenotseenthem,andtohear thosethingswhichyehear,andhavenotheardthem.”

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11)TheapostlesheardtheSavior’spreachingandsawhismiracles,andwhatdesirehadtheprophetsandkingsofold?

TheydesiredtoseeandheartheSavior.12) Yes, and there was nothing wrong about this desire. But not all

longingisright,notalldesiresaregood.WhenGodheresays:thoushaltnotcovet,whatkindofdesiresareforbidden?

Evildesiresareforbidden.13)Readwhatiswritten,1Sam.16:7,inthelatterpartoftheverse.“For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward

appearance,buttheLordlookethontheheart.”14)Whatdomenlookupon?Theylookupontheoutwardappearance.15)WhenGod says:Thou shalt not steal,men are apt to think that if

theydonotoutwardlytaketheirneighbor’smoneyorgoods,thisisallthatGodrequires.Butwhatarewetoldinthepassageyouhavejustread?

“TheLordlookethupontheheart.”16)WhatdoesGodsee inourheartsevenbefore theyareexpressed in

wordsandactions?Heseesourthoughts.17)Yes,evenourthoughtsanddesiresshouldnotbecontrarytoGod’s

holy will. And how should we regard such thoughts and desires that arecontrarytoGod’swillandword?

Weshouldregardthemassinful.18)InorderthathemightimpressthisimportanttruthGodhasnotonly

said in the seventh commandment:Thou shalt not steal, butwhat has hesaidintheninthcommandment?

“Thoushaltnotcovetthyneighbor’shouse.”19)Yes,andhenotonlysaidinthesixthcommandment:Thoushaltnot

commit adultery, but what has he said in the first part of the tenthcommandment?

“Thoushaltnotcovetthyneighbor’swife.”20)Whatshouldwenotcovetaccordingtotheninthcommandment?Weshouldnotcovetourneighbor’shouse.21)(101)“Whatdoesthismean?”“Wearenottoseekorevenwishtobringourneighbor’sinheritanceorhouse

intoourpossessioninanunrighteousmanner.”

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22)To covet heremeanswrongfully to desire or seek to get.Theword“covet”iswhatpartofspeech?

Itisaverb.23) Give me the noun that corresponds with the verb covet.

Covetousness.24)Thismeansthedesiretogetandtohold.Whatdowecallacovetous

man?Wecallhimamiser.25)Howdoestheprophet,Isa.5:8,describesuchpeople?“Woeuntothemthatjoinhousetohouse,thatlayfieldtofield,tilltherebeno

place,thattheymaybeplacedaloneinthemidstoftheearth.”26)Whatdoestheprophetsayofsuchgreedypeople?Hesays:“Woeuntothem.”27)Yes,thecurseofGodrestsonthose,whonevercangetenoughand

are always striving after more. Such were the Scribes and Pharisees ofChrist’stime.WhatdoestheSaviorsaytothem.Matt.2.3:14?

“Woe unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’houses:thereforeyeshallreceivethegreaterdamnation.”

28)Whatdoeshemeanbysaying:“Yedevourwidows’houses?”Theyrobbedwidowsoftheirhouses.29)Yes,theywerelikehungrywolves.Theynevercouldgetenough.By

all kinds of hooks and crooks they cheated the poor widows out of theirproperty,andyetwhatdidtheymakeforapretext?

Forapretexttheymadelongprayers.30)Inspiteoftheiravariceandfraudwhatappearancedidtheyputon?Theyputontheappearanceofgreatpiety.31)Whataresuchpeoplewhooutwardlykeepthelawandintheirhearts

breakit?Suchpeoplearehypocrites.32) And what does the Savior say will be the end of these hypocries?

“Thereforeyeshallreceivethegreaterdamnation.”33)Nowrepeatthepassage,1Tim.6:6-10.“Butgodlinesswithcontentment isgreatgain.Forwebroughtnothing into

the world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food andraiment,letustherewithbecontent.Buttheythatwillberichfallintotemptationand a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men indestruction andperdition.For the love ofmoney is the root of all evil;which

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whilesomecovetedafter,theyhaveerredfromthefaith,andpiercedthemselvesthroughwithmanysorrows.”

34) What is here said of those who would be rich? “They fall intotemptationanda snare, andmany foolishandhurtful lusts,whichdrownmenindestructionandperdition.”

35)Andwhatisfurthersaidoftheloveofmoney?Theloveofmoneyistherootofallevil.36)Judasisagoodillustrationofthis.Whatpositiondidheholdinthe

littlecompanyofChristandhisapostles?Hewasthetreasurer.37) He not only handled the money, but what was his disposition in

moneymatters?Hewasamiserandathief.38)Yes,helovedmoney.Andwhatdidhisloveofmoneyleadhimtodo?ItleadhimtobetrayhisMaster.39)HowmuchdidhegetforbetrayingtheLord?Hegotthirtypiecesofsilver.40)Somenwill lieandsteal,andkillanddoeveryevil formoney.But

howdotheseevillustsfinallyend?Theydrownmenindestructionandperdition.41)Yes, suchpeople err from the faith andare lost.Readalsowhat is

writtenProv.28:20.“Afaithfulmanshallaboundwithblessings;buthethatmakethhaste tobe

richshallnotbeinnocent.”42)In1Kings,chapter21,wehaverecordedthestoryofKingAhaband

Naboth’svineyard.Letuslookatitamoment.WhenKingAhabofferedtobuythevineyardofNaboth,whatdidthelatteranswer?Verse3.

“And Naboth said to Ahab, The Lord forbid me, that I should give theinheritanceofmyfathersuntothee.”

43)WhydidNabothprizethevineyardsohighly,andrefusetosellit?Becausehehadinheriteditfromhisfathers.44)Ahabwasdisappointedandangryand talked thematteroverwith

hiswickedwifeJezebel.ShenowarrangedtogetthevineyardfortheKingbyfraud.Howshediditwearetoldinverse10.Whatdidshecommandtheelderstodo?

“Andset twomen, sonsofBelial,beforehim, tobearwitness againsthim,saying, thou didst blasphemeGod and theKing.And then carry him out and

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stonehim,thathemaydie.”45)Thiswickedplotwascarriedout,andafterthemurderofNaboth,his

property fell to the King. When Ahab could not honestly get what hewantedhowdidhiswifegoabouttogetit?

Shegotitdishonestly,byfraud.46) Andwhat did Jezebel do in order that the whole detestable fraud

mighthavetheappearanceofright?ShehiredtwofalsewitnessestotestifythatNabothhadblasphemedGodand

theKing.47)Shesoughtcraftilytogetherneighbor’sinheritanceorhouse.Craft

isshrewdnessortrickery.SoJacobandhismotherbyatrickdefraudedhisbrotherEsauoutofhisbirthrightandtheblessingwhichhisfatherintendedforhimasthefirst-born.WhichofhistwosonsdidIsaacintendtoblessandestablishasthechiefheir?

HisfirstbornsonEsau.48)Which,however,receivedtheblessing?TheyoungersonJacob.49)WhatdeceptionwaspracticedonIsaacwhoinhisoldagehadlosthis

eyesight?HewasmadetobelievethatJacobwasEsau.50)SohowdidJacobgettheinheritance?Hegotitcraftily,byatrick.51)Andwhatwas the relationbetween thebrothersonaccountof this

fraud?Esauhatedhisbrother,andintendedtokillhim.52)AndwhatdidJacobdotosavehimself?HefledforhislifetohisuncleLaban.53)Thiswasapunishmentforthefraudofwhichhehadbeenguilty,and

whenhisuncleLabanafterwardscheatedhimoutofhisjustwagesofwhatshouldthisunjusttreatmenthaveremindedhim?

Itshouldhaveremindedhimofhisownsinagainsthisbrother.

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Lesson27.WhatIsCommandedInTheNinthCommandment.

(Questions102-103.)

1)Repeattheninthcommandment.“Thoushaltnotcovetthyneighbor’shouse.”2)Whatdoesthismean?“We should fear and love God that we may not craftily seek to get our

neighbor’sinheritanceorhouse,norobtainitbyashowofright;buthelpandbeofservicetohiminkeepingit.”

3)Whatisforbiddeninthiscommandment?We should not covet our neighbor’s house, or not craftily seek to get our

neighbor’sinheritanceorhouse.4)This commandment dealswith our neighbor’s inheritance or house,

thatiswithhisearthlypossessions.Wehaveseeninthelastlessonthatweshouldnotcovetwhatisourneighbors.Weshouldnotbecovetous,thatisgreedyofgain.Nowtodaywewilldealwiththeoppositedisposition.Whatdoyousayofamanwhoisnotgreedyformore?

Heissatisfiedwithwhathehas.5)Canyougivemeanotherwordforthisbeingsatisfiedwithwhatone

has?Thewordcontentment.6)Thisdispositionisspokenofinthefirstsentenceofthepassage1Tim.

6:6-10.Repeatit.“Butgodlinesswithcontentmentisgreatgain.”7)Whataregodlinesswithcontentmentherecalled?Theyarecalledgreatgain.8)Naturallymenwanttogain.Whataremostmenanxioustogain?Theyareanxioustogainwealth.9)Yes,becausetheyimaginewealthmakesmenhappy.Butthisisagreat

mistake,asweseefromEccles.5:10.Readthepassage.

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“He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that lovethabundancewithincrease:thisalsoisvanity.”

10)Whatisthegreatgainspokenofin1Tim.6:6?Godlinesswithcontentment.11)Ifamanisgodly, that is ifhefears, lovesandtrusts inGod,and is

contentwithwhatGodgiveshim,heishappy.Happinessdoesnotdependontheamountofthisworld’sgoodsthatwepossess,butratheruponwhatdoesitdepend?

Itdependsonourbeingcontentwithwhatwehave.12)Sotheapostlealsoadmonishesus,Heb.13:5.Readthepassage.“Let your conversation bewithout covetousness; and be contentwith such

thingsasyehave:forhehathsaid,Iwillneverleavetheenorforsakethee.”13)Whatdoestheapostlewarnagainstinthefirstpartofthispassage?Hewarnsagainstcovetousness.14)Andwhatdoesheurgeuponusinthesecondpart?Tobecontentwithsuchthingsaswehave.15) Then, in the last clause, he gives the reason why we should be

content.Whatisit?BecauseGodhassaid:Iwillneverleavetheenorforsakethee.16) In the passage which you repeated a bit ago. 1 Tim. 6:6, there is

anotherreasongivenwhyweshouldbecontent.Whatisit?“For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry

nothingout.”17)Whatdidwebringwithuswhenwecameintotheworld?Webroughtnothingwithus.18)Andwhatshallwetakewithuswhenwegooutoftheworld?Wewilltakenothingwithus.19)How foolish then toworry and fret over the thingswhichwehave

onlythefewyearsthatweliveinthisworld.WhereindidLazarusandtherichmandifferduringtheirlifeinthisworld?

Theonewaspoorandtheotherwasrich.20)Butwhathappenedtobothofthem?Theybothdied.21) And howmuch of his possessions did the richman takewith him

whenhedied?Hetooknothingwithhim.

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22) What difference was there, with reference to earthly possessions,betweenhimandLazaruswhentheycametodie?

Therewasnodifference.23)Twiceinthisworldallmenarealikeasfarasearthlypossessionsare

concerned.Canyoutellmewhen?Whentheyarebornandwhentheydie.24)We have seen thatwe should be content.Wherewith shouldwe be

content?“Havingfoodandraimentletustherewithbecontent.”25)Food,clothingandshelter,thoughofthesimplestkind,isallthatwe

need.AndwhenGodinhismercyprovidestheseweshouldbecontentandthankful.TheSaviorhimselfistheverybestexampleofsuchcontentment.Whatcanyousayofhim,asfarasworldlypossessionsareconcerned?

Hewaspoor.26)Yes,readwhatiswrittenMatt.8:20.“Thefoxeshaveholesandthebirdsoftheairhavenests;buttheSonofman

hathnotwheretolayhishead.”27)ReadwhatiswrittenoftheSavior,1Cor.8:9.“ForyeknowthegraceofourLordJesusChrist,that,thoughhewasrich,yet

foryoursakeshebecamepoor,thatyethroughhispovertymightberich.”28)TheSaviorwaspoor,not fromnecessity,but fromchoice.Henever

complained of his poverty. He was content to live from hand to mouth.Whatshouldwelearnfromhisexample?

Weshouldlearntobecontent,29)Whenhefedthemultitude,heprovidedaveryplainmeal.Whatdid

hefeedthemwith?Hegavethembarleybreadandfish.30)Andthisplainfoodwaswhatheatehimselfandwithwhichhewas

satisfied, thoughhewas theverySonofGod.Whatshouldwe learn fromhisexample?

Weshouldlearntobesatisfiedwithplainliving.31)Andbeforehegavethebreadandfishtothemultitudewhatdidhe

do?John6:11.Hegavethanks.32)SoweshouldnotonlybesatisfiedwithwhatGodgivesusbutwhat

otherlessonmaywelearnfromtheexampleoftheSavior?WeshouldbethankfultoGodforhisblessings.

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33)WhenAbrahamwascalledbyGodtoleavehisnativelandandgotoacountrythatGodwouldshowhim,whowentwithhim?Gen.12:4.

Lotwentwithhim.34)When pasture became scarce and there began to be strife between

theirservantshowdidAbrahamproposetoputanendtothestrife?ReadGen.13:8:9.

“AndAbrahamsaiduntoLot,Lettherebenostrife,Ipraythee,betweenmeandtheeandbetweenmyherdmenandthyherdmen:forwearebrethren.Isnotthewholelandbeforethee?Separatethyself,Ipraythee,fromme:ifthouwilttakethelefthandthenIwillgototheright;orifthoudeparttotherighthand,thenIwillgototheleft.”

35) Abraham was willing to give his nephew the choice. He was notdeterminedto lookoutsimply forhisown interest.Hewasnotanxious togetrich.Howdidheshowthis?

HegaveLotthechoiceofthelandandwaswillingtotakewhatwasleft.36) Abraham also showed this disposition on another occasion. His

nephew Lot had been taken captive. Abraham in company with severalprincespursuedtheenemiesanddeliveredLot.Aswasthecustominwar,there was much booty taken. The king of Sodom now proposed thatAbraham should take these goods. Read what Abraham answered.Gen.14:22:23.

“Abraham said to the king of Sodom, I have lifted upmine hand unto theLord,themosthighGod,thepossessorofheavenandearth,thatIwillnottakeanythingthatisthine,lestthoushouldstsay,IhavemadeAbrahamrich.”

37)HerewasachanceforAbrahamtogetgreatwealthbutwhatdidhedo?

Herefusedtotakeanything.38)Hehadnotundertakenthewartogetrichbutforwhatpurpose?Todeliverhisnephewfromcaptivity.39)Yes,andhewascontentwhenhehadaccomplishedthis.Whatwashe

notanxiousfor?Hewasnotanxiousformoneyandgoods.40)(102)“Whatisenjoined,inthiscommandment?”“Thatwehelpandbeofservicetoourneighborinkeepinghisinheritanceor

house.”41)(103)“Whenisthisdone?”

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“Whenweareheartilypleasedatourneighbor’sprosperity,andseektowardofffromhimalllosses,justaswewouldfromourselves.”

42)Whatshouldweheartilybepleasedwith?Weshouldbeheartilypleasedwithourneighbor’sprosperity.43)Whenthingsgowellwithourneighborhowshouldwefeelaboutit?Weshouldbepleased.44)Andwhatshouldweseektowardofffromourneighbor?Weshouldseektowardofffromhimalllosses.45)Whenourownpropertyorgoodsareindangerwhatareweanxious

toguardagainst?Weareanxioustoguardagainstloss.46)And just so shouldwe feelaboutourneighbor’sproperty.Forhow

shouldweloveourneighbor?Weshouldloveourneighborasourselves.47)Repeatthepassage,Phil.2:4.“Looknoteverymanonhisownthings,buteverymanalsoonthethingsof

others.”48) That means, we should not simply be concerned about out own

welfarebutwhatshouldwealsotakeaninterestin?Inthewelfareofothers.49) How did Abraham show this disposition in his dealings with his

nephewLot?Hegavehimthechoiceoftheland.50)Yes,helookednotsimplytohisownthings,forifhehaddonesohow

wouldhehaveshownit?Hewouldhavetakenthebestlandhimself.51) The fact that he gave Lot the choice of the land showed what

dispositiontowardhim?ItshowedthathewasinterestedinLot’swelfare.52)RepeatthepassageGal.5:13.“Byloveserveoneanother.”53)Godwantsustoloveoneanother.Andwhatshouldthisloveprompt

ustodo?Itshouldpromptustoserveoneanother.54)Howshouldwehelpandbeofservicetoourneighbor?Weshouldhelpandbeofservicetohiminkeepinghisinheritanceorhouse.

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Lesson28.WhatIsForbiddenInTheTenthCommandment.

(Questions104-107.)

1)“Whichisthetenthcommandment?”“Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife, nor his man-servant, nor his

maidservant,norhisox,norhisass,oranythingthatisthyneighbor’s.”2)(105)Whatdoesthismean?WeshouldfearandloveGodthatwemaynotestrange,forceorenticeaway

fromourneighborhiswife,servants,orcattle;buturgethemtostayanddotheirduty."

3)(106)“Whatisforbiddeninthiscommandment?”“Weshouldnotcovetourneighbor’swife,norhisman-servant,norhismaid-

servant,norhiscattle,noranythingthatisourneighbor’s;ornotestrange,forceorenticeawayfromourneighborhiswife,servantsorcattle.”

4)Whichwordoccursinboththeninthandtenthcommandment?Thewordcovet.5)Givemeanotherwordforthisword“covet.”Theword“desire.”6)Adesiremaybegoodorbad.Whatkindofdesiresare forbidden in

thesetwocommandments?Evildesiresarehereforbidden.7) In the ninth commandment we are forbidden to have evil desires

againstourneighbor’shouse.Whatkindofevildesiresareforbiddenfirstofallinthistenthcommandment?

Evildesiresagainstourneighbor’swife.8)Whenhusbandandwifeagreetolivetogetherinmatrimony,whatdo

theypromiseeachother?Theypromisetoloveeachother.9)Yes,andtokeeptoeachotherthroughoutlife.Whenamancovetsor

hasevildesiresagainsthisneighbor’swife,hewishesthatshelove,notherhusband,butwhom?

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Hewishesthatshelovehiminsteadofherhusband.10)Hedesirestoestrangeherfromherhusband,that is,hetriestoget

hertotreatherhusbandlikeshewouldtreatwhom?Likeshewouldtreatastranger.11)Readwhatiswritten,Gen.2:24.“Thereforeshallamanleavehisfatherandhismother,andshallcleaveunto

hiswife;andtheyshallbeoneflesh.”12)Herewearetoldthatahusbandshallcleave,thatis,clingtohiswife.

Andwhatwouldyousayofawife?Sheshallclingtoherhusband.13)Howshallhusbandandwifeberegardedaccordingtothelastclause

inthisverse?Theyareoneflesh.14)Theyareone.Theybelong to eachother for life.Nowwhenaman

covetshisneighbor’swife,orawomancovetsherneighbor’shusband,howdotheydesiretointerferewiththisrelation?

Theywishtoseparatehusbandandwife.15)Yes,theywishtoputasunderwhatGodhasjoinedtogether.Whatdothescripturessayofsuchseparation?Mark10:9.“WhatthereforGodhathjoinedtogether,letnomanputasunder.”16)An example of such sinful desire to separate husband andwifewe

have inKingHerod.What did John theBaptist rebukeHerod for?ReadMark6:17-18.

“ForHerodhimselfhadsentforthandlaidholduponJohn,andboundhiminprisonforHerodias’sake,hisbrotherPhilip’swife;forhehadmarriedher.ForJohnhadsaiduntoHerod,itisnotlawfulfortheetohavethybrother’swife.”

17)Yes,Herodhadcovetedhisbrother’swifeandenticedherawayfromhim.AnothercaseofsuchwickedcovetingisthatofDavidagainstthewifeofUriah.AgainstwhichcommandmentdidDavidsinwhenhecovetedandtookthewifeofUriah?

Againstthistenthcommandment.18)Yes,andtheLordseverelypunishedKingDavidforhissin.Butwhat

elsedoesthetenthcommandmentforbidustocovetbesidesourneighbor’swife?

Weshouldnotcovethisservants.19)Whoareaman’sservants?Peoplewhomhehirestodohiswork.

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20)Whatkindofservantsdomenlike?Theylikegood,faithfulservants.21) Yes, and a good faithful servant is very valuable.When aman or

womanhirethemselvesoutwhatisexpectedofthem?Thattheydotheirworkfaithfullyandwell.22)Whatdoestheprophetsayofservants,Mal.1:6?“Asonhonorethhisfatherandaservanthismaster.”23)Servantsshouldlove,honorandobeytheirmasters.Nowwhenaman

covetshisneighbor’sservantswhatdoesheenticethemtoceasedoing?Hetriestogetthemnottolove,honorandobeytheirmasters.24) And when a man thus tries to estrange and entice away from his

neighborhisservants,whydoeshedoths?Becausehewantsthemhimself.25) He does this by running down his neighbor, discouraging the

servants,offeringthemmorewagesandthelike.Howdoesallthisaffectaman’sneighbor?

Itinjureshim.26)Thetenthcommandmentforbidsustocovetnotonlyourneighbor’s

wifeandservantsbutwhatelse?Alsohiscattle.27)Whatkindofanimalsdowecallhorses,cows,mules,sheepandthe

like?Wecallthemdomesticanimals.28)Ofwhatusearethesedomesticanimalstous?Weusethemforfood,clothing,andwork.29)Theyareveryvaluableonthataccount.Ifamanhasagoodhorseor

cowheprizesitveryhighly,andtoloseitwouldbeamisfortune.Ifweareinneedofsuchanimalhowmaywegetthem?

Wemaybuythem.30) Yes, and pay what they are honestly worth. But when the tenth

commandmentsays:“Thoushaltnotcovetthyneighbor’scattle,”itmeans,Thou shalt not desire to get them dishonestly. What do we call suchdishonestdealing?

Wecallitcheating.31)Andtheverydesiretodothisissin.ForGodjudgethnotsimplyour

wordsandactions,butwhatdoesHeregardandjudge?Hejudgesourthoughtsanddesires.

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32)Thisweseefrom1Sam.16:7,thelastclause.“For the Lord seeth not as man seeth, for man looketh on the outward

appearance,buttheLordlookethontheheart.”33)(107)“Whendowetransgressthiscommandment?”“Whenwehaveeventheleastevildesireinourheartsforthatwhichisour

neighbor’s.”34)Whatdoesthisanswerspeakof?Ofevildesire.35)EvilisthatwhichisagainstGod’swill,thenwhatareevildesires?DesiresthatareagainstGod’swill.36)Wheredowefindsuchevildesires?Wefindtheminourhearts.37) Yes, for so the Savior describes the human heart in Matt. 15:19.

Repeatthepassage,youlearneditunderthesixthcommandment.“Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications,

thefts,falsewitness,blasphemies.”38)Theseevilthoughtsaretherootandsourceofevilwordsandactions.

But therootofa thing isof the samecharacteras the thing itself.Asaltystreamflowsfromwhatkindofaspring?

Itflowsfromasaltyspring.39) If then it is a sin to steal, what must we say of the thoughts and

desireswhichleadtostealing?Thesethoughtsanddesiresarealsosinful.40)WhatjudgmentdoesGodpassontheheartofmaninGen.8:21?“Theimaginationofman’sheartisevilfromhisyouth.”41)Theimaginationofman’sheartheremeanshisthoughtsanddesires.

AndwhatdoesGodsayofthese?Hesaystheyareevil.42)Yes,and theyareevilnotonlywhenhegrowsolder,butwhatdoes

Godsay?Hesaystheyareevilfromhisyouth.43)DidGodcreatemanevil?No,hecreatedhimgood.44)Buthowdowefindmannow?Wefindhimevil.45)Yes, inhisthoughts,wordsanddeedshe isbad.SoGodsaysofthe

peopleatthetimeoftheflood.Gen.6:5.Repeatthepassage.

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“AndGod saw that thewickednessofmanwasgreat in the earth, and thateveryimaginationofthethoughtsofhisheartwasonlyevilcontinually.”

46)ReadalsowhatJobsays,chap.15:14-16.“Whatisman,thatheshouldbeclean?andhewhichisbornofawoman,that

heshouldberighteous?Beholdheputtethnotrustinhissaints.Howmuchmoreabominableandfilthyisman,whichdrinkethiniquitylikewater?”

47) Now children, examine your hearts. Try to see them as God seesthem,andwhatwillyoufind?

Wefindthemfullofsins.48)Theyarefullofwhatkindofdesires?Theyarefullofevildesires.49) Our hearts are by nature like the ground.What does the ground

bringforthofitself?Itbringsforthweeds.50)Andsowhatdoourheartsbringforth?Theybringforthsin.51) Yes, sin is natural to us, since the fall of our first parents, just as

naturalas it is fortheearthtobringforthweeds.WhenGodsays:“Thoushallnotcovetanythingthatisthyneighbor’s,”heforbidseventheleastevildesire.Forwhatiseventheleastevildesire?

Itissin.

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Lesson29.WhatIsCommandedInTheTenthCommandment.

(Question108-110.)

1)Repeatthetenthcommandment.“Thoushaltnotcovetthyneighbor’swife,norhisman-servant,norhismaid-

servant,norhisox,norhisass,oranythingthatisthyneighbor’s.”2)Whatdoesthismean?“WeshouldfearandloveGod,thatwemaynotestrange,forceorenticeaway

fromourneighborhiswife,servantsorcattle;buturgethemtostayanddotheirduty.”

3)Whatisforbiddeninthiscommandment?Weshouldnotcovetourneighbor’swife,servantsorcattle,ornotestrange,

forceorenticethemawayfromhim.4)(108)“Whatisenjoinedonushere?”“Weshouldurgeourneighbor’swifeandservantstostayanddotheirduty.”5) You all remember the story of Joseph. In whose house was he a

servant?InthehouseofPotiphar.6)WhatawfulsindidPotiphar’swickedwifeaskJosephtocommitwith

her?Thesinofadultery.7)Now let us seewhat Joseph said to thiswickedwomanwhowas so

unfaithfultoherhusband.ReadGen.39:9.“There is none greater in the house than I; neither hath he (Potiphar) kept

back anything frommebut thee, because thou art hiswife: howcan I do thisgreatwickednessandsinagainstGod?”

8)Josephhereremindedthewomanoftheconfidenceherhusbandputin him and of what relation did he remind her with reference to herhusband?

Heremindedherofthefactthatshewashiswife.9)Andofwhatdutydidhetherebyalsoremindher?

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Thatsheshouldbefaithfultoherhusband.10)Shewasonthefairwayofdesertingherhusband,infact,inherheart

she was already unfaithful to him. When Joseph spoke of her beingPotiphar’swifeagainstwhatsindidhewarnher?

Againstthesinofbeingunfaithfultohephusband.11)SoJosephactedinaccordancewiththetenthcommandment.He urged the woman “to stay and do her duty.” Now let us see a case in

which the apostle Paul urges a man-servant to return to his master and beobedient.PaulhadafriendbythenameofPhilemon,whohadaservantorslavecalledOnesimus. This servant had run away from hismaster.Afterwards thisrunaway servant became aChristian throughPaul’s preaching; now readwhattheapostledidwithhim.Philemon,Verse12.

“WhomIhavesentagain:thouthereforereceivehim.”12)PaulsenttheservantOnesimusbackagaintohismasterandasked

the latter to receivehimkindly.ThusheurgedOnesimus to staywithhismasteranddohisduty.Nowletusalsoseeacaseinwhichamaid-servantwas urged to return to her mistress and be obedient to her. Who wasAbraham’swife?

SarahwasAbraham’swife.13)Sarahhadamaid-servantbythenameofHagar.Hagarwasoffended

athermistressandranaway.NowreadwhattheangeloftheLordsaidtoHagarwhenhefoundherinthewilderness.Gen.16:9.

“AndtheangeloftheLordsaiduntoher,returntothymistress,andsubmitthyselfunderherhands.”

14)Whatdidheurgehertodo?Heurgedhertogobackanddoherduty.15)Nowreadwhatiswritten,Deut.22:1.“Thoushaltnotseethybrother’soxorhissheepgoastray,andhidethyself

fromthem:thoushaltinanycasebringthemagainuntothybrother.”16) Not only should we urge our neighbor’s wife and servants to stay

withhimanddotheirduty,butwhatisheresaidofhisdomesticanimals?Weshouldbringthembacktohimincasetheyhavestrayedaway.17)Yes,weshoulddoallwecantoprotectourneighboragainstloss.We

shouldfurtherhisinterestsaswewouldwhose?Aswewouldourown.18)Tellmethiswithascripturepassage.“Thoushaltlovethyneighborasthyself.”

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19)(109)“Whendowefulfillthiscommandment?”“Whenweareperfectlyholyandjust,asGodoriginallycreatedus.”20)Howshouldwebeaccordingtothisanswer?Weshouldbeperfectlyholyandjust.21)WhatdoesGodsay,Lev.19:2?“Yeshallbeholy:forItheLordyourGodamholy.”22)WhatdoestheLordourGodheresayofhimself?Hesaysthatheisholy.23)Andjustbecausehehimselfisholywhatmustheaskofus?Hemustaskofustobeholy.24)Ifheweresatisfiedwithanything lessonourpart,hewouldnotbe

holy,thatis,pure,andperfecthimself.AholyGodcanbepleasedonlywithwhatkindofpeople?

Hecanbepleasedonlywithholypeople.25)Givemeanotherwordfortheword“holy.”Theword“pure.”26)Youhavelearnedapassageinwhichtheword“pure”occurs.Repeat

it.“Blessedarethepureinheart:fortheyshallseeGod.”27)WhoshallstandbeforeGodandseehim?Thepureinheart.28)Children,notethattheSaviorheresaysnotsimplythepureinwords

andacts,butwhatdoeshesay?“Blessedarethepureinheart.”29)Canyougivemestillanotherwordfortheword“holy?”Theword“perfect.”30)Youhavealsolearnedapassageinwhichthiswordoccurs.Repeatit.“Beyethereforeperfect,evenasyourFatherwhichisinheavenisperfect.”31)HowdoestheSaviorwantustobe,accordingtothispassage?Hewantsustobeperfect.32)Children,takenoticeofthis.Manypeoplethinkthatifwedoasnear

rightaswecan.Godwillbesatisfied.Thisisagreatmistake.FortheSaviorhere saysnot:beye thereforeasnearperfectasyecan,butwhatdoeshesay?“Beyethereforeperfect,asyourFatherwhichisinheavenisperfect.”

33)HowisourFatherinheaven?Heisperfect.

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34)God is a perfect being, andwhen hemademan how did hemakehim?

Hemadehimperfect.35)Readwhatiswritten.Gen.1:31.“AndGodsaweverythingthathehadmade,andbehold,itwasverygood.”36)Godisgoodandperfectandcouldnotbutmakegood,thatis,perfect

creatures.WhatwasthelastthingthatGodmade?ThelastthingthatGodmadewasman,thatishumanbeings.37)Nowreadwhatiswritten.Gen.1:27.“SoGodcreatedmaninhisownimage,intheimageofGodcreatedhehim.”38)Theimageofapersonisalikenessorpictureoftheperson.Soman

waslikewhomwhenhewascreated?HewaslikeGod.39)InwhatrespectwasmanlikehisholyMaker?Hewasholy.40)Intheanswertoquestion109wearetoldhowGodcreatedus.Tell

me.Hecreatedusperfectlyholyandjust.41)SowhyhasGodarighttoaskustobeperfectlyholyandjust?Becausehecreatedusso.42)Arewestillinthiscondition?Wearenot.43) But remember, it is not God’s fault that we are no longer in the

condition in which he created us. He is the same holy and unchangeableGod,andthereforewhatdoeshestillaskofus?

Hestillasksustobeholyandjust.44)(110)“Whatisthreatenedinthiscommandment?”“Whenlusthathconceived,itbringethforthsin;andsinwhenitisfinished,

bringethforthdeath.”James1:15.45)Heretheapostledescribesthecourseofsin.Whatdoeshefirstspeak

of?Hefirstspeaksoflust.46)Bythishemeansevildesire.Whenevildesiresarekeptandnursedin

theheart,whatdotheybringforth?Theybringforthsin.47)Ifwewouldavoidsinfulwordsandactswhatmustwedowithlustor

evildesires?

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Wemustcrowdthemoutofourhearts.48)Ifwetakepleasureinsuchsinfuldesiresthisinitselfissin,andhow

willsuchsinfuldesiresfindexpression?Theywillfindexpressioninsinfulwordsandacts.49)Andwhen sin is thusdone,oras theapostle says, is finished,what

doesitbringforth?Itbringethforthdeath.50)WhatdidGodsaytoAdaminthegardenofEden,Gen.2:16-17?“And the LordGod commanded, saying, Of every tree in the garden thou

mayestfreelyeat;butofthetreeoftheknowledgeofgoodandevil,thoushaltnoteatofit:forinthedaythatthoueatestthereofthoushaltsurelydie.”

51)NowreadwhatSt.Paulsays,Rom.6:23,thefirstclause.“Forthewagesofsinisdeath.”52)Sinanddeatharerelatedtoeachother likecauseandeffect.When

mansinnedhebecamesubjecttodeath.NowreadRom.5:12.“Wherefore,asbyonemansinentered into theworld,anddeathbysin;so

deathpasseduponallmenforthatallhavesinned.”53)Sowhyareallmensubjecttodeath?Becausetheyareallsinners.

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Lesson30.TheConclusion,TheEarnestThreat.

(Question111-117.)

1)(111)“WhatdoesGodsayofallthesecommandments?”“Hesaysthus:ItheLord,thyGod,amajealousGod,visitingtheiniquityof

the fathersupon thechildrenunto the thirdand fourthgenerationof them thathateme,andshowingmercyuntothousandsofthemthatlovemeandkeepmycommandments.”

2)(112)“Whatdoesthismean?”“Godthreatenstopunishallthattransgressthesecommandments.Therefore

weshould fearhiswrathandnotactcontrary to thesecommandments.Buthealso promises grace and every blessing to all that keep these commandments.Thereforeweshouldalsoloveandtrustinhimandwillinglydoaccordingtohiscommandments.”

3) Let us turn to the 20th chapter of Exodus and read thecommandments in the order inwhichGod gave them.Now tellme, afterwhich commandment dowe find thewords: “I, theLord, thyGod, am ajealousGodetc?”

Wefindthemafterthefirstcommandment.4)ButwheredidLutherputthemintheCatechism?Heputthemattheendofallthecommandments.5) (113) “Why did Luther place these words at the close of the Ten

Commandments?”“Because they pertain not only to the first, but to all the Ten

Commandments.”6)Wemayreadthesewordsinconnectionwiththefirstcommandment

thus:IamtheLord,thyGod.Thoushalthavenoothergodsbeforeme,forI, theLordthyGod,ama jealousGod,visiting the iniquityof the fathersuponthechildrenetc.Nowyoumayinthesamewayrepeatthesewordinconnectionwiththesecondcommandment.“Thoushaltnottakethenameof theLord, thyGod, invain, for I, theLord thyGod,ama jealousGod,visitingtheiniquityofthefathersuponthechildren,etc.”

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7)Nowrepeattheminconnectionwiththefifthcommandment.“Thoushaltnotkill, forI theLord, thyGod,amajealousGod,visitingthe

iniquityofthefathersuponthechildrenetc.”8)Soyou see that thesewordrefernotonly to the first commandment

buttoeachoftheten,andonthataccountwheredidLutherplacethemintheCatechism?

Heplacedthemattheendofthetencommandments.9)Whatdowethereforecallthesewords?Tellmefromtheheadingoftoday’slesson.Wecallthemtheconclusionofthetencommandments.10)(114)“Whatdoesthisconclusioncontain?”“An earnest threat against all who transgress these commandments, and a

graciouspromiseforallwhokeepthem.”11)Howmanythingsdothesewordscontain?Theycontaintwothings.12)Whatisthefirst?Thefirstisanearnestthreat.13)(115)“Whatisthatearnestthreat?”“I, theLord, thyGod,ama jealousGod,visiting the iniquityof the fathers

uponthechildrenuntothethirdandfourthgenerationofthemthathateme.”14)WhatdoesGodherecallhimself?HecallshimselftheLord,ourGod.15)Inwhichcommandmentdowefindthesesamewords?Wefindtheminthefirstcommandment.16)IfGodisLordwhathashearighttodo?Hehasarighttocommand.17)IfheisourLordwhatarewe?Wearehisservants.18)Ifitishistocommandwhatisourduty?Itisourdutytoobey.19)ButhenotonlycallshimselfourLordbutwhatdoesheadd?Headds:“ThyGod.”20)AsGodhe isourhighestgood,ourgreatestbenefactor,whatdowe

owehimforhisgreatgoodnessandmercy?Weshouldloveandobeyhim.21)ButwhatkindofaGoddoestheLordcallhimselfinthesewords?HecallshimselfaJealousGod.

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22)God is jealousofhishonor.Hecannotconsent tobe treatedasoneamongmany.ReadwhatiswrittenIsa.42:8.

“I am theLord; that ismy name; andmy glorywill I not give to another,neithermypraisetogravenimages.”

23)Heisinearnestwhenhegivesusthesecommandments.Godalwaysmeanswhathesays.Whatdoesheheresaywithreferencetoiniquity?

Hesaysthathewillvisitit.24)Whatdoeshemeanbyvisitinginiquity?Hemeansthathewillpunishit.25)ReadwhatiswrittenPs.7:11-13.“GodjudgeththerighteousandGodisangrywiththewickedeveryday.Ifhe

turnnot,Hewillwhethissword;hehathbenthisbow,andmade it ready.Hehathpreparedforhimtheinstrumentsofdeath;heordainethhisarrowsagainstthepersecutors.”

26)WhomdoesGodthreatentopunish?Hethreatenstopunishallthosewhotransgressthesecommandments.27)Mensometimesmakethreatswhichtheynevermeantoandneverdo

carryout.NotsowithGod.Hethreatenstopunishsinandhedoespunishit.Hepunishesitintimeandeternity.LetusseesomeexamplesofhowGodpunishessin.HowdidGodoncepunishthewholeworldonaccountofsin?

Bysendingtheflood.28) How did he once punish two specially wicked cities by an awful

visitationfromheaven?HerainedfireandbrimstonefromheavenanddestroyedthecitiesofSodom

andGomorrah.29)HowwerewickedKingPharaohandhisgodlesspeoplepunishedfor

refusingtoobeyGod’scommand?GodsentterribleplaguesuponthemandtheywereatlastdrownedintheRed

Sea.30)ReadwhatiswrittenGen.2:17.“Butofthetreeoftheknowledgeofgoodandevil,thoushaltnoteatofit;for

inthedaythatthoueatestthereofthoushaltsurelydie.”31)WhatdidGodthreatenshouldbetheresultofsin?Hethreatenedthatdeathshouldbetheresultofsin.32)Andfromthefactthatasaresultofsinallmenmustdieweseehow

terriblyinearnestGodisinthisthreat.Godpunishessininthisworld,notonlybyallmannerofcalamitiesanddeath,butalsoby the torturesofan

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evil conscience.WhenCain killed his brother Abel, what didGod say tohim?Gen.4:11.

“Andnowart thou cursed from the earth,whichhathopenedhermouth toreceivethybrother’sbloodfromthyhand.Whenthoutillesttheground,itshallnothenceforthyielduntotheeherstrength;afugitiveandavagabondshaltthoubeintheearth.”

33)Cainhadnorestanywhere.Hewasconstantlyafraidsomeonewouldkillhimashehadkilledhisbrother.Whatdowecallthatinwardfeelingoffearanddreadwhichgivesanevildoernorestnightorday?

Wecallitconscience.34)SothecurseofGodrestsuponthewicked.Whatwasitthatfinally

ledJudastodespairandtakehisownlifewhenhehadbetrayedhisLordandMaster?

Itwashisconscience.35)Yes,children,anevilconscienceistheverycurseofGod.Forawhile

itsvoicemaybesuppressed;itmaybeputtosleep,butwhenitawakesitislikeaconsumingfire.David,afterhissadfallintosinfeltthehandofGodrestingheavyuponhim.ReadwhathesaysPs.32:3:4.

“When I kept silence,myboneswaxedold throughmy roaring all the daylong.Fordayandnightthyhandwasheavyuponme;mymoistureisturnedintothedroughtofsummer.”

36)ButGodpunishessinnotonlyinthisworldbutalsointheworldtocome.ReadwhatiswrittenconcerningthewickedinRev.14:11.

“Andthesmokeoftheirtormentascendethupforeverandever.”37)AndagainreadwhatissaidofthewickedMath.25:46.“Andtheseshallgoawayintoeverlastingpunishment.”38)ButGoddoesnotsimplysayinthisconclusionthathewillvisit,that

is,punishiniquity,butwhatdoesheadd?He adds: “Of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth

generationofthemthathateme.”39)WhenpeoplehateGodhowdotheyshowit?Theyshowitbytransgressinghiscommandments.40)AsloveofGodisthesourceofalltrueobediencetoGod,sowhatis

therealsourceofalldisobedience?ThehatredofGod.41) And this hatred of God and the sinfulness which flows from it is

transplantedfromonegeneration toanother.Wickedfathersandmothers

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usuallyhavewhatkindofchildren?Theyusuallyhavewickedchildren.42)Sowefindthatnotonlysinbutalsoitscurse ishandeddownfrom

parents to children. When a drunkard wastes his money and ruins hishealthnotonlyhehimselfsuffers,butwhosufferswithhim?

Hiswifeandchildren.43)Sowe find that sickness,misery anddeath are oftenhandeddown

fromparents tochildrenas theresultof sin.Bywhatworddoweexpressthis?

Wesaychildreninheritthesethingsfromtheirparents.44)(116)“WhendoesGodpunishalsothechildrenforthesinsof their

parents?”Whentheyfollowinthefootstepsoftheirwickedparents."45)Canaanwas thewicked sonofHam, the second sonofNoah.Ham

was a scoffer andmade light of his father, andNoah in thenameofGodcursednotonlyHambutalsohissonCanaan.Gen.9:25.Whywasthis?

BecauseCanaanfollowedthefootstepsofhiswickedfather.46)WhatdidthewickedJewscryoutwithreferencetothemselvesand

theirchildrenwhenPilatewantedtoreleasetheSavior?“Hisbloodcomeuponusandourchildren.”47)Thiswasanawfulthingtosay.ThecurseofGodwhichtheycalled

downuponthemselvesandupontheirchildrenstillrestsuponthem.TheyhatedtheSaviorandrejectedhimandwhatdidalsotheirchildrendo?

TheyalsohatedandrejectedtheSavior.48)And therefore their citywasdestroyed, their landdevastated, their

nation dispersed, and they have been hated and persecuted, despised andrejectedbveverynationunderheaven.WhydotheJewsoftodaystillsufferforthesinsoftheirfathers?

Becausetheyhavefollowedinthefootstepsoftheirfathers.49)Butifchildrendonotfollowinthefootstepsoftheirwickedparents,

butrepentandbecomepiouschildrenofGod,thenwhatwillGodsurelynotdo?

Hewillnotpunishthemforthesinsoftheirfathers.50)ThisweseefromEzek.18:20.Repeatthepassage.“Thesoulthatsinnethitshalldie.Thesonshallnotbeartheiniquityofthe

father,neithershall thefatherbear the iniquityof theson; therighteousnessof

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therighteousshallbeuponhim,andthewickednessofthewickedshallbeuponhim.”

51)Evenpiouschildrenmayhavetobearthetemporalconsequencesofthesinsoftheirwickedparentsandancestors,butwhenthisisthecaseitisnot tobe lookeduponas a curse, but as a fatherly chastisement for theirown temporal and eternal good. This we see from Rom. 8:28. Read thepassage.

“AndweknowthatallthingsworktogetherforgoodtothemthatloveGod,tothemwhoarethechosenaccordingtohispurpose.”

62)(117)“WhydidGodaddthisthreat?”“Thatwemayfearhiswrathandnotactcontrarytothesecommandments.”53)Whatshouldwefear?WeshouldfearGod’swrath.54)WhatdoesGodhate?Godhatessin.55)Yes,andthewrathofGodisdreadful,somethingtofearindeed.The

SaviorhimselfspeaksofthisinthesecondpartofthepassageMath.10:37.Readit.

“ButratherfearHimwhichisabletodestroybothsoulandbodyinhell.”56)ReadalsowhatiswrittenofGodinDeut.4:24.“FortheLord,thyGod,isaconsumingfire,evenajealousGod.”57)WeshouldfearthewrathofGodandtowhatshouldthisleadus?Nottoactcontrarytohiscommandments.58)ReadinthisconnectionalsoProv.16:6.“BythefearoftheLordmendepartfromevil.”

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Lesson31.TheGraciousPromise.

(Questions118-119.)

1)WhatdoesGodsayofallthecommandments?“Hesaysthus:ItheLordthyGodamajealousGod,visitingtheiniquityof

the fathersupon thechildrenunto the thirdand fourthgenerationof them thathateme,andshowingmercyuntothousandsofthemthatlovemeandkeepmycommandments.”

2)Whatdoesthismean?“Godthreatenstopunishallthattransgressthesecommandments.Therefore

weshouldfearhiswrath,andnotactcontrarytothesecommandments.Buthepromises grace and every blessing to all that keep these commandments.Thereforewe should also love and trust inHimandwillinglydo according toHisCommandments.”

3) How many parts does this conclusion of the ten commandmentscontain?

Itcontainstwoparts.4)Repeatthefirstpart.“I the Lord thyGod am a jealousGod, visiting the iniquity of the fathers

uponthechildrenuntothethirdandfourthgenerationofthemthathateme.”5)Whatarethesewords?Thesewordsareanearnestthreat.6)WhatdoesGodthreateninthesewords?Hethreatenstopunishallwhotransgressthesecommandments.7)Butwhatelsedoesthisconclusioncontainbesidesanearnestthreat?Italsocontainsagraciouspromise.8)(118)“Whichisthegraciouspromise?”“I will show mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my

commandments.”9)WhatdoesGodinthesewordspromise?Hepromisesgraceandeveryblessing.10)TowhomdoesHepromisegraceandeveryblessing?

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Toallwhokeepthesecommandments.11)TowhichoneofthecommandmentsdidGodaddaspecialpromise?Headdedaspecialpromisetothefourthcommandment.12)Whatisthisspecialpromise?“Thatitmaybewellwiththeeandthou

mayestlivelongintheearth.”13)AlthoughGodmakesaspecialpromisewithreferencetothefourth

commandmentyethepromisestoblessobediencetoallthecommandments.ThisweseefromDeut.5:29.WhatdoesGodheresayofhispeople?

"Ohthatthereweresuchaheartinthem,thattheywouldfearme,andkeepallmycommandmentsalways, that itmightbewellwith them,andwith theirchildrenforever.

14)WhatdoesGodheresayofthosewhokeephiscommandments?Hesaysitshallbewellwiththemandwiththeirchildrenforever.15)ReadalsowhatiswrittenPsalm119:165.“Greatpeacehavetheywhichlovethylaw:andnothingshalloffendthem.”16)WhatshalltheyhavewholovethelawofGod?Theyshallhavegreatpeace.17)Thatis,theirconscienceshallnottroublethem.Aquietconscienceis

one of the greatest of God’s blessings. Now read what is written Psalm19:11,concerningGod’scommandments.

“Moreover by them is thy servantwarned: and in keepingof them is greatreward.”

18) The keeping of God’s commandments not only brings inwardhappiness.ButwhatdoesGodsayofthekeepingofhiscommandments?

Hesaysinkeepingofthemthereisgreatreward.19)Sowereadinthe128thPsalmverses1and2.“BlessediseveryonethatfeareththeLord;thatwalkethinhisways.Forthou

shalteatthelaborofthinehands:happyshaltthoube,anditshallbewellwiththee.”

20)PeaceandprosperityarepromisedasarewardtothosewhowalkinthewayofGod’scommandments.Whatdoestheapostlewrite1Tim.4:8?

“Butgodlinessisprofitableuntoailthings,havingthepromiseofthelifethatnowis,andofthatwhichistocome.”

21) It isprofitable tobegodly. Itpays tobegood.The righteousareathousand timesbetteroffeven in thisworld than thewicked, fornotonlydoesGodbestowuponthemhischoicestgifts,buteventheafflictionswhich

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theyendureGodoverrulesfortheirgoodasweseefromRom.8:28.Readthepassage.

“WeknowthatallthingsworktogetherforgoodtothemthatloveGod.”22)Abrahamwas aGod-fearingman andwalked in theway ofGod’s

commandments.HowdidtheLordblesshim?Hegavehimgreatwealthandmadehimagreatnation.23) When Solomon walked in the way of God’s commandments and

askedtheLordforwisdomwhatdidGodgivehiminaddition?Hegavehimbothrichesandhonor.24)WehaveseenabovethatinkeepingofGod’scommandmentsthereis

greatreward.Thisrewardisnotconfinedtothisworld.ButevenwherewillGodrewardthosewhoservehimfaithfully?

Hewillrewardthemintheworldtocome.25)ThisweseefromMath.5:12.Readthepassage.“Rejoiceandbeexceedingglad:forgreatIsyourrewardinheaven.”26)Inthissamechapter,verse8,whatissaidofthepureinheart?“Blessedarethepureinheart;fortheyshallseeGod.”27)Godpromisestorewardthosethatkeephiscommandments.Nowlet

usseewhatkindofarewardthis is.Whenamanpaysanotherhisdebts,whatdoeshiscreditorowehimforsodoing?

Heoweshimnothing.28)No,whenthedebtorpayshisdebts,hesimplydoeshisdutyandthe

creditor is under no obligation to him. Now what do we owe God withreferencetohiscommandments?

Weowehimobedience.29)AndwhatdoesGodoweuswhenwesimplydoourduty?Heowesusnothing.30)NoneofuskeepthecommandmentsofGodperfectly,butevenifwe

didwhatwouldGodoweusforit?Hewouldoweusnothing.31)SotheSaviorplainlyteachesusLuke17:10.Readthepassage.“So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are

commanded you, say: we are unprofitable servants; we have done that whichwasourdutytodo.”

32) And yet, although we deserve no reward, God has promised toreward us. This is not a reward ofmerit.What is it that inducesGod topromisesuchareward?

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Itishisloveandmercy.33)Yes,orhisgrace.Thenwhatkindofarewardisit?Itisagraciousreward.34) What does God say he will show to those who keep his

commandments?Hewillshowmercy.35)Andtowhomwillheshowmercy?Hewillshowmercytothosewholovehimandkeephiscommandments.36) He promises to bless not those who only outwardly keep the

commandments,butwhomdoeshepromisetobless?Hepromisestoblessthosewholovehimandkeephiscommandments.37)InGod’seyesthecharacterofanactdependsuponthemotivefrom

which it is done. What is the true motive for keeping God’scommandments?

Ourlovetohim.38)HowhasLutherexpressedthisinhisexplanationofeachoneofthe

commandments?Hebegins all these explanationswith thewords: “We should fear and love

God.”39)WhenwereallyloveGodhowwillweshowit?Wewillshowitbykeepinghiscommandments.40)SotheSaviorhimselfsaysinJohn14:15.Readthepassage.“Ifyelovemekeepmycommandments.”41)Godpromisestoblessthosewhokeephiscommandments.Towhom

ishewillingtoshowmercy?Untothousandsofthemwholovehimandkeephiscommandments.42)When he threatens to punish he says: “Visiting the iniquity of the

fathersuponthechildrenuntothethirdandfourthgenerationofthemthathateme.”Butwhenhespeaksofblessinghedoesnotsimplysay:Thethirdandfourthgeneration,buthowdoesheenlargethispromise?

Hesays:Untothousandsofthemthatlovemeandkeepmycommandments.43)ThatisfromonegenerationtoanotherGodwillblesstherighteous.

The blessing ofGodwill descend from parents to children. Readwhat iswrittenPsalm37:25.

“I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteousforsakennorhisseedbeggingbread.”

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44)AbrahamwalkedinthewaysofGod.Godblessedhimandnotonlyhimbutuponwhomdidthisblessingdescendafterhim?

UponhissonIsaac,andhisgrandsonJacob.45)DavidwasamanafterGod’sownheartandGodrichlyblessedhim.

Uponwhomdidthisblessingdescendafterhim?UponhissonSolomon.46)SoGodoftenblesseschildrenforwhosesake?Forthesakeoftheirparents.47)WhatdidGodsaytoIsaac?Gen.25:23.“IamtheGodofAbrahamthyfather;fearnotforIamwiththee,

andwillblesstheeandmultiplythyseedformyservantAbraham’ssake.”48)ForwhosesakedidGodpromisetoblessIsaac?ForthesakeofhisfatherAbraham.49)When God threatens to punish he speaks of the third and fourth

generation, but when he promises to bless he speaks of thousands ofgenerations.Whichdoyouthinkhewouldratherdo,punishorbless?

Hewouldmuchratherbless.50) (119) “Why did God add this promise?” (Namely the promise to

bless).“Thatwemay also love and trust in himandwillinglydo according to his

commandments.”51)Whenwe hear thatGod, out of pure love andmercy, promises to

bless those who keep these commandments, how should we feel towardshim?

Weshouldlovehim.52) And when he promises us anything how should we regard these

promises?Weshouldputourtrustinthem.53)Andifweloveandtrustinhim,howwillweshowit?Wewillshowitbydoingaccordingtohiscommandments.54)Andhowshouldwedoaccordingtohiscommandments?Weshouldwillinglydoaccordingtohiscommandments.55)WeshouldobeyGod’scommandmentsbecauseitisapleasureforus

todoso.Notthefearofpunishment,northehopeofrewardshouldbethemotive of our obedience. Tell me what is the real motive of all trueobediencetoGod’scommandments.

Therealmotiveislove.

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56)AndhowdoesthislovepromptustoobeyGod’scommandments?ItpromptsustoobeyGod’scommandmentswillingly.

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Lesson32.TheUseOfTheLaw.

(Questions120-122.)

1)(120)“CanweperfectlykeepthecommandmentsofGod?”“No,forwearebynaturewickedandbornsinners.”2)HowshouldthecommandmentsofGodbekept?Theyshouldbekeptperfectly.3)TellmewithascripturepassagethatGodwouldhaveustobeperfect.

Matt.5:48.“BeyethereforeperfectevenasyourFatherwhichisinheavenisperfect.”4)GodisperfectandwhatdoesHerequireofus?Herequiresthatwealsoshouldbeperfect.5)HowdidGodmakemaninthebeginning?Hemadehimperfect.6)Buthowismannowsincethefall?Heisimperfect,sinful.7)Tellmefromtoday’s lessonwithascripturepassagetheconditionof

man’sheartfromhisyouth.Gen.8:21.“Theimaginationofman’sheartisevilfromhisyouth.”8)Andnowtellmeanotherpassagefromwhichweseethatallmenare

alikeinthisrespect.Ps.143:2.“Enternotintojudgmentwiththyservant:forinthysightshallnomanliving

bejustified.”9)Wehaveanotherpassage in today’s lessonwhich says that evenour

seemingrighteousnesscannotstandbeforeGod.Repeatit.Isaiah64:6.“We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy

rags.”10)NowreadPs.14:2:3.“TheLordlookeddownfromheavenuponthechildrenofmen,toseeifthere

wereanythatdidunderstand,andseekGod.Theyareailgoneaside,theyarealtogetherbecomefilthy:thereisnonethatdoethgood,no,notone.”

11)ReadalsowhatiswrittenRom.3:9:10.

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“What then?Arewe better than they?No, in nowise: forwe have beforeprovedbothJewsandGentiles,thattheyareallundersin;asitiswritten,thereisnonerighteous,no,notone.”

12)NowturntoandreadJob15:14-16.“Whatismanthatheshouldbeclean?Andhewhichisbornofawoman,that

heshouldberighteous?BeholdHeputtethnotrustinhissaints;yea,theheavensarenotcleaninhissight.Howmuchmoreabominableandfilthyisman,whichdrinkethIniquitylikewater.”

13)ItistruethatmencantoacertainextentkeepthecommandmentsofGod,thatisoutwardly.SotheScribesandPhariseeskeptthelaw.Butwhatdoes the Savior say of the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees?Matt.5:20.

“For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed therighteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into thekingdomofheaven.”

14) (121) “Can then even the regenerated or Christians not perfectlyfulfillthelawofGod?”

“No,forevenaChristianstillhasevildesireswithinhimandthereforesinsdaily.”

15)Whoarespokenofinthisquestion?TheregeneratedorChristiansarespokenof.16)AfteramanbyfaithintheSaviorbecomesaChristianandismadea

childofGod,whatkindofalifewillhetrytolead?Hewilltrytoleadagodlylife.17)Yes,hewilltrytokeepthecommandmentsofGod.Butcanhekeep

themperfectly?Hecannot.18)AndwhycanhenotkeepthecommandmentsofGodperfectly?BecauseevenaChristianhasevildesireswithinhimandthereforesinsdaily.19)ThisisveryplainlytaughtintheScriptures.RepeatthepassageEccl.

7:20.“Thereisnotajustmanuponearththatdoethgoodandsinnethnot.”20)Howdoesthisrepresentallmenwithoutasingleexception?Itrepresentsthemassinners.21)Wehaveseenabovethatwearebynaturewickedandbornsinners.

Wearebornof sinfulparents, andof course sinfulparents canhaveonlywhatkindofchildren?

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Sinfulparentscanhaveonlysinfulchildren.22).Tellmethiswithascripturepassage.Job14:4.“Whocanbringacleanthingoutofanunclean?notone.”23)St.PaulwasatrueChristianandyetwhatdoeshesayofhimself?Rom.7:14. “Weknow that the law is spiritual: but I amcarnal, soldunder

sin.”24)Hewasagod-fearingman,amanthattriedtodorightandyetwhat

doeshesay?Phil.3:12.“NotasthoughIhadalreadyattained,eitherwerealreadyperfect:

butIfollowafter,ifthatImayapprehendthatforwhichalsoIamapprehendedofChristJesus.”

25)Hedidnotclaimtobeperfect,althoughhetriedtobe.Heknewandfelthimselftobeapoorsinner,asweseefromRom.7:19.Turntoandreadthepassage.

“For thegood that Iwould. Idonot:but theevilwhich Iwouldnot, that Ido.”

26)ThelawofGodisonecompletewhole.Hethatbreaksonelinkofachainbreaksthechain.Hethatsinsagainstonecommandment,sinsagainstthelaw.Tellmethiswithascripturepassage.James2:10.

“Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he isguiltyofall.”

27)NotonlyisitsintodowhatGodhasforbidden,butitisjustassinfulnottodowhatHehascommanded.Itisjustaswrongnottodogoodasitistodoevil.Tellmethiswithascripturepassage.James4:17.

“Tohimthatknowethtodogood,anddoethitnot,tohimitissin.”28)St.PaulwasasincereChristian.Hetriedtoliveagodlylife.Hewas

notawareofdoinganygrosssin,andyethowdidhefeelabouthisconditionbeforeGod?Didhefeelhimselftobejust?

Tellmewiththepassage1Cor.4:4.“ForIknownothingbymyself,yetamInottherebyjustified.”29)Evenalthoughhehadagoodconscience,yethefeltthatthisdidnot

justifyhimbeforeGod.AsalsothePsalmistsaysPs.19:12.“Whocanunderstandhiserrors?Cleansethoumefromsecretfaults.”30)Andyettherearepeoplewhointheirblindness imaginethemselves

tobeperfect, to haveno sin.Whatdoes theWord ofGod say of such? 1John1:8.

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“Ifwesaythatwehavenosin,wedeceiveourselves,andthetruthisnotinus.”

31)(122)“Towhatend,however,didGodthengiveusthelaw?”“First, thatby itwemayknowoursins,andsecondly, that from itwemay

learntheworksthatarepleasingtoGod.”32)Whatdoesthisquestionanditsanswertellus?IttellsuswhyGodgaveusthelaw.33)Yes,ittellsustheobjectwhichGodhadinviewingivingustheten

commandments.Whatwashisfirstobjectingivingthelaw?Thatbyitwemayknowoursins.34)ThisweseeplainlyfromRom.3:20.Repeatthepassage.“Bythelawistheknowledgeofsin.”35)Howthendowecometoaknowledgeofsin?Wecometoaknowledgeofsinbythelaw.36)Thelawmaybecomparedwithamirror.Whenwelookintoamirror

whatdowesee?Weseeourselves.37)Andiftherebeanyspot,blemishorwrinkleonourfaceswhatdoes

themirrorshow?Itshowsthesespotsandwrinkles.38)NowreadRom.7:7.“Whatshallwesay then?Is the lawsin?Godforbid.NayIhadnotknown

sin,butbythelaw:forIhadnotknownlust,exceptthelawhadsaid,thoushaltnotcovet.”

39) He plainly says: “I had not known sin, but by the law.”WithoutGod’s lawwenevercouldrightlyknowoursins.AndunlessweknowandfeelthatwearesinnersweneverwouldfeelthatweneedaSavior.Thelawshowsusnotonly thatweare sinnersbut italso showsus theresultsandconsequencesofsin.WhathasGodthreatenedtodowithsin?

Hehasthreatenedtopunishit.40)Andwhenwelearnthiswhatwillwebeanxiousabout?Wewillbeanxioustoescapethispunishment.41)Solongasamanthinksheisnotsickwhomwillhenotsendfor?Hewillnotsendforaphysician.42)Thelawis likeateacherorschoolmaster.Itopensoureyesthatwe

mayseeandbealarmedatoursinsandmayseek forhelp.And inwhomalonecanwefindhelpagainstsin?

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InJesusChristourSavior.43)Thisiswhattheapostlemeansinthepassage.Gal.3:24.Repeatit.“The law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that wemight be

justifiedbyfaith.”44)Thisthenisthefirstandforemostuseofthelaw.Itpreparestheway

fortheSavior.Butthereisanotherusewhichitserves.Whatisit?Tellmefromthesecondpartoftheanswertoquestion122.

“Secondly,thatfromitwemaylearntheworksthatarepleasingtoGod,”45) When we have come to a knowledge of our sins, and by true

repentanceandfaith inJesusChristhaveobtainedforgiveness,whatkindoflivesshouldwebeanxioustolead?

Weshouldbeanxioustoleadgodlylives.46)Whatkindofworksshouldwebeanxioustodo?Weshouldbeanxioustodogoodworks.47)Yes,weshouldbeanxioustopleaseGodwhohasforgivenoursins.

AndwheredowelearnwhatworksarepleasingtoGod?Welearnthemfromthelaw.48)Forinstancewhatcanagod-fearing,piouschilddotopleaseGod?Itcanhonorfatherandmother.49)WheredidGodsaythatthispleasesHim?Hetoldusthisinthefourthcommandment.50)WhatdidGodtellusinthethirdcommandment?HetoldustoremembertheSabbathdayandkeepitholy.51)Howdoweknow thatwhenwegladlyhearand learn theWordof

Godthisispleasingtohim?Hetoldussointhethirdcommandment.52) The law tells us how we should walk and please God. Repeat the

passagePs.119:9.“Wherewithal shall a youngman cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto

accordingtothyword.”53)Whenwearewalkinginthedarkwhatdowetakewithustolightthe

way?Wetakealanternwithus.54)Yes,andthepsalmistcallsGod’sWordsuchalight,inPsalm119:105.

Repeatthepassage.“ThyWordisalampuntomyfeet,andalightuntomypath.”

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55)IfayoungmanshouldaskwhatcanIdotopleaseGod,whatanswerisgivenhiminPs.119:9?

“Wherewithal shall a youngman cleanse his way? By taking heed theretoaccordingtothyWord.”

56)Thisisaveryimportantuseofthelaw.Itisarulebywhichwemaygo.Whenweliveuptothisrulewhatmaywebesureof?

WemaybesurethatwearerightandthatwepleaseGod.57)Thenthereisstillanotheruseofthelawwhichwemightmention.It

alsoservesapurposewithreferencetothewicked.Whydothewicked,atleastoutwardly,keepfromsuchgrosssinsasmurderandtheft?

Becausetheyareafraidofpunishment.58)Yes,andthisfearholdsthemincheck,atleasttosomeextent.Thelawisabartorestrainthewicked.Whoareheldincheckbythestrong

armofthelaw?Thewickedareheldincheck.59)Goodpeopledowhatisrightevenwithoutthelaw.Butnotallpeople

are good. Civil government was instituted to exercise law and preserveorder.What is the government supposed to do with those who persist indoingevil?

Itissupposedtopunishthem.60)Andthefearof thispunishmentservestoprotect lifeandproperty.

ReadwhattheapostlePaulwritesRom.13:3.“Forrulersarenotaterrortogoodworksbuttotheevil.Wiltthouthennotbe

afraid of the power?Do thatwhich is good, and thou shalt havepraise of thesame.ForheistheministerofGodtotheeforgood.Butifthoudothatwhichisevil,beafraid;forhebearethnottheswordinvain;forheistheministerofGod,arevengertoexecutewrathuponhimthatdoethevil.”

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Lesson33.Sin.

(Questions123-124.)

1)Wehaveseenthatthelawwasgivenusthatbyitwemightcometoaknowledgeofsin.Whatisthesubjectofourlessontoday?

Sinisthesubjectoftoday’slesson.2)(123)“Whatissin?”“Siniseverytransgressionofthedivinelaw.”3)Whogaveusthelaw?Godgaveusthelaw.4)WhatdowecallthelawwhichGodgave?Wecallitthedivinelaw.5)God’s law isarule.Whenyouwant todrawastraight linewhatdo

youuse?Iusearuler.6)Whenacarpenterwantstomakesureofsawingaboardoffstraight

whatdoesheuse?Heusesasquare.7)Whenabricklayerwantstomakesurethewallheisbuildingistrue

whatdoesheuse?Heusesaplumbline.8)Whenthelineyouaredrawingdoesnotagreewiththerulerwhatis

thematterwiththeline?Itiscrooked.9)Whenthewalldoesnotagreewiththeplumbline,whichiswrong?Thewalliswrong.10)SoGodhasgivenushislawasaplumblineoflife.Whenourlife,our

thoughts,wordsandactions,donotagreewithGod’slawwhat’sthematterwiththem?

Theyarewrong.11) Yes, and this we call sin. What does the apostle John in his first

epistlechapter3verse4sayofsin?

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“Sinisthetransgressionofthelaw.”12) To transgress means to overstep, to go beyond.When a man sins

whatdoeshedisregard.HedisregardsGod’slaw.13) Yes, he acts as though there were no law. So wemight say: sin is

lawlessness.ReadwhatGodsaidtoJoshua,Josh.1:7.“Only be thou strong andvery courageous, that thoumayest observe to do

according to all the law,whichMoses,my servant, commanded thee; turnnotfromit totherighthand,ortotheleft, thatthoumayestprosperwhithersoeverthougoest.”

14)Godhasmarkedouttheroadinwhichweshouldwalk.Whenamanturns from this way either by doing what God has forbidden or byneglectingtodowhatGodhascommandedwhatdowecallsuchaction?

Wecallitsin.15)Andnotice that every transgression ofGod’s law is sin.Nomatter

howsmall itmayappear,howshouldweregardevery thought,wordanddeedthatiscontrarytoGod’slaw.Weshouldregarditassin.

16) Whether it be done from ignorance or wilfully, what is everytransgressionofthedivinelaw?

Everytransgressionofthedivinelawissin.17)Godsaidinthefifthcommandment:“Thoushaltnotkill,”howdid

Caindisregardthiscommandment?HekilledhisbrotherAbel.18) God said in the sixth commandment: “Thou shalt not commit

adultery.”HowdidDaviddisregardthiscommandment?HetookthewifeofUriahandlivedwithher.19) Yes, he acted as though there were no sixth commandment, or as

though he did not care a straw what God had said in the sixthcommandment.WhenAbsalomstirreduparebellionagainsthisfatherhowdidheact?

Heactedas thoughGodhadnotsaid:“Thoushalthonor thyfatherand thymother”,orasthoughhedidnotcarewhatGodhadsaid.

20)WhentheJewsbarefalsewitnessagainsttheSaviorandaccusedhimofblasphemy,howdidtheyactwithreferencetotheeighthcommandment?

Theydisregardedtheeighthcommandment.21)Yes,theyactedasthoughGodhadneversaid:“Thoushaltnotbear

falsewitnessagainstthyneighbor,”orasthoughtheydidnotcarewhatGod

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had said. Sin disregards, tramples under foot, breaks through and rebelsagainstGod’slaw.Whoselawisthustreatedinsin?

God’slaw,thedivinelaw.22)TheRomanCatholicsthinkitsintoeatmeatonFriday.Isthisreally

sin?No,itisnot.23)Whynot?BecauseGodnevertoldusnottoeatmeatonFriday.24) The temperance fanatics think it a sin to drink beer or wine even

moderately.Isthisreallysin?Itisnot.25)Whynot?BecauseGodneverforbadethemoderateuseofthesethings.26)Let us not be deceived.Nothing is sin except thatwhich is against

God’slaw.Godalonehasarighttosaywhatisrightorwrong.Andwheredoeshetellusthis?

Hetellsusthisinthelaw.27) Only that is sin which is contrary to his will and word, and

everythingissinthatiscontrarytohiswillandword.WithwhatwordsdoestheCatechismexpressthisintheanswertoquestion123?

“Siniseverytransgressionofthedivinelaw.”28)(124)“Whatisthecauseofsin?”“satan,whofirstofhisownfreewillturnedawayfromGod,andthewillof

man,whofreelypermittedhimselftobedeceivedbysatan.”29)Whatisthesubjectofthisquestion?Thecauseofsin.30) This question tells us where sin came from, where it had its

beginning.WhenGodhadfinishedtheworkofcreationwhatjudgmentdidhepronounceonallhisworks?Gen.1:31.

“AndGodsaweverythingthathehadmade,and,beholditwasverygood.”31)ThisjudgmentGodpronouncedonmanaswellasoneverythingelse

thathehadmade.Howwaseverything?Everythingwasverygood.32)Thatis,itwasperfect,therewasnofaulttofindwithit.Sotherewas

nosinintheworldwhenGodmadeit.Butnowwefindsinanditsdreadfulconsequences everywhere. When we see such awful effects what do wenaturallylookfor?

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Welookforthecause.33)Andthisisgivenusintheanswertoquestion124.Whoaccordingto

thisansweristhefirstandoriginalcauseofsin?satanisthefirstcauseofsin.34)Thisweplainlyseefrom1John3:8.Repeatthepassage.“He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the

beginning.”35)Whomadethebeginninginsin,whowasthefirsttosin?Thefirstonetosinwassatan.36)SotheSaviorhimselfalsosaysJohn8:44.Readthepassage.“Yeareofyourfatherthedevil,andthelustsofyourfatherwillyedo:hewas

amurderer fromthebeginning,andabodenot in the truth,because there isnotruthinhim.Whenhespeakethalie,hespeakethofhisown:forheisaliar,andthefatherofit.”

37)WhatdoestheSaviorheresaythedevilwasfromthebeginning?Hewasamurdererandaliarfromthebeginning.38)Andwhatelsedoeshesayofhim?Heabodenotinthetruth.39)Ifheabodenotinthetruth,whatmusthehavebeenbeforehemade

thischange?Hemusthavebeeninthetruth,truthful.40)Yes,Godmadehimpureandholyashemadeallcreatures,butwhat

changetookplaceinthedevil?Heabodenotinthetruth,hedepartedfromthetruth.41)Nowtellmefromquestion124inthelessonhowdidsatancomethus

toturnawayfromGod?OfhisownfreewillheturnedawayfromGod.42)After he himself had become a sinnerwhat did he endeavor to do

withman?Hetemptedhimtosinalso.43)NowreadGen.3:1-7.Whowastheserpentthattemptedthewoman

tosin?Itwassatan.44)Andwhatwastheresultofthistemptation?Thewomanateoftheforbiddenfruitandgaveherhusbandandheatealso.45)Whowasthefirstcauseofthisfirstsin?satanwasthecause.

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46)Butwefindintheanswertoquestion124thereisanothercauseforsingiven.Whatisit?

Thewillofmanwhofreelypermittedhimselftobedeceivedbysatan.47)When satan tempted our first parents to sinwhatmight theyhave

doneinsteadofyieldingtothetemptation?Theymighthaveresistedit.48)Adamwas inaposition to choosebetweengoodandevil.Whenhe

chosetheevilhowwasthischoicemade?Itwasmadefreely,ofhisownfreewill.49)Canamanbecompelledtodowrong?Hecannot.50) No, he can be tempted, urged or deceived and influenced but one

thingcannotbedone,whatisthat?Youcannotcompelamantosin.51) Whenever a man sins how does he act, if he does not act from

compulsion?Heactsofhisownfreewill.52)WhenCainslewhisbrotherAbeldidhedothisfromcompulsionor

fromhisownfreewill?Hediditfromhisownfreewill,becausehewantedtodoit.53)Yes,andhediditinspiteofthefactthatGodwarnedhimnottodo

it.Sowhowastoblameforthisawfulsin?Cainhimselfwastoblame.54)Childrenwheneveryoudowrong, it is so easy toput theblameon

someoneelse.UponwhomdidAdamputtheblameforhissin?Gen.3:12.HeputtheblameonEve.55)AnduponwhomdidEveputtheblame?Gen.3:13.Sheputtheblameontheserpent.56)Butwhowasreallytoblameforthefactthattheyhadsinned?Theythemselvesweretoblame.57)Andsowearealwaystoblame,itisourownfaultwhenwesin.Forif

wehadnotconsentedwecouldnothavebeencompelledtosin.Whatthenisthesecondcauseofsinaccordingtoquestion124?

Thewillofman.58)Whenamansinshedoessonotbecausehemust,butwhy?Becausehewantsto.Becauseitishisownfreewill.

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Lesson34.OriginalSin.

(Questions125-127.)

1)(125)“Ofhowmanykindsissin?”“Two:Originalandactual.”2)(126)“Whatisoriginalsin?”“Itistheutterdepravityofthewholehumannature,which,sincethefallof

Adam,isinborninallmen.”3)Whatisthesubjectofourlesson?Originalsinisthesubject.4)Whatdoesthisquestion126tellus?Ittellsuswhatoriginalsinis.5)Yes,itgivesusadefinitionoforiginalsin.Whatdoesthisanswersay

ofthemoralconditionofhumannature?Itsaysthathumannatureisdepraved.6)Whenathingisdepraveditisnolongergoodbuthowisit?Itisbad.7)InwhatmoralconditionwasmanwhenGodfirstmadehim?Hewasgood,perfect.8)Butwhatchangetookplacewithman?HefellawayfromGodandbecamesinful.9)Through this fall into sin therewasanawful changewrought in the

natureofman.Hebecamedepraved, that ishisnaturewasspoiled.Sin isnot somethingwhichonly clings tomanoutwardly,buthowdoes it affecthim?

Itgoesallthroughhim.10)Whatdoesitaffectaccordingtoquestion126?Itaffectshiswholenature.11)Yes,hisbodyaswellashissoularenolongerwhattheywereatfirst.

Whenanapplehasarottenspotwhatcanyoudowithit?Wecancutouttherottenspotandusetherest.

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12) But human nature is not like this. There are not only a few badhabits,whichmightbecorrectedandthenmanwouldbeallright.Whenaneggisspoiledthebadnessisnotinspots,butwhatwouldyousayofabadegg?

Itisbadallthrough,thereisnothinggoodaboutit.13)ThereforetheCatechismsaysnotapartbutthewholehumannature

isdepraved.WhatdoesSt.PaulsayofhimselfRom.7:18?“ForIknowthatinme(thatisinmyflesh)dwellethnogoodthing.”14)Andwhatkindofadepravityisthiscalledinouranswer126?Itiscalledthe“utterdepravity.”15)Thatmeansthathumannatureissobadthatitcannotwellbeworse.

Noamountofpatchingorreformationwillsaveit.Ifmanistobesavedhemustbemadenew,as theSaviorhimself saysJohn3:5.6.Letushear thepassage.

“ExceptamanbebornagainofwaterandoftheSpirit,hecannotenterintothekingdomofGod.Thatwhichisbornofthefleshisflesh.”

16)This depravity is sobad that the scriptures compare itwithdeath.ReadthepassageEph.2:1.

“Youweredeadintrespassesandsins.”17) Nothing but the power ofGod can help a deadman. Now tellme

fromourquestion126sincewhenishumannaturesodepraved?SincethefallofAdam.18)Tellmewithascripturepassagethatbythesinofonemanallmen

becamesinful.Rom.5:12.“Asbyoneman sinentered into theworld, anddeathby sin; and sodeath

passeduponallmen,forthatallhavesinned.”19)Whyhasdeathpasseduponallmen?Becauseallhavesinned.20)Yes,justascertainasallmenaremortalsosurearetheyallsinful.

Forhowdiddeathcomeintotheworld?Deathcameintotheworldthroughsin.21)ThescripturepassageRom.3:22:23tellsusthatinthisrespectthere

isnodifferenceamongmen.Repeatit.“There isnodifference: forallhavesinned,andcomeshortof thegloryof

God.”22) There are many differences among men as to their age, sex,

nationality, race, color, social standing, wealth and education, but in one

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respecttheyareallalike.Canyoutellmehow?Theyareallsinful.23)Yes, humannature is the same theworld over. It is steeped in sin.

Thereforewe hear even such a piousman asDavidmakewhat kind of aconfessionofhimselfinPs.51:5.

“BeholdIwasshapenininiquity;andinsindidmymotherconceiveme.”24)ThiswickednessisnaturaltoallmensincethefallofAdam.Nowtellmefromourquestion126,howdoesthisdepravitygetintoallmen?Itisinborninallmen.25)HowdoesDavidsayhebecamesinful?Hesays,“Iwasshapenininiquityandinsindidmymotherconceiveme.”26) It isamistake to think thatweonly learn sinby imitating thebad

exampleofothers.Howdowegettobesinners?Wearebornsinners.27)Therearecertaindiseaseswhicharesodreadfulthattheypassfrom

parentstochildren.Whenachildsuffersfromsuchadisease,whatdowesayastohowitgotthedisease?

Wesay,itinheritedthedisease.28)Yes,andsowhatcanwesayofthisspiritualdiseaseofsin?Wecansaythatweinheritedit.29)Fromwhomdidweinheritsin?Weinheriteditfromourparents.30)Andfromwhomdidtheyinheritit?Theyinheriteditfromtheirparents.31)Yes, and soonback fromonegeneration toanother.How farback

doesthissinfulnessofhumannaturego?ItgoesbacktothefallofAdam.32)Whatisthissincalledbecauseitgoesbacktotheveryoriginofour

race?Itiscalledoriginalsin.33)Whymightwealsocallitthesinofinheritanceorinheritedsin?Becausewehaveinheritedit.34)(127)“Whereindoesthisdepravitychieflyconsist?”“InthisthatwehavelosttheimageofGodand,consequently,thatourreason

isdarkenedandourwillperverted.”35) In this answer we have a fuller description of the results and

consequencesoforiginal sin.What isherementionedas the first result of

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thissinfulnessofournature?WehavelosttheimageofGod.36)InwhatrespectwasmanlikeGod,whenhewasfirstcreated?Hewaspure,holy,perfect.37)WhatbecameofthisimageorlikenessofGod?Itwaslost.38)InwhatrespectismannolongerlikeGodsincethefall?Heisnolongerholy,pure,perfect.39) Now tell me from question 127 what effect had this fall upon the

reasonofman?Ourreasonisdarkened.40) By reason we here mean the understanding of man, his power to

thinkandknow.Whatdoestheapostlesayofthenewman,Col.3:10?“Putonthenewman,whichisrenewedinknowledgeaftertheimageofhim

thatcreatedhim.”41)Wemustberenewedinknowledgebecauseourknowledgeofdivine

thingsisdarkenedonaccountoforiginalsin.Wecannotunderstandwhatisnecessarytosalvation.Thethingsofthisworldwemayunderstandwellenough, butwhat does the apostle say in 1Cor. 2:14 of the things of theSpiritofGod?

“Thenaturalmanreceivethnot the thingsof theSpiritofGod: for theyarefoolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spirituallydiscerned.”

42)Manisnaturallyblind inspiritualmatters.Howdoall thesethingsappeartohim?

Theyarefoolishnesstohim.43)WhatdoestheapostlesayoftheGentiles,thatisoftheheathen,Eph.

4:18?“Having theirunderstandingdarkened,beingalienated fromthe lifeofGod

throughtheignorancethatisinthem,becauseoftheblindnessoftheirheart.”44)Theunderstandingofmanisdarkened,heisignorantwhenitcomes

todivinethings,hisheartisblind.Hedoesnotandcannotseewhatisforhisowngood.HecannotknowGodandthewayofsalvation.Man,iflefttohimself,wouldnever come toa trueknowledgeofGodanddivine things.Eventhemosteducatedandrefinedamongtheheathen,suchastheHindusandChinese,haveverywrongandcorruptideasofGod.Howdotheyshowthis?

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Theymakeandworshipidols.45)Otherheathennationsworshipthesunasgodoranimals.Whatdoes

thisshowastotheirknowledgeofGodanddivinethings?Itshowsthattheirknowledgeiscorrupt.46)Whenapoorheathenmother throwsherbabe into the jawsof the

crocodile,whydoesshedothis?Shedoesittosatisfyherfalsegod.47)Yes, shewants to insureherownsalvationand the salvationofher

child.Whatdoesthisshowthatsheisignorantof?Itshowsthatsheisignorantofthewayofsalvation.48)HowdidthepriestsofBaal trytosecuretheattentionandfavorof

their god, when Elijah challenged them to a trial of their faith on Mt.Carmel?1Kings18:28.

“They cried aloud and cut themselves after their manner with knives andlancets,tillthebloodgushedoutuponthem.”

49)Thisshowshowutterlyignorantthenaturalmanisindivinethings.Letusnotforget,however, thatbynaturenoneofusareanybetter.Ifwehadnothingbutwhatnatureteachesus,wewouldbejustasignorantastheheathen are. But this sinfulness of our nature has not only darkened ourreason,butwhateffecthasituponourwill?Question127tellsus.

Ourwillisperverted.50)Before the fall,mannotonlyknewGodbutdelighted indoingHis

will.Inwhatkindofthingsdidhetakepleasure?Hetookpleasureindoingwhatisright,51)Yes,henotonlyhadacorrectknowledgeofGod,buthelovedHim

andtookpleasureindoingHiswill.HewastheintimatefriendofGod.Buthowdoes the apostledescribe the conditionofman since the fall inRom.8:7?

“The carnalmind is enmity againstGod: for it is not subject to the lawofGod,neitherindeedcanbe.”

52)MenarenownaturallynotthefriendsofGodbutinwhatrelationdotheystandtoHim?

TheyareHisenemies.53)TheydonotloveHim,buthowdotheyregardHim?TheyhateHim.54)AssoonasmanhadsinnedhefledfromGodandhidhimself.

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HehadnopleasureinmeetingGodbutwantedtogetawayfromHim.Sincethefallitisnaturalformantosin,justasnaturalasitisforafieldtobringforthweeds.Whenafieldislefttolieuncultivatedwhatwillitbringforth?

Itwillbringforthweeds.55)Sotheheartofman,iflefttodowhatitdelightsin,whatwillitbring

forth?Itwillbringforthwickedness.56) At creation man’s will was good, now it is bad. How does the

Catechism,inquestion127,describethischange?Man’swillisperverted.57) That is, it is changed for the worse. It is turned in the wrong

direction.Andhowwasthisawfulchangebroughtabout?Itwasbroughtaboutbythefall.58) Let us remember that this is the condition of every one of us by

nature.Weareallnaturallyignorantinspiritualanddivinethings,weareallnaturallyatenmitywithGodandhavenopleasureindoinghisholywill,asDavidsays,Ps.51:6.Repeatthepassage.

“BeholdIwasshapenininiquityandinsindidmymotherconceiveme.”

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Lesson35.ActualSin.

(Question128.)

1)Whatwasthesubjectofourlastlesson?Thesubjectofourlastlessonwasoriginalsin.2)Whatisthesubjectoftoday’slesson?Thesubjectoftoday’slessonisactualsin.3)(128)“Whatisactualsin?”“All that is done contrary to the ten commandments in thought, word and

deed.”4)Original sin and actual sin are related to each other like cause and

effect. Ifwecompareoriginalsinwithaspringofwater, thenwhatwouldactualsinbelike?

Likethestreamthatflowsoutofthespring.5)Ifwecompareoriginalsinwiththerootofaplant, thenwhatwould

actualsinbelike?Itwouldbeliketheplantthatgrowsoutoftheroot.6)Ifwecompareoriginalsinwithafruittree,thenwhatwouldactualsin

belike?Likethefruitthatgrowsonthetree.7)Originalsinisthesinfulstateorconditionofhumannaturesincethe

fall.It isnotsomethingwhichwedo,butsomethingwhichisinborninus.But what is actual sin? Tell me by repeating the first four words of theanswertoquestion128.

“Allthatisdone.”8)Actualsinisnotsomethingwhichisinborninus,butratherwhatisit?Somethingwhichwedoourselves.9)Yes,theveryname“actualsin”indicatesthis.Fromwhatwordisthe

term“actual”taken?Itistakenfromtheword“act.”10)Theword“actual”heredoesnotmean“real,”fororiginalsinisjust

asreallysinasactualsin.Butwhatdoesthename“actual”heremean?

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Itmeanswhatwedo.11)Yes,itissininwhichwearetheactors.Andhowdoesthisquestion

128 further describe actual sin?Actual sin is not only all thatwe do butwhatisadded?

Allthatwedocontrarytothetencommandments.12)Whatarethetencommandments?Thetencommandmentsarethesumofthedivinelaw.13)Yes, in these commandmentsGod tellsuswhat is right andwrong.

And how must we regard everything that is contrary to thesecommandments?

Wemustregarditassin.14) Every time we think, say or do anything contrary to the ten

commandmentswesin.WhywasitasinwhenCainkilledhisbrotherAbel?Becauseitwasagainstthefifthcommandment.15)WhywasitasinwhenDavidtookthewifeofUriahtobehiswife?Becauseitwasagainstthesixthcommandment.16) Judas was the treasurer of the disciples, but was a thief and stole

someofthemoneyentrustedtohim.Whywasthisasin?Becauseitwascontrarytotheseventhcommandment.17) Why was it a sin for the Jews to accuse the Savior of being a

blasphemerandarebel?Becauseitwasagainsttheeighthcommandment.18)WhywasitasinforAbsalomtostiruparebellionagainsthisfather

David?Becauseitwascontrarytothefourthcommandment.19)Whywas ita sin for the Israelites tomakeandworship thegolden

calfinthewilderness?Becauseitwasagainstthefirstcommandment.20)Inwhatdifferentwaysisactualsincommitted,accordingtoQuestion

128?Itiscommittedinthought,wordanddeed.21)Thenwhatkindofthoughtsaresinful?Thoughtsthatarecontrarytothetencommandments.22)InMatt.15:19theSaviorspeaksofsuchthoughts.Repeatthepassage.

“For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries,fornications,thefts,falsewitness,blasphemies.”

23)Outofourevilheartsarisewhatkindofthoughts?

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Evilthoughts.24)Yes,andtheseevilthoughtsaresinful,evenbeforetheyleadtosinful

wordsandacts.Theseevilthoughtsarealsocalledevildesires.Whichtwocommandmentstreatespeciallyofsuchevilthoughtsanddesires?

Theninthandtenthcommandments.25)Donotimagine,children,thatonlywordsandactionsaresinful.God

doesnotonlytakenoteofwhatwesayanddo,butevenofwhatdoeshetakenote?

Healsotakesnoteofwhatwethink.26) Read what the Savior says in the 20th verse of the chapter above

quoted.“Thesearethethingswhichdefileaman.”27)Yes,theseevilthoughtsmakeamanuncleanandsinfulbeforeGod.

Readwhatiswrittenin1Sam,16:7,thesecondhalfoftheverse.“For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward

appearance,buttheLordlookethontheheart.”28)Nexttosinfulthoughts,whatdoestheCatechismclassamongactual

sins?Sinfulwords.29)Whatkindofwordsaresinfulaccordingtoquestion128?Wordsthatarecontrarytothetencommandments.30)SuchwordsarespokenofinMatt.12:36.Readthepassage.“ButIsayuntoyou,thateveryidlewordthatmenshallspeak,theyshallgive

accountthereofinthedayofjudgment.”31)ReadalsowhatiswrittenJames1:26.“Ifanymanamongyouseemtobereligious,andbridlethnothistongue,but

deceivethhisownheart,thisman’sreligionisvain.”32)Readalsowhatthesameapostlewrites,James3:5-6.“Evensothetongueisalittlemember,andboastethgreatthings.Beholdhow

greatamatteralittlefirekindleth!Andthetongueisafire,aworldofiniquity:soisthetongueamongourmembers,thatitdefileththewholebody,andsettethonfirethecourseofnature;anditissetonfireofhell.”

33)Suchsinswiththetonguearecommittedwhenmencurse,swear,usewitchcraft, lieordeceivebythenameofGod.Suchwordsarecontrarytowhichcommandment?

Theyarecontrarytothesecondcommandment.

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34) Men also sin with the tongue when they deceitfully belie, betray,slander or defame their neighbors. These sins are contrary to whichcommandment?

Theyarecontrarytotheeighthcommandment.35)Actual sinshoweverarecommittednotonlybysinful thoughtsand

words,butinwhatotherway?Bysinfuldeedsalso.36) When the children of Israel worshiped the golden calf in the

wilderness,whatkindofanactwasthis?Itwasasinfulact.37)Andwhywasitasinfulact?Becauseitwascontrarytothefirstcommandment.38)Why is it sinful formen todespise preaching andGod’sword and

maketheLord’sdayadayofcarousalorprofit?Becauseitiscontrarytothethirdcommandment.39)Wehaveseen inconsidering thedifferentcommandments thatGod

not only forbids certain things, but that he commands the opposite. It issinfultodowhatGodhasforbidden,butwhatisjustassinful?

ItisjustassinfulnottodowhatHehascommanded.40)ReadwhatiswrittenJames4:17.“Thereforetohimthatknowethtodogood,anddoethitnot,tohimitissin.”41) When a man does what is forbidden we call his sin one of

commission,hecommitsasin.Whatthenwouldwecallhissin,ifheomitstodowhatiscommanded?

Wewouldcallitasinofomission.42)Readthepassage,Luke12:47:48.“ThatservantwhichknewhisLord’swill,andpreparednothimself,neither

didaccording tohiswill, shall bebeatenwithmany stripes.Buthe thatknewnot,anddidcommit thingsworthyof stripes, shallbebeatenwith fewstripes.For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required; and towhommenhavecommittedmuch,ofhimtheywillaskthemore.”

43) What is the difference between the sins of the two servants herespokenof?

Theoneknewhismasterswillandtheotherdidnot.44)Becausetheoneknewhewasdoingwrong,howdidhesin?Hesinnedknowingly.45)Andhowdidhesinwhowasignorantofhismaster’swill?

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Hesinnedignorantly.46)ReadinthisconnectionPs.19:12.“Whocanunderstandhiserrors?Cleansethoumefromsecretfaults.”47)NowreadRom.6:12.“Letnotsinthereforereigninyourmortalbody,thatyeshouldobeyitinthe

luststhereof.”48)Theapostlehere speaksof sins thatreignovermen.Thereare sins

thatmakeslavesofmen.Suchsinswecallvices.Theyholdmenaswithanirongrip.Canyoumentionanysuchsin?

Thesinofdrunkenness.49) Yes, or the sin of avarice, or sexual uncleanness. These sins so

completelyoverpowermen,thattheyarelikeslaves.ThisiswhattheSaviormeansinJohn8:34.Readthepassage.

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, whosoever commiteth sin is the servant ofsin.”

50)BecausemengivethemselvesovertotheuncontrolledindulgenceoftheirsinfulappetitesandlustswhatdoestheSaviorcallthem?

Hecallsthemtheservantsofsin.51) InMatt.12:31, the Savior speaks of a specially terrible sin. Let us

hearthepassage.“WhereforeIsayuntoyou,allmannerofsinandblasphemyshallbeforgiven

untomen:buttheblasphemyagainsttheHolyGhostshallnotbeforgivenuntomen.”

52)WhatspeciallyawfulsindoestheSaviorherespeakof?HespeaksofthesinagainsttheHolyGhost.53)Andwhatdoeshesayofthissin?Thissinshallnotbeforgivenuntomen.54)ThesameterriblesinisspokenofinHeb.6:4-7.“Foritisimpossibleforthosewhowereonceenlightened,andhavetastedof

theheavenlygift,andweremadepartakersof theHolyGhost,andhavetastedthegoodwordofGod,and thepowersof theworld tocome, if theyshall fallaway, to renew themagainunto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselvesthe Son of God afresh and put him to an open shame. For the earth whichdrinketh in the rain that comethoft upon it, andbringeth forth herbsmeet forthembywhomitisdressed,receivethblessingfromGod:butthatwhichbeareththorns and briars is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to beburned.”

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55) The Savior often preached to the Jews. They knew the truth, butrefused to accept it. They willfully resisted the Holy Ghost. This willfulresistancetotheknowntruth,ifkeptuptothebitterend,isthesinagainsttheHolyGhost.AndwhatdoestheSaviorsayofthissin?

Hesays,itcannotbeforgiven.56)Yes,whenamandiesresistingthetruthandblasphemingtheSpirit

ofGod, insteadofsubmittingtohisblessed influence, there isnohopeforthatman.WhatdoestheSaviorsayofhimwhobelievethnot,whodies inunbelief?

Hethatbelievethnotshallbedamned.57)Manyanxious soulsareafraid theyhavecommitted the sinagainst

theHolyGhost.Buttheveryfactthattheyworryovertheirsalvation,andaretroubledonaccountoftheirsins,isproofthattheyhavenotcommittedthissin.Theyarenothardenedinsin,buthowdotheyfeelaboutit?

Theyaretroubledaboutit.58)Yes,andthisisthefirststeptowardtruerepentance:sorrowforsin.

WhathasGodpromisedthosewhorepentoftheirsins?Hehaspromisedtoforgivethemtheirsins.59)Butwhenaman, likewickedKingPharaoh,resiststhetruthtothe

bitterend,whathopeisthereforhim?Thereisnohopeforhim.

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Lesson36.TheConsequenceOfSin.

(Questions129-131.)

1)(129)“Whatistheconsequenceofsin?”“God is therebymost deeply offended andmoved to temporal and eternal

punishment.”2)Wehave seen that sin is every transgressionof thedivine law.Now,

whatarewetoconsidertoday?Wearetoconsidertheconsequenceofsin.3)Whatdoesouranswertoquestion129sayastohowGodregardssin?Godistherebymostdeeplyoffended.4)ThisweseefromPs.5:4.Repeatthepassage.“ThouartnotaGodthathathpleasureinwickedness:neithershallevildwell

withThee.”5)InwhathasGodnopleasure?Hehasnopleasureinwickedness.6)Whatmusthebe,whowouldhavepleasureinwickedness?Hemustbewickedhimself.7)Godhoweverisnotwicked,thatissinful,butwhatishe?Heisholy.8)NowturntoPs.7:11,andreadwhatistherewritten.“Godjudgeththerighteous,andGodisangrywiththewickedeveryday.”9)BecauseGodisholy,howdoessinaffecthim?Itoffendshim.10)Yes, it is contrary to his very being.God and sin have nomore in

commonthanfireandwater,thanlightanddarkness.NowrepeatEph.2:3.“Weallwerebynaturethechildrenofwrath,evenasothers.”11)WhyisGodangrywithus?Onaccountofsin.12)ReadEph.5:6.“Letnomandeceiveyouwithvainwords:forbecauseofthesethingscometh

thewrathofGoduponthechildrenofdisobedience.”

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13)AndagainRom.1:15.“For thewrathofGod is revealed fromheavenagainst all ungodliness and

unrighteousnessofmen,whoholdthetruthinunrighteousness.”14)Onthisaccounthowshouldweregardsin?Givemetheanswerby

repeatingProv.14:34.“Sinisareproachtoanypeople.”15)Godcannotbuthatesin.Itisrebellionagainsthisauthority.Itisan

insulttohisdignity.Itisingratitudetowardhisgoodness.ButsinnotonlymostdeeplyoffendsGodbut,accordingtoouranswer129,towhatdoesitmovehim?

Itmoveshimtotemporalandeternalpunishment.16)Godisnotonlyholy,butheisjust.Andwhatdoeshisjusticeprompt

himtodowithsin?Itpromptshimtopunishsin.17) What does God say on this subject in the conclusion to the ten

commandments?“Hesaysthus:I,theLord,thyGod,amajealousGod,visitingtheiniquityof

the fathersupon thechildrenunto the thirdand fourthgenerationof them thathateme.”

18)WhatdoesGodinthesewordsthreaten?Hethreatenstopunishallthosewhotransgressthesecommandments.19)Whatkindofpunishmentisspokenofinthisquestion129?Temporalandeternalpunishment.20)Temporalpunishmentmeanspunishmenthere in thisworld.Letus

seehowGodpunishessininthisworld.Drunkennessandgluttonyaresins.NowreadwhatGodsaysofthesesinsinProv.23:20:21.

“Benotamongwinebibbers;amongriotouseatersofflesh:forthedrunkardand thegluttonshallcome topoverty:anddrowsiness shallclotheamanwithrags.”

21)Poverty,sickness,painanddeatharetheresultofsininthisworld.ButGodoftenvisitsspecialsinswithspecialpunishments.Howdidheoncepunishthewholeworldonaccountofsin?

BythefloodHedestroyedthewholeworldonaccountofsin.22)Howdidheoncepunishtwospeciallywickedcities?HedestroyedSodomandGomorrahbyfirefromheaven.23)ButGod’spunishmentof sin isnot only temporal, butwhat else is

saidofthispunishmentinquestion129?

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Itiseternal.24)Godnotonlypunishessininthisworld,butintheworldtocome.Whentherichman,wholivedalifeofselfishnessandsindied,whatbecame

ofhimafterdeath?Luke16:22-24.Hewasinhellandintorment.25)WhatwilltheSavior,astherighteousjudge,saytothewickedonthe

lastday?Matt.25:41.“Thenshallhesayuntothemonthelefthand,departfromme,yecursed,into

everlastingfire,preparedforthedevilandhisangels.”26)Andwhatissaidofthewickedinthesamechapterverse46?“Andtheseshallgoawayintoeverlastingpunishment.”27)These are thedreadful consequences of sin.Weare all not onlyby

nature sinful, but we have by actual sins in thoughts, words and deedsgrievedandoffendedGod.Thenwhathavewedeservedwithoursins?

WehavedeservedGod’swrath,temporalandeternalpunishment.28)Yes, children, thinkof itwhatanawful thing sin is,whatanawful

thing it is to offend God, to provoke him to wrath and deserve hispunishment.Whenweareingreatdangerwhatdowelookfor?

Welookforawayofescape.29)Ifyouwereinaburningbuilding,whatwouldyoulookfor?Iwouldlookforthefireescape.30)Ifyouwereonasinkingship,whatwouldyoulookfor?Iwouldwouldlookforalife-preserveroralife-boat.31)(130)“HowcanweescapethewrathandpunishmentofGod?”“Onlybythis,thatweobtainforgivenessofsinfromGod.”32)Fromthisweseethatthereisawayofescapefromtheconsequences

ofsin.Whatisthisway?ThatweobtainforgivenessofsinfromGod.33)Isthereanyotherwayofescape?No,thereisnot.34)Ifsinisnottobepunished,whatmustbedonewithit?Itmustbeforgiven.35)Andifitisnotforgiven,whatwillbedonewithit?Itwillbepunished.36)Thatonlyhecanbehappy,whosesinsareforgiven,weseefromPs.

32:1:2.

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“Blessedishewhosetransgressionisforgiven,whosesiniscovered.BlessedisthemanuntowhomtheLordimputethnotiniquity,andinwhosespiritthereisnoguile.”

37)GodismercifulasweseefromEx.34:6.“The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and

abundantingoodnessandtruth.”38)WhatdowereadconcerningGodinthe130thPsalm,verse4?“Butthereisforgivenesswiththeethatthoumayestbefeared.”39)SoalsotheprophetMicahdescribesGod,chapter7.verse18.“Who is aGod like untoThee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the

transgressionoftheremnantofhisheritage?Heretainethnothisangerforever,becausehedelightethinmercy.”

40)Fromwhommustthisforgivenessofsinbeobtained?ItmustbeobtainedfromGod.41)Againsthimwehavesinnedandhealonecanforgive.SowereadIsa.

43:2.5.“I,evenI,amhethatblottethoutthytransgressions,formineownsake,and

willnotrememberthysins.”42)(131)“Howdoweobtainforgivenessofsin?”“ThroughfaithinourSaviorJesusChrist.”43)Ouronlyhopeis inGod’sforgiveness.Nowwhatdoesthisquestion

131tellus?Ittellsushowwemayobtainthisforgiveness.44) It is evident then that this is a very important question.Whenwe

hear that a thing which we need very badly, is to be had, what are wenaturallyverymuchconcernedabout?

Abouthowwecangetit.45) It was this which somuch concerned the poor frightened jailor at

PhilippiofwhomwereadinActs16:30:31.“Sir,whatmustIdotobesaved?Andtheysaid:BelieveontheLordJesus

Christ,andthoushaltbesaved,andthyhouse.”46)Whatwasthispoormananxiousabout?Abouthissalvation.47)Andwhatanswerdidtheapostlesgivehim?“BelieveontheLordJesusChristandthoushaltbesavedandthyhouse.”48)ThesamewearetaughtinJohn3:16.

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“Godsolovedtheworld,thathegavehisonlybegottenSonthatwhosoeverbelievethinhimshouldnotperishbuthaveeverlastinglife.”

49)SoalsowereadinActs10:43.“To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever

believethinhimshallreceiveremissionofsins.”50)AndagainEph.1:7.“In whomwe have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,

accordingtotherichesofhisgrace.”51)WhoisJesusChristthroughwhomweobtainforgivenessofsins?HeisourSavior.52)Fromwhatdidhesaveus?Hesavedusfromoursins.53)Howdidhesaveusfromoursins?Byhissufferingsanddeath.54)Whothenshallhaveforgivenessofsin?HethatbelievethontheSavior.55)Thenhowdoweobtainforgivenessofsins?ThroughfaithinourSaviorJesusChrist.

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Part2.TheThreeArticlesoftheHolyChristianFaith

TheSecondChiefPartOfTheCatechism

Lesson37.TheCreed.

(Questions132-135.)

1)HowmanychiefpartsofChristiandoctrinearethere?TherearefivechiefpartsofChristiandoctrine.2)WhicharethefivechiefpartsofChristiandoctrine?TheHolyTenCommandments, theApostlescreed, theLord’sPrayer,Holy

BaptismandtheLord’sSupper.3) In what little book are these five chief parts of Christian doctrine

explained?IntheCatechism.4)Whatchiefparthavewebeenthusfarconsidering?Wehavebeenconsideringthefirstchiefpart.5)Ofwhatdoesthisfirstchiefparttreat?Ittreatsoftheholytencommandments.6)Bystudyingthesecommandmentswecometoaknowledgeofsin.We

learnwhatsin isandwhat itsconsequencesare.Whatdidwelearninthelastlessonconcerningtheconsequencesofsin?

WelearnedthatGodhatesandpunishessin.7)Butwhatmoredidwelearnabouttheconsequencesofsin?Wealsolearnedhowtoescapetheconsequencesofsin.8)Andhowmayweescapetheconsequencesofsin?

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Byobtainingforgivenessofsin.9)Andhowcanweobtainsuchforgiveness?ThroughfaithinourSaviorJesusChrist.10)WhatdowecallthosewhobelieveinJesusChrist?WecallthemChristians.11)Andwhatdowecallthatwhichtheybelieve?WecallittheChristianfaith.12)Yes,andthisChristianfaithisthesubjectofwhichchiefpartofthe

Catechism?ItisthesubjectofthesecondchiefpartoftheCatechism.13)(132)“WhatisthesecondchiefpartoftheCatechism?”“ThethreearticlesoftheholyChristianfaith,ortheApostolicSymbol.”14)Whatisaman’sfaith?Aman’sfaithisthatwhichhebelieves.15)Weareheredealingwithaman’sreligiousfaith,thatis,withwhathe

believesinreligiousmatters.ThequestionisastowhatmenholdregardingGod, the creation and preservation of the world, salvation from sin andeternallife.Therearemanyfaithsorreligionsintheworld.Mentionsomeoftheprincipalones.

TheChristian,Jewish,Mohammedan[Islamic],andpaganreligions.16)Whatisourfaithcalled?OurfaithiscalledtheChristianFaith.17)Howmanytruereligionsarethere?Thereisonlyonetruereligion.18)Whichistheonetruefaithorreligion?TheChristianfaith.19)Afterwhomisourfaithcalled“Christian”?AfterChrist.20)WhyisourfaithcalledafterHim?BecauseHetaughtit,Heistheauthorofit.21) Yes, and becauseHe is also the heart and center of it. Howmany

articleshastheChristianfaith?Ithasthreearticles.22) The word “articles” here means members or parts. Just as the

members of our body belong together and make one complete whole, sothese three articles belong together andmake one completewhole.Whentakentogetherwhatdothesethreearticlesconstituteormake?

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TheymakeourChristianfaith.23)Children,thisisthefaithinwhichyouwerebaptized.Itisthefaith

whichwe confess at public service every Sunday. It is the faithwhich allChristiansholdandwhichGod’speoplehaveconfessedfor2000years.Howisthisfaithcalledbecauseitdealswithsuchsacredthings?

ItiscalledtheholyChristianfaith.24)Wealsocallthesethreearticles“theApostles’Creed.”InLatinthis

faithbeginswiththeword“Credo”whichmeans:Ibelieve.Whatdowecallthisfaithonthataccount?

Wecallitthecreed.25)Acreedisanexpressionoffaith.WhenacompanyofChristiansunite

in giving a brief expression of their faith, what do we call such anexpression?

Wecallitacreed.26)Sowehaveanumberofcreeds,ofwhichtheApostolicistheoldest.

Whatothernameisgiveninquestion132?Itiscalledtheapostolicsymbol.27)(133)“WhatistheapostolicSymbol?”“ItisashortsummaryofthechiefarticlesoftheChristianfaith.”28)WhatarticlesofourChristianfaithdoesthecreedcontain?Itcontainsthechiefarticles.29) Yes, the main things. Those things which every Christian should

knowandbelieve.Andwhatelseisthecreedcalledinthisquestion133?Itiscalledashortsummary.30)WhenIhaveacolumnoffigures,drawalineunderthemandplacea

rowoffiguresunderthislinewhichrepresentsasmuchasthewholecolumnaddedtogether,whatisthisrowcalled?

Itiscalledthesum.31)Yes,inthesefewfiguresisexpressedallthatiscontainedinthewhole

column.Sowhatdoesthisshortcreedstandfor?ItstandsforthewholeChristianFaith.32)Yes,wemightsay:thisisthewholeChristianfaithinanutshell,this

isthekernelofallthatwebelieve.Inthesefewwordswegiveexpressiontoourfaith.Andhowimportantitisthatweconfess,orgiveexpressiontoourfaithweseefromRom.10:10.Readthepassage.

“For with the heartman believeth unto righteousness; andwith themouthconfessionismadeuntosalvation.”

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33)Weshouldnotonlylearnthisfaith,thatis,commitittomemory,andreciteit,thatisconfessitwithourlips,butwhatdoestheapostleheresayfirstofall?

Weshouldbelieveitwithourhearts.34)(134)“Whyisitcalledsymbolorensign?”“BecausebyittheChristiansareknownanddistinguishedfromtheenemies

oftheChristianchurch.”35)Asymbolisasignthatrepresentssomething.Whenanarmyisonthe

marchorgoes tobattlewhat symboldo theycarry,bywhich theycanberecognized?

Theycarryaflag.36)Ifyouseeacompanyofsoldiersmarchingunderthestarsandstripes

whatdoyouconcludeastotheirnationality?IconcludethattheyareAmericans.37)So thiscreed is likea flag.Whenpeopleconfess this faith,whatdo

youconcludeastotheirreligion?ThattheyareChristians.38)FromwhomareChristiansdistinguishedbythisfaith?Theyaredistinguishedfromtheirenemies.39)WhenamandoesnotmarchundertheflagoftheUnitedStates,but

fightsagainst,tearsdownandtramplesuponit, inwhatrelationdoesthatmanstandtothiscountry?

Heisanenemyofthiscountry.40)Sowhenamandoesnotaccept,butopposesandridicules thefaith

whichweconfessinthesethreearticles,howmustweregardhim?WemustregardhimasanenemyoftheChristianchurch.41) All Christians confess this faith. Tell me some people who do not

confessit.Jews,Mohammedans[Muslims],Pagans,Infidelsandunbelievers.42) This faith is our ensign, our flag. By this we stand. To it we have

vowedallegiance.Whendidyoufirstconfessthisfaith?Whenwewerebaptized.43)Whoconfessedthisfaithforyouatyourbaptism?Oursponsors.44)Whendidyousolemnlyratifyandrenewthisconfession?Whenwewereconfirmed.

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45)Children,Godgrantthatyoumayremainfaithfultothisconfession,that you may never deny the faith, never turn traitors to the Christianchurch.ReadwhatiswrittenRev.2:10,thesecondhalfoftheverse.

“Bethoufaithfuluntodeath,andIwillgivetheeacrownoflife.”46)(135)“Whyisthisfaithcalledapostolic?”“Becauseitcontainsthesumofapostolicdoctrine.”47)Whotaughtthefaithconfessedinthesethreearticles?Theapostlestaughtit.48)Andfromwhomdidtheygetit?TheygotitfromChrist.49)Sowhattwotermsreallymeanthesamething?Thetermsapostolicandchristian.50)FromthedaysoftheapostlesdowntothepresentdayallChristians

have confessed this faith.We have received it from our fathers and theyfromtheirsandsoonbacktothedaysoftheapostles.NowreadwhattheapostleSt.Judewritesconcerningthisfaithinthethirdverseofhisepistle.

“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the commonsalvation,itwasneedfulformetowriteuntoyou,andexhortyouthatyeshouldearnestlycontendforthefaithwhichwasoncedelivereduntothesaints.”

51)Whatdoestheapostleheresayweshoulddoforthefaithwhichwasdeliveredtous?

Weshouldearnestlycontendforit.52)Yes,weshouldnotgiveitupwhenmenwanttorobusofit.Whenathiefbreaksintoyourhouseandwantstorobyouofyourgoodswhat

wouldyoudo?Iwoulddefendmyproperty.53)Andsoweshouldcontendforanddefendourfaith.Why?Becauseitisaverypreciousthing,avaluablepossession.

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Lesson38.TheGospel.

(Question136-137.)

1)Whatwasthesubjectofourlastlesson?TheCreed.2)Bywhatothernamedowecallthecreed?WecallittheApostolicsymbol,orthethreearticlesoftheChristianfaith.3)WhatdoctrinedoestheCreedcontain?ItcontainsthedoctrineofChristandtheapostles.4)Whatdowecallitonthisaccount?WecallitChristianorapostolic.5)WhydowecallitChristianorapostolic?BecauseChristandtheapostlestaughtit.6)WherehavewearecordofwhatChristandtheapostlestaught?IntheBible.7) There are two principle doctrines in the Bible, the Law and the

Gospel.InwhichchiefpartoftheCatechismdidweconsidertheLaw?Inthefirstchiefpart.8) And now, in the Creed, we come to consider the other principal

doctrineoftheScriptures.Whatdowecallthis?WecallittheGospel.9)(136)“Whenceisthisdoctrine(theapostolicdoctrine)taken?”“FromtheGospel.”10)(137)“WhatistheGospel?”“TheGospelisthegladtidingsthatJesusChristhassavedusfromoursins,

andthroughfaithmakesusforeverblessed.”11)InwhatwordsdidtheangelannouncethebirthoftheSaviortothe

shepherdsonthefieldofBethlehem?Luke2:10.11.“Fearnot:forbehold,Ibringyougoodtidingsofgreatjoy,whichshallbeto

allpeople.ForuntoyouisbornthisdayinthecityofDavidaSavior,whichisChristtheLord.”

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12) The angel told them something new, something they did not knowuntilhetoldthem.Whatdoestheword“tidings”mean?

Itmeansnews.13) Yes, theGospel brings us news, something we do not and can not

knowofourselvesandnevercouldfindout, if itwerenottoldus.Thelawtellsuswhatweshoulddoandnotdo.Thiswemayknow,atleastinpart,thoughveryimperfectly,ofourselves.ButtheGospelissomethingentirelynew, somethingwhichman of himself neverwould have dreamed of.TheGospel is amessagedirect fromGod.Tellme from thisanswer1.37whatkindoftidingsistheGospel?

TheGospelisgladtidings.14)Whatdidtheangelsayofhismessagetotheshepherdsinthepassage

youhavejustread?Hesaid:“BeholdIbringyougoodtidings.”15)WhatkindofnewsthenwouldyoucalltheGospel?TheGospelisgoodnews.16)Yes,theGospelissomethingtorejoiceover.Whatdidtheangelsayof

thetidingshebroughttotheshepherds?Hesaid:“Ibringyougoodtidingsofgreatjoy.”17)Nowtellmefromquestion137,concerningwhomdoestheGospeltell

us?IttellsusofJesusChrist.18)Readwhat iswritten inGen.3:15.“AndIwillputenmitybetween

theeandthewoman,andbetweenthyseedandherseed;itshallbruisethyhead,andthoushaltbruisehisheel.”

19)ThisGodspoketotheserpent inthehearingofAdamandEve.Hepromisedthatinthecourseoftimetheseedofthewoman,thatisoneofthedescendants of the woman, would bruise the head of the serpent, this is,woulddelivermenfromtheirgreatenemy,theserpent,orthedevil.Whatkindofnewswasthistooutfirstparentswhentheyhadfallenintosinandwerebeginningtosufferitsdreadfulconsequences?

Itwasgoodnews.20)Andwhowas this seedof thewomanwho indue time should save

menfromsin,deathandthedevil?ItwasJesusChrist.21)ThiswasthefirstGospelmessageandofwhomdidittreat?IttreatedofJesusChristourSavior.

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22)WhatgreatpromisedidGodgiveAbraham?Gen.22:18.“And in thy seed shall all thenationsof theearthbeblessed;because thou

hastobeyedmyvoice.”23)Thedescendants,ortheseed,ofAbrahamaretheJews.Whoisit,out

ofthisnation,thatisablessingtothewholeworld?ItisJesusChrist.24)What kind of newswas it to Abraham that in his seed all nations

shouldbeblessed?Itwasgoodnews.25)Yes,itwasarealGospel.Andofwhomdidittreat?IttreatedofJesusChrist.26)Nowtellmefromquestion137whatdoestheGospeltellusofJesus

Christ?Ittellsusthathesavedusfromoursins.27)Whatdowecallhimbecausehesavedus?WecallhimSavior.28)Yes,thatisthereasonwhyheiscalledJesus,aswereadMatt.1:21.“Andsheshallbring forthason,and thoushaltcallhisnameJesus: forhe

shallsavehispeoplefromtheirsins.”29)When the poor shipwrecked people in the life-boats of theTitanic,

after that dreadful night, were told that the ship Carpathia was in sight,howdoyousupposetheyfeltaboutthenews?

Theyfeltveryglad.30)Whydidtheyfeelglad?Becausetheyknew,nowtheyweresaved.31)Yes, that certainlywas good news.Andwhen their friends inNew

York and elsewhere heard that their loved ones were safe on board theCarpathiawhatkindofnewswasthat?

Thatwasgoodnewstoo.32)NowtheGospeltellsusthatJesusChristhassavedusfromoursins.

Whataretheconsequencesofsin?Theconsequencesofsinaredeathanddamnation.33)Yes,sowereadRom.6:23.“Forthewagesofsinisdeath.”34)Now, if we are not to suffer the just punishment of our sins, what

mustbedonewithsin?Sinmustbeforgiven.

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35)Andwhosecuredforgivenessofsinsforus?OurLordJesusChrist.36)HowdidJesusChristsecureforgivenessofsinsforus?Hediedforus.37)SoJesussavedusfromoursins,andwhatistobetheblessedresult

ofthis?Tellmefromquestion137.Wearetobeblessedforever.38)Whatistheonlythingthatcanmakeusmiserableforever?Sinistheonlythingthatcanmakeusunhappyforever.39)Ifsinisforgivenwhatmaywebesureof?Wemaybesureofeternallife.40)Whatkindofalifeiseternallife?Itisablessedlife.41)Howarewemadepartakers of this forgiveness of sins and eternal

life?Tellmefromquestion137.Throughfaith.42)Throughfaithinwhom?ThroughfaithinJesusChrist.43)AndallthisistoldusintheGospel.NowwhatdoestheSaviorsayof

theGospelinMark16:15.16?“Goye intoall theworld,andpreach theGospel toeverycreature.He that

believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall bedamned.”

44)Whatweretheapostlestopreachtoalltheworld?TheyweretopreachtheGospel.45) Yes, they were to tell the world the good news of the gracious

forgiveness of sins through faith in Jesus Christ. And what did JesuspromisethosewhowouldbelievethisGospel?

Hepromisedthattheyshouldbesaved.46)Andwhatdidhesayofthosewhodidnotbelieve?Theyshallbedamned.47)NowreadwhattheapostlesaysRom.1:16.“Iamnotashamedof theGospelofChrist: for it is thepowerofGodunto

salvationtoeveryonethatbelieveth;totheJewfirst,andalsototheGreek.”48)WhoseGospeldoestheapostleherecalltheGospel?HecallsitistheGospelofChrist.

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49)Yes,becauseittellsofHimandwhydoeshesayheisnotashamedofthisGospel?

BecauseitisthepowerofGoduntosalvation.50)ThisisthemeansthroughwhichGodsavesus.Throughithebrings

ustofaith.TowhomistheGospelthepowerofGoduntosalvation?Toeveryonethatbelieveth.51)SowhatisnecessaryonourpartinorderthattheGospelmaysave

us?Wemustbelieveit.52)Nowread1Tim.1:15.“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Jesus Christ

cameintotheworldtosavesinners;ofwhomIamchief.”53)HerewehaveanotherdescriptionoftheGospel,thisfaithfulsaying,

thistrustworthymessage.Ofwhomdoesittellus?IttellsusofChristJesus.54)AndwhatdoesittellusconcerningChristJesus?Ittellsusthathecameintotheworldtosavesinners.55)Yes,andthatsurelyisgoodnews.Andtheapostlesaysitisworthyof

allacceptation:thatis,wecandependuponit,itisreliable.AndwhyisthisgladmessageoftheGospelperfectlytrueandtrustworthy?

BecauseitisGod’sword.

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Lesson39.TheDifferenceBetweenLawAndGospel.

(Question138.)

1)Whatwasthesubjectofourlastlesson?ThesubjectofourlastlessonwastheGospel.2)WhatotherprincipaldoctrinedoestheWordofGodcontainbesides

theGospel?ItalsocontainstheLaw.3)WhichthenarethetwoprincipledoctrinesoftheWordofGod?TheLawandtheGospel.4)Yes,andthesetwodoctrinesarefoundinallpartsoftheBible.Howdo

wedividetheBible?WedivideitintotheOldandtheNewTestaments.5)BoththeLawandtheGospelarefoundinbothpartsoftheBible.Butthesetwodoctrinesarenotalike.Theydifferinmanyrespects.Whatisto

bethesubjectoftoday’slesson?ThedifferencebetweenLawandGospel.6)(138)“WhatisthechiefdistinctionbetweentheLawandtheGospel?”“The law demands that we perfectly fulfill the holy will of God, and

condemns all who fail to do this. But the Gospel gives us through faith theperfectrighteousnessofChrist,bywhichweescapedamnationandareforeversaved,”

7) In this answeryouwill find twowordsprinted in italics.Whicharethey?

Theword“demands”andtheword“gives.”8)These twowordspointout the firstdifferencebetween theLawand

theGospel.LawandGospelareentirelydifferentintheircharacter.WhatdoestheLawdo?

TheLawdemands.9)AndwhatdoestheGospeldo?TheGospelgives.10)Whatisthedifferencebetweendemandandgive?

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Theoneistheoppositeoftheother.11)Whatdoesitmeantodemandathing?Itmeanstoaskforit,toinsistonhavingit.12)Howdoesthefirstcommandmentbegin?Repeatthefirsttwowords.“Thoushalt.”13)WhenGodbeginsacommandmentwith“Thoushalt”whatdoesHe

tellsus?Hetellsuswhathewouldhaveusdo.14)Yes, he tells uswhat he demands of us.Now repeat the first three

wordsofthefifthcommandment.“Thoushaltnot.”15)WhenGodsays“Thoushaltnot”whatdoeshetellus?Hetellsuswhatnottodo.16) Yes, he tells us what he demands us not to do. In the Law God

demandscertainthingsofus.Hetellsuswhatheexpectsustodoandnottodo.Thisisthecasenotonlyinthetencommandmentsbutinotherscripturepassages.ForinstanceinLev.19:2.

“SpeakuntoallthecongregationofthechildrenofIsrael,andsayuntothem,Yeshallbeholy:forI,theLordyourGodamholy.”

17)SoalsoinMatt.5:48.“Beyethereforeperfect,evenasyourFatherwhichisinheavenisperfect.”18)InsuchscripturepassagesGodmakesademand,heaskssomething

ofus.Whatdowecallall suchpassages inwhichGod tellsuswhat todoandwhatnottodo?

WecallthemtheLaw.19) But now we also have other passages in which God does not ask

certainthingsofus,butinwhichhepromisesandgivesuscertainthings,inwhichhetellsuswhathehasdoneforus,andwhathestillintendsdoingforus.Whatdowecallsuchpassages?

WecallthemtheGospel.20)Whatdoestheword“Gospel”mean?Itmeansgoodnews.21)SuchgoodnewswearetoldinJohn3:16.“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that

whosoeverbelievethinhimshouldnotperish,buthaveeverlastinglife.”22)HerewearetoldnotwhatGodwouldhaveusdo,butratherwhatare

wetold?WearetoldwhatGodhasdoneforus.

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23)WhatdidGoddofortheworld?HelovedtheworldandgavehisonlySonfortheworld.24)NowreadRev.21:4.“AndGod shallwipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no

moredeath,neithersorrow,norcrying,neithershalltherebeanymorepain:fortheformerthingsarepassedaway.”

25)ThesewordslookintothefutureandtellusnotwhatGodhasdone,butratherwhat?

WhatGodintendsdoingforus.26)WhenGodtellsuswhatgoodthingshehasinstoreforhischildrenin

heavenwhatkindofamessageisthis?Thisisagoodmessage,goodnews.27)Andwhatdowecallsuchgladtidings?WecallthemGospel.28)SoyouseethegreatdifferencebetweenLawandGospel.Inwhattwo

wordsdoesouranswertoquestion138expressthisdifference?TheLawdemandsandtheGospelgives.29)NowtellmewhatdoestheLawdemand?TheLawdemandsthatweperfectlyfulfilltheholywillofGod.30)AndwhatdoestheGospelgive?TheGospelgivesusthroughfaiththeperfectrighteousnessofChrist.31)Thelawasksustobeholyandrighteous.WhatdoestheGospeloffer

andgiveus?ItgivesustheperfectrighteousnessofChrist.32)Christdid theverythingwhichthe lawdemands,Hewasperfectly

righteousandholy.AndthisHedidforus.Inhisrighteousandholylifehewas our substitute. And what doctrine tells us of this and offers us thisrighteousnessofChrist?

TheGospeloffersusthisrighteousnessofChrist.33)ButtheLawnotonlydemandsthatweperfectlyfulfilltheholywillof

Godbutwhatmoredoesitdo?Itcondemnsallwhofailtodothis.34)WhatdoestheLawdowithallthosewhofailtokeepit?Itcondemnsthem.35)OfthiswehaveanexampleinthepassageGal.3:10.“Cursediseveryonethatcontinuethnotinallthingswhicharewritteninthe

bookoftheLawtodothem.”

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36) What does God threaten to do with all those who transgress hiscommandments?

Hethreatenstopunishthem.37)What doctrine of theword ofGod is it inwhichGod threatens to

punishthosewhodonotkeephiscommandments?ItistheLaw.38)NowChristcameandtookuponhimselfthepunishmentforoursins

aswereadGal.3:13.“Christhathredeemedusfromthecurseofthelaw,beingmadeacurseforus:foritiswritten,cursediseveryonethathangethonatree.”

39)Againweread1Peter2:24,concerningtheSavior:“Whohisownselfbareoursinsinhisownbodyonthetree,thatwe,being

deadtosins,shouldliveuntorighteousness:bywhosestripesyewerehealed.”40)Nowrepeatthepassage2Cor.5:19.“Godwas inChrist, reconciling theworld unto himself, not imputing their

trespassesuntothem;andhathcommitteduntoustheWordofreconciliation.”41)WhatareweheretoldthatGoddidinChrist?ThatHereconciledtheworlduntohimself.42)Yes,andnowbecauseinChristtheworldisreconciledtoGod.God

doesnotimputetheirtrespassestothembutwhatishereadytodowithsin?Heisreadytoforgiveit.43)Andwhatelsedoestheapostlesayinthispassage?ThatGodhathcommitteduntousthewordofreconciliation.44)ThiswordofreconciliationistheGospel.WhatdidtheLordtellthe

apostlestopreach?HetoldthemtopreachtheGospel.45)InthisGospelGodoffersustherighteousnessofChrist.Thatis,what

doesheofferusforChrist’ssake?Heoffersustheforgivenessofsins.46)IntheLawGodthreatenstopunishsinbutwhatdoesheofferinthe

Gospel?Heofferstoforgivesin.47)Thiscertainly isgladtidings,goodnews.Andwhatdowecallsuch

gladtidings?WecallittheGospel.48)Yes,indeeditisgoodnewsthatwearetoescapethedamnationwhich

wehavedeservedbyoursins.ButintheGospelGodnotonlytellsuswhat

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hehasdoneforus,butalsowhatHeintendsdoingforus.TellmewhatistobetheblessedresultofthisforgivenesswhichGodoffersintheGospel,thelastclauseinouranswertoquestion138tellsus.

Wearetobeforeversaved.49)SowhentheLawcondemnsuswhatdoestheGospeldo?TheGospelsavesus.50)NowreadwhattheapostlesaysoftheGospelRom.1:16.“For I amnot ashamedof theGospel ofChrist: for it is thepowerofGod

untosalvationtoeveryonethatbelieveth;totheJewfirstandalsototheGreek.”51)WhatdoestheapostleherecalltheGospelofChrist?HecallsitthepowerofGoduntosalvation.52)Yes,throughitGodsavesus.ReadwhattheSaviorhimselfsaidwhen

hesentouthisdisciplestopreachtheGospel,Mark16:15-16.“Goye intoall theworld,andpreach theGospel toeverycreature.He that

believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall bedamned.”

53)WhatisnecessaryonourpartthattheGospelmaysaveus?Wemustbelieveit.54)Yes, and thoughofourselveswearenotable tobelieve, theGospel

itselfgivesuspower tobelieve.This is the living seed throughwhichGodputsnewlifeintoourspirituallydeadheartsasweread1Peter1:23.

“Beingbornagain,notofcorruptibleseed,butofuncorruptible,bythewordofGod,whichlivethandabidethforever.”

55)Read1Cor.3:6thelatterhalfoftheverse.“Fortheletterkilleth,butthespiritgivethlife.”56)TheapostleherecallstheLawtheletter,andwhatdoeshesayofit?Hesaysitkilleth.57)That is, it condemns to eternal death.Butwhat does he say of the

Spirit,thatistheGospel?HesaystheSpiritgivethlife.58)LawandGospelareentirelydifferentintheireffects.Thelawgives

usaknowledgeofsinanditsdreadfulconsequences,buttheGospelbringsus the remedy for sin. The Law terrifies but the Gospel brings joy andgladness, life and salvation. So Law and Gospel differ not only in theircharacterbutinwhatotherrespects?

Theyalsodifferintheireffectsandresults.

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Lesson40.TheBeingOfGod.

(Question139-142.)

1)(139)“WhatarethewordsoftheApostolicSymbol?”I believe inGod the FatherAlmighty,Maker of heaven and earth. And in

JesusChrist,His only Son, ourLord,whowas conceived by theHolyGhost,bornoftheVirginMary,sufferedunderPontiusPilate,wascrucified,deadandburied;Hedescended intohell; the thirddayHeroseagain fromthedead;Heascendedintoheaven,andsittethattherighthandofGodtheFatherAlmighty,fromthenceHeshallcometojudgethequickandthedead.Ibelieveinth«HolyGhost; theHolyChristianChurch,thecommunionofsaints; theforgivenessofsin;theresurrectionofthebody;andthelifeeverlasting.Amen."

2)(140)“OfwhatdothethreearticlesoftheApostolicSymboltreat?”“The first treats of Creation, the second of Redemption, the third of

Sanctification.”3)HowmanyarticlesorpartshastheApostolicSymbolortheCreed?Ithasthreearticles.4)Ofwhatdoesthefirstarticletreat?ThefirstarticletreatsofCreation.5)Ofwhatdoesthesecondarticletreat?ThesecondarticletreatsofRedemption.6)Andofwhatdoesthethirdarticletreat?ThethirdarticletreatsofSanctification.7)(141)“WhatisthechiefuseofthesearticlesoftheChristianfaith?”“Thatwemay learn from them toknowGodaccording toHis essence and

Hisgraciouswilltowardus.”8)Whatarewetolearnfirst?WearetolearntoknowGodaccordingtoHisessence.9)Andwhatelsearewetolearn?WearetolearntoknowHisgraciouswilltowardus.10)Whomarewetolearntoknowfromthesethreearticles?WearetolearntoknowGod.

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11)WhatisthefirstthingwearetolearnconcerningGod?WearetolearnconcerningtheessenceofGod.12)Whenwedescribetheessenceofathing,wesaywhatitis.Sowhat

questionarewetoanswerfirstconcerningGod?Thequestion:WhatisGod?13)(142)“WhatisGod?”“God is a spirit,who is eternal, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, holy,

righteous,mercifulandtruthful.”14)TherearedifferentwaysofknowingwhatandwhoGodis.Wecan

knowGodinpartfromnature.WhenI lookatafinebuilding,Iconcludethatsomeonemusthaveplannedandputupthatbuilding.WhenIbeholdthewonderfulbuildingoftheworldwhatmayIconclude?

Thatsomeoneplannedandmadeit.15)WhenIlookatafinewatch,andadmiretheaccuracywithwhichits

several parts fit into each other, and the correctness with which it keepstime,whatdoIconcludewithreferencetothemakerofthewatch?

Thathemusthavebeenaveryskillfulworkman.16)SowhenIbeholdhowwonderfullytheworldismade,howdayand

night.SummerandWinter, seed timeandharvest followeachother,whathaveIarighttoconcludewithreferencetotheCreatorofthisworld?

ThatHeisawisebeing.17)WecannotseeGod.butwhatcanwesee?WecanseeHisworks.18)ReadPsalm104:24.“OLord,Howmanifoldarethyworks!Inwisdomhastthoumadethemall:

andtheearthisfullofthyriches.”19) InRom. 1:19-20, the apostle tells us how the visibleworks ofGod

revealtoustheinvisibleGodhimself.Readthepassage.“BecausethatwhichmaybeknownofGodismanifestinthem;forGodhath

showed it unto them.For the invisible things ofHim from the creation of theworldareclearlyseen,beingunderstoodby the things thataremade,evenhiseternalpowerandgodhead.”

20) But this natural knowledge of God is imperfect. We never wouldrightly know what and who God is, much less his will, if God had notrevealedhimselftousinamorecompleteandperfectway,thanhehasdoneinnature.ThismoreperfectandcompleterevelationofGodwehaveinthewrittenwordofGod.WherehavewethewrittenwordofGod?

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WehaveitintheBible.21)Yes,andtherefore ifwewantacorrectandcompleteanswerto the

question:WhatisGod?wheremustwegoforthisanswer?WemustgototheBible.22)Whatdoesourquestion142say,firstofall,inanswertothequestion:

WhatisGod?Godisaspirit.23)Yes,andthisansweristakenfromtheholyscriptures.InJohn4:24,

theSaviorhimselftellsuswhatGodis.Readthepassage.“Godisaspirit:andtheythatworshiphimmustworshiphiminspiritandin

truth.”24)What does the Savior here say in answer to the question:What is

God?Hesays:Godisaspirit.25)It isverydifficult forus tounderstandwhataspirit is,becausewe

cannotsee,nortouch,norweigh,normeasureit.Itdoesnotoccupyspacelike a tree, an animal or a human being. It is not subject to our senses.WhentheSaviorappearedtothedisciplesaftertheresurrectiontheywerefrightenedandthoughttheysawaspirit.NowreadLuke24:38-39.

“Andhesaiduntothem,whyareyetroubled?andwhydothoughtsariseinyourhearts?Beholdmyhandsandmyfeet, that it is Imyself:handleme,andsee;foraspirithathnotfleshandbones,asyeseemehave.”

26)WhatdoestheSaviorheresayofaspirit?Hesaysaspirithathnotfleshandbones,suchashehas.27)Aspirithasnobody.Godisaspiritandthereforehasnobody.Itis

trueGod is sometimes spoken of as though he had eyes, ears, hands andarms.Read1Peter3:12.

“FortheeyesoftheLordareovertherighteous,andhisearsareopenuntotheirprayers:butthefaceoftheLordisagainstthemthatdoevil.”

28) All such expressions are not to be taken literally. They are simplydescriptionsofGodinlanguagethatissuitedtoourhumanwayofthinking.Whatistheeyefor?

Theeyeistosee.29)SotheeyeofGodmeanshisabilitytoseeandknowallthings.What

istheearfor?Theearistohear.

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30)SotheearofGodstandsforhisabilityandwillingness tohearandanswerourprayers.Whatisthearmfor?

Thearmisforwork.31)SowherethearmorthehandofGodisspokenof,asinDeut.11:2.it

standsforthemightypowerofGod.Readthepassage.“Andknowye thisday: for I speaknotwithyour childrenwhichhavenot

known, andwhich have not seen the chastisement of theLord, yourGod, hisgreatness,hismightyhand,andhisstretchedoutarm.”

32)ButGod isnot theonly spirit.Whatother spiritsare therebesidesGod?

Theangelsarealsospirits.33)ReadwhattheapostlessayconcerningangelsHeb.1:14.“Aretheynotallministeringspirits,sentforthtoministerforthemwhoshall

beheirsofsalvation.”34)Herehecallstheangelsspirits.Butthereisavastdifferencebetween

Godandtheangels.Theangelswerecreated,butwhataboutGod?Hewasnotcreated.35)Godisanuncreatedspiritandonthataccountstandsinaclassallby

himself.Heistheonlyspiritofhiskind.Thereisnoneotherlikehim.Thiswe seewhenwe considerGod’s attributes. Let us first try to understandwhat an attribute is. When I say; this is an English book, what part ofspeechistheword“English?”

Itisanadjective.36)Whatisanadjective?Anadjectiveisawordthatdescribesapersonorthing.37)Whenyoudescribeapersonorthingyousaywhatkindofaperson

orthingitis,yougiveitsqualities.Forinstancegiveanattributeofthewall.Thewalliswhite.38)Givemeanattributeofaball.Aballisround.39) So of a person.When I say:GeorgeWashingtonwas a greatman,

whatisgreatnessinrelationtothisman?Itisaqualityorattribute.40)WhenIsay:MartinLutherwasapiousman.whatispietyinrelation

tothisman?Itisanattributeorqualityoftheman.41)SowhenwewanttodescribeGod,whatdowemention?

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Wementionhisattributes.42)Yes.wemakementionofsuchqualitiesasdistinguishHimfromother

beings.Question142tellsusnotonlythatGodisaspirit,butwhatelsedoesittellus?

IttellsuswhatkindofaspiritGodis.43)WhatissaidofGodinthisanswerinordertodescribehim?Heiseternal,omnipotent,omniscient,omnipresent,holy,righteous,merciful,

andtruthful.44)Whataretheseexpressions:eternal,omnipotentandthelike?TheyareattributesofGod.45)Yes.Theyarethosequalities inwhichHediffers fromotherspirits.

Who,forinstance,aloneiseternal?Godaloneiseternal.40)Whoaloneisomnipotent?Godaloneisomnipotent.47)Whoaloneisomnipresent?Godaloneisomnipresent.48)AndsowithalltheattributesofGod.Theyeitherbelongabsolutely

tohimaloneor,atleastinapeculiarsense,theybelongtohimalone.So,forexample, there are other personswho are holy but not in the degree andsenseinwhichGodisholy.Thereareotherpersonswhoaremerciful,butnot in the degree and sense in which God is merciful. So the attributesmentionedunderquestion142arewhatkindofattributes?

Theyaredivineattributes.49)Andwhydowecallthemdivineattributes?BecausetheybelongtoGodonly.50) Of what other being can we say that it is eternal, omnipresent,

omnipotentandthelike?Wecansaythisofnootherbeing.51)SowereadofGod’sholinessin1Sam.2:2.“There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none besides thee: neither is

thereanyrocklikeourGod.”52)AndagainRev.15:4.“Who shall not fear thee.OLord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art

holy:forallnationsshallcomeandworshipbeforethee,forthyjudgmentsaremademanifest.”

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Lesson41.TheAttributesOfGod.

(Question142.)

1)InourlastlessonwesawwhatismeantbytheattributesofGod.Nowletusconsidertheseattributes.WhichismentionedfirstinQuestion142?

Godiseternal.2) Children, it is very hard for us weak mortals to understand the

attributes of the infiniteGod.Wehave seen thatGodhas showedhimselfthrough his works. So the works of God, to some extent also, show hisattributes.Whomadetheworld?

Godmadetheworld.3)SowelearnfromthefirstsentenceoftheBible.Readit.“InthebeginningGodcreatedtheheavenandtheearth.”4)Whenweseeabuildingweknowtheremusthavebeenabuilder.Now

whichexistedfirst,thebuildingorthebuilder?Thebuilderwasfirst.5) So with the world. It did not always exist. It had a beginning. But

beforetheworldbeganwhomusthavebeen?God,whomadetheworld.6)IfGodwasbeforethebeginningthenwhatcanheneverhavehad?Henevercanhavehadabeginning.7)ButthisisonlypartofwhatwemeanwhenwesaythatGodiseternal.

The world was not without beginning, neither will it exist forever.WhatdoestheSaviorsayofheavenandearthinMatt.24:35?

“Heavenandearthshallpassaway.”8)ButGodwillneverpassaway.LookingbackintothepastwesayGod

neverhadabeginning,butwhatcanwesayofHimwhenwelookintothefuture?

Heneverwillhaveanend.9)NowtellinfullwhatwemeanwhenwesayGodiseternal?Wemeanthatheiswithoutbeginningandwithoutend.10)NowrepeatthepassagePs.90:1-2.

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"Lord, thou hast been our dwelling-place in all generations. Before themountainswerebroughtforth,oreverthouhadstformedtheearthandtheworld,evenfromeverlastingtoeverlasting,thouartGod.

11)HowdoesthispassagesaythatGodneverhadabeginningandneverwillhaveanend?

Heisfromeverlastingtoeverlasting.12)Wepoormortalsareborn,liveafewyears,andthenpassaway.How

shouldwefeelwhenwecompareourselveswiththiseternalGod?GivemetheanswerbyreadingPs.102:11.12.

“Mydaysarelikeashadowthatdeclineth;andIamwitheredlikegrass.Butthou,OLord,shaltendureforever;andthyremembranceuntoallgenerations.”

13)Wecount timebydays,months,andyears.ButGod’s life isnot socounted.Heisalwaysthesame.Heneverchanges.Read2Peter3:8.

“Beloved,benotignorantofthisonething,thatonedayiswiththeLordasathousandyears,andathousandyearsasoneday.”

14)WhichisthenextattributeofGodmentionedinQuestion142?Godisomnipotent.15)Theword“omnipotent”heremeansallpowerful.Tellmefromthis,

whatpowerhasGod?Godhasallpower.16)RepeatthepassagePs.115:3.“OurGodisintheheavens:Hehathdonewhatsoeverhehathpleased.”17)Wewouldoftenliketodothingswhichwedonotdo.Why?Becausewecannotalwaysdowhatweplease.18)Ourdoingislimitedbecausewhatislimited?Becauseourpowerislimited.19)ButGod’spowerisnotlimited.Inthebeginninghewantedtomake

light.Howdidhegoaboutit?Hesaid“lettherebelight,”andtherewaslight.20)Yes,hismerewordissufficienttocallthingsintobeingthatwerenot

before,aswereadPs.3.3:8:9.“Letall theearth fear theLord: letall the inhabitantsof theworldstand in

aweofhim.Forhespakeanditwasdone;hecommandedanditstoodfast.”21)ThisLordsurelyistobefeared.Butheisalsotobetrusted.Whenhe

promisesathingwhycanwedependuponitsbeingdone?BecauseGodisabletodowhathepromises.22)NowreadLuke1:37.

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“WithGodnothingshallbeimpossible.”23)WecannotaskanythingofGodwhichheisnotabletodo.Towhat

shouldthismoveus?ItshouldmoveustotrustinGod.24)Nowgivethethirdattributementionedinquestion142.GodisOmniscient.25)Thismeans thatGod isall-knowing.Justas there isno limit tohis

power,sothereisnolimittohisknowledge.WhatgreatgiftdidGodbestowuponSolomon?1Kings3:12.

Thegiftofwisdom.26) Solomon was the wisest man that ever lived. And yet there were

manythingswhichhedidnotknow.Weareconstantly learningthingswedidnotknow.ButwhyisitnotnecessaryforGodtolearnanything?

Becauseheknowseverything.27) We are constantly forgetting what we did know. But what about

God’smemory?Godneverforgetsanything.28)Ourknowledge is limitedbecausethefuture ishiddenfromus.But

whataboutGod’sknowledgeofthefuture?Heknowsthefutureaswellasthepast,andthepresent.29)RepeatPs.139:1-4.“OhLord, thouhastsearchedme,andknownme.Thouknowestmydown-

sitting and mine up-rising; Thou understandest my thought afar off. Thoucompassestmypathandmylyingdown,andartacquaintedwithallmyways.For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest italtogether.”

30)Whyshouldwebesocarefulofouractionsandwords,yea,evenofourthoughts?

BecauseGodknowsthem.31)ReadalsoHeb.4:13.“Neitheristhereanycreaturethatisnotmanifest inhissight:butall things

arenakedandopenedintheeyesofhimwithwhomwehavetodo.”32)ButthefactthatGodknowsallthingsisnotonlyasolemnbutitis

alsoacomforting fact.Godknowswhatweneed.Heseeswhenweare introuble.Hiswisdomcanprovideforourwelfare.OfthistheSaviorremindsusinMatt.6:8thelatterpartoftheverse.

“YourFatherknowethwhatthingsyehaveneedof,beforeyeaskhim.”

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33)NowtellmethefourthattributeofGod.Godisomnipresent.34)Theword “omnipresent”means present everywhere. In howmany

placescanamanbepresentatonetime?Hecanbepresentonlyinoneplaceatatime.35)Ifyouarenowpresentinthisschoolroom,youcannot,atthesame

time,bepresentathome.ButGodisnotsolimited.WhereisGod?Godiseverywhere.36)Youarepresent at thismoment in this schoolroom,but in anhour

fromnowwherewillyoube?Iwillbeathome.37)Soyoucanalsobeatdifferentplaces,buthow?Onlyatdifferenttimes.38)ButhowcanGodbepresenteverywhere?Hecanbepresenteverywhereatthesametime.39)SoGodspeaksofhimselfintheBible.ReadJer.23:23-24.“AmIaGodathand,saiththeLord,andnotaGodafaroff?Cananyhide

himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the Lord.Do not I fillheavenandearth?saiththeLord.”

40)ReadalsoPs.139:7-10.“WhithershallIgofromthyspirit?OrwhithershallIfleefromthypresence?

IfIascendupintoheaven,thouartthere:IfImakemybedinhell,beholdthouartthere.IfItakethewingsofthemorning,anddwellintheuttermostpartsofthesea,eventhereshallthyhandleadme,andthyrighthandshallholdme.”

41) The fact that God is everywhere is a very solemn truth. We areconstantly under his eye.What didGod say toAbrahamGen. 17:1?Thelatterhalfoftheverse.

“IamthealmightyGod;walkbeforemeandbethouperfect.”42)But it isalsoaverycomforting truth.Nomatterwhereweareand

withwhatdangerswemaybesurrounded,whatmaywebesureof?WemaybesurethatGodiswithus.43)InthisconnectionreadPs.145:18.“TheLordisnighuntoallthemthatcalluponhim,toallthatcalluponhimin

truth.”44)ReadalsoPs.23:4.“Yea,thoughIwalkthroughthevalleyoftheshadowofdeath,Iwillfearno

evil:forthouartwithme;thyrodandthystafftheycomfortme.”

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45)WhatisthefifthattributementionedinQuestion142?Godisholy.46)HowisGoddescribedinIsa.6:3?“Holy,Holy,Holy,istheLordofhosts:thewholeearthisfullofhisglory.”47) The holiness ofGod is so great that the prophet repeats the word

threetimestoemphasizehisholiness.Butwhatistheoppositeofholiness?Unholinessorsin.48)IfGodissoholywhatmusthebefreefrom?Heisfreefromsin.49)Canyouthinkofanotherwordthatexpressesthisfreedomfromsin

inGod?Godispure,heisperfect.50)TowhatshouldthisholinessofGodmoveus?GivemetheanswerbyreadingthelatterpartofLev.19:2.“Yeshallbeholy:forItheLordyourGodamholy.”51)WhatisthenextattributeofGod?Godisrighteous.52)Thatmeans,notonly thathedoeswhat isright,but thathe judges

rightly.Whatkindofa judgewouldyoucallanunrighteous judge?Prov.17:15tellsus.

“He that justifieth thewicked, and he that condemneth the just, even theybothareabominationtotheLord.”

53)Now ifGod isarighteous judgehedoes just theopposite.Canyoutellmewhathedoeswiththewickedandwhathedoeswiththejust.

Hepunishesthewickedandrewardsthejust.54)WhatdoesGod,asarighteousjudge,loveandreward?Helovesandrewardswhatisgood.55)Andwhatdoeshehateandpunish?Hehatesandpunishestheevil.56)RepeatDan.9:7.“OLord,righteousnessbelongethuntothee.”57)AndagainDan.9:14.“TheLord,ourGodisrighteousinallhisworkswhichhedoeth.”58)WhenwelearnthatGodisjust,towhatshouldthismoveus?Itshouldmoveustoshunwhatisevil.59) And what comfort do we find in the righteousness of God, over

against the wicked world which so often misjudges and condemns us

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innocently?ReadforananswerPs.103:6.“TheLordexecutethrighteousnessandjudgmentforallthatareoppressed.”60)WhichisthenextattributeofGod?Godismerciful.61)BythisismeantthatGodpitiesthosewhoareintrouble,asthegood

Samaritanpitiedthepoormanwhofellamongthieves.But,aboveall,Godpitiesuspoorsinners,andwhatdoeshismercymovehimtodo?

Itmoveshimtoforgiveusoursins.62)ReadEx.34:6-7.“TheLord,theLordGodmercifulandgracious,long-suffering,andabundant

ingoodnessandtruth,keepingmercyforthousands,andforgivinginiquityandtransgressionandsin.”

60)AndtowhatshouldthismercyofGodleadus?GivemetheanswerbyreadingLuke6:36.

“Beyethereforemerciful,asyourFatheralsoismerciful.”64)WhenisthemercyofGodspeciallycomfortingtouspoorsinners?Whenwethinkofandaretroubledaboutoursins.65)WhichisthelastattributeofGodherementioned?Godistruthful.66)Whendoyousayofamanthatheistruthful?Whenhespeaksthetruth.67)Yes, orwhen he keeps his promises. And thisGod does, aswe see

fromPs.33:4.“ThewordoftheLordisrightandallhisworksaredoneintruth,”68)AlsofromHeb.6:18.“ItisimpossibleforGodtolie.”69)Menoftenmakepromiseswhichtheydonotkeep.Why?Becausetheydon’twantto.70)Yes,ortheremaybeanotherreason.Becausetheycan’t.71)Godnevermakesapromisewhichhedoesnotmeanorisnotableto

keep,andwhatdowecallhimonthataccount?Wecallhimtruthful.72)TowhatshouldthistruthfulnessofGodmoveus?Itshouldmoveustobetruthfulalso.73)AndbecauseGodistruthfulhowshouldweregardhispromises?Asperfectlyreliableandtrustworthy.

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Lesson42.TheTrinity.

(Question143-148.)

1)(143)“WhoisthetrueGod?”“GodtheFather,GodtheSon,andGodtheHolyGhost,threepersonsinone

essence.”2) In our last lesson we considered the being and attributes of God.

Whichquestiondidweanswer?Weansweredthequestion:“WhatisGod?”3)Andwithwhatquestiondoestoday’slessonbegin?Withthequestion:“WhoisthetrueGod?”4)Inanswertothequestion:“What?”youdescribeathing.Butwhatdo

youdescribeinanswertothequestion:“Who?”Wedescribeaperson.5)WhodiscoveredAmerica?ChristopherColumbusdiscoveredAmerica.6)WhowasthefirstpresidentoftheUnitedStates?GeorgeWashingtonwasthefirstpresidentoftheUnitedStates.7)Soyou see, thequestion“Who” requires apersonorpersons for its

answer.Whatdoesouranswertoquestion143sayastothedivinepersons?There are three persons, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy

Ghost.8)AndwhatelsedoesthisanswersayaboutGod?Itsaystherearethreepersonsinoneessence.9)Thereare threepersons,andyet there isbutoneGodandnot three

gods.Howmanytruegodsarethere?ThereisbutonetrueGod.10) (144) “WhatpassagesofholyScriptureprove that there isbut one

God?”ReadthefirstDeut.6:4.“Hear,OIsrael:theLordourGodisoneLord.”11)TowhatpeoplewasMosesherespeaking?HewasspeakingtoIsrael.

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12)AndwhatdoeshesayoftheGodofIsrael?HesaystheGodofIsraelisoneLord.13)HowdidIsraelinthisregarddifferfromtheheathennationsaround

them?Theheathennationshadmanygods.14)WhatdoestheapostlePaulsay1Cor.8:4.?“ThereisnoneotherGodbutone.”15)Thereareotherthingswhichmenfear,love,andtrustinasgods.But

thesethingsarenotreallygods.Whatarethey?Theyareidols.16)AndwhatdoesGodsayofallsuchidolsinthefirstcommandment?“Thoushalthavenoothergodsbeforeme.”17)WhatdoesSt.PaulsayEph.4:6.?“OneGodandFatherofall,whoisaboveall,andthroughall,andinyouall.”18)SotheSaviorhimselfsaysinhishighpriestlyprayer,John17:3.“Thisiseternallife,thattheymightknowthee,theonlytrueGod,andJesus

Christ,whomthouhastsent.”19)Thesameistaughtin1Tim.2:5.“ThereisoneGodandonemediatorbetweenGodandmen,theManChrist

Jesus.”20)AshowmanypersonshasGodrevealedHimself?Asthree.21)Godisone,andyetHeisthree.Heisoneinessenceorbeing,andyet

threepersons.Letmegiveyouawordwhichexpressesthisthought.WhenwewishtosaythatGodisoneandyetthree,wesaythatheistriune.Thiswordiscomposedofwhichtwosyllables?

Itiscomposedofthesyllables“tri”and“une.”22)What does the syllable “une” expresswhen usedwith reference to

God?ItsaysthatGodisone.23)Andwhatdoesthesyllable“tri”express?ItsaysthatGodisthree.24)Children,herewehaveagreatmystery,somethingwhichwecannot

understand. Yet we believe it because we find it plainly taught in theScriptures. Question 145 gives us the Scripture proof for this doctrine.Wheredowegetthisproof?

WegetitfromtheScriptures.

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25) (145)“Howdoyouprove that inonedivineessence thereare threepersons?”Whatisthefirstproof?

“At the baptism of Christ God reveals himself as Father, Son, and HolyGhost.”

26)YouwillfindthisbaptismofChristrecordedinMatt.3:16:17.“Jesus,whenHewasbaptized,wentupstraightwayoutofthewater:and,lo,

theheavenswereopeneduntohim,andhesawtheSpiritofGoddescendinglikeadove,andlightinguponhim:and,lo,avoicefromheaven,saying,ThisismybelovedSon,inwhomIamwellpleased.”

27)HowdidGodtheFathermakehimselfknownonthisoccasion?Hespokefromheavensaying:“ThisismybelovedSon,inwhomIamwell

pleased.”28)AndwherewasGodtheSon?Hestoodinthewater,beingbaptized.29)Wasthepersonwhocalledfromheaventhesamepersonwhostood

inthewater?No,hewasadifferentperson.30)AndwhatissaidoftheHolyGhost?Hedescendedlikeadoveandlightedonhim.31)Wasthispersonwhocamelikeadovethesamepersonwhostoodin

thewater?No,hewasadifferentperson.32)Washethesamepersonwhospokefromheaven?No,hewasadifferentperson.33)Howmanydistinctpersons,therefore,areherementioned?Threedistinctpersonsarementioned.34)Whichisthesecondprooffurnishedbyquestion145fromtheBible

thattherearethreepersonsinGod?“Christcommandstobaptizeallnations in thenameof theFather, theSon,

andtheHolyGhost.”35)YouwillfindthiscommandrecordedinMatt.28:19.Readit.“Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the

Father,andoftheSon,andoftheHolyGhost.”36)Inwhosenamearementobebaptized?InthenameoftheFather,Son,andHolyGhost.37)Thesethreenamesdonotapplytothesameperson,but theystand

forhowmanypersons?

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Theystandforthreepersons.38) If there were not three but only one person in God, how do you

supposethiscommandwouldread?BaptizetheminthenameofGod.39) Even in the Old Testament we find this doctrine of the Trinity

indicated,althoughitistaughtmoreplainlyintheNewTestament.Inmanypassages we find that God speaks of himself in the plural number, thusindicatingthatthereismorethanone.Letushearsomeofthesepassages,forinstanceGen.1:26.

“AndGodsaid,Letusmakemaninourimage,afterourlikeness.”40)SoalsoinGen.3:22.“AndtheLordGodsaid,Beholdthemanisbecomeasoneofus.”41)That thereare threepersons isalso indicated in theOldTestament

benediction,aswefinditrecordedinNum.6:22-26.“TheLord spake untoMoses, saying, speak untoAaron andunto his sons,

saying,onthiswiseyeshallblessthechildrenofIsrael,sayinguntothem:TheLordblesstheeandkeepthee:TheLordmakehisfaceshineuponthee,andbegraciousunto thee:TheLord lift uphis countenanceupon thee, andgive theepeace.”

42)Thesameis trueof theso-calledNewTestamentbenediction,aswefinditin2Cor.13:14.Readthepassage.

“ThegraceoftheLordJesusChrist,andtheloveofGod,andthecommunionoftheHolyGhost,bewithyouall.Amen.”

43) Each of these three persons is eternal, almighty, all-knowing,everywherepresent:thatis,hasallthedivineattributes.Inthisrespecttheyare all alike, and yet in other respects there is a difference between thesethreepersons.Thesedifferences let usnowconsider.What arewenow toconsider?

WearetoconsiderthedifferencesbetweenthethreepersonsoftheTrinity.44)(146)“WhoisGodtheFather?”“GodtheFatheristhefirstpersonoftheGodhead,whofrometernitybegat

theSonashisimage,andhascreatedallthings,preserves,andgovernsthem.”45)WhichpersonoftheholyTrinityisGodtheFather?GodtheFatheristhefirstpersonoftheGodhead.46)AndwhatissaidofhisrelationtotheSon?HefrometernitybegattheSonashisimage.47)SincewhendoesthisrelationexistbetweentheFatherandtheSon?

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Frometernity.48) Andwhat work is herementioned as the special work ofGod the

Father?Hehascreatedallthings,preserves,andgovernsthem.49)CanwesayofGodtheHolyGhostthathebegattheSon?No,wecannotsaythisoftheHolyGhost.50)OfwhomalonecanitbesaidthathebegattheSon?ItcanbesaidonlyoftheFather.51)(147)“WhoisGodtheSon?”“God theSon is the secondpersonof theGodhead,who isbegottenof the

Fatherfrometernity,hasassumedhumannatureandthusbecomeourRedeemerandMediator.”

52)WhichpersonoftheGodheadistheSon?HeisthesecondpersonoftheGodhead.53)InwhatrelationdoestheSonstandtotheFather?HewasbegottenoftheFatherfrometernity.54)Canwesay:theSonwasbegottenoftheHolyGhost?No,HewasbegottenoftheFather.55)Canwesay:HeproceedsfromtheFatherorfromtheHolyGhost?No,hewasbegottenoftheFather.56)AndwhatissaidoftheSonwithreferencetous?Heassumedhumannature,andthusbecameourRedeemerandMediator.57) Who assumed human nature; that is, became our brother, a true

humanbeing?GodtheSonbecameourbrother.58)CanwesayofGodtheHolyGhostthathebecameourbrother;that

is,atruehumanbeing?No,onlyGodtheSontookuponhimselfourhumannature.59)CanwesayofGodtheFatherthathebecameahumanbeing?No,thiscanbesaidonlyoftheSon.HealoneisourRedeemerandMediator.60)(145)“WhoisGodtheHolyGhost?”“GodtheHolyGhost is thethirdpersonoftheGodhead,whofrometernity

proceeds from the Father and the Son, and through the word and sacramentsregeneratesandsanctifiesus.”

61) In what relation does theHolyGhost stand to the Father and theSon?

HefrometernityproceedsfromtheFatherandtheSon.

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62)DoestheFatherproceedfromtheHolyGhost?No,theHolyGhostproceedsfromtheFather.63)DoestheSonproceedfromtheHolyGhost?No,theHolyGhostproceedsfromtheSon.64)AndwhatissaidoftheHolyGhostinreferencetous?Throughthewordandsacramentsheregeneratesandsanctifiesus.65)WhenIsaythefirstpersonisnamedtheFather,thesecondtheSon

andthethirdtheHolyGhost,whatdifferenceisthusexpressed?Adifferenceofname.66)WhenI say: theFatherbegat theSon, theSonwasbegottenof the

Father, and the Holy Ghost proceeds from the Father and the Son, thusgiving attributes which belong to each person separately, what kind ofdifferenceisthis?

Thisisadifferenceofpersonalattributes.67)AndwhenIsay:TheFathercreatedus,theSonredeemedus,andthe

HolyGhost sanctifies us, thusmentioningdistinctworks,whatdistinctiondoImake?

Idistinguishbetweentheirworks.68) Let us remember now that each of the three persons of the Holy

Trinity is instrumental inour salvation.Wemaysay:TheFatherplannedoursalvation,theSoncarrieditout,andtheHolyGhostappliesittousandenables us to enjoy it. To whom, therefore, are we indebted for oursalvation?

ToGodtheFather,GodtheSon,andGodtheHolyGhost.

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Lesson43.TheWillOfGod.

(Question149-150.)

1)WhatdidwelearnaboutGodinourlastlesson?WelearnedwhoGodis.2)Whatdidwelearninthetwolessonsbefore?WelearnedwhatGodisandwhathisattributesare.3)TellmewhatGodis.Godisaspirit.4)WhatkindofspiritisGod?God is a spirit who is eternal, almighty, all-knowing, everywhere present,

holy,righteous,mercifulandtruthful.5)Nowtellme:whoisthetrueGod?HeisthetriuneGod,Father,Son,andHolyGhost.6)Intoday’slessonwearetoconsidersomethingelseaboutGod.Whatis

thesubjectoftoday’slesson?Tellmefromquestion149.WearetoconsiderthewillofGod.7)(149)“WhatisthegraciouswillofGodtowardsus?”“Hiswillis,throughgraceforChrist’ssake,toforgiveusoursinsandtobe

ourmercifulFather.”8)WehavelearnedwhatagreatandmightybeingGodis.Thereforeitis

very important that we also learn what He wants of us and how he isdisposedtowardsus.WhatdoesGodsaytousinLev.19:2?

“Yeshallbeholy:forI,theLord,yourGodamholy.”9)Godisholyhimselfandwantsustobeholyalso.Butwhenweexamine

ourselvesinthelightofhiscommandments,whatdowefind?Wefindthatwearesinners.10)AndwhathasGodthreatenedtodowithsin?Hehasthreatenedtopunishit.11)WhichattributeofGodmoveshimtopunishsin?Hisrighteousness.

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12)Godhas,however,notonlymadeathreatconcerningsin;hehasalsogivenapromise.Whathashepromisedtodowithsin?

Toforgiveit.13)WhichattributeinGodmoveshimtoforgivesin?Hismercy.14)Yes,orwemightsay:hisgrace.Nowtellmefromquestion(notthe

answer)149,whatwillofGoditisthatwearetoconsider.Itisagraciouswill.15)WhatisthegraciouswillofGodwithreferencetooursins?Hiswillistoforgivethem.16)WhatwouldGodhaveaperfectrighttodowithoursin?Hewouldhaveaperfectrighttopunishit.17)Andthishealsodoeswiththeimpenitent.WhatdoesGodsayinthe

conclusionofthetencommandments?“I, theLord thyGod, ama jealousGod,visiting the iniquityof the fathers

uponthechildrenuntothethirdandfourthgenerationofthemthathateme.”18)Whatisthepunishmentofsin?Deathanddamnation.19)ReadwhatiswrittenPsalms7:11-1.3.“God is angrywith thewicked every day. If he turn not, hewill whet his

sword;hehathbenthisbow,andmadeitready.Hehathalsopreparedforhimtheinstrumentsofdeath;heordainethhisarrowsagainstthepersecutors.”

20)ButGodisnotonlyangrywiththewicked,heisalsomercifultowardthosewhorepentoftheirsins.ThisweseefromEzek.33:11.

“AsIlive,saiththeLordGod,Ihavenopleasureinthedeathofthewicked;butthatthewickedturnfromhiswayandlive.”

21)Godissoeagertohaveusunderstandthathedoesnotdelightinthedeathanddamnationofmen,thatheevenassuresusofthiswithanoath.Hesays:“asIlive.”Whatisitthathewouldsosolemnlyimpressuponus?

Thathehasnopleasureinthedeathofthewicked.22)Butratherwhatdoeshedesire?Thatthewickedturnfromhiswickednessandlive.23)Whenawickedmanturnsfromhiswickedness:thatis,repentsofhis

sins,whatistheresult?Heshalllive.24)Thatis,Godwillnotvisituponhimthejustconsequencesofhissins,

butforgivethem.ButhowisitpossibleforGodtoforgivesinswhenhehas

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threatenedtopunishthem?ThiswearetoldinthenextScripturepassageoftoday’slesson,namely,John

3:16.Repeatit.“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that

whosoeverbelievethinhimshouldnotperish,buthaveeverlastinglife.”25)WhatisheresaidofGod’sdispositiontowardtheworld?Godlovestheworld.26)WhatdidGod’slovetotheworldprompthimtodo?ItpromptedhimtogivehisonlybegottenSon.27)WhoisthisonlybegottenSonofGod?OurLordJesusChrist.28)GodgavethishisonlySontobeourbrother,tosufferanddieforus.

JesusChristborethepunishmentofthesinsoftheworld.AndnowwhatisGodwillingandabletodowithsinbecauseofJesus’sufferingsanddeath?

Toforgiveusoursins.29)ForwhosesakeisGodwillingtodothis?ForChrist’ssake.30)WhatissaidinthispassageofthosewhobelieveonHim?Theyshallnotperishbuthaveeverlastinglife.31)Whoshallnotperishbuthaveeverlastinglife?ThosewhobelieveinJesusChrist.32)SoalsoSt.PetertestifiestoCorneliusandhishousehold.Acts10:43.“To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever

believethinhimshallreceiveremissionofsins.”33)God isreadyandeager to forgive sins forChrist’s sake ifmenwill

only turn from theirwickedness. There is no reasonwhy a single humanbeingshouldbelost.Thisweseefrom1Tim.2:4.

“Whowillhaveallmentobesaved,andtocomeuntotheknowledgeofthetruth.”

34)Accordingtothispassage,whatisthegraciouswillofGod?Hiswillisthatallmenshouldbesaved.35)Andhealsotellsushowmenaretobesaved.Whatmustmenknow

tobesaved?Theymustknowthetruth.36)ThegreattruththatmenaretoknowistheblessedfactthatGodis

merciful,andforChrist’ssakeisreadytoforgivesin.ThistruthwecalltheGospel.WhatgreattruthdoestheGospelsetforth?

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ThegreattruththatGodforgivessinsforChrist’ssake.37) The same is told us by the apostle St. Peter in his second letter,

chapter3,verse9.“TheLordisnotslackconcerninghispromisesassomemencountslackness:

but is longsuffering tous-ward,notwilling that any shouldperish,but that allshouldcometorepentance.”

38)Allmenareindangerofperishingeverlastingly.Why?Becausetheyareallsinners.39)ButGodisnotindifferenttowardthissadandhorribledanger.What

doestheapostleheresayofGodinthisregard?HesaysthatGodisnotwillingthatanyshouldperish.40)Andwhatmustbedonethatmenmaynotperish?Theymustcometorepentance.41)Yes,thisistheonlywayinwhichmenmaybesavedfromeverlasting

damnation.ReadwhatSt.PaulsaysRom.11:32.“ForGodhathconcludedthemallinunbelief,thathemighthavemercyupon

all.”42)UponwhomhasGodmercy?Godhasmercyonall.43)Andwhatdoesthismercymovehimtodo?Itmoveshimtoforgivesins.44) And after he has forgiven us our sins, in what relation does he

proposetostandtowardus?Hewantstobeourmercifulfather.45)ReadPsalm103:13.“Like as a fatherpitiethhis children, so the theLordpitieth them that fear

him.”46)Howdoesafatherfeeltowardhischildrenwhentheyareintrouble?Hepitiesthem.47)Andwhatdoesthispitymovehimtodo?Itmoveshimtohelpthem.48)Sowereadaboutthefatheroftheprodigalson(Luke15:11-24.)How

didhisfatherreceivehimwhenhecamebackconfessinghissins?Hefelluponhisneckandkissedhim.49) Yes, he received him with joy. He did not remember his former

wickednessagainsthim.Hereceivedhimashisdearson,providedhimwithfood and clothing and took him into his house as though nothing had

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occurred. So God wants to be our gracious father. What does a fatherprovideforhischildren?

Heprovidesfood,clothing,andshelter.50)Yes.allthisandmoreGodiswillingtodoforus.Howimportantitis

thatwepoorsinnersknowthisandbelieveit!LetusnothavewrongnotionsofGod.WheremaywegettherightknowledgeofGod’swilltowardsus?

WegetitfromtheBible.51) Yes, in the holy Scriptures God has revealed himself unto us as a

mercifulfather.HowdidtheSaviorteachustoaddressGodintheLord’sPrayer?

Hetaughtustosay:“OurFather.”52)(150)“Butofwhatuseisthisknowledgeofthedivineessenceandwill

tous?”“Thatwemayfromitobtainthetruefaith,andthroughfaithbesaved.”53)Whatarewetoobtain?Wearetoobtainthetruefaith.54)Yes, and the true faith is the confidence that forChrist’s sakeGod

forgivessinsandisourmercifulfather.Andwhatistheblessedresultofthistruefaith?

Throughitwearesaved.55)SotheSaviorsaysJohn17.3.“Thisislifeeternal,thattheymightknowtheetheonlytrueGod,andJesus

Christ,whomthouhastsent.”

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TheFirstArticle

Lesson44.Faith.

(Question151-156.)

1)(151)“Repeatthefirstarticleofcreation.”“IbelieveinGodtheFatherAlmighty,Makerofheavenandearth.”2)“Whatdoesthismean?”“IbelievethatGodhasmademeandallcreatures;thathehasgivenmemy

bodyandsoul,eyes,ears,andallmymembers,myreasonandallmysenses,andstillpreserves them;alsoclothingandshoes,meatanddrink,houseandhome,wife and children, fields, cattle, and all my goods; that He richly and dailyprovidesmewithallthatIneedtosupportthisbodyandlife;thatHedefendsmeagainstalldanger,andguardsandprotectsmefromallevil;andallthispurelyoutoffatherly,divinegoodnessaridmercy,withoutanymeritorworthinessinme;forallwhichitismydutytothankandpraise,toserveandobeyHim.Thisismostcertainlytrue.”

3)Repeatthefirsttwowordsinthefirstarticle.“Ibelieve.”4)Whenwesay:Ibelieve,isthissingularorpluralnumber?Itisasingularnumber.5)Howwouldwesayinthepluralnumber?Wewouldsay:Webelieve.6(153)“Whydowesay:Ibelieve,andnot,webelieve?”“Becauseeachonemustbelieveforhimselfifhewouldbesaved.”7)Whatmustwedotobesaved?Wemustbelieve.8)ReadwhattheapostlesaysHeb.11:6.“Butwithoutfaithit is impossibletopleasehim:forhethatcomethtoGod

must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seekhim.”

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9)What,therefore,isitthatGodrequiresofus?Herequiresthatwebelieve.10)SotheSaviorhimselfalsosaysMark16:16.“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, but he that believeth not

shallbedamned.”11) Now, this faith must be a personal matter. Each must believe for

himself.SotheprophetHabakkuksayschapter2verse4.“Thejustshalllivebyhisfaith.”12)That is,notby the faithofanother.WhatGodoffersus eachmust

takeforhimself.Canonemaneatordrinkorsleepforanother?No,hecannot.13)IfIamhungry,whomusteatifIamtobefed?Youyourselfmusteat.14)Ifyouarethirsty,whomustdrink inorderthatyourthirstmaybe

quenched?Imyselfmustdrink.15)Ifamanistiredandsleepy,whomustrestandsleepinorderthathe

mayberefreshed?Themanhimself.16) One man, therefore, can not believe for another. If a man have a

believingwife,herfaithwillnotsavehim;but,ifheistobesaved,whomustbelieve?

Hehimselfmustbelieve.17)Whatmusteverymanbeabletosayoffaithifitistosavehim?Hemustbeabletosay:Ibelieve.18)ThiswasthecasewithSt.Paul,asweseefrom2Tim.1:12.“NeverthelessIamnotashamed;forIknowwhomIhavebelieved,andam

persuadedthatheisabletokeepthatwhichIhavecommitteduntohimagainstthatday.”

19)Faithmustexpressapersonalconviction.HowdidSt.Paulexpressthisinthepassageyouhavejustread?

Hesays:“IknowwhomIhavebelieved.”20)(145)“Whatismeanthereby:tobelieve?”“Tobelievemeansnotonlytoholdthattobetruewhichwehaveheard,but

likewisetoputourconfidenceinit.”21)YoubelievethatonthewestcoastoftheUnitedStatesthereisacity

calledSanFrancisco.Whydoyoubelievethis?

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BecauseIlearneditfromGeography.22)Youneversawthiscity,andyetyoubelieve it is there,becauseyou

havebeensotold.Youneverwouldhaveknownitunlesssomeonehadtoldyou.Howmayweknowthingswithoutseeingthemourselves?

Whenotherstellus.23)Yes,andbyfarthegreaterpartofourknowledgeisofthiskind.Tellmefromtheanswertoquestion1.54howweknowthethingswhichwe

believeasChristians.Wehaveheardthem.24)SotheapostlesaysRom.10:14.“HowshalltheybelieveinHimofwhomtheyhavenotheard?”25)Therefore,beforewecanbelieveintheSavior,whatisnecessary?WemusthearofHim.26)WhydonottheheathenbelieveintheSavior?BecausetheyhavenotheardofHim.27)Now,itdependsagreatdealuponourinformantwhetherwebelieve

hiswordornot.Whenamanisknowntobea liar,howwouldweregardanythinghesays?

Wewouldnotbelievewhathesays.28) But when an honest, trustworthyman tells us a thing, how dowe

regardit?Webelieveit.29)SotheapostlesaysinthefirstepistleofSt.John,chapter5,verse9,:“Ifwereceivethewitnessofmen,thewitnessofGodisgreater:Forthisis

thewitnessofGodwhichhehathtestifiedofhisSon.”30) If we believe what trustworthy men say, much more should we

receivewhoseword?MuchmoreshouldwereceiveGod’sword,histestimony.31)AndwheredoesGodtelluswhatwearetobelieve?HetellsusintheBible.32)WhatistheBible?TheBibleisGod’sword.33)AndhowshouldweregardeverythingwhichtheBibleteaches?Weshouldregarditasabsolutelytrue.34)WhatdoestheSaviorsayofGod’swordJohn17:17.?“Thywordistruth.”35)NowrepeatJohn3:36.

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“HethatbelievethnottheSonshallnotseelife.”36)When the Savior speaks to us inHisword, how shouldwe regard

whathesays?Weshouldbelievehim.37)ButwhatdoestheSaviorheresayofhimwhodoesnotbelievehim?Heshallnotseelife.38) Thomas did not at first believe the report of the Savior’s

resurrection.Hewanted to see before hewouldbelieve.Butwhat did theSaviorhimselfsaytohim?John20:29.

“Thomas,becausethouhastseenmethouhastbelieved,blessedaretheythathavenotseenandyethavebelieved.”

39)ThethingswhichwebelieveasChristianswebelievenotbecauseweseethem.Tellmesomeofthethingswhichwedonotseeandyetbelieve.

WedonotseeGodandyetwebelieveinHim,Wedonotseeheavenandyetwebelievethereisaheaven.

40)RepeatHeb.11:1.“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not

seen.”41)OurChristianfaithhastodonotwithvisiblebutwithwhatkindof

things?Withthingsnotseen,invisiblethings.42)Itdealsnotonlywiththingsthatarepresent,butalsowithwhatkind

ofthings?Withthingshopedfor.43)Yes,and these invisible thingsare justas realas the thingswe see;

andthefuturethingsarejustastrueasthethingswhicharepresent.HowthenshouldweregardthatwhichwehearfromthewordofGod?

Weshouldregarditasreliableandtrue.44)NotonlymustwehearandregardastruewhatGodtellsus,butwhat

isthelastandchiefpartoffaithaccordingtoquestion154?ThatweputourconfidenceinGodandwhathetellsus.45)Whenyousayofacertaindoctor:Ihavenofaithinhim,whatdoyou

mean?Imean,Idonottrusthim.46) Or if you say of another: I have great faith in him, what do you

mean?

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I mean, I consider him a good doctor, I have confidence in him and amwillingtoentrustmyselftohiscare.

47)Yes, and that is justwhatwemeanwhenwe say: Ibelieve inGod,onlythatwetrusthimmorethanwetrustanyman.Givemeanotherwordforthewordbelieve.

Itrust,Idependupon,Ihaveconfidencein.48)When the scriptures say of Abraham, Gen. 15:6, that he believed

God.whatdotheymean?Theymean,AbrahamtrustedinGod.hehadconfidenceinHim,hedepended

uponhim.49)(155)“WhatdoesitmeantobelieveinGodtheFather,Son,andHoly

Ghost?”“ToholdhimalonetobethetrueGod,andtoputourconfidenceinHimand

hispromises.”50) Look at question (not answer) 155 and tell me what little word is

printedinitalics?Thelittleword“in”.51)We are not simply to believe that there is a god. There are some

peoplefoolishenoughnottobelieveeventheexistenceofGod.WhatdotheScripturessayofsuchpeople?Ps.14:1.

“Thefoolhathsaidinhisheart,thereisnoGod.”52)WhatdotheScripturescallsuchaman?Theycallhimafool.53)Butwearenot simply tobelieve that there isaGod.Thiseven the

Devilbelieves,asweseefromJames2:19.“ThoubelievestthatthereisoneGod;thoudoestwell:thedevilsalsobelieve,

andtremble.”54)ThedevilsbelievethatthereisaGod.Buttheyhavenoconfidencein

him, infact, theapostletellsustheveryopposite is thecase.HowdotheyregardGod?

Theytrembletheyareafraidofhim.55)Yes,theytrembleatthethoughtofHisjustice.Theydonotbelievein

God.ButwebelieveinGod.AndwhoistheGodinwhomwebelieve?HeisGodtheFather,Son,andHolyGhost.56)Andwhatdoweholdhimtobe?WeholdhimtobetheonlytrueGod.57)Andwhatelsedoesthislittleword“in”express?

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Itexpressesthatweputourconfidenceinhimandhispromises.58) How does Luther express this in his explanation of the first

commandment?“Weshouldfear,love,andtrustinGodaboveallthings.”59) (156) “Why do you say in the first article: I believe in God the

Father?”“BecausethefirstpersonintheGodheadisnotonlytheFatherofourLord

JesusChrist,butthroughHimalsoourFather.”60)AshowmanypersonshasGodrevealedhimself?Asthree.61)Whichisthefirstperson?GodtheFatheristhefirstperson.62)WhosefatheristhefirstpersonoftheGodhead?HeisthefatherofourLordJesusChrist.63)ThisweseeplainlyfromEph.3:14:15.“ForthiscauseIbowmykneesuntotheFatherofourLordJesusChrist,of

whomthewholefamilyinheavenandearthisnamed.”64)ButGodtheFatherisnotonlythefatherofourLordJesusChrist,

butthroughHimHeisalsowhosefather?HeisalsoourFather.65) If Christ is our brother, andGod is Christ’s Father, then in what

relationdoesGodstandtous?HeisourFather.66)SowereadJohn8:12.“ButasmanyasreceivedHim,tothemgaveHepowertobecomethesonsof

God,eventothemthatbelieveonhisname.”67)WhatisheresaidofthosewhoreceiveChrist,thatis,believeonHis

name?TothemGodgavepowertobecomethesonsofGod.68)Likewiseinthe103rdPsalm,verse13,GodiscalledourFather.“Likeasafatherpitiethhischildren,sotheLordpitieththemthatfearhim.”69) What a comforting truth this is that the great God is our dear

Father!AndthroughwhomdoesGodenterintothisrelationwithus?ThroughourLordJesusChrist.70)Only thosewho acknowledgeChrist to be their Lord, that is, true

Christians, can truly regardGodas theirFather.Readwhat iswrittenofChristJohn1:14.

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“TheWordwasmadeflesh,anddweltamongus,andwebeheldhisglory,thegloryasoftheonlybegottenSonoftheFather,fullofgraceandtruth.”

71)ChrististheonlybegottenSonofGod.Heis,sotospeak,bynaturetheSonofGod.AndwhoarethesonsofGodbyadoption?

ChristiansarethesonsofGodbyadoption.72)Andthisisagreathonor,aswereadin1John3:1.“Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we

shouldbecalledthesonsofGod.”

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Lesson45.Creation.

(Question157-159.)

1)WhatdowecallGodinthefirstarticleoftheCreed.WecallhimFather.2)WhichattributeofGoddowementioninthisarticle?WecallGodalmighty.3)(157)"Whydoweadd:almighty?“Because in creation, which is especially ascribed to the Father, the

omnipotenceofGodaboveallmostgloriouslymanifesteditself.”4) To which person of the Trinity is the work of creation especially

ascribed?ToGodtheFather.5)WhatdoesitmeanwhenIsayGodisalmighty?Thathecandowhatsoeverhewills.6)InwhichwayespeciallydidGodshowthatheisalmighty?Intheworkofcreation.7)ReadRom.1:20.“For the invisible things of him from the creation of theworld are clearly

seen,beingunderstoodbythethingsthataremade,evenhiseternalpowerandGodhead.”

8)Godhimselfisinvisible.Wecannotseehim,butwhatcanwesee?Wecanseehisworks.9)Andwhatdotheseworksshow?TheyshowhiseternalpowerandGodhead.10)Letmegiveyouanexampleofsomethinginnaturewhichwecannot

see,thoughwecanseeitseffects.Whatisitthatdrivesourstreetcars?Itiselectricity.11)Canyouseeelectricity?No,wecannotseeit.12)Butwhatcanyouseeinconnectionwithit?Wecanseewhatitdoes,howitworks.

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13)ReadPs.104:24.“OLord,howmanifoldare thyworks!Inwisdomhast thoumadethemall:

andtheearthisfullofthyriches.”14)WhatisheresaidoftheworksofGod?Theyaremanifold.15)Children,lookaroundyouandseetheendlessvarietyofplantsand

animalsontheearth;theendlessnumberofstarsintheheavens;theendlessvarietyoffishinthesea.HowisGodsaidtohavemadeallthesethings?

Hemadethemallinwisdom.16)Whatawisearrangementitisthatdayandnightfolloweachother,

that the seasons come and go in their order, that every plant has its ownseed,thateveryanimalproducesitsownkind,thateveryplantandanimalfindsjustthosethingsandconditionswhicharenecessaryforitsexistence.Whenweseeafineclockorpieceofmachineryandobservehowaccuratelyeverypartfitsintotheotherandintothewhole,andhowwell itperformsitswork,whatareweledtoadmireintheworkmanwhomadeit?

Weareledtoadmirehisskill.17) For the same reason, which of his attributes should God’s works

promptustoadore?Weshouldadorehiswisdom.18) (158)“Whatbenefactionsareenumerated intheexplanationof this

article?”“Two: first, the creation of all things; and second, their preservation and

government,orprovidence.”19)Whichisthefirstsubjectwhichwearetoconsiderinconnectionwith

thisarticle?Thecreationofallthings.20) Suppose you were looking at a beautiful building, and some one

would say: this building has always been.Whatwould you say of such astatement?

Ishouldsay:itisnottrue.21)Andwhy?Because the building must have had a beginning, it can not have existed

always.22)Andsupposesomeonewouldsayofthisbuilding:itwasnotmade,it

justcameofitself.Whatwouldyousayofthisstatement?Iwouldsay.Itisnottrue.

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23)Andwhy?Becausenothingcomesofitself.Someonemusthavemadethebuilding.24)NowreadHeb.3:4.“Foreveryhouseisbuildedbysomeman;buthethatbuiltallthingsisGod.”25)WhatdowecallGodtheFatherinthisfirstarticle?WecallhimtheMakerofheavenandearth.26)(159)“Why,then,doyoucallGodtheFather:Creatorofheavenand

earth?”“BecauseHebyhisalmightyWordcalledallthingsintobeing.”27)WhatdidGodtheFatherdo?Hecalledallthingsintobeing.28)SowereadintheveryfirstsentenceoftheBible.Readit.“InthebeginningGodcreatedtheheavenandtheearth.”29)Herewe have a plain statement of the fact that theworld did not

alwaysexist,butwhatissaidoftheworld?Theworldwascreated.30)We also have a plain statement of the fact that the world did not

comeofitself.WhatissaidhereofGodveryplainly?ThatGodcreatedtheheavenandtheearth.31)Nowletusseewhatitmeanstocreateathing.Whatdoesthisanswer

toquestion159saythatGoddidwithallthings?Hecalledallthingsintobeing.32)Thatis,hemadethingstobethathadnotexistedbefore.Tocreatea

thingmeanstocallitintobeing.Acarpentermaymakeahouse,butwhatmusthehavebeforehecanmakeit?

Hemusthavewood,stone,glass,iron,andallthematerialoutofwhichthehouseismade.

33)ButwhenGodmadetheworld,whatwastherethathecoulduse?Therewasnothing.34)Bywhatworddowe express this idea ofmaking something out of

nothing?Bytheword“create.”35)Forexample,whilstatailorcanmakeacoat,whatexpressionwould

bemisleading?Hecancreateacoat.36)Mencanmakethings, that is, theycantakematerialandfashionit

into buildings, garments, works of art, and the like; but who alone can

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create,thatis,makesomethingoutofnothing?Godalonecandothis.37)ReadHeb.11:3.“Through faithweunderstand that theworldswere framedby theWordof

God,sothatthingswhichareseenwerenotmadeofthingswhichdoappear.”38)Howweretheworldsframed,thatis,made?TheworldswereframedbytheWordofGod.39)WhenGodwantedlightwhatwastheonlythingnecessaryforhimto

do?ReadGen.1:3.“Godsaid:lettherebelight.”40)Hesimplysaid:lettherebelight,andwhatwastheresult?Therewaslight.41)WhenGodcallsathing,itishiswordthatmakesit.ReadPs.33:9.“ForHespakeanditwasdone;hecommandedanditstoodfast.”42)What kind of awordmust that be by themere speaking ofwhich

thingsarecalledintobeing?Analmightyword.43)AndwhatthingsdidGodthuscreate,orcallintobeing?Hecalledallthingsintobeing.44)ReadJohn1:3.“Allthingsweremadebyhim,andwithouthimnothingwasmadethatwas

made.”45)WhendidGodmakeheavenandearth?Tellmefromthefirstverse

oftheBible.“Inthebeginning.”46)Andthiswasabout6000yearsago.Nowreadthesecondverseinthe

Bible.“Theearthwaswithoutformandvoid;anddarknesswasonthefaceof the

deep,andtheSpiritofGodmoveduponthefaceofthewaters.”47)Goddidnotcreatetheworld inaninstant,althoughhemighthave

doneso.Hecreatedtheworldinacertaintimeandinacertainorder.Firsthemadethematerialoutofwhichtheearthwastobeformed.Thismaterialatfirstwasanorderlessandshapelessmass.Howlongthisconditionlastedwearenottold,butinduetimeGodbroughtorderoutofconfusion.InhowmanydaysdidGodmakeheavenandearth?

Insixdays.48)SowereadEx.20:11.

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“ForinsixdaystheLordmadeheavenandearth,thesea,andallthatinthemis,andrestedontheseventhday.”

49)NowturntoGen.1,andtellmefromverses1to5whatGodmadeonthefirstday?

Hemadelightonthefirstday.50)Tellmefromverses6to8whatGodmadeonthesecondday.Hemadethefirmamentonthesecondday.51)Yes,hedividedthethingsabovefromthethingsbelow.Heseparated

the earth from the sky. Now tell me from verses 9 to 1.3: what did Godmakeonthethirdday?

Heseparatedthelandfromthewater.52)Andafterthedrylandhadappeared,whatdidGodcausetheearth

tobringforth?Godcausedtheearthtobringforthgrass,herbsandfruit-trees.53)Tellmefromverses14to19:whatdidGodmakeonthefourthday?Hemadethesun,moon,andstars.54)Tellmefromverses20to23:whatdidGodmakeonthefifthday?Hemadefishandbirdsonthefifthday.55)Nowtellme fromverses24 to28:whatdidGodmakeon thesixth

day?Hemadeanimalsandhumanbeings.56)WhichwasthelastthingthatGodmade?ThelastthingthatGodmadewasman.57)AfterGodhadmade theworld,howdidheregard theworkofhis

hands?Tellmefromverse10.“Godsawthatitwasgood.”58)Thesamewefindwithreferencetohisotherworks,asweseefrom

verses12:18:21:25.and31.Therefore,whatkindofacreationmustithavebeensinceaperfectGodwassatisfiedwithandfounditgood?

Itmusthavebeenaperfectcreation.59)NowreadGen.2:1.“Thustheheavensandtheearthwerefinished,andallthehostofthem.”60)Whatisheresaidoftheheavenandtheearth?Itissaidthattheywerefinished.61)Thatis, itwasalldone, itwascomplete.Andnothingnewhasbeen

made since. No new kinds of creatures have been created since this

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beginning of things. Neither did one kind of plant or animal grow, ordevelop,outofanother.WhatissaidofplantsGen.1:12?

“Theearthbroughtforthgrass,andherbyieldingseedafterhiskind,andthetreeyieldingfruit,whoseseedwasinitself,afterhiskind.”

62)AndwhatdidGodsayoffishandfowlsverse22.“Godblessedthem,saying,befruitful,andmultiply,andfillthewatersinthe

seas,andletthefowlsmultiplyintheearth.”63)AndwhatdidGodsayofthebeasts?Verse25.“Godmadethebeastoftheearthafterhiskind,andcattleaftertheirkind,and

everythingthatcreepethupontheearthafterhiskind.”64)Godmadeeverythingafteritskind,andthesekindsarefixed.There

maybeanendlessvarietyofonekind.So theremaybemanyvarietiesofpotatoes, but they are always potatoes. There may be many varieties ofcabbage,butitisallcabbage.Theremaybemanyvarietiesofdogs,buttheyarealldogs.Theremaybemanyvarietiesofhorses,buttheyareallhorses.There is not a particle of evidence that one kind ever grew into, ordeveloped, into an other kind. And why can there never be such adevelopment?

BecauseGodatcreationmadeandfixedthekinds.65) Read Rev. 4:11. “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and

honorandpower,forthouhastcreatedallthings,andforthypleasuretheyareandwerecreated.”

66)NowletusseewhatobjectGodhadinmakingtheworld.ReadwhatiswrittenPs.19:1.

“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth hishandiwork.”

67)Hemadetheworldforhisownglory.WhatgloriousattributesdoesthecreationoftheworldshowuswithreferencetoGod?

Itshowsushispowerandwisdom.68)Yes,anditshowsalsohisgoodness.ReadwhatiswrittenPs.115:16.“Theheavens,eventheheavens,aretheLord’s:buttheearthhathhegivento

thechildrenofmen.”69)TowhomdidtheLordgivetheearth?Tothechildrenofmen.70)Sowereadinthestoryofcreation,Gen.1:29.“AndGodsaid,behold Ihavegivenyoueveryherbbearing seed,which is

upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in which is the fruit of a tree

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yieldingseed;toyouitshallbeformeat.”71) For our sakes God made heaven and earth. For whose use and

serviceiseverythingintheworld?Fortheuseofman.72)Heprepared theworldasourdwelling-place,and furnished itwith

an endless variety of creatures for our use. Now tell me from Luther’sexplanationofthefirstarticlewhatinducedGodtodothis?

“Allthispurelyoutoffatherly,divinegoodnessandmercy,withoutanymeritorworthinessinme.”

73)Andnowtellmefromthesameexplanationwhatweowehimforthisgoodness.

“Forallwhichitismydutytothankandpraise,toserveandobeyhim.”

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Lesson46.GoodAngels.

(Question160-163.)

1)Whocreatedheavenandearth?Godcreatedheavenandearth.2)Whatdoesitmeantocreateathing?Itmeanstomakeitoutofnothing,tocallitintobeing.3)Whatpartofspeechistheword“create”?Itisaverb.4)Formanounoutofthisverb.Creator.5) Creator is the one who creates. But what is that which he creates

called?Itiscalledacreature.6)(160)“Whatdoweaccordinglyunderstandbycreature?”“EverythingthatGodcreated,whethervisibleorinvisible.”7)Accordingtothis,howmanykindsofthingsdidGodmake?Hemadetwokindsofthings,visibleandinvisible.8)ThisweseefromCol.1:16.Repeatthepassage.“Forbyhimwere all things created, that are in theheaven, and that are in

earth,visibleandinvisible.”9)Whatarevisiblecreatures?Theyarecreaturesthatwecansee.10)Mentionsomeofthese.Hills,rivers,grass,trees,flowers,animals,birds,cloudsandstars.11)ButthisisnotallofGod’screation.Besidesthesevisible,whatother

creaturesdidhemake?Healsomadeinvisiblecreatures.12)Whatareinvisiblecreatures?Creaturesthatwecannotsee.13)Yes,andthesearejustasrealasthethingswesee.Thefactthatwe

cannotseethemisnoproofthattheydonotexist.God’swordplainlysays

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thathecreatednotonlythethingsthatareintheearth,butalsowhatotherthings?

Thethingsthatareintheheaven.14)Notonlydidhemakevisiblethings,butwhatotherthings?Healsomadethingsinvisible.15)(161)“Whicharethechiefcreatures?”“Angelsandmankind.”16)Whichofthesearevisible?Mankind.17)Andwhichareinvisible?Angels.18)(162)“Howmanykindsofangelsarethere?”“Two:goodandbad.”19)(163)“Whataregoodangels?”“Good angels are holy and blessed spirits,who ever praiseGod, fulfill his

command,andprotectthejust.”20)Tellmefromthisanswer:whatkindofbeingsaregoodangels?Theyarespirits.21)WhatdoestheSaviorsayofaspirit,Luke24:39?“Aspirithathnotfleshandbonesasyeseemehave.”22)Angels, because they are spirits, have not flesh and bones; that is,

theyhavenobodies.Usuallyangelsarepicturedinhumanformwithwings.Butthis isonlyapictorialrepresentation.Sometimesangelshaveassumedhumanforminorderthattheymightbeseenofmen.InthisformtheangelsappearedtoAbrahamontheoccasionwhenGodwantedtotellhimofthecomingdestructionofSodomandGomorrah.Gen.18:1-22.WhowerethemenwhichappearedtoAbrahamonthisoccasion?

Theywereangels.23)Hereangelsassumedhumanformforashorttime.Angels,however,

arenotbodilycreatures,butwhat?Angelsarespirits.24) In connection with which subject have we already considered the

word“spirit”?Whenweconsideredthequestion:WhatisGod?25)Whatanswercanyougivetothisquestion?Godisaspirit.

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26)Yes,andtheangelsarespirits.ButthereisagreatdifferencebetweenGodandtheangels.WhomadeGod?

Godwasnotmade.Heiseternal.27)Whomadetheangels?Godmadetheangels.28)ThenwhatdifferenceistherebetweenGodandtheangelsastotheir

origin?Godisanuncreatedspirit,whiletheangelsarecreatedspirits.29)Nowwhatkindofspiritsdoesouranswersaythegoodanglesare?Theyareholyandblessedspirits.30)Whatdowemeanbysayingthegoodangelsareholy?Theyarepure,perfect,withoutsin.31)RepeatwhattheSaviorsaysofgoodangelsMatt.18:10.“TheirangelsdoalwaysbeholdthefaceofmyFatherwhichisinheaven.”32) They stand beforeGod, beholding his face. But onlywhat kind of

beingscanstandbeforetheholyGodandbeholdhisface?Onlyholybeings.33)Sothegoodangelswerecreated,andsotheyhaveremained.Butour

answernotonlysaystheyareholy,butwhatelseissaidofgoodangels?Theyareblessed.34)Thatmeanstheyarehappy.Nowletusseewhattheiremploymentis.

Accordingtoouranswer163,whatisthefirstthingtheydo?TheyeverpraiseGod.35)RepeatPs.103:20.“Bless the Lord ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his

commandments,hearkeninguntothevoiceofhisword.”36)“Bless theLord,”heremeans:praise theLord.Canyou thinkofa

caseinwhichthemultitudeoftheheavenlyhost,thatis,theangels,praisedGodhereonearth?

AtthebirthoftheSavior.37)WhatdidtheysayorsingtothepraiseofGod?Luke2:13.“GlorytoGodinthehighest,andonearthpeace,goodwilltowardmen.”38)Thisisoneofthefinesthymnsofpraisethatwaseveruttered.And

bywhomwasitspokenorsung?Bytheangels.39)But theOldTestament also tells us about the angels praisingGod.

ReadIsa.6:1-3,andtellmewhathymndidtheSeraphim,—thatis,ahigh

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orderofangels,sing?“Holy,Holy,HolyistheLordofHosts:thewholeearthisfullofhisglory.”40)SoweshouldlearnfromtheangelstosingandpraiseGod,andwhen

weonceget toheavenwewill join in their songsofpraise.Now letus seewhatelsedogoodangelsdo.

TheyfulfillGod’scommand.41) The word “angel” means a messenger. For this reason angels are

picturedwithwings, to indicate that they are quick to doGod’s bidding;theyfly,asitwere,onhiserrands.WhatissaidoftheemploymentofgoodangelsinPs.103:20?

“Theydohiscommandments,hearkeninguntothevoiceofhisword.”42) Let us now see some instances in which the angels acted asGod’s

messengers.WhowasitthatactedasGod’smessengerwhenHewantedtotellZachariasthathiswifeElizabethshouldbearhimason?Luke1:11-19.

TheangelGabriel.43)And towhomwas this sameangel sent sixmonths later, to tellher

thatshewastobethemotheroftheSavior?Luke1:26-33.TothevirginMary.44)SoGoduses theangelsashismessengers.Butouranswer163also

tells us that they have something special to dowith reference to the just.Whatisit?

Theyprotectthejust.45)SowereadHeb.1:14.“Aretheynotministering”spirits,sentforthtoministerforthemwhoshallbe

heirsofsalvation?"46)Whatarethegoodangelsherecalled?Theyarecalledministeringspirits.47)Thatmeansspiritswhoserve.Andwhomdotheyserve?Theyservethosewhoshallbeheirsofsalvation.48)Andwhoshallbeheirsofsalvation?Thejust,thosewhotrulybelieveintheSavior.49)NowreadPs.91:11:12.“Forheshallgivehisangelschargeoverthee, tokeeptheeinall thyways.

Theyshallbeartheeupintheirhands,lestthoudashthyfootagainstastone.”50)ReadalsoPs.34:7.“Theangelof theLordencampethabout themthat fearhim,anddelivereth

them.”

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51)Nowletusalsoseesomeexamplesofhowtheangelsprotectthejust.ReadwhatDanielsaysDan.6:22.

“MyGodhathsenthisangel,andhathshutthelions’mouths,thattheyhavenothurtme.”

52)WhatwasdonewithDanielbecausehewouldnot ceasepraying toGod?

Hewasthrownintothelions’den.53)AndhowdidGodprotecthiminthisgreatdanger?Hesenthisangeltoshutthelions’mouths.54)WhenwickedkingHerodundertooktokilltheinfantSavior,howdid

theLordwarnJosephofthedanger?Matt.2:13.Hesenthisangel,andtoldhimtofleeintoEgyptwiththechild.55)WhenPeterwasinprisonandindangeroflosinghislife,howwashe

delivered?Acts12:5-11.Godsentanangeltoleadhimout.56) In the life of the Savior the angels very frequently acted as his

servants.WhatissaidoftheangelsinreferencetoChristimmediatelyafterhistemptationinthewilderness?

Matt.4:11.Theangelscameandministereduntohim.57)Howwasheservedbyanangelduringhisgreatagonyinthegarden

ofGethsemane?Luke 22:43. “There appeared an angel unto him from heaven and

strengthenedhim.”58)SotheangelsaresentbyGodtoprotecthischildren.Theyareour

unseen guardians. Even in death they are near us and ready to bear oursoulstoheaven,aswelearnfromthestoryofpoorLazarus.WhatissaidofhimLuke16:22?

“It came to pass that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels intoAbraham’sbosom.”

59)Andwhen the Savior comes again at the end of days to judge theworld,whowillbewithhim?

Matt.25:31.Alltheholyangels.60)Children,letusthankGodthathemadetheangelstobeourunseen

servants.Letusendeavortobepureandholyastheyare.LetuscheerfullydothewillofGodastheydo.

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Lesson47.BadAngels.

(Question164.)

1) Howmany kinds of creatures did Godmake according to question160?

Hemadetwokindsofcreatures,visibleandinvisible,2)Whoaretheinvisiblecreatures?Theinvisiblecreaturesaretheangels.3)Howmanykindsofangelsarethere?Question162.Therearetwokindsofangels,goodandbad.4)InourlastlessonweconsideredwhattheBiblesaysaboutgoodangels.

Whatisthesubjectoftoday’slesson?Thesubjectoftoday’slessonisbadangels.5)(164)“Whatarebadangels?”“BadangelsarespiritswhohavefallenfromGod,and,asHisswornenemies,

strivetooffendHimanddeceiveman.”6)Whatkindofbeingsarebadangels?Badangelsarespirits.7)Likegoodangels, theyhavenomaterialbodies.Theyare sometimes

representedinhumanform,havingthewingsofabat,withatailandhorns.Allthisissimplytorepresentthehatefulnessandwickednessofbadangels.Accordingtoouranswer,whatgreatchangedidthebadangelsundergo?

TheyfellfromGod.8)Thenwheremusttheyoriginallyhavebeen?TheymusthavebeenwithGod.9)Andasonly thatwhich ispureandholyandgoodcanbewithGod,

whatmustthebadangelshavebeenbeforetheyfellfromGod?Theymusthavebeengoodandholy.10)Whomadeallthingsinheavenandonearth?Godmadeallthings.11)AndwhatarewetoldinGen.1:31.concerningeverythingthatGod

hadmade?

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“Godsaweverythingthathehadmade,andbehold,itwasverygood.”12)How,inconsequence,mustthebadangelshavebeenwhentheywere

created?Theymusthavebeenverygood.13)Yes, theywere very good.Godmade only good angels. But not all

angelsremainedasGodhadmadethem.Whatissaidinourquestion164ofbadangels?

TheyfellfromGod.14)SowereadintheEpistleofJude,verse6.“Theangelswhichkeptnottheirfirstestate,butlefttheirhabitation,hehath

reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the greatday.”

15)Whatareweheretoldthatsomeangelsdidnotkeep?Theykeptnottheirfirstestate.16)Thatis,theydidnotremainasGodmadethem.Andwhatissaidof

theirhabitation?Theylefttheirhabitation.17)Theirhabitation,orhome,washeaven.Thistheyleft.Forafterthey

becamebad,theycouldnotremaininthepresenceofGod.WhatdoestheSaviorsayoftheDevil,John8:44?

“Yeareofyour father theDevil,and the lustsofyour fatheryewilldo:hewasamurdererfromthebeginning,andabodenotinthetruth,becausethereisnotruthinhim.Whenhespeakethalie,hespeakethofhisown:forheisaliar,andthefatherofit,”

18)Hewasinthetruth,thatis,truthfulatfirst,buthedidnotremainashewas.When thedevil fell fromGod,who ispureandholy,whatdidhebecome?

Hebecamewicked.19)Nowread1John3:8.“He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the

beginning.”20) In these passages we are told that the devil sinned from the

beginning,thathewasthefirstonetosin.Sinhaditsbeginninginhim.Andnow,whomdoallfollowwhosin?

Theyfollowthedevil.21)We are not told what special sin the devil committed, but this we

knowthatthebadangelsdidnotfallintosinbecausetheycouldnothelpit.

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Howthen,cametheytosin?TheysinnedandfellfromGodoftheirownfreewill.22)Tellme from our question 164: inwhat relation do the bad angels

nowstandtoGod?Theyarehisswornenemies.23)Whatweretheybeforetheyhadsinned?Theywerehisfriends.24)Butnowtheyarewhat?Theyarehisenemies.25)TheynolongerloveGodastheydidatfirst,butwhatdotheydo?TheyhateGod.26)OuranswersaystheyarewhatkindofenemiesofGod?Theyareswornenemies.27)Thatis,theynevercanorwillbeanythingelsebutenemies.Allmenarebynaturesinnersand, insofar,God’senemies.Butmancanbe

changedfromanenemyintoafriendandchildofGod.ThisisdonebyfaithinJesusChristourSavior.Butnosuchchangecanever takeplacewith thedevilandhisangels.Whatwilltheyalwaysremain?

TheywillalwaysremainenemiesofGod.28)Yes, thiswemustconcludefromthesecondhalfof thepassagejust

read,Jude,verse6.“Hehathreservedineverlastingchainsunderdarknessuntothejudgmentof

thegreatday.”29) There is no hope for the devil, but only a fearful waiting unto

judgment.Nowtellme fromourquestion164:what is theemploymentofthebadangels?

TheystrivetooffendGodanddeceiveman.30)Whatisthefirstthingtheydo?TheystrivetooffendGod.31)AndwhydotheystrivetooffendGod?Becausetheyhatehim.32)HowisGodoffended?Godisoffendedbysin.33)Yes,aswehavealreadylearned,Godismostdeeplyoffendedbysin,

andwhatissatan’sgreatestpleasure?satan’sgreatestpleasureissin.

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34)Nowtellmefurtherfromourquestion:whatelsedothebadangelsstrivetodo?

Theystrivetodeceiveman.35)WhatwasthelastandmostperfectworkofGod,hismasterpiece,so

tospeak?ManwasthelastandmostperfectworkofGod.36) Yes, and man was God’s chief delight. He enjoyed this his most

perfectworkaboveall else thathehadmade.Sowhen satan setabout tooffendGod,hetriedtodestroyhisnoblestwork.Howwasmancreated?

ManwascreatedintheimageofGod.37)Didheremaininthiscondition?Hedidnot.38)Whathorriblechangetookplaceinman?Hefellintosin.39)Nowletusseehowthiswasbroughtabout.Turntothethirdchapter

ofGenesis, and tellme from the first versewho came to thewoman andtemptedhertosin?

Theserpent.40)InRev.12:9.wearetoldwhothisserpentis.Readthepassage.“Thegreatdragonwascastout,thatoldserpent,calledtheDevil,andsatan,

whichdeceiveththewholeworld.”41)satancametoAdamandEveintheformofaserpent,andforwhat

purpose?Totemptthem,todeceivethem,42)Didhesucceedinhisevilpurpose?Yes,hedid.43)Hesucceededonlytoowell,andhehasbeenatiteversince.Hestill

triestodeceivemen.Thisweseefromthe lifeof theSavior.satantriedtodeceiveevenhimandtoleadhimintosin.ReadMatt.4:1.

“ThenwasJesusledupoftheSpiritintothewildernesstobetemptedoftheDevil.”

44)BywhomwastheSaviortempted?Hewastemptedbythedevil.45)ThedeviltriedtogettheSaviortodoubtGod’sword,yet,tofallfrom

GodandtofalldownandworshiphiminsteadofGod.Nowletusseewhatsuccesssatanhad intemptingJesus.Readwhat iswritten inthe10thand11th verses of this chapter. “Then saith Jesus unto him, get thee hence

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satan:foritiswritten.ThoushaltworshiptheLordthyGod,andhimonlyshalt thouserve.Thenthedevil leavethhim,andbehold,angelscameandministereduntohim.”

46)HowdidJesusmeeteverytemptationofthedevil?Hemetitwithscripture.Healwayssaid:Itiswritten,andquotedapassageof

scripture.47) Let us learn from this that the written word of God is the great

weaponwithwhichwe,too,aretoopposethetemptationsofthedevil.48)Nowread1Peter5:8.“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion

walkethabout,seekingwhomhemaydevour.”49)Whatisthedevilherecalled?Heiscalledouradversary.50)Yes,heisagainstus.Heisourchiefenemy.Andwhatdoestheapostle

comparehimto?Hecompareshimtoaroaringlion.51)Were you ever at the zoological gardens just before the lionswere

fed?Whydotheyroarsoterribly?Becausetheyarehungry.52) Just as a roaring lion looks for food to devour, so satan seeks to

devour men, that is, to destroy them through sin. Which admonition,therefore,doestheapostleaddresstous?

Headmonishesustobesober,tobevigilant,andtoresisthimsteadfastinthefaith.

53)Yes,justastheSaviorresistedhim.Howdidheresistthedevil?HeresistedhimwiththeWordofGod.54)Children,youwillallbetemptedtosin.Andwhensuchtemptations

come,rememberfromwhomtheycome.Whoisitthattemptstosin?Itisthedevil.55) Then also remember the real weapon of defense in such times of

temptation.Whichistheonlyreliableweaponofdefenseintemptation?TheWordofGod.56) Let us hold fast to God’s word, and we can successfully resist all

temptationstosin.LetusaskGodtogiveusstrengthtoresistsatanwhenhetempts us to sin and offend God.When Potiphar’s wicked wife temptedJosephtosin,whoseinstrumentwassheinthistemptation?

Shewasthedevil’sinstrument.

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57)WhatdidJosephanswerwhenhewastempted?Gen.39:9.“HowcanIdothisgreatwickednessandsinagainstGod?”58)ThefearofGodwasinJoseph’sheart.ThewordofGodwasbefore

hiseyes,andwhatdidthisenablehimtodo?Itenabledhimtoresistthetemptation.

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Lesson48.TheCreationOfManAndTheImageOfGod.

(Questions165-166.)

1)Whocreatedallthings?Godcreatedallthings.2)HowmanykindsofthingsdidGodcreate?Godcreatedtwokindsofthings,visibleandinvisible.3)Whicharetheinvisiblecreatures?Theangelsareinvisiblecreatures.4)WhichofthevisiblecreaturesdidGodcreatelast?Humanbeings.5)And thiswas the crowningworkofGod’s visible creation.Which is

chiefamongvisiblecreatures?Manischiefamongthevisiblecreatures.6)(165)“Whyismanchiefamongvisiblecreatures?”“BecauseGodcreatedhiminhisownimage.”7)Letusreadthestoryofman’screation,asitiswrittenGen.1:26-27.Godsaid: “Letusmakeman inour image, afterour likeness: and let them

havedominionoverthefishofthesea,andoverthefowloftheair,andoverthecattle,andoverall theearth,andovereverycreeping thing thatcreepethupontheearth.SoGodcreatedmaninhisownimage,intheimageofGodcreatedhehim;maleandfemalecreatedhethem.”

8)HowdidGodcreatelight?Gen.1:3.Hesaid:“Lettherebelight,andtherewaslight.”9)Whenhewantedtocreateplants,howdidhegoaboutit?Gen.1:11.Godsaid:“Lettheearthbringforthgrass,theherbyieldingseed,

andthefruittreeyieldingfruitafterhiskind.”10)Whenhewantedtomakeanimals,whatdidhedo?Gen.1:24.Godsaid:“Let theearthbringforth thelivingcreaturesafterhis

kind,cattleandcreepingthing,andbeastoftheearthafterhiskind:anditwasso.”

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11)Butwhenhewantedtocreatemanhedidnotsimplysay:lettherebe,buthesaid:letusmakeman.Heheldacouncil,asitwere,withhimself.Hehadanimage,amodelforthecreationofman.Howdidhemakeman?

Hemademaninhisownimage,afterhisownlikeness.12)Whatistheimageofaperson?Itisapictureoftheperson.13)Whomdoestheimage,orpicture,ofapersonresemble?Itresemblestheperson.14)Forthisreasonwhowasmanlikewhenhewascreated?HewaslikeGod.15)Theimageofapersonisnotlikethepersonineveryrespect.ThereforemanwasnotlikeGodinallthings.ButhedidresemblehisMaker

insomethings.16)(166)“WhereindidtheimageofGodconsist?”“In the perfection of the whole man, chiefly in righteousness and true

holiness.”17)WhatisthefirstthingherestatedinwhichmanwaslikeGod?Intheperfectionofthewholeman.18)Godiswhatkindofbeing?Godisaperfectbeing.19)Thereisnothingwrongwithhim.Heisjustasheshouldbe.Hecould

notbebetterthanheis.AndifmanwascreatedinthelikenessofGod,whatkindofbeingmusthehavebeen?

Hemusthavebeenaperfectbeing.20)Canyoutellmewhatthismeans?Hewas justasheshouldbe.Therewasnothingwrongwithhim.Hecould

nothavebeenbetterthanhewas.21) Repeat the explanation of the first article of the creed. (Question

152).“IbelievethatGodhasmademeandallcreatures.”22) That will do for the present. Here you confess that God not only

madeallcreatures,butwhatdoyouconfessparticularly?Iconfessthathemademe.23)Nowgo further in this explanationand tellme:whatdidGodgive

you?“Hehasgivenmemybodyandsoul.”24)Stopamoment.Whatarethetwopartsofman?

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Bodyandsoul.25)LetusnowhearwhattheScripturessayconcerningthecreationof

man’sbodyandsoul.ReadGen.2:7.“AndtheLordGodformedmanofthedustoftheground,andbreathedinto

hisnostrilsthebreathoflife,andmanbecamealivingsoul.”26)HowdidGodformthebodyofman?Heformeditoutofthedustoftheground.27)Thereisnothingmorebeautifulthanthehumanbody.Andyet,our

bodies are no longer what the human body was at creation… We aretroubledwithallkindsofachesandpains,withimperfectionsanddiseases.Buthowwasman’sbodyatcreation?

Itwasperfect.28)Therewasperfectharmonyineverypart,andeverymemberofthe

bodyfulfilledperfectlytheworkforwhichitwasmade.29)Thereareseveralmembersofthebodymentionedintheexplanation

ofthefirstarticle.Whatarethey?WhatdidGodgiveyou?Hegavememyeyes,earsandallmymembers.30)WhatdidGodgiveyoueyesfor?Hegavemeeyestosee.31)Andwhatawonderful thing theeye is!We lookat thegreen fields

andthebluesky,andtheimageofwhatweseeisreflecteduponourminds.32)WhatdidGodgiveyouearsfor?Hegavemeearstohear.33)Whatawonderfulthingtheearis!Itcatchessound,andthissound

makesanimpressiononthemind.Wehearamanmakingsoundswithhisvoice,andthroughthesesoundsthethoughtsofhissoularecarriedintoourownsouls,sothatweunderstandwhathesays.CanyoumentionanyothermembersofthebodythatGodgaveyou?

Healsogavemehandsandfeet.34)Whatdidhegiveyouhandsfor?Hegavemehandstowork.35)Whatawonderfulthingthehumanhandis!Thereisnoinstrument

likeitinallthewideworld.Thinkofwhatamancandowithhishands.Hecantilltheground,buildhouses,write,doneedlework,paint,playmusicalinstruments,anddoanendlessvarietyofotherthings.WhatdidGodgiveyoufeetfor?

Hegavemefeettostandandwalk.

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36)All other creatures creep, orwalk on all fours. But howdoesmanwalk?

Hewalksupright.37) Yes, in his walk as well as his work man is far above any other

creature.ButwhatelsedidGodgiveyoubesidesyourbody?Healsogavememysoul.38)Andinthesoulhegaveyoumostwonderfulgifts.Someofthemare

mentioned in theexplanationof the firstarticle.Whatgifts,orpowers,ofsouldidGodgiveyou?

Hegavememyreasonandallmysenses.39)Howmanysenseshaveyou?Ihavefivesenses.40)Whatarethefivesenses?Sight,hearing,taste,touchandsmell.41)Thesesensesarethewindowsofthesoul,throughwhichitlooksout

upon the world. They are the hands through which it lays hold of theoutwardworld.Whenwesee,hear,touch,tasteorsmellthingswebegintothinkabout them.Thispowerwecallreason.Whatyouseeorhear todayyouknowtomorrow.Whatdoyoucallthatpowerbywhichyoukeepthingswhichyouseeorhear?

Wecallitmemory.42)Weareabletofeelpleasureandpain,weareabletoformconclusions

and to decide on a course of action.Who gave us all these powers of thesoul?

Godgavethem.43)Inviewofallthis,whatdoesthepsalmistsayPs.139:14?“Iwillpraise thee; for Iamfearfullyandwonderfullymade;marvelousare

thyworks,andthatmysoulknowethrightwell.”44)But,accordingtoquestion166,whereindidtheimageofGodchiefly

consist?Itconsistedchieflyinrighteousnessandtrueholiness.45)InEph.4:24wearetoldhowmanwascreatedandinwhatrespecthe

resembledGod.Readthepassage.“Puton thenewman,which afterGod is created in righteousness and true

holiness.”46)ThenewmaniscreatedaftertheimageofGodandwhereindoesthis

imageconsist?

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Itconsistsinrighteousnessandtrueholiness.47)God is righteous. There is no sin in him.He is truly holy,without

fault or blemish. And so man was at creation. He wasmorally a perfectbeing.SowereadEccles.7:29:

“LothisonlyhaveIfound, thatGodhathmademanupright;but theyhavesoughtmanyinventions.”

48)ReadGen.2:25.“Andtheywerebothnaked,themanandhiswife,andwerenotashamed.”49)Usually,howdomenfeelaboutbeingnaked?Theyareashamedtobenaked.50)Buthowdolittlechildrenfeelaboutbeingnaked?Theyarenotashamed.51)Thatisbecausetheyareinaway,innocent.Whenhavewereasonto

beashamed?Whenwedowrong.52)Yes, shame is the result of sin.Now,whywereAdam andEve not

ashamedofbeingnaked?Becausetheywereinnocent.53)RepeatCol.3:10.“Putonthenewman,whichisrenewedinknowledge,aftertheimageofhim

thatcreatedhim.”54)Here,again,wearetoldthatmanwascreatedafterwhoseimage?ManwascreatedaftertheimageofGod.55)Readwhat iswrittenGen. 2:10-23, and tellmewhatdidAdamdo

withthecreatureswhichGodbroughtbeforehim?Henamedthem.56) This required a knowledge of how they were made and how they

lived. Therefore, being able to name these creatures, what kind of beingmusthehavebeen?

Hemusthavebeenanintelligentbeing.57)Yes, hemust have had a knowledge, something like the knowledge

whichtheCreatorhad.NowreadGen.1:26.“God said, let usmakeman in our image, after our likeness: and let them

havedominionoverthefishofthesea,andoverthefowloftheair,andoverthecattle,andoverall theearth,andovereverycreeping thing thatcreepethupontheearth.”

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58)Manwas tohavedominion over all the earth.Hewas to rule overeverything.Andwhomdidheresembleandrepresentinthisruling?

HeresembledandrepresentedGod.59)NowreadGen.2:8.“AndtheLordGodplantedagardeneastwardinEden;andthereheputthe

manwhomhehadformed.”60)Wheredidmanlive?HelivedinEdenorParadise.61)Whatkindofplacewasparadise?Paradisewasabeautifulplace.62)Yes,aplaceofperfecthappiness.Inwhatcondition,therefore,must

AdamandEvehavelivedinthisplace?Theymusthavelivedinperfecthappiness.63)AndinthisrespecttheywerelikeGodwhoisperfectlyhappy.Now

readGen.2:17.“Butofthetreeoftheknowledgeofgoodandevil,thoushaltnoteatofit:for

inthedaythatthoueatestthereofthoushaltsurelydie.”64)Whatshouldfollowiftheyateoftheforbiddenfruit?Theyshoulddie.65)So it isevident thatup to that time theywerenot subject todeath,

andhadtheynotsinned,theyneverwouldhavedied.Whatwordexpressesthiscondition?

Thewordimmortal.66)Yes,theywereimmortal,andinthisrespectwerelikeGod.Godcan

notdie.Inwhatrespect,then,weretheylikeGod?Theywereimmortal,theyneednotdie.

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Lesson49.Providence.

(Questions167-172.)

1)RepeattheexplanationofthefirstarticleoftheCreed.(Question152)."IbelievethatGodhasmademeandallcreatures;etc.2)Hereyou confess thatGodhasmadeyouandall creatures.Thathe

hasgivenyoubodyandsoul,eyes,earsandallyourmembers,yourreasonandallyoursenses.Butwhatmoredoyouconfess?

Ialsoconfessthathepreservesmeandallcreatures.3) This preservation of all things we call providence. The word

“providence”iswhatpartofspeech?Theword“providence”isanoun.4)Canyougivemeaverbsimilartothisnoun?Theverb“provide.”5)Whenwesaythatafatherprovidesforhischildrenwhatdowemean?Wemeanthathecaresforthem,hegivesthemwhattheyneed.6)(167)“WithwhatwordsintheexplanationaretheblessingsofGod’s

providencefurtherdescribed?”“IbelievethatGodstillpreservesmeandallcreatures;andgivesmeclothing

andshoes,meatanddrink,houseandhome,wifeandchildren,fields,cattle,andallmygoods;thathedailyprovidesmewithallthatIneedtosupportthisbodyandlife,thathedefendsmeagainstaildanger,andguardsandprotectsmefromallevil.”

7)Godpreservesyou,andwhatdoeshegiveyouforyourpreservation?HegivesmeallthatIneedtosupportthisbodyandlife.8)Mentionsomethingswhichweneedforoursupportinthislife?We need clothing, shoes, meat, drink, house, home, wife, children, fields,

cattleandthelike.9)Fromwhomdowegetthesethings?Godgivesthemtous.10)Yes,forfoodweneedgrain,fruit,vegetablesandmeat.Whocauses

thesethingstogrow?

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Godmakesthesethingsgrow.11)TheexplanationalsotellsushowGodprovidesuswiththesethings.

Whatdoesitsay?Godprovidesuswiththesethingsrichlyanddaily.12) In thisworldwe are surroundedwith allmanner of danger.What

doestheexplanationsayaboutthesedangers?Goddefendsmefromalldanger.13)Andwhatdoesitsaywithreferencetoevil?Godguardsandprotects

mefromallevil.14)(168)“Whyisthisaddedtothearticleofcreation?”“BecauseGodhasnotforsakenhisworkasanarchitectleavesthehousethat

hehasbuilt,buthepreservesthethingsHecreated,andgovernsthemaccordingtohisfatherlywisdom.”

15)When a house is built, what would become of it if left entirely toitself?

Itwouldintimefalltopieces.16)Yes,itwouldgotoruin.Itwouldsoonbenomore.Andwhatwould

becomeoftheworldifGodleftittoitself?Itwouldpassaway.17)Yes,itwouldreturntonothing,whenceGodhadcalleditatcreation.

Thisistruenotonlyofthewholeworldbutofushumanbeingsalso.WhatdowereadActs17:27-28?

“Heisnotfarfromeveryoneofus:forinhimwelive,andmoveandhaveourbeing.”

18)Goddidnotceasetoexercisehisdivinepowerwhenhehadfinishedthework of creation, but continues to exercise it, as we learn from John5:17,

“MyFatherworkethhitherto,andIwork.”19) (169) “What do you accordingly understand by the providence of

God?”“This, thatGod preserves and governs all creatures to his glory and to the

salvationofthesaints.”20) Heaven and earth do not preserve themselves. But who preserves

them?Godpreservesthem.21)CanyougivemeaScripturepassageforthis?Heb.1:3.“Heupholdsallthingsbythewordofhispower.”

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22)ReadalsoRom.11:36.“Forofhim,andthroughhim,andtohimareallthings.”23)RepeatalsointhisconnectionCol.1:17.“Byhimallthingsconsist.”24)Godpreservesthewholeorderofnature,dayandnight,summerand

winter,seedtimeandharvest.WhatdidGodsaytoNoahGen.8:22?“While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and

summerandwinter,anddayandnightshallnotcease.”25) Just imagine what would follow if this order of nature were done

awaywith. Suppose that for awhole year the sunwouldnot shine.Whatwouldfollowwithallvegetablelife?

Allplantsandtreeswoulddie.26) And if all plants and trees would die, if there were no grass,

vegetables,orfruit,whatwouldbecomeofallanimalsandofman?Theywoulddie.27)So it is toGod thatweowe thepreservationofour lives.All living

creatureslooktohimforfood.RepeatPs.145:15-16.“The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due

season.Thouopenestthinehand,andsatisfiestthedesireofeverylivingthing.”28)ReadalsoPs.104:27-32.Whatdowelearnfromthispassage?WelearnthatGodprovidesforallhiscreatures.29)NowifweknowthatGodprovidesforushowshouldwefeelabout

it?Weshouldtrustinhimandnotworry.30)Whatdoestheapostlesay1Peter5:7?“Castingallyourcaresuponhim,forhecarethforyou.”31) ReadMatt. 6:25-32 and tell me against what the Savior warns us

here?Againstanxiouscares,againstworrying.32)Uponwhomshouldwecastallourcares?WeshouldcastallourcaresuponGod.33)WhatdoestheapostlesayActs14:17?“Nevertheless he left not himselfwithoutwitness, in that he did good, and

gaveusrainfromheaven,andfruitfulseasons,fillingourheartswithfoodandgladness.”

34)Godprovidesrainandsunshine.Hecaresevenforthosethingswhichseemoflittlevalueintheworld.RepeatMatt.10:29-30.

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“Arenottwosparrowssoldforafarthing?Andoneofthemshallnotfallonthe ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are allnumbered.”

35)Buteventhegreatthingsinthegovernmentoftheworldareunderhisdirection.NothingisbeyondhiscontrolasweseefromActs17:26.

“Andhathmadeofonebloodallnationsofmenfortodwellonallthefaceofthe earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds oftheirhabitation.”

36)Godexercisesaspecialprovidenceoverman.SowereadProv.16:9.“Aman’sheartdevisethhisway:buttheLorddirectethhissteps.”37)Whatdoesthepsalmistsayofhislife,Ps.31:15?“Mytimesareinthyhand.”38)ThesameweseefromJohn14:5.“Seeing his days are determined, the number of hismonths are with thee,

thouhastappointedhisboundsthathecannotpass.”39)What a comforting thought that our lives are inGod’s hands, and

thatHedirectseventhethoughtsofourhearts,asweseefromPsalm33:13-15.

“TheLordlookethfromheaven;Hebeholdethallthesonsofmen.Fromtheplace of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth. Hefashioneththeirheartsalike;heconsiderethalltheirworks.”

40)ThesameweseefromProv.21:1.“ThekingsheartisinthehandoftheLord,astheriversofwater:heturneth

itwhithersoeverhewill.”41)Evenwhenthingscomeoverusthatareevil,Godoverrulesthemfor

good.RepeatGen.50:20.“Yethoughtevilagainstme;butGodmeantituntogood.”42)ThesearethewordsofJoseph,whichhespaketohisbrethren.What

greatevildidtheydototheirbrother?TheysoldhimintoslaveryinEgypt.43)Andyetwhatbecameofhimthere?Hebecamethenextmantotheking.44)Andwhatgreatservicewasheabletorenderhisfatherandthewhole

family?Hesuppliedthemwithfoodandkeptthemduringthefamine.45) So God permitted the evil and yet overruled it for good. So the

apostletellsusGoddoeswithhischildren.RepeatRom.8:28.

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“WeknowthatallthingsworktogetherforgoodtothemthatloveGod.”46)ForGodexerciseshisprovidencenotonlyforhisownglory,butwhat

otherobjecthasheinviewaccordingtoquestion169?Thesalvationofthesaints.47)(170)“WhatmovesGodtoshowyousuchmercies?”“Hedoesall thispurelyoutoffatherly,divinegoodnessandmercy,without

anymeritorworthinessinme.”48)WhenJacobcametohisowncountryafteralongabsenceindistant

lands,whereGodhadsorichlyblessedhimandmadehimamanofwealthandthefatherofalargefamily,howdidhefeelaboutit?WhatdidhesaytoGod?

Gen.32:10. “I amnotworthyof the leastof all themercies, andof all thetruth,whichthouhastshoweduntothyservant.”

49) No, we have not deserved God’s goodness. What have we ratherdeservedbyoursins?

WehavedeservedGod’sangerandpunishment.50)ThenwhatisitthatmovesGodtobesokindtous?Hisfatherlygoodnessandmercy.51)(171)“WhatthenisyourdutytothiskindandmercifulFather”?“Forallwhichitismydutytothankandpraise,toserveandobeyHim.”52)Whenanyonedoesyouafavor,whatistheproperthingforyouto

do?Ishouldthankhim.53)Soweareadmonished,Ps.107:1,withreferencetoGod.“O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: and his mercy endureth

forever.”54)AndagainletushearPs.103:1:2.“Bless theLord,Omysoul:andall that iswithinme,blesshisholyname.

BlesstheLord,Omysoul,andforgetnotallhisbenefits.”55)Butweshouldnotonlythankhiminwordsbuthowelseshouldour

thanksbeexpressed?Ourthanksshouldalsobeexpressedinacts.56)Howcanwedothis?Whenweserveandobeyhim.57)TothisPs.100:2,admonishesus.“ServetheLordwithgladness.”58)RepeatalsoJer.11:4.

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“Obeymyvoiceanddothem(mycommandments)accordingtoallwhichIcommandyou:soshallyebemypeople,andIwillbeyourGod.”

59)Withwhatwordsdoweconcludetheexplanationofthisfirstarticle,aswellasthesecondandthirdarticles?

Withthewords:“Thisismostcertainlytrue.”60)(172)“Whydoweconcludetheexplanationofeachoneofthethree

articleswiththewords:Thisismostcertainlytrue.”“Totestifythatweheartilybelievewhatwehereconfess.”61)Thesethingswedonotsimplyconfesswithourlips,butwhydowe

confessthem?Becausewebelievethemwithourhearts.

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TheSecondArticle:

1.ThePersonOfChrist

Lesson50.TheNamesOfTheSavior.

(Question173-179.)

1)OfwhatdoesthesecondpartoftheCatechismtreat?IttreatsofthethreearticlesoftheChristianfaith,ortheCreed.2)Ofwhatdoesthefirstarticletreat?Ittreatsofcreation.3)OfwhichpersonoftheTrinitydoesittreat?IttreatsofthefirstpersonoftheTrinity,ofGodtheFather.4)Ofwhichpersondoesthesecondarticletreat?Ittreatsofthesecondperson,ofGodtheSon.5)Ofwhatworkdoesthesecondarticletreat?Ittreatsoftheworkofredemption.6)(173)“Repeatthesecondarticle—ofredemption.”“AndinJesusChrist,hisonlySon,ourLord,”etc.7)Repeatthefirstarticle.“IbelieveinGodtheFatherAlmighty,Makerofheavenandearth.”8)Now,whenyousayinthesecondarticle:“AndinJesusChrist,”what

two words must be put in after the word “And” to make the sentencecomplete?

Thewords“Ibelieve.”9) Yes, here we confess our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is the very

heartofourChristianfaith.ThisfaithinJesusChristiswhatreallymakesusChristians.Soyouseehowveryimportantthissecondarticleis.Repeatitagain.“AndinJesusChrist,hisonlySon,ourLord,”etc.

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10)(174)“Whatdoesthismean?”“I believe that JesusChrist, trueGod, begottenof theFather frometernity,

andalsotrueman,bornofthevirginMary,ismyLord,whohasredeemedme,alostandcondemnedcreature,purchasedandwonmefromallsins, fromdeathand from the power of the devil, not with gold or silver, but with his holy,preciousbloodandhisinnocentsufferingsanddeath,thatImaybehisown,andlive under him in his kingdom and serve him in everlasting righteousness,innocenceandblessedness,evenasheisrisenfromthedead,livesandreignstoalleternity.Thisismostcertainlytrue.”

11)(175)“Howmanypartsdoesthisarticleanditsexplanationcontain?”“Principally two: the first treatsof thepersonofourLord JesusChrist; the

secondofhisoffice.”12)This firstarticle tellsuswhoJesusChrist is.Whatquestiondoyou

answerwhenyoudescribethepersonofJesusChrist?Thequestion:WhoisJesusChrist?13)Andwhatquestiondoyouanswerwhenyoudescribehis office, or

work?Thequestion:Whatdoeshedo?14) (176) “What words in this article treat particularly of Christ’s

person?”“AndinJesusChrist,hisonlySonourLord,whowasconceivedbytheHoly

Ghost,bornoftheVirginMary.”15)Whenyousay:“HisonlySon,”whosesondoyoumean?WemeanGod’sonlySon,theonlySonofGodtheFather.16)WhatdoyousayoftheonlySonofGodinreferencetous?WesaythatheisourLord.17)Bywhomwasheconceived?HewasconceivedbytheHolyGhost.18)Ofwhomwasheborn?HewasbornoftheVirginMary.19)(177)“WhoaccordinglyisJesusChrist?”“TrueGod,begottenof theFatherfrometernity,andalso trueman,bornof

theVirginMary,myLord.”20)Howmanyfactsdoyouherestateinanswertothequestion:Whois

JesusChrist?Twofacts.21)Whichisthefirst?

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ThefirstisthatJesusChrististrueGod.22)Andwhichisthesecond?Thesecondisthatheistrueman.23)WhatissaidofHimastrueGod?HewasbegottenoftheFatherfrometernity.24)AndwhatissaidofHimastrueman?HewasbornofthevirginMary.25)RepeatthepassageRom.9:5.“Whose are the fathers, and ofwhomas concerning the fleshChrist came,

whoisoverall,Godblessedforever.Amen.”26) As to his flesh, that is, his human nature, from whom did Christ

come?HecamefromtheFathers.27)That is, fromhishumanancestors.Hewas adescendant ofAdam,

Noah,Abraham,andDavid,whowerehumanbeings,men;whatmusthealsobeaccordingly?

Healsomustbeahumanbeing.28)ButwhatelsedoestheapostlesayofChristinthispassage?HesaysthatheisGodoverall,blessedforever.29)Soheisnotamereman,butwhatishe?HeisalsoGod.30)BywhattwonamesdoweusuallycalltheSavior?WecallhimJesusChrist.31)(178)“WhyishecalledJesus?”“Becauseheisintruthwhatthisnamemeans,namely,ourSavior.”32)WhatdoesthisnameJesusmean?ThenameJesusmeansSavior.33)Whatisasavior?Asaviorisonewhosaves.34)Whendomenneedasavior?Whentheyareindanger.35)Intheanswertoquestion178,whatarewetoldofJesus,asidefrom

thefactthatheiscalledSavior?WearetoldthathereallyisaSavior.36) Some people have names that do notmean anything. People often

giveachildanamesimplybecauseitsoundswell.NotsowithGod.NowletushearhowtheSaviorgothisnameJesus.RepeatMatt.1:21.

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“Sheshallbringforthason,andthoushaltcallhisnameJesus:forheshallsavehispeoplefromtheirsins.”

37)HeretheangelGabriel,themessengerofGod,wastalkingtoJosephconcerninghis intendedwifeMaryand thechild she shouldgivebirth to.Whatdidhesayastothenameofthischild?

ItwastobecalledJesus.38)How,accordingly,didthechildgetthisname?Godordereditso.39)Yes,andGoddidthisforapurpose.Thechildwastobeexactlywhat

thisnamesaid,namelywhat?ASavior.40)WhydidtheangelsaythischildofMaryshouldbecalledJesus?Becauseheshouldsavehispeople.41)Fromwhatwashetosavehispeople?Hewastosavehispeoplefromtheirsins.42) Joseph was a savior of his father’s family during the famine in

Canaan.Whatdidhesavethemfrom?Hesavedthemfromstarvation.43)ButJesussavesus,hispeople,fromworsethanstarvation.Fromwhatdoeshesaveus?Hesavesusfromsin.44)NowrepeatActs4:12.“Neither is there salvation inanyother: for there isnoneothernameunder

heavengivenamongmen,wherebytheymustbesaved.”45)HeisouronlySavior,notabuttheSavior.BesidesHimthereisnone

other. How does the apostle express this in the passage you have justrepeated?

“Thereisnoneothernameunderheavengivenamongmenwherebywemustbesaved.”

46)NowletushearthestoryofthenamingofJesus,aswefinditinLuke2:21.

“Wheneight dayswere accomplished for the circumcisionof the child, hisname was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before he wasconceivedinthewomb.”

47)HowpreciousthisnameJesusshouldbetous.BywhatothernamedowedesignatetheSavior?

WealsocallhimChrist.

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48)(179)“WhyishecalledChrist?”“He iscalledChrist,orMessiah, that is,anointed,becausehewasanointed

withoutmeasurewiththeHolyGhosttobeourProphet,HighPriestandKing.”49)Whatothernamemeansthesameas“Christ”?Thename“Messiah.”50)Andwhatdoesthisname“Christ”or“Messiah”mean?Itmeanstheanointedone.51) In theOldTestament threekindsofofficialpersonswereanointed,

the prophets, the high priests and the kings. Who was the first king inIsrael?

SaulwasthefirstkinginIsrael.52)Read1Sam.10:1.“ThenSamueltookavialofoilandpouredituponhishead,andkissedhim,

andsaid:Is itnotbecausetheLordhathanointedtheetobeacaptainoverhisinheritance?”

53)HowdidSamuelhereanointSaul?Hepouredoilonhim.54)InwhosenamedidSamueldothis?HediditinthenameoftheLord.55)InasimilarmannerAaronwasanointed.Whatofficedidheholdin

Israel?Hewasthefirsthighpriest.56) InLev.8:12,wereadhowMosesanointedAaron tobehighpriest.

Readthepassage.“He poured of the anointing oil upon Aaron’s head, and anointed him, to

sanctifyhim.”57) Likewise the prophets also were anointed with oil. Read 1 Kings

19:15:16.“The Lord said unto him. Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of

Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. AndJehu,thesonofNimshi,shaltthouanointtobekingoverIsrael:andElisha,thesonofShaphatofAbel-meholahshaltthouanointtobeprophetinthyroom.”

58)AccordinglyChristwasanointedtowhatthreefoldoffice?HewasanointedtobeProphet,HighPriestandKing.59) The prophets, high priests and kings of the Old Testament were

anointedwithholyoil,butwithwhatwasChristanointed?HewasanointedwiththeHolyGhost.

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60)ReadPs.45:7.“Thoulovestrighteousness,andhatestwickedness: thereforeGod, thyGod,

hathanointedtheewiththeoilofgladnessabovethyfellows.”61)Whatistheoilofgladnessherespokenof?ItistheHolyGhost.62)AllChristiansreceivetheHolyGhostinacertainmeasure,butwhat

issaidoftheSavior?HereceivedtheHolyGhostwithoutmeasure,morethanhisfellows.63)RepeatActs10:38.“GodanointedJesusofNazarethwiththeHolyGhostandwithpower.”64)ReadIsa.61:1-3.“ThespiritoftheLordGodisuponme;becausetheLordhathanointedmeto

preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up thebrokenhearted,toproclaimlibertytothecaptives,andtheopeningoftheprisontothemthatarebound;toproclaimtheacceptableyearoftheLord,andthedayofvengeanceofourGod; tocomfortall thatmourn; toappointunto themthatmourninZion,togiveuntothembeautyforashes,theoilofjoyformourning,thegarmentofpraiseforthespiritofheaviness;thattheymightbecalledtreesofrighteousness,theplantingoftheLord,thathemightbeglorified.”

65)ThisisaprophecyconcerningtheSavior.InLuke4:17-21,theSaviorrefers to this prophecy as being fulfilled in him.Now readLuke 3:21-22,and letussee inwhatwonderfulmannertheHolyGhostwasgivento theSavior.

“Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus alsobeing baptized and praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Ghostdescended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him and a voice came fromheaven,whichsaid.Thouartmybelovedson;inTheeIamwellpleased.”

66)Onwhatoccasion, then,didJesusreceive theHolyGhost insuchawonderfulmanner?

Whenhewasbaptized.67)ThushewasanointedwiththeHolyGhosttobeourProphet,High

PriestandKing.Andwhatnameindicatesthisanointing?Thename“Christ.”

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Lesson51.TheDivinityOfChrist.

(Question180.)

1)Repeatthesecondarticleofthecreed.“IbelieveinJesusChrist,HisonlySonourLord,whowasconceivedbythe

Holy Ghost, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, wascrucified,deadandburied;Hedescendedintohell;thethirddayHearoseagainfromthedead;Heascendedintoheaven,andsittethattherighthandofGodtheFatherAlmighty,fromthenceHeshallcometojudgethequickandthedead.”

2)Whatdoesthismean?“I believe that JesusChrist, trueGod, begottenof theFather frometernity,

andalsotrueman,bornofthevirginMary,ismyLord,whohasredeemedme,alostandcondemnedcreaturepurchasedandwonmefromallsins, fromdeath,and from the power of the devil, not with gold or silver, but with His holypreciousblood,andHis innocentsufferingsanddeath, that ImaybeHisown,andliveunderHiminHiskingdom,andserveHimineverlastingrighteousness,innocence,andblessedness,evenasHeisrisenfromthedead,livesandreignstoalleternity.Thisismostcertainlytrue.”

3)Who,accordingtothefirstsentenceofthisanswer,isJesusChrist?HeistrueGod,begottenoftheFatherfrometernity,andalsotrueman,born

ofthevirginMary,myLord.4)WhatisthefirstthingyouhereconfessconcerningtheSavior?IconfessthatHeistrueGod.5)(180)“WhydoyoubelievethatJesusChrististrueGod?”“Because in Holy Scripture the names, attributes, works, and honor which

pertaintoGodonly,areexpresslyascribedtoHim.”6)Wheredowefindthatthenames,attributes,worksandhonorofGod

areexpresslyascribedtoChrist?WefindthisintheHolyScriptures.7)WheredowegettheproofthatJesusChrististrueGod?WegetitfromtheBible.

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8)Whatisthesourceofallthedoctrines,orteachings,ofourChristianreligion?

TheWordofGod.9)Why,then,dowebelievethatJesusChrististrueGod?BecausetheBibleteachesso.10)NowletusexaminemorecarefullywhattheBibleteachesconcerning

the divine person of Christ.What, according to question 180, is the firstthingwhichtheHolyScripturesexpresslyascribetoHim?

ThenameswhichpertaintoGodonly.11)RepeatJohn20:28.“ThomasansweredandsaiduntoHim,MyLord,andmyGod.”12) When Jesus, after the resurrection, appeared in the midst of his

disciples,whatdidThomascallHim?Hecalledhim:“MyLordandmyGod.”13)DidJesusallowhimselftobecalledLordandGod?Yes,hedid.14)Why, do you suppose, Jesus allowedThomas to call himLord and

God?Becauseitistrue;heisLordandGod.15)Ifhewerenotwhat thesenamessay,whatwouldJesussurelyhave

saidtoThomas?Hewouldhavesaid:“Thomas,youmustnotcallmeLordandGod.”16)But Jesus did not forbidThomas to call himLord andGod;what

doesthisplainlyprove?ItprovesthatHeisLordandGod.17)Repeat also apassagewhichwe consideredalreadyunderquestion

177,Rom.9:5.“Whose are the fathers, and ofwhomas concerning the fleshChrist came,

whoisoverall,Godblessedforever.”18)WhatisChristherecalled?HeiscalledGodoverall.19)Repeat1John5:20.“ThisisthetrueGod,andeternallife.”20)Ofwhom is theapostle speakingwhenhe says: thisone is the true

Godandeternallife?HeisspeakingoftheSavior.21)NowrepeatRom.8:32.

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“GodsparednothisownSon.”22)WhoistheSonofGod,herespokenof?HeisourSavior.23)Nowthesonisofthesamenatureasthefather.Hemustbethesame

kindofbeingashisfather.IfJesusisGod’sownson,whatkindofpersonmusthebe?

Hemustbeadivineperson,hemustbeGod.24)NowturntoJer.23:6,andreadit.“InHisdays Judahshallbe saved,and Israel shalldwell safely:and this is

HisnamewherebyHeshallbecalled,theLordourrighteousness.”25)ThisisaprophecyconcerningtheSavior;whatisheherecalled?HeiscalledtheLordourrighteousness.26)Whatdidtheangelsay to theshepherdsat the timeof theSavior’s

birth?Luke2:11.“UntoyouisbornthisdayinthecityofDavidaSavior,whichis

Christ,theLord.”27)NowreadJohn1:18.“NomanhathseenGodatanytime;theonlybegottenSon,whichisinthe

bosomoftheFather,hehathdeclaredhim.”28)WhatistheSaviorherecalled?HeiscalledtheonlybegottenSonoftheFather.29)ReadalsoCol.2:9.“InHimdwellethallthefulnessofthegodheadbodily.”30)Also1Tim.3:16.“Withoutcontroversygreatisthemysteryofgodliness!Godwasmanifested

in the flesh, justified in the spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the gentiles,believedonintheworld,receivedupintoglory.”

31)FromallthesepassagesweseethatJesusisexpresslycalledGod.TheScripturesascribe tohim thenameswhichpertain toGodonly.ButwhatelsedotheyascribetoHim,besidesthenameswhichpertaintoGodonly?

TheyalsoascribetoHimtheattributeswhichbelongtoGodonly.32)Therearecertainattributes,orqualities,whichnoonehasbutGod

alone. Can you mention the divine attributes? You will find them underquestion142.

God is eternal, omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient, holy, righteous,mercifulandtruthful.

33)Whatdoeseternalmean?

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Eternalmeanswithoutbeginningandwithoutend.34)Whoaloneiseternal?GodaloneIseternal.35)Now,iftheScripturessaythatChristiseternal,whatdoesthatprove

withreferencetohisperson?Itprovesthatheisadivineperson,thatheistrueGod.36)LetusseewhattheScripturessayofChrist,Micah5:2.“ButthouBethlehemEphratah,thoughthoubelittleamongthethousandsof

Judah,yetoutoftheeshallHecomeforthuntomethatIstobeRulerinIsrael:whosegoingsforthhavebeenfromofold,fromeverlasting.”

37)ThisisaprophecyconcerningtheSavior.Whatissaidofhiminthelastclause?

Hisgoingsforthhavebeenfromofold,fromeverlasting.38)Anotherwonderfulprophecywehave inIs.9:6.“Untousachild is

born,untousasonisgiven:andthegovernmentshallbeuponhisshoulder:andHis name shall be calledWonderful, Counselor, themightyGod, theeverlastingFather,thePrinceofPeace.”

39) Here the coming Savior is called the mighty God, the everlastingFather.InthefirstchapterofJohn’sgospeltheapostlespeaksofChristastheWordofGodthatwasmadeflesh.ReadJohn1:1-2.

“InthebeginningwastheWord,andtheWordwaswithGod,andtheWordwasGod..ThesamewasInthebeginningwithGod.”

40)Christ isherecalled theWordofGod,whichwas in thebeginning,namely,thathealreadywaswhenotherthingsbegan.Thatis,heneverhadabeginning,heiseternal.NowreadHeb.13:8.

“JesusChrist,thesameyesterday,todayandforever.”41)ReadalsowhattheSaviorsaysofhimselfinJohn8:58.“Jesussaidunto them.Verily,verily, Isayuntoyou,beforeAbrahamwasI

am.”42)Fromall thesepassageswe learn thatJesusChrist is eternal;what

doesthisprovewithreferencetohisperson?Itprovesthatheisadivineperson,thatheistrueGod.43)But according to theScripturesChrist is not only eternal, but also

omnipresent.Whatkindofanattributeisomnipresence?OmnipresenceIsadivineattribute.44)Whoaloneiseverywherepresentatthesametime?Godaloneiseverywherepresentatthesametime.

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45)WhatdoestheSaviorsayofhimselfinMatt.18:20?“Where two or three are gathered together Inmy name, there am I in the

midstofthem.”46)ReadalsoMatt.28:20.“Lo,Iamwithyoualway,evenuntotheendoftheworld.”47)FromthesepassageswelearnthatJesusiseverywherepresentatthe

sametime:andifso,whomusthebe?HemustbeGod.48) We learn from the Scriptures that Jesus is not only eternal and

omnipresent,butalsothatheisalmighty.RepeatMatt.28:18.“Allpowerisgivenuntomeinheavenandinearth.”49)Ifhehasallpower,whatkindofpersonmusthebe?Hemustbeadivineperson.50)Yes,hemustbetrueGod.ButJesusisnotonlyeternal,omnipresent

andalmighty,butalsoomniscient.Heknowsallthings.ThiswelearnfromJohn2:25.

“Heknewwhatwasinman.”51)Whoalonecanknowwhatisinman,thatisinhisheart?Godalonecanknowthis.52)ReadwhatPeterconfessesconcerningtheSavior,John21:17.“Lord,thouknowestallthings.”53)IftheSaviorknowsallthingswhomusthebe?HemustbeGod,54) Yes, his divine attributes prove him to be true God. But from

Question180welearn,notonlythatJesushasdivinenamesandattributes,butalsothathedoeswhatkindofworks?

Thathedoesdivineworks.55)Theworkofcreationissuchadivinework.Whocreatedtheworld?Godcreatedtheworld.56)Wehave already seen that in the first chapter of John’s gospel the

SavioriscalledtheWordofGodthatwasmadeflesh.NowreadwhatissaidofthisWordinJohn1:3.

“AllthingsweremadebyHim;andwithoutHimwasnotanythingmadethatwasmade.”

57)NowifallthingsweremadebyChrist,whomusthebe?HemustbeGod.

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58)ButGodalonenotonlymadeallthings,healonealsopreservesandkeepsallthings.LetusseewhattheapostlesaysofJesus,Heb.1:3.

“Heupholdsallthingsbythewordofhispower.”59)ReadalsowhattheapostlesaysofChrist,Col.1:16-17.“ForbyHimwereallthingscreated,thatareinheavenandthatareinearth,

visibleandinvisible,whethertheybethrones,ordominions,orprincipalities,orpowers:allthingswerecreatedbyhim,andforhim:Andheisbeforeallthings,andbyhimallthingsconsist.”

60) Who must Christ be, since all things were created by him, andconsist,orarepreserved,byhim?

HemustbeGod.61)WhatdowecallthosewonderfulworkswhichJesusperformedwhile

hewalkedvisiblyonearth?Wecallthemmiracles.62)CanyoumentionsomeofthesemiraclesofJesus?He healed the man sick of the palsy; he opened the eyes of the blind; he

cleansedthetenlepers;heraisedLazarusfromthedead.63)Whatpowerdiditrequiretoperformsuchworks?Divinepower.64)WhatdidJesussaytothedeadsonofthepoorwidowofNain?Luke7:14.“Youngman,Isayuntothee,arise.”65)Yes,andhedidarisefromthedead.Whichwasthefirstmiraclethat

Jesusperformed?HeturnedwaterintowineatthemarriageatCana.66)Readwhatissaidofthismiracle,John2:11.“This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested

forthhisglory;,andhisdisciplesbelievedonhim.”67)WhatdidJesusmanifestbythisandothermiracles?Hemanifestedhisglory.68)Yes, he showed thathewasGodandhisdisciplesbelievedonhim.

Andsoshouldwealsobelieveonhim.Thatis,whatshouldwebelieveastohisperson?

WeshouldbelievethatheistrueGod.69)NowreadMatt.9:6.“TheSonofManhathpoweronearthtoforgivesins.”70)WhomustJesusbe,sincehehaspowertoforgivesins?HemustbeGod.

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71)ReadalsoJohn5:27.“The Father hath given to the Son authority to execute judgment also,

becauseheistheSonofMan.”72) This power to judge all men at the end of days is what kind of a

power?Itisadivinepower.73)AndifJesushasthispowerwhomusthebe?HemustbeGod.74)Soweseethat intheScripturesdivinenames,attributesandworks

areascribedtotheSavior.But,accordingtoquestion180,whatelseisalsoascribedtohim?

Divinehonor.75)RepeatJohn5:23.“All men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He that

honorethnottheSonhonorethnottheFatherwhichsenthim.”76)HerewearetoldthatallmenshouldhonorJesusjustastheyhonor

GodtheFather.WhomustJesusbesinceheistoreceivedivinehonor?HemustbeGod.77)RepeatalsoPhil.2:10.“ThatatthenameofJesuseverykneeshouldbow,ofthingsinheaven,and

thingsinearth,andthingsundertheearth.”78)WhomustJesusbesinceallmenaretobowtheknee,thatis,worship

Him?HemustbeGod.79) InHeb. 1:6,weare told that even the angels are toworshipJesus.

Readthepassage.“Whenhebringethinthefirstbegottenintotheworld,hesaith:Andletallthe

angelsofGodworshiphim.”80)FromthisweseethatJesusChristmustbetrueGod;for,according

toQuestion180,whatisascribedtoHimbyHolyScripture?Thenames,attributes,worksandhonorwhichpertaintoGodalone.

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Lesson52.TheHumanityOfChrist.

(Question181.)

1)RepeattheSecondArticleoftheCreed.“And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the

HolyGhost.”etc.2)Whatdoesthismean?“I believe that JesusChrist, trueGod, begottenof theFather frometernity,

andalsotrueman,bornoftheVirginMary,ismyLord,”etc.3)Accordingtothefirstsentenceofthisanswer,whoisJesusChrist?“HeistrueGod,begottenoftheFatherfrometernity,andalsotrueman,born

oftheVirginMary,myLord.”4)WhatisthefirstthingyousayofChristinthisanswer?ThatHeistrueGod,begottenoftheFatherfrometernity.5)InQuestion180,wehaveseenthereasonswhywebelievethatJesus

ChrististrueGod.Repeattheanswertothatquestion.“Because inHolyScriptures thenames, attributes,works andhonor,which

pertaintoGodonly,areexpresslyascribedtoHim.”6)ButJesusChristisnotonlytrueGod;whatelseisHe?Heisalsotrueman.7)(181)“WhydoyoubelievethatJesusChrististrueman?”“BecauseinHolyScripturethenames,essentialparts,attributesandactsofa

manareexpresslyascribedtoHim.”8)WheredowefindthisplainlytoldthatJesusChrististrueman?IntheHolyScriptures.9)WhatisthefirstthingascribedtoChristintheScriptures,according

toQuestion181?Thenamesofaman.10)Thatis,inHolyScripturesChristisexpresslycalledman;soweread

in1Tim.2:5-6.Repeatthispassage.“For there is one God, and oneMediator betweenGod andmen, theman

ChristJesus,whogaveHimselfaransomforall,tobetestifiedinduetime.”

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11)WhatistheSaviorherecalled?Heiscalled“themanChristJesus.”12)TurntoandreadLuke23:47.“Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying,

‘Certainlythiswasarighteousman.’”13)WhatdidthecenturionsayofthecrucifiedSavior?Hesaid,“Certainlythiswasarighteousman.”14)Readthepassage,Gen.3:15.“Iwillputenmitybetween theeand thewoman,andbetween thy seedand

herseed;itshallbruisethyhead,andthoushaltbruisehisheel.”15)ThecomingSavioroftheworldisherecalledtheseedofthewoman.

WhatkindofbeingmustHethereforebe,ifHewastobebornofawoman?Hemustbeahumanbeing.16)ReadalsoGen.22:18.“In thy seed shall ail thenationsof the earthbeblessed;because thouhast

obeyedmyvoice.”17)HerethecomingSavioroftheworldiscalledtheseedofAbraham.

WhatkindofbeingmustHebe,ifHeisadescendantofAbraham?Hemustbeahumanbeing.18)Readalso2Samuel7:12.“Whenthydaysbefulfilled,andthoushaltsleepwiththyfathers,Iwillset

upthyseedafterthee,whichshallproceedoutofthybowels,andIwillestablishhiskingdom.”

19) Here the coming Savior is called the seed of David. If He is adescendantofDavid,whatkindofbeingmustHebe?

Hemustbeahumanbeing.20)NowrepeatIs.7:14.“Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His name

Immanuel.”21)Here the comingSavior is said to be born of a virgin, that is, of a

woman.WhatkindofbeingmustHeaccordinglybe?Hemustbeahumanbeing.22) In the first chapter of Matthew we have a record of Christ’s

ancestors.IfChristwasbornofhumanancestors,whatkindofbeingmustHebe?

Hemustbeahumanbeing.

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23)InQuestion181,amongthereasonswhywebelievethatJesusChrististrueman,thefactalsoisstatedthatHehastheessentialpartsofaman.Whataretheessentialpartsofaman?

Theyarebodyandsoul.24)IfJesushasbothahumanbodyandhumansoul,whatkindofbeing

mustHebe?Hemustbeahumanbeing.25)RepeatwhattheSaviorsaysinMatthew26:38.“Mysoulisexceedingsorrowful,evenuntodeath.”26)Here theSaviorspeaksofhissoul.Thesame is true inLuke23:46.

Readthispassage.“When Jesus cried with a loud voice, he said, ‘Father, into thy hands I

commendmyspirit,’andhavingsaidthus.Hegaveuptheghost.”27)Jesushasnotonlyahumansoul,butHealsohasahumanbody.Evenafter theresurrection,whentheSaviorappeared to thedisciples,what

didHesay?Luke24:39.“Beholdmyhandsandmyfeet,thatitisImyself;handlemeand

see;foraspirithathnotfleshandbone,asyeseemehave.”28)SowereadinMatthew27:58,thatJosephofArimatheaaskedPilate

forthebodyofJesus.Readthepassage.“Hewent toPilate, andbegged thebodyof Jesus.ThenPilate commanded

thebodytobedelivered.”29)ReadalsoHeb.2:14.“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood. He also

himselflikewisetookpartofthesame;thatthroughdeathHemightdestroyhimthathadthepowerofdeath,thatis,thedevil.”

30)FromthesepassageswelearnthatJesushasatruehumanbody.IfHehasatruehumanbodyandatruehumansoul,whatkindofbeingmust

Hebe?Hemustbeahumanbeing.31) Again we find in the Holy Scriptures that Jesus has not only the

namesandessentialparts,butalsotheattributesofaman.Itisanattributeofamantogrowandincreaseinsizeandknowledge.WhatissaidofJesusinLuke2:52?

“Jesusincreasedinwisdomandstature,andinfavorwithGodandman.”32)The samewe read in the 40th verse of this chapter concerning the

childJesus.

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“Thechildgrew,andwaxedstronginspirit,filledwithwisdom;andthegraceofGodwasuponHim.”

33)Itisanattributeofhumanitytobesubjecttosorrow.SowereadofJesusinMatthew26:37.

“He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to besorrowfulandveryheavy.”

34)SowefindthatJesusshedtears,Luke19:41.“WhenHewascomenear.Hebeheldthecity,andweptoverit.”35)Itishumantobecometired;sowereadconcerningJesusinJohn4:6.“Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with His

journey,satthusonthewell;anditwasaboutthesixthhour.”36)Soit ishumantoexperiencethirst.Readwhat issaidoftheSavior,

John19:28-30.“After this, Jesus knowing that all thingswere now accomplished, that the

Scripturemight be fulfilled, saith ‘I thirst.’Now therewas set a vessel full ofvinegar;andtheyfilledaspongewithvinegar,andputituponhyssop,andputitto His mouth.When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said, ‘It isfinished,’andHebowedHishead,andgaveuptheghost.”

37) Here we find that the Savior not only thirsted, and received thevinegar,butthatHegaveuptheghost,ordied;andthatishuman,also.Itishumantoeat.WhatdowereadofJesus,Matthew11:19?

“The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Behold amangluttonousandawinebibber,afriendofpublicansandsinners.’”

38) All this shows us that Jesus has the attributes and does the actscommontohumanbeings.WhatmustHethereforebe?

Hemustbeatruehumanbeing.39)Jesus,whenHewasbornoftheVirginMary,becameatruehuman

being,ourbrother.Hewaslikeuntousinallrespectssaveone.Whatareweallbynature?

Wearesinners.40)ButwhatcanyousayoftheSaviorinthisrespect?Heiswithoutsin.41)ButisHeatruehumanbeingifHeiswithoutsin?Yes,Heis.42)WhatkindofbeingwasAdambeforehehadsinned?Hewasahumanbeing.

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43) Sin does not make us human beings. It does not belong" to theessenceofman.SowhatisJesus,althoughHeissinless?

Heisahumanbeing.44)Children,itisagreatcomforttoknowthatJesusisineveryrespecta

truehumanbeing,reallyandtrulyourbrother.Wesay, intheCatechism,“Jesus Christ is true man, born of the VirginMary.”Who was Christ’shumanmother?

TheVirginMary.45)WherewasChristbornasman?InBethlehem.46)WhereisBethlehem,thebirthplaceofJesus?InJudea,orPalestine.47)OnwhatdaydowecelebratethebirthofJesus?OnChristmasday.48)WhendoesChristmascome?Onthe25thofDecember.49)HowlongagoisitsinceJesuswasborn?1915[2018]yearsago.50)Sowecountouryearsfromwhatgreatevent?FromthebirthofChrist.51)HowdowereckonalleventsthattookplacebeforeHisbirth?AssomanyyearsbeforeChrist.52)Sowhatisthegreatcentralevent,themostimportantthingthatever

occurredinthehistoryoftheworld?ThebirthofJesusChrist.53)Yes, children, letus everremember that, from thebeginningof the

world to the end of it, nothing ever happened that was or will be moreimportantthanthebirthofJesusChrist.ReadGal.4:4-5.

“Butwhenthefullnessofthetimewascome,GodsentforthHisSon,madeofawoman,madeunderthelaw,Toredeemthemthatwereunderthelaw,thatwemightreceivetheadoptionofsons.”

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Lesson53.TheTwoNaturesOfChrist.

(Question182-186.)

1)WhoisJesusChrist?HeistrueGod,begottenoftheFatherfrometernity,andalsotrueman,born

oftheVirginMary,myLord.2)HowmanythingsdoyousayofChristinthismanner?IsaytwothingsofHim:first,thatHeistrueGod,andsecond,thatHeistrue

man.3)GivemeaScripturepassagewhichsaysthatJesusChrististrueGod,

1John5:20.“ThisisthetrueGodandeternallife.”4)GivemeapassagewhichsaysthatHeistrueman,1Tim.2:5-6.“ThereisoneGodandonemediatorbetweenGodandman,themanChrist

Jesus.”5)(182)“SincenowChrististrueGodandtrueman,howmanynatures

hasHe,andwhatarethey?”“Two:thedivineandthehuman.”6)HowmanynatureshasChrist?Christhastwonatures.7)Weareonlyhumanbeings,andonthataccounthaveonlyhowmany

natures?Wehaveonlyonenature.8)Whatisthisnatureofours?Itishuman.9)ButChristismore.Heisnotonlyman,butalsoGod.AsGod,Hehas

whatkindofnature?Hehasadivinenature.10)Andasman,whatkindofnaturehasHe?Hehasahumannature.11)(18.3)“AretherenotinconsequencealsotwopersonsinChrist?”

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“Bynomeans, for there isoneLord,JesusChrist; therefore,He isalsobutoneperson.Hehas,however,twodistinctnatures,whicharepersonallyunitedinHim.”

12)Therearenottwo,buthowmanySaviors?ThereisonlyoneSavior;oneLordJesusChrist.13)Therearenottwo,buthowmanypersonscalledJesusChrist?Thereisonlyonepersonbythisname.14)HowmanypersonsarethereinGod?TherearethreepersonsinGod.15)WhichofthesepersonsisJesusChrist?HeisthesecondpersonoftheTrinity.16)Yes,andthissecondperson in theGodhead, in the fullnessof time,

became aman.He assumed our human nature, and became our brother.AndwhenHe did this. He did not cease to beGod. Therefore, sinceHisbirthbytheVirginMaryHeisnotonlyGod,butwhatisHe?

HeisbothGodandman.17)Readthepassage1Cor.8:6.“ButtousthereisbutoneGod,theFather,ofwhomareallthings,andwein

Him;andoneLordJesusChrist,bywhomareallthings,andwebyHim.”18)HerewehaveaplainstatementthattherearenottwoLordsbuthow

many?ThereisoneLordJesusChrist.19) (184)“What follows fromthispersonalunionof the twonatures in

Christ?”“Chiefly this, that the human nature of Christ truly participates in the

propertiesofHisdivinenature.”20)Christ,asGod,haswhatkindofattributes?Hehasdivineattributes.21)Whatarethedivineattributes?God is eternal, almighty, omnipresent, omniscient, holy, righteous,merciful

andtruthful.22)Butbecause thisperson,JesusChrist, isat the same timeGodand

man,notonlytheGodJesusChristhasthesedivineattributes,butalsothemanJesusChristhasthem.AsGod,thispersonhadtheseattributesfrometernity,butasman,theyweregiventoHiminthefullnessoftime.SowereadofHisomnipotence.Matt.28:18.Repeatthepassage.

“Allpowerisgivenuntomeinheavenandinearth.”

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23)AllpowerwasnotgiventoChristasGod,becauseHehadallpowerfrometernity.ButasmanHedidnothaveallpowerfrometernity.SowhentheSavior says that all power is given toHim, towhichnaturemust thisrefer?

ItmustrefertoHishumannature.24)Andsoitiswithalltheotherdivineattributes.ReadJohn5:21-27.“ForastheFatherhathlifeinHimself,sohathHegiventotheSontohave

lifeinHimself;AndhathgivenHimauthoritytoexecutejudgmentalso,becauseHeistheSonofman.”

25)ThispowerofhavinglifeinHimselfbelongsoriginallytowhom?ToGodtheFather.26) And because God the Son is the equal of God the Father, it also

belongstotheSon.WhenitisheresaidthatthispowerisgiventotheSon,towhichnaturedoesthisrefer?

ItreferstoHishumannature.27)Thisisagreatcomforttous.Ourbrother,JesusChrist,isalmighty,

everywhere present, all-wise, in fact He has been given all the divineattributes.TellmeinthewordsoftheSaviorHimself(Mat.18:20)thatHe,ourbrother,fleshofourfleshandboneofourbone,iseverywherepresentwithus.

“Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in themidstofthem.”

28)ThesamethingHesaysinthelatterhalfofMatt.28:20.“Lo,Iamwithyoualway,evenuntotheendoftheworld.”29)Tellmeapassagewhichsaysthatourbrother,JesusChrist,hasall

power.“Allpowerisgivenuntome,inheavenandonearth.”30)(185)“AccordingtowhatnaturethenisChristourSavior?”“Accordingtobothnatures.”31)Repeat1John3:8.“ForthispurposetheSonofGodwasmanifested,thatHemightdestroythe

worksofthedevil.”32)Whoisheresaidtodestroytheworksofthedevil?TheSonofGod.33)Readthe7thverseof1John,chapter1.“Butifwewalkinthelight,asHeisinthelight,wehavefellowshiponewith

another,andthebloodofJesusChrist,HisSon,cleansethusfromallsin.”

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34)Howareweheresaidtobecleansedfromallsin?BythebloodofJesusChrist,God’sSon.35)Yes,ourSavioristrueGod,butatthesametimeHeisalsotrueman.

WhatiswrittenofHim,Gen.3:15?“Iwill put enmity between thee and thewoman, between thy seed andher

seed;itshallbruisethyhead,andthoushaltbruisehisheel.”36)Here the Savior is called the seed of thewoman, that is, a human

being.HeisourSavior,then,notonlyasGod,butalsoaswhat?Alsoasman.37)RepeatLuke9:56.“TheSonofmanisnotcometodestroymen’slives,buttosavethem.”38)WhatistheSaviorherecalled?HeiscalledtheSonofMan.39)Thesameisstatedinapassagewhichwelearnedinthelast lesson,

1stTim.2:5-6.Repeatit.“For there is one God, and onemediator between God andmen, the man

ChristJesus,whogaveHimselfaransomforall,tobetestifiedinduetime.”40)ThatChrist isourSavior,notonlyaccordingtoHisdivinebutalso

according to His human nature, is plainly taught in Heb. 2:14. Read thepassage.

“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He alsoHimself likewise took part of the same; that through death Hemight destroyHimthathadthepowerofdeath,thatis,thedevil.”

41)Andagain,Heb.4:15.“Forwehavenotahighpriestwhichcannotbe touchedwith thefeelingof

ourinfirmities;butwasinallpointstemptedlikeasweare,yetwithoutsin.”42)ChristisourSavior,notonlyasGod,butalsoasman,andnotonlyas

man.butalsoasGod.HenceaccordingtowhichnatureisHeourSavior?Accordingtobothnatures.43) (186) “Whywas it necessary thatChrist should be both, trueGod

andman?”“TruemanHemustbe,thatHemightputHimselfunderthelaw,sufferand

dieformankind; trueGodHemustbe, thatHebysuchobediencecouldmeritforusforgivenessofsin,lifeandsalvation.”

44)WhymusttheSaviorbetruemaninordertosaveus?ThatHemightputhimselfunderthelaw,sufferanddieformankind.45)TowhatkindofbeingsdidGodgivethelaw?

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Godgavethelawtohumanbeings.46)ThenifChristwantedtotakeourplaceanddowhatthelawrequired

ofushumanbeings,whatkindofabeingmustHebe?Hemustbeahumanbeing.47)Whatisthepunishmentandresultofsin?Thepunishmentandresultofsinissufferinganddeath.48)IfChristwantedtotakeuponHimselftheresultsandpunishmentof

sin,whatwasitnecessaryforHimtodo?ItwasnecessaryforHimtosufferanddie.49)CanGodsufferanddie?No,Hecannot.50).Canhumanbeingssufferanddie?Yes,theycan.51)Therefore ifChristwanted to suffer and die for us,whatmustHe

become?Hemustbecomeahumanbeing,aman.52)Nowtellmefromouranswer.No.186,whywas itnecessarytoour

salvationforChristtobetrueGod?True God He must be, that He by such obedience could merit for us

forgivenessofsin,lifeandsalvation.53)RepeatPs.49:7-8.“None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a

ransomforHim:(Fortheredemptionoftheirsoulisprecious,anditceasethforever:)”

54)NomeremancouldredeemHimself,muchlesswhom?MuchlessHisbrother.55)IfChristhadbeenamereman,Hecouldonlyhavefulfilledthelaw

for Himself. His sufferings and death would not have been a sufficientransomforallthesinsofallmankind.ButChrist,ourSavior,isnotamereman,HeisGod.HowdoweknowthatHecanfulfillthelawforus?

BecauseHeisGodandcandoallthings.56)ReadRom.8:3-4.“Forwhat the lawcouldnotdo, in that itwasweak through the flesh,God

sendingHisownSoninthelikenessofsinfulflesh,andforsincondemnedsininthe flesh:That the righteousnessof the lawmightbe fulfilled inus,whowalknotaftertheflesh,butaftertheSpirit.”

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57) How do we know that the sufferings and death of Christ are asufficientransomforthesinsofallmankind?

BecauseHeistrueGod.58)Children, letushold fast thisprecious truth, thatourSavior,Jesus

Christ, is bothGod andman. Being convinced of this truth, which othertruthfollows?

ThatbothasGodandmanHeisourSavior.

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2.OfTheOfficeOfChrist

Lesson54.Christ,OurProphet.

(Question187-189.)

1)WhoisJesusChrist?HeistrueGod,begottenoftheFatherfrometernity,andalsotrueman,born

oftheVirginMary,myLord.2)BywhattwonamesistheSaviorusuallycalled?HeiscalledJesusChrist.3)WhatdoesthenameJesusmean?JesusmeansSavior.4)WhatdoesthenameChristmean?ChristmeansTheanointedOne.5)ForwhatpurposewasChristanointedwiththeHolyGhost?He was anointed with the Holy Ghost to be our Prophet, High Priest and

King.6)SowhatdothenamesoftheSaviortellusaboutHim?TheytelluswhatHeis,orwhatHedoes.7) (187) Yes. they tell us His work, or office. “What is the office of

Christ?”“Christ’sofficeisthatHe,astheoneMediatorbetweenGodandmen,saves

usfromoursins.”8)WhatisChristcalledinthisanswer?Heiscalledamediator.9)Amediator isapeacemaker.When theChildrenof Israelworshiped

the golden calf atMt. Sinai,Godwas angrywith themand threatened todestroythem.Whowasitthatintercededandprayedforthepeople?

Exodus32:7-14.Mosesprayedforthepeople.10)Yes,MoseswasthemediatorbetweenGodandthepeople.Whatkind

ofrelationexistsbetweentwopersonswhentheyneedamediator?

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Thereisenmitybetweenthem.11)SothereisenmitybetweenGodandmen.Whatcausedthisenmity?Sincausedthisenmity.12) Yes, God hates sin, and because of his sinfulness, man hates God.

NowwhostepsinasmediatortomakepeacebetweenGodandmen?JesusChrist,ourSavior.13)HowmanysuchmediatorsbetweenGodandmenarethere?Thereisonlyonesuchmediator.14)Tellmethiswithascripturepassagethatyoulearnedunderquestion

No.181.1Tim.2:5-6.“There isoneGod,andoneMediatorbetweenGodandmen,

themanChristJesus,whogaveHimselfaransomforall,tobetestifiedinduetime.”

15)RepeatalsoActs4:12.“Neither is there salvation inanyother; for there isnoneothernameunder

heavengivenamongmen,wherebywemustbesaved.”16)TellmefromourquestionNo.187,whatdoestheSaviordoastheone

mediatorbetweenGodandmen?Hesavesusfromoursin.17)WhatdowecallHimbecauseHesavesus?WecallHimSavior.18)RepeatMatt.1:21.“Sheshallbringforthason,andthoushaltcallHisnameJESUS,forHeshall

saveHispeoplefromtheirsins.”19)ReadalsowhatiswrittenofJesus,Heb.12:24.“And to Jesus, the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of

sprinklingthatspeakethbetterthingsthanthatofAbel.”20)AlsoHeb.8:6.“NowhathHeobtainedamoreexcellentministry,byhowmuchalsoHeis

themediatorofabettercovenant,whichwasestablisheduponbetterpromises.”21)AndalsoHeb.9:15.“For this causeHe is themediator of the new testament, that bymeans of

death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the firsttestament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternalinheritance.”

22)WhatisChristcalledinallthesepassages?Heiscalledamediator.

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23) (188) “What three official names are applied to Him in HolyScripturetodescribemorefullythis.Hisofficeandwork?”

“HeiscalledourProphet,HighPriestandKing.”24)AsSavior,Jesusstandsinathreefoldrelationtous.WhatisHefirst?HeisourProphet.25)Whatisthesecondrelation?HeisourHighPriest.26)Whatisthethirdrelation?HeisourKing.27)WhowasthegreatestprophetoftheOldTestament?Moses.28)WhatdoesMosessayinDeut.18:15?“TheLord,thyGod,willraiseupuntotheeaProphetfromthemidstofthee,

orthybrethren,likeuntome;untoHimyeshallhearken.”29) To whom doesMoses here refer as the great Prophet who was to

come?HereferstoJesusChrist.30)ThisisplainlytoldusinActs3:22.“Mosestrulysaiduntothefathers,‘AProphetshalltheLordyourGodraise

up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; Him shall ye hear in all thingswhatsoeverHeshallsayuntoyou.’”

31)Thesame.Acts7:37.“ThisisthatMoses,whichsaiduntothechildrenofIsrael,‘AProphetshall

theLordyourGodraiseupuntoyouofyourbrethren,likeuntome;Himshallyehear.’”

32)ReadalsoJohn1:45.“Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto Him, ‘We have found Him, of

whomMosesinthelaw,andtheprophets,didwrite,JesusofNazareth,thesonofJoseph.’”

33)AlsoJohn6:14.“Thenthosemen,whentheyhadseenthemiracle,thatJesusdid,said,‘This

isofatruth,thatProphet,thatshouldcomeintotheworld.’”34)Jesus,however,isnotonlyourProphet,butwhatelseisHe?HeisourHighPriest.35)LetusseesomeproofsfromtheScripturesforthisalso.RepeatHeb.

4:14.

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“Seeingthenthatwehaveagreathighpriest,thatispassedintotheheavens,JesustheSonofGod,letusholdfastourprofession.”

36)Readalsothe15thverseofthischapter.“Wehavenotahighpriestwhichcannotbetouchedwiththefeelingofour

infirmities;butwasinallpointstemptedlikeasweare,yetwithoutsin.”37)AlsoHeb.5:5-6.“SoalsoChristglorifiednotHimselftobemadeahighpriest;buthethatsaid

untoHim,‘ThouartmySon, todayhaveIbegotten thee.’AsHesaithalso inanotherplace,‘ThouartapriestforeveraftertheorderofMelchisedec’”

38)AlsoHeb.6:20.“Whithertheforerunnerisforusentered,evenJesus,madeahighpriestfor

everaftertheorderofMelchisedec.”39)AlsoHeb.7:17.“ForHetestifieth,‘ThouartapriestforeveraftertheorderofMelchisedec’”40) InPs. 110:4,wehaveaveryplainprophecy concerning theSavior.

Readit.“TheLordhathsworn,andwillnotrepent,‘Thouartapriestforeverafterthe

orderofMelchizedek.’”41) What other office has Jesus besides being our Prophet and High

priest?HeisalsoourKing.42)Letusseetheproofsforthisalso.RepeatJer.23:5.“‘Behold the day come,’ saith the Lord, ‘that I will raise unto David a

righteousBranch,andaKingshallreignandprosper,andshallexecutejudgmentandjusticeintheearth.’”

43)ThewholesecondPsalmisaprophecyconcerningthekinglyoffice.Readespeciallythe6thverse.

“YethaveIsetmyKinguponmyholyhillofZion.”44)ReadalsoPs.24:7-10,andtellmewhatistheSaviorherecalled?HeiscalledtheKingofGlory.45)InJohn18:36-37,whenJesusstoodbeforePontiusPilate,whatdidhe

confessHimselftobe?HeconfessedHimselftobeaking.46)WhatiswrittenoftheSavior,Luke1:33?“Heshall reignover thehouseofJacobforever;andofHiskingdomthere

shallbenoend.”47)(189)“WhyisHecalledourProphet?”

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“BecauseHerevealstousthewillofHisheavenlyFatherandteachesusthewayuntosalvation.”

48)Whatisaprophet?Onewhoforetellsthingstocome.49)TheprophetsintheOldTestamentweremensentbyGodtorevealto

thepeopleHiswillandtoforetellHisjudgments.Theywerereallyteachers.SowhenwesaythatChristisourProphet,whatdowemeanbythisname?

WemeanthatChristisourteacher.50)WhatdoesHerevealtous?HerevealstousthewillofHisheavenlyFather.51)SowereadoftheSaviorinDeut.18:18-19.“IwillraisethemupaProphetfromamongtheirbrethren,likeuntothee,and

willputmywords inHismouth;andHeshall speakunto themall that I shallcommandHim.AnditshallcometopassthatwhosoeverwillnothearkenuntomywordswhichHeshallspeakinmyname,Iwillrequireitofhim.”

52)RepeatJohn1:18.“NomanhathseenGodatanytime;theonlybegottenSon,whichisinthe

bosomoftheFather,HehathdeclaredHim.”53)Godisinvisible,butGodsentussomeonewhoiswithGod,whosees

and knowsHim to reveal to us all thatwe should know concerningHim.Whoisthis?

ItisJesusChrist.54)ReadLuke10:22.“AllthingsaredeliveredtomeofmyFather;and

nomanknowethwhotheSonis,buttheFather;andwhotheFatheris,buttheSon,andHetowhomtheSonwillrevealHim.”

55)ReadalsoJohn6:46.“Not thatanymanhath seen theFather, saveHewhich isofGod,Hehath

seentheFather.”56) God the Father Himself declares that all men should hear Jesus

Christ.ReadwhatGodsaysMatt.17:5.“WhileHeyetspake,beholdabrightcloudovershadowedthem;andbeholda

voiceoutofthecloud,whichsaid,‘ThisismybelovedSon,inwhomIamwellpleased;hearyeHim.’”

57)Yes.Jesusisthegreatteacher.WhatdoesHeteachus?Heteachesusthewayofsalvation.58) What occupation did Jesus follow when He walked visibly upon

earth?

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Hewasateacher,orpreacher.59)SowereadMatt.4:23.“JesuswentaboutallGalilee,teachingintheirsynagogues,andpreachingthe

gospel of the kingdom, and healing ailmanner of sickness and allmanner ofdiseaseamongthepeople.”

60)ReadalsoMark1:14-15.“Nowafter that Johnwasput inprison, Jesus came intoGalilee,preaching

the gospel of the kingdomofGod, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and thekingdomofGodisathand:repentye,andbelievethegospel.’”

61)HowoldwasJesuswhenHebeganHispublicministry?Hewasthirtyyearsold.62)HowoldwasHewhenHedied?Hewasthirty-threeyearsold.63)HowlongthendidHeteachpersonallyonearth?Onlythreeyears.64)Yes, but the influence of this teachingwill be felt to the endof the

world.WherehavewearecordofHisteaching?IntheBible.65)SotheSaviorisstillourteacher.WhatprovisiondidJesusmakethat

thisteachingmightgooninHisname,evenafterHeisnomorevisibleonearth?

HeappointedmentopreachinHisname.66)Whoarethesemen?TheministersoftheGospel.67)ReadthecommandoftheLordJesus,Mark16:15-16.“AndHesaiduntothem,‘Goyeintoailtheworld,andpreachthegospelto

every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he thatbelievethnotshallbedamned.’”

68)Nowletusseefromthe20thverseofthischapter,howtheapostlescarried out this command of the Savior. “Theywent forth, and preachedeverywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word withsignsfollowing.”

69)ReadalsoLuke10:16.“Hethathearethyouhearethme;andhethatdespiseth you despisethme; and he that despisethme despisethHim thatsentme.”

70)Letus thankGod thatJesus is stillour teacher; that fromHimwemay learn the way of salvation. How should we regard the teaching and

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preachingoffaithfulministersoftheGospel?AsbindingasthatoftheSaviorHimself.

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Lesson55.Christ,OurHighPriest.

(Question190.)

1)InourlastlessonwelearnedabouttheofficeofChrist.WhatistheofficeofChrist?HeistheonemediatorbetweenGodandmen.2)WhatdoesHedoasourmediator?Hesavesusfromoursins.3)HowmanifoldistheofficeofChrist?Christ’sofficeisthreefold.4)MentionthethreerelationsinwhichChristisourmediator.HeisourProphet,HighPriestandKing.5)WhatdowemeanbysayingthatChristisourProphet?Heisourteacher.6)WhatdoesHeteachus?Heteachesusthewayofsalvation.7)ButChrist isnotonlyourProphet;whatotherofficedoesHe fill as

mediator?HeisalsoourHighPriest.8)(190)“WhyisHecalledourhighpriest?”“BecauseHefulfilledthelawforus,andgaveHimselfasasacrificeforour

sins,andnowintercedesforusbeforeHisFather.”9)ThehighpriestoftheOldTestamentwasarepresentativeperson.He

stoodbeforeGodinthenameofallthepeopleofIsrael.WhowasthefirsthighpriestinIsrael?

Aaronwasthefirsthighpriest.10)AaronandallhissuccessorsweretypesandfiguresofChrist.Heis

the trueHighPriest of allmankind.He is just thekindofhighpriestwepoorsinnersneedtorepresentusbeforeGod,aswereadHeb.7:26-27.

“Such a high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separatefromsinners,andmadehigherthantheheavens.Whoneedethnotdaily,asthose

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high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for His own sins, and then for thepeople’s,forthisHedidonce,whenHeofferedupHimself.”

11)TellmefromquestionNo.190inwhatrespectChristtookourplacesbeforeGodfirstofall.

Hefulfilledthelawforus.12)WhatkindoflifedidtheSaviorlive?Asinless,perfectlife.13)ReadHeb.4:15.“Wehavenotahighpriestwhichcannotbetouchedwiththefeelingofour

infirmities;butwasinallpointstemptedlikeasweare,yetwithoutsin.”14)RepeatGal.4:4-5.“Whenthefullnessofthetimewascome,GodsentforthHisSon,madeofa

woman,madeunder the law, to redeem them thatwereunder the law, thatwemightreceivetheadoptionofsons.”

15)TheapostleheresaysChristwasmade,orput,underthelaw;thatis,He took our place under the law. He fulfilled everything that the lawrequiredofus.SoHeHimselfsays.Matt.5:17.

“ThinknotthatIcometodestroythelaw,ortheprophets:Iamnotcometodestroy,buttofulfill.”

16)SotheApostlePaulwritestotheRomans,chapter5,verse19.“Asbyoneman’sdisobediencemanyweremadesinners,sobytheobedience

ofoneshallmanybemaderighteous.”17)Christ, asGod,wasnotunder, but above, the law.ForHimselfHe

had no need to come into the world and render obedience tocommandmentsmadeforus.Forwhom,however,didHedothis?

Hediditforus,18)WhoserepresentativewasHeinHisperfectobedienceofGod’slaw?Hewasourrepresentative,19)ReadRom.10:4.“Christistheendofthelawforrighteousnesstoeveryonethatbelieveth,”20)ButwhatelsedoesChristdoasourHighPriestbesidesfulfillingthe

law?HegaveHimselfasasacrificeforoursins,21)WhatwastheprincipalworkofthepriestsintheOldTestament?Theyofferedsacrifice,22)Whatdidtheyofferassacrifice?Theyofferedanimals,suchaslambs,doves,kidsandcattle.

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23)WhenanIsraelitehadsinned,hebroughtananimaltothepriesttobekilledandburnedasasacrifice.Heoffered,asitwere,anotherlifeforhisown,whichhehadforfeitedbyhissin.ReadHeb.9:22.

“Almostallthingsarebythelawpurgedwithblood;andwithoutsheddingofbloodisnoremission,”

24)But the sacrifice of animalswasonlya figureof thegreat sacrificewhichChristbroughtforthesinsoftheworld.Whatwasthissacrifice?

ChristgaveHimselfasasacrificeforoursins.25)HowdidHedothis?Bysufferinganddyingforus.26)InwhatwordsdoesLuther’sexplanationoftheSecondArticleofthe

Creedsaythis?Christ“hasredeemedme,alostandcondemnedcreature,purchasedandwon

me from all sins, for death and from the power of the devil, notwith gold orsilver, butwithHisholypreciousblood, andwithHis innocent sufferings anddeath.”

27)NowletusseehowplainlytheScripturesteachthispreciousdoctrinethatChristsufferedanddiedforoursins.RepeatIs.53:4-5.

“SurelyHehathborneourgriefs,andcarriedoursorrows:yetwedidesteemHim, stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for ourtransgressions.Hewasbruisedforouriniquities:thechastisementofourpeacewasuponHim;andwithHisstripeswearehealed.”

28) This is a prophecy concerning the Savior and foretells that theMessiahshouldsuffer.WhosegriefsandsorrowsshouldHecarry?

Heshouldbearourgriefsandcarryoursorrows.29)WhyshouldHebewounded?Heshouldbewoundedforour transgressions;Heshouldbebruisedforour

iniquities.30)ReadalsoPhil.2:8.“Being found In fashion as a man. He humbled Himself, and became

obedientuntodeath,eventhedeathofthecross.”31)Christ came to redeemus from thecurseof the law.Whatwas the

curseofthelaw,whichwehadtransgressedbysin?Thecurseofthelawisdeath.32)ReadGal.3:13.“Christhathredeemedusfromthecurseof the law,beingmadeacursefor

us:foritiswritten,‘Cursediseveryonethathangethonatree.’”

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33)Nowrepeat1Pet.2:24.“WhoHisownselfbareoursinsinHisownbodyonthetree,thatwe,being

deadtosins,shouldliveuntorighteousness:bywhosestripesyewerehealed.”34) Christ was hanged on a tree— on the cross. He died the painful,

shamefuldeathofthecross;butdidHedieforHisownsins?No,Hehadnosins.35)ThenwhosesinsdidHebearonthetree;forwhosesinsdidHedie?Heboreoursins;Hediedforus.36)WhatdidJohn theBaptist sayof theSavior,whenhepointedHim

outtohisdisciples?John 1:29. “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith,

‘BeholdtheLambofGod,whichtakethawaythesinoftheworld.’”37)Whatwas the principal animal thatwas offered as sacrifice in the

OldTestament?Itwasalamb.38)Whatwasthesacrificethatwasofferedatthepassoverfeast?Thepaschallamb.39)Whomdidalltheselambsrepresent?TheyrepresentedChrist,thetrueLambofGod.40)SotheSaviorwasnotonlythetrueHighPriest,butatthesametime

thetruesacrifice.AndwhosesinsdoesHe,astheLambofGod,takeaway?Hetakesawaythesinsoftheworld.41)WehavenowseentwothingsthatChristdidasourHighPriest.Whatisthefirst?Hefulfilledthelawforus.42)Whatisthesecond?HegaveHimselfasasacrificeforoursins.43)This iswhatChrist, ourHighPriest, has done for us. But there is

somethingwhichHedoesforusnow.Whatisit?HenowintercedesforusbeforeHisFather.44)The priests of theOldTestament not only offered sacrifice for the

people,butwhatelsedidtheydo?Theyprayedforthepeople.45)Thehighpriestof theOldTestamentworeashieldonhisbreast in

whichweresettwelvepreciousstones,andoneachstonewasengraventhenameofoneof the twelve tribesof Israel.SoourgreatHighPriest,Jesus

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Christ,bearsonHisheartthewholepeopleofGodandmakesintercessionforthem.Repeat1John2:1-2.

“If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ therighteous:andHeisthepropitiationforoursins:andnotforoursonly,butalsoforthesinsofthewholeworld.”

46)WhatisChristherecalled?HeiscalledouradvocatewiththeFather.47)Anadvocateisanattorney,onewhorepresentsanotherincourt.Whoisouradvocate;whopleadsforusinthecourtofheaven?Christisouradvocate.48)ReadRom.8:34.“Who isHe thatcondemneth? It isChrist thatdied,yea rather, that is risen

again,who isevenat the righthandofGod,whoalsomaketh intercession forus.”

49)ReadHeb.7:23-2.5.“Theytrulyweremanypriests,becausetheywerenotsufferedtocontinueby

reasonofdeath:Butthisman,becauseHecontinuethever,hathanunchangeablepriesthood.WhereforeHe isablealso tosave them to theuttermost thatcomeuntoGodbyHim,seeingHeeverlivethtomakeintercessionforthem.”

50)Christisouronlyadvocate,foralltime.HeHimselfpromisedthis,aswereadJohn14:16.

“IwillpraytheFather,andHeshallgiveyouanotherComforter,thatHemayabidewithyouforever.”

51)Inthe17thchapteroftheGospelofSt.John,wehaveanexampleofhowChristpraysforHisdisciples.Readthe9thverseofthisprecioushighpriestlyprayer.

“Iprayforthem:Ipraynotfortheworld,butforthemwhichthouhastgivenme;fortheyarethine.”

52)It iscomfortingtoknowthat theSavior thenalreadythoughtofusalso,andprayedforus,asweseefromthe20thverse.

“NeitherprayIforthesealone,butforthemalsowhichshallbelieveonmethroughtheirword.”

53)NowwecomebeforeGodinourprayerswithallconfidence,forwehaveanadvocatewithwhomGodiswellpleased,andforwhosesakeGodwillhearourprayers,astheSaviorsays,John16:23.

“Verily,verily,Isayuntoyou,whatsoeveryeshallasktheFatherinmyname,Hewillgiveityou.”

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Lesson56.Christ,OurKing.

(Queston191.)

1) Christ has a threefold office as our mediator. Can you name thisthreefoldofficeofChrist?

Heisourprophet,highpriestandking.2)WhatdoesChristdoasourprophet?Heteachesusthewayofsalvation.3)WhatdidHedoasourhighpriest?Hefulfilledthelawforus,andofferedHimselfasasacrificeforoursins.4)WhatdoesHestilldoasourhighpriest?HepraystoGod,ormakesintercession,forus.5)WhatelseisChrist,besidesourprophetandhighpriest?Heisalsoourking.6)(191)“WhyisHecalledourking?”“BecauseHerulesoverallcreatures,protectsandgovernsHisChurch,and

foreverlivesandtriumphswithHissaintsinheaven.”7)Lookatthisanswercarefullyandtellmehowmanypartshasit?Ithasthreeparts.8)WhatisthefirstthingthatChristdoesasourking?Herulesoverallcreatures.9)Whatisthebusinessofaking?Aking’sbusinessistorule.10)RepeatJohn18:37.“Pilate therefore said unto Him, ‘Art thou a king then?’ Jesus answered,

‘ThousayestthatIamakingTothisendwasIborn,andforthiscausecame1intotheworld,thatIshouldbearwitnessuntothetruth.Everyonethatisofthetruthhearethmyvoice’”.

11)WhatdoestheSaviorhereconfessHimselftobe?HeconfessesHimselftobeaking.12)OverwhatdoesChristruleasking?Overallcreatures.

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13)Repeat1Cor.15:27.“HehathputallthingsunderHisfeet.”14)TheSaviorHimselfsaysthatHehasallpower.RepeatMatt.28:18.“Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, ‘All power is given untome in

heavenandinearth’”.15HowdidJesusononeoccasionshowHispowerevenoverthewinds

andwavesoftheseas?Mat. 8:23:27.WhenHewas on the seawithHis disciples, and by amere

wordquietedthestorm.16)WhatdidthepeoplesayofHimonthisoccasion?Mat. 8:27. “Themenmarveled, saying, ‘Whatmanner ofman is this, that

eventhewindsandtheseaobeyHim!’”17)ReadalsoMatt.14:25.“InthefourthwatchofthenightJesuswentuntothemwalkingonthesea.”18) So Jesus ruled the stormy water that it carried Him instead of

swallowingHimup.Jesusrulesnotonlyoverallvisiblecreatures,buteventhedevilsaresubjecttoHim.ReadMark1:23-25.

“Therewasintheirsynagogueamanwithanuncleanspirit;andHecriedout,saying,‘Letusalone,whathavewetodowiththee,thouJesusofNazareth?Artthoucometodestroyme?Iknowthee,whothouart,theHolyOneofGod.’AndJesusrebukedhim,saying,‘Holdthypeace,andcomeoutofhim.’”

19)ReadalsoPs.110:1-2.“TheLordsaiduntomyLord,‘Sitthouatmyrighthand,untilImakethine

enemiesthyfootstool.TheLordshallsendtherodthystrengthoutofZion:rulethouinthemidstofthineenemies.’”

20)OverwhomistheMessiahheretoldtorule?HeistoldtoruleeveninthemidstofHisenemies.21)ReadalsowhatiswrittenofHimPs.8:6-8.“ThoumadestHimtohavedominionovertheworksofthyhands;thouhast

put all things under His feet: .All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of thefield.”

22)NowreadDan.7:13-14."Isawinthenightvisions,andbehold,oneliketheSonofmancamewiththe

cloudsofheaven,andcametotheAncientofdays,andtheybroughtHimnearbeforehim,andtherewasgivenhimdominion,andglory,andakingdom,thatall people, nations, and languages, should serve Him: His dominion is an

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everlastingdominion,which shall notpass away, andHiskingdom thatwhichshallnotbedestroyed.

23)Whatacomfort this is toknowthatJesus,ourbrotherandSavior,rulesheavenandearth.Whatwouldwe sayofaking,whoexercises suchpower?

WewouldsayHeisapowerfulking.24)AndbecauseinthiskingdomJesusruleswithsuchpower,wecallit

thekingdomofpower.OverwhatdoesJesusruleinHiskingdomofpower?Herulesoverallcreatures.25)ReadwhattheapostlesaysoftheSavior,Phil.2:9-10.“WhereforeGodalsohathhighlyexaltedHim,andgivenHimanamewhich

isaboveeveryname:ThatatthenameofJesuseverykneeshouldbow,ofthingsinheaven,andthingsinearth,andthingsundertheearth.”

26)Soweseethatthefirstpartofouranswertoquestion191referstowhatkingdomofChrist?

Itreferstothekingdomofpower.27)Nowtellme fromouranswer:what is the second thing thatChrist

doesasourking?“HeprotectsandgovernsHisChurch.”28)InHiskingdomofpowerChristruleswithHisalmightypower.All

thingsmustobeyHim.GodrulesandgovernstheworldthroughChrist.He,however, not only rules andgoverns thewholeworld in general, but overwhatdoesHeexerciseaspecialrule?

OvertheChurch.29) And in this spiritual kingdom He does not rule by His almighty

power.NooneiscompelledtoobeyHim.BeforePilate,JesusconfessedwhatwastheobjectofHiscomingintotheworld.Tellmefromthepassageyourepeatedamomentago,whydidJesuscomeintotheworld?(John18:37).

ThatHeshouldbearwitnessuntothetruth.30)AndwhatdoesJesussayofthosewhoareofthetruth?“Everyonethatisofthetruthhearethmyvoice.”31)NotallmenobeyHisvoicewhentheyhearitinthepreachingofthe

Gospel.Butwhatdowecallthosewhodo?WecallthemChristians.32)Andwhatdowecallthewholecompanyofbelievers?WecallittheChurch.33)NowtheChurchiscalledthedaughterofZion.ReadMatt.21:5.

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“TellyethedaughterofZion.‘Behold,thyKingcomethuntothee,meek,andsittinguponanass,andacoltthefoalofanass.’”

34)Jesuscameasthefulfillmentoftheprophecy,whichwefindinJer.23:5-6.Readit.

“Behold, the days come”, saith the Lord, “that I will raise unto David arighteousBranchandaKingshallreignandprosper,andshallexecutejudgmentandjusticeintheearth.InHisdaysJudahshallbesaved,andIsraelshalldwellsafely: and this is His name whereby He shall be called, ‘THE LORDOURRIGHTEOUSNESS.’”

35)Jesus,asourspiritualking,hasnotanoutward,visiblekingdom,butwhatdoestheSaviorsay,John18:36.

“Mykingdom isnotof thisworld; ifmykingdomwereof thisworld, thenwouldmyservantsfight,thatIshouldnotbedeliveredtotheJews:butnowismykingdomnotfromhence.”

56) In thiskingdom,Jesusrulesnotbypower,butbygrace.MenobeyHim,notbecausetheymust,butwhy?

Becausetheytakepleasureinit.37)Read2Cor.10:4-5.“For theweaponsofourwarfarearenotcarnal,butmighty throughGod to

the pulling down of strong holds, casting down imaginations and every highthing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing intocaptivityeverythoughttotheobedienceofChrist.”

38)WehaveseenthattheSaviorsufferedanddiedforus.ThroughHimwehavetheforgivenessofsinsandthehopeofeternallife.HowshouldweshowourthankfulnesstoHimforHisgrace?

WeshouldserveandobeyHim.39)InLuther’sexplanationofthesecondarticleofthecreed,whatdoes

HesayastotheSavior’spurposeinredeeming,purchasingandwinninguswithhisholypreciousbloodandHisinnocentsufferingsanddeath?

“Inorder that ImaybeHisownand liveunderHimandHiskingdomandserveHim.”

40)WhatisthekingdomofChristherereferredto?TheChurch.41) Because Jesus rules over all creatures by His power, this first

kingdom is called the kingdom of power. Now because in this secondkingdomHerulesbyHisgrace,whatisitcalled?

Itiscalledthekingdomofgrace.

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42)Yes,theChurchofChristisHiskingdomofgrace.WhatdoesChristdo with the Church according to our answer. (No. 191). He protects andgovernsit.

43)AgainstwhomdoesChristprotectHisChurch?Againstthedevilandwickedmen.44) The devil and wicked men have from the very beginning tried to

destroytheChurch.Butwhydidtheynotsucceed?BecauseChristprotectsit.45)WhatgloriouspromisedidChristgiveHisChurch,Matt.16:18.“Isayalsountothee, that thouartPeteranduponthisrock1willbuildmy

Church;andthegatesofhellshallnotprevailagainstit.”46)Christ,however,notonlyprotectstheChurch,butwhatelsedoesHe

do?Healsogovernsit.47)WhoistheheadandruleroftheChurch?JesusChrist.48)Hiswordisourhighestlaw.WhatdoestheSaviorsay,Matt.23:8?“Oneisyourmaster,evenChrist;andallyearebrethren.”49)NowwehavespokenofatwofoldkingdomofChrist;Hiskingdomof

power and His kingdom of grace. There is still another sense in whichChristisourking.AccordingtoouranswerNo.191,whatisthelastthingChristdoesasourking?

“Heforeverlivesandtriumphswiththesaintsinheaven.”50)ReadLuke1:33,andseewhatistheresaidoftheSavior.“Heshall reignover thehouseofJacobforever;andofHiskingdomthere

shallbenoend.”51)All otherkings ruleonly fora time.Saul ruled fora timeandwas

succeededbyDavid.DavidruledforatimeandwassucceededbySolomon.ButwhatissaidoftheSavior’skingdom?

OfHiskingdomthereshallbenoend.52)SoHiskingdomcannotbelimitedtothislife.Heiskingnotonlyin

thisworld,butwhere?Alsointheworldtocome,ineternity.53)WhoshallbeinthiskingdomofChristintheworldtocome?Thesaintsinheaven.54)Yes,andbythesaintswemeanthosewhohavelivedanddiedinthe

faith of Jesus. This is the kingdomwhich St. Paul had inmind when he

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wrotewhatweread2Tim.4:18.“TheLordshalldelivermefromeveryevilwork,andwillpreservemeunto

Hisheavenlykingdom.”55)Fromwhatdoestheapostlehopetobedelivered?Fromeveryevilwork.56)From sin and all its dreadful consequences.Thiswill be a glorious

kingdom, where we shall see the Savior in all His glory and enjoy theblessednesswhichHe has in store for us.Aswe readMatt. 25:34: “Thenshall the king say unto them onHis right hand, ‘Come, ye blessed ofmyFather, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of theworld.’”

57) Because of the glory which shall be revealed in this heavenlykingdom,whatisitcalled?

Itiscalledthekingdomofglory.58)Christ shall triumphwithHis saintsoverallHisenemies.All strife

and contention shall be at an end. There will be everlasting peace andunspeakable joy. This kingdom of Christ is also sometimes called theChurchTriumphant.CananyonetellmefromquestionNo.191,whyitissocalled?

BecauseinitChristshalltriumphwithHissaints.59)OverwhatshallHetriumphandwewithHim?Overthedevilandallevil.60)Yes,weshallwith theSavior inheavencelebrateaneternalvictory

over sin, death and the devil. Now name the threefold kingdom of theSavior.Thekingdomof power, thekingdomof grace and thekingdomofglory.

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TheTwoStatesOfChrist

1.TheStateOfHumiliation

Lesson57.WhereinItConsists.

(Question192-194.)

1)NamethethreefoldofficeofChrist.ChristisourProphet,HighPriestandKing.2)WhatdoesChristdoasourProphet?Heteachesusthewayofsalvation.3)WhatdidHedoforusasourHighPriest?Hefulfilledthelawforus,andgaveHimselfasasacrificeforoursins.4)WhatdoesHestilldoforusasourHighPriest?HeintercedesforusbeforeGod.5)HowmanykingdomshasChrist?Christhasthreekingdoms.6)WhatarethesethreekingdomsofChrist?Thekingdomofpower,thekingdomofgraceandthekingdomofglory.7)OverwhatdoesChristruleinthekingdomofpower?Herulesoverallcreatures.8)WhatisChrist’skingdomofgrace?TheChurchonearth.9)Whatisthekingdomofglory?TheChurchinheaven.10)(192)“DidChristalwaysexerciseHisofficeinthesameway?”“No,forHedidthisintwodifferentstates,namely,inthestateofhumiliation

andinthestateofexaltation.”

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11)Theword stateheremeans condition.Christwasnotalways in thesame condition as mediator. In how many states, or conditions, do thescripturesspeakoftheSavior?

Theyspeakoftwostates.12)Whatisthefirstcalled?Itiscalledthestateofhumiliation.13)Andwhatisthesecondcalled?Itiscalledthestateofexaltation.14)WhatdidChristdointhefirststate?Thenameindicatesit.ChristhumbledHimself.15)(193)“Whatisthestateofhumiliation?”“This,thatChristaccording

toHishumannatureordinarilydidnotuseHisdivinegloryinthedaysofHisflesh,butintheformofaservantbecameobedienttoHisFatheruntodeath.”

16) Of which nature of Christ can it be said that it submitted tohumiliation?

Ofhishumannature.17)Yes,becauseChristasGodcannotbehumbled.Whynot?BecauseGodisunchangeable.18)ButChristisnotonlyGod,butwhatelseisHe?Heisalsoman.19)Andbecause the samedivineperson isGodandman,not only the

divine,butalsothehumannatureofChrist,possessesdivineattributes.Theman Christ Jesus is almighty, omnipresent, omniscient, etc. Our brother,JesusChrist,possessesdivineglory.Butwhatdoesouranswer193 sayofthisHisdivineglory?

“Christ, according to His human nature, ordinarily did not use His divineglory.”

20)Whenwasthis?InthedaysofHisflesh.21)Yes,whileHewalkedvisiblyamongmen.DuringthistimeChristdid

not always useHis omnipotence, omniscience and other divine attributes.Hediduse theseattributes sometimes.For instance,whendidHeuseHisomnipotence?

WhenHehealedthesickandraisedthedeadandperformedothermiracles.22)ReadJohn1:14.

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“Thewordwasmadeflesh,anddweltamongus,(andwebeheldHisglory,thegloryasoftheonlybegottenoftheFather,fullofgraceandtruth.”

23)AlsoJohn2:11.“This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested

forthHisglory;andHisdisciplesbelievedonHim.”24)OnoneoccasioneventheoutwardappearanceofJesusreflectedthis

divineglory.ReadMatt.17:1-2.“AftersixdaysJesustakethPeter,James,andJohn,hisbrother,andbringeth

themupintoahighmountainapart,andwastransfiguredbeforethem:andHisfacedidshineasthesun,andHisraimentwaswhiteasthelight.”

25)Butthesewereexceptions.OrdinarilyJesusdidnotshowHisdivinemajestyandglory,but,accordingtoouranswerNo.193,hewentaboutinwhatform?

Intheformofaservant.26)AndwhatdidHedo?HebecameobedienttoHisFatheruntodeath.27)RepeatPhil.2:5-8.“Letthismindbeinyou,whichwasalsoinChristJesus:who.beinginthe

formofGod,thoughtitnotrobberytobeequalwithGod:butmadeHimselfofno reputation, and tookuponHim the formofa servant, andwasmade in thelikenessofmen:andbeingfoundinfashionasaman,HehumbledHimselfandbecameobedientuntodeath,eventhedeathofthecross.”

28)ChristwasequalwithGod,butordinarilyHemadenodisplayofHisdivinemajestyandglory.InwhatformdidHechoosetoappearon,earth?

Intheformofaservant.29)WhenHecametoearth,hebecamelikewhatbeings?Hewasmadeinthelikenessofmen.30) Yes, He was just like an ordinary man, but with what important

exception?Hewasnotasinner.31)ThishumilityofChristwasnotsomethingthatwasforceduponHim,

butwhatdoestheapostlesayofHiminthisregard?HehumbledHimself.32) What did He voluntarily do, according to the last clause of this

passage?Hebecameobedientuntodeath,eventhedeathofthecross.33)ReadalsoHeb.12:2.

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“LookinguntoJesustheauthorandfinisherofourfaith;whoforthejoythatwassetbeforeHimenduredthecross,despisingtheshame,andissetdownattherighthandofthethroneofGod.”

34)ReadJohn10:17-18.“ThereforedothmyFatherloveme,becauseIlaydownmylife,thatImight

takeitagain.Nomantakethitfromme,butIlayitdownmyself.Ihavepowerto lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have IreceivedofmyFather.”

35)AlsoLuke2:51-52.“Hewentdownwiththem,andcametoNazareth,andwassubjectuntothem:

but His mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased inwisdomandstature,andinfavorwithGodandman.”

36)Jesusvoluntarilybecamenotonlyobedientforoursakes,butpoor,asweseefromMatt.8:20.

“Jesus said unto him, ‘The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air havenests;buttheSonofmanhathnotwheretolayHishead.’”

37)Readalso2Cor.8:9.“ForyeknowthegraceofourLordJesusChrist, that, thoughHewasrich,

yetforyoursakesHebecamepoor,thatyethroughHispovertymightberich”38)Whatwordsofthesecondarticletreatofthestateofhumiliation?“Conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under

PontiusPilate,wascrucified,deadandburied.”39)WithwhattwoeventsthendidthehumiliationofChristbegin?WithHisconceptionandbirth.40)Withwhatdiditend?WithHisdeathandburial.41)BywhomwasChristconceived?HewasconceivedbytheHolyGhost.42)JosephwasnotHisrealfather,butbecausehecaredforHimduring

thehelplessnessofinfancyandchildhood,whatdowecallJoseph?WecallJosephthefoster-fatherofChrist.43)ThattheHolyGhostisthefatherofthehumannatureofJesusChrist

isplainfromLuke1:35.“The angel answered and said unto her, ’TheHolyGhost shall come upon

thee, and the power of theHighest shall overshadow thee; therefore also thatholythingwhichshallbebornoftheeshallbecalledtheSonofGod.”

44)OfwhomwasJesusborn?

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HewasbornoftheVirginMary.45)WherewasHeborn?HewasborninBethlehem.46)HowlongagoisitsinceChristwasborn?1915[2018]yearsago.47)WhatdaydowecelebrateinmemoryofthebirthofChrist?WecelebrateChristmasday.48)OnwhatdaydoesChristmascome?Christmascomesonthe25thdayofDecember.49)Fromwhat eventdowe reckonouryears,whenwe say: this is the

year1915[2018]?WereckonouryearsfromthebirthofChrist.50)Yes,thisisthegreatesteventinallhistory,andthereforefromitwe

count back to the beginning of the world and forward to the end of theworld.WhatdoesthecreedsayfurtherofJesus?

HesufferedunderPontiusPilate.51)WhowasPontiusPilate?HewastheRomangovernoratJerusalem.52)WhatdidChristsufferevenbeforeHesufferedunderPontiusPilate?Hesufferedpoverty,hunger,thirstandinsultfromHisenemies.53)WhatdidHesufferunderPontiusPilate?They tookHim prisoner, boundHim, scourgedHim, struckHim, crowned

HimwiththornsandspituponHim—allbyauthorityorpermissionofPontiusPilate.

54)HowdidHissufferingsend?Hissufferingsendedindeath.55)HowwasHeputtodeath?Hewascrucified.56)Whatkindofdeathwascrucifixion?Itwasapainfulandshamefuldeath.57)WhatdaydowecelebrateinmemoryofthedeathofJesus?WecelebrateGoodFriday.58)WhatwasdonewiththebodyofJesusafterHisdeath?Itwasburied.59)Wherewasitburied?Mat.27:57-60.InacaveinthegardenofJosephofArimathea.

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Lesson58.TheObjectOfChrist’sHumiliation.

(Question195-198.)

1) In howmany states, or conditions, did Christ exerciseHis office asmediator?

Intwostates,thestateofhumiliationandthestateofexaltation.2)WhatisthefirststateofChrist?Thestateofhumiliation.3)WhatdidChristdoinordertoredeemus?HehumbledHimself.4)Whichwordsofthesecondarticledescribethisstateofhumiliation?“Conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under

PontiusPilate,crucified,deadandburied.”5)WastheSaviorforcedintothishumiliation?No,Hesubmittedtoitwillingly.6)(195)“TowhatenddidChristhumbleHimself?”“ThatHemightredeemusfromallsins,fromdeath,andfromthepowerof

thedevil.”7)ChristdidnothumbleHimselfforHisownsake,butforwhosesake?Foroursake.8)WhydidHedoitforus?ThatHemightredeemus.9)Toredeemmeanstosetfree.FromwhatdidChristredeemus?Heredeemedusfromallsins,fromdeathandfromthepowerofthedevil.10)Repeat2Cor.8:9.“YeknowthegraceofourLordJesusChrist,that,thoughHewasrich,yetfor

yoursakesHebecamepoor,thatyethroughHispovertymightberich.”11)WhatwasHisobjectinbecomingpoor?Hebecamepoorforoursakes,thatthroughHispovertywemightberich.12)ReadIs.53:12.“ThereforewillIdivideHimaportionwiththegreat,andHeshalldividethe

spoilwiththestrong;becauseHehathpouredoutHissouluntodeath:andHe

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wasnumberedwith the transgressors; andHebare the sinofmany, andmadeintercessionforthetransgressors.”

13)Repeat2Cor.5:21.“HehathmadeHimtobesinforus,whoknewnosin;thatwemightbemade

therighteousnessofGodinHim.”14) Jesuswaswithout sin, and yetHe suffered as thoughHewere the

greatestsinner.Whywasthis?ThatwemightbemadetherighteousnessofGodinHim.15)Hesufferedanddiedtopaythepenaltyforoursins,aswereadIs.

53:6,inthelastclause.“TheLordhathlaidonHimtheiniquityofusall.”16) The same is said of theMessiah in the 4th and 5th verses of this

chapter.“SurelyHehathborneourgriefs,andcarriedoursorrows:yetwedid esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He waswounded for our transgressions. He was bruised for our iniquities: thechastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we arehealed.”

17)Christredeemedusnotonlyfromsin,butfromwhatelse?Healsoredeemedusfromdeath.18)Whatisthewages,orresult,ofsin?Rom.6:23.“Thewagesofsinisdeath.”19)WhatdidGodsaytoourfirstparentsinParadisewithreferenceto

theforbiddenfruit?Gen.2:17.“Ofthetreeoftheknowledgeofgoodandevil,thoushaltnoteat

ofit:forinthedaythatthoueatestthereofthoushaltsurelydie.”20)Christdiedforus.Heborethepenaltyofoursin,whichisthecurse

oftemporalandeternaldeath.RepeatGal.3:13.“Christhathredeemedusfromthecurseof the law,beingmadeacursefor

us:foritiswritten,‘Cursediseveryonethathangethonatree.’”21)Also2Cor.5:11.“Wethusjudge,thatifonediedforallthenwerealldead.”22)Christnotonlyredeemedusfromsinanddeath,butfromwhatelse?Fromthepowerofthedevil.23)Howdidmancomeunderthepowerofthedevil?Throughsin.24)Yes,whenmansinnedHebecame the slaveof satan,and fromthis

slaveryChristhasredeemedus.SowereadHeb.2:14-15.

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“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He alsoHimselflikewisetookpartofthesame;thatthroughdeathHemightdestroyhimthathadthepowerofdeath,thatis,thedevil;anddeliverthem,whothroughfearofdeathwerealltheirlifetimesubjecttobondage.”

25)ReadalsowhatisprophesiedHosea13:14.“Iwill ransomthemfromthepowerof thegrave; Iwill redeemthemfrom

death:Odeath,Iwillbethyplagues;Ograve,Iwillbethydestruction.”26)(196)“WhomdidChristredeem?”“Alllostandcondemnedmen,hencealsome.”27)Whataremencalledinthisanswer?Theyarecalledlostandcondemned.28)Whenmensinned,fromwhomdidtheystrayaway?TheystrayedfromGod.29)Whenasheepstraysfromitsshepherd,whatbecomesofit?Itislostandperishes.30)Menareherenotonlycalledlost,butwhatelseissaidofthem?Theyarecondemned.31)Whenisacriminalcondemned?Whenheisfoundguilty.32)Andwhatcondemnationdoestheguiltofsinbring?Itbringsdeath.33)Sowhatisthesadconditionofallmen?Theyarelostandcondemned.34)Andwhomalsodoyouclassamongsuchlostandcondemnedmen?Iclassmyselfalsoamongthem.35)NowwhatdidChristdowiththeselostandcondemnedmen?Heredeemedthem.36)HowmanyofthemdidHeredeem?Heredeemedall;everyoneofthem.37)SowereadMatt.18:11.Repeatit.“Thesonofmaniscometosavethatwhichislost.”38)AgainJohn1:29.“BeholdtheLambofGod,whichtakethawaythesinsoftheworld.”39)Christdiedforandredeemednotachosenfew,butallmen.Read1

John2:1-2.“Mylittlechildren,thesethingswriteIuntoyou,thatyesinnot.Andifany

mansin,wehaveanadvocatewith theFather,JesusChrist therighteous:And

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Heisthepropitiationforoursins:andnotforoursonly,butalsoforthesinsofthewholeworld.”

40) From 1 Tim. 2:5-6, we learn that Christ died for all. Read thepassage.

“ThereisoneGod,andonemediatorbetweenGodandmen,themanChristJesus;whogaveHimselfaransomforall,tobetestifiedinduetime.”

41)Andfrom2Peter2:1welearnthatHediedevenforthosewhowillbelostonaccountoftheirpersistentunbelief.Repeatthispassage.

“They deny the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swiftdestruction.”

42)(197)“WherewithdidHeredeem,purchase^andwinyou?”“Not with gold or silver, but with His holy precious blood and with His

innocentsufferinganddeath.”43)Goldandsilverarewhatkindofmetals?Theyarepreciousmetals.44)Whataretheyusedforintrade?Theyareusedformoney.45)Whenintheoldentimeaslavewastobesetfree,orredeemed,how

wasthisdone?Theypaidmoneyforhim.46)Now thepurchasemoneywhichChristpaid foruswasnotgoldor

silver,butwhatwasit?Hisholypreciousblood,andHisinnocentsufferingsanddeath.47)HowdidChristpurchase,orredeem,uswithHisblood?HeshedHisbloodforus.48)WhyisHisbloodherecalledholy?BecauseHewaswithoutsin.49)Repeat1Peter1:18-19.“Ye know that yewere not redeemedwith corruptible things, as silver and

gold,fromyourvainconversation,receivedbytraditionfromyourfathers;butwith the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and withoutspot.”

50)ThebloodofJesusispreciousbecauseHeisnotonlyasinlessman,butHeisGodHimself.ReadActs20:28.

“Takeheedthereforeuntoyourselves,andtoalltheflock,overthewhichtheHolyGhosthathmadeyouoverseers,tofeedthechurchofGod,whichHehathpurchasedwithHisownblood.”

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51)HereitissaidGodhathpurchaseduswithHisownblood.Thesamewereadin1John1:7,inthesecondhalfoftheverse.

“ThebloodofJesusChrist,HisSon,cleansethusfromallsin.”52)ReadalsoRev.5:9.“They sung a new song, saying, ‘Thou artworthy to take thebook, and to

openthesealsthereof:forthouwastslain,andhastredeemedustoGodbythybloodoutofeverykindred,andtongue,andpeople,andnation.’”

53)(198)“TowhatenddidHeredeem,purchaseandwinyou?”“ThatImaybeHisown,andliveunderHiminHiskingdom,andserveHim

ineverlastingrighteousness,innocenceandblessedness.”54)SincenowChristhasredeemed,purchasedandwonyou,towhomdo

youbelong?IbelongtoHim.55)BywhatrightmayChristclaimyouasHisown?BecauseHeboughtmeatthepriceofHisownblood.56) But what does our answer 198 say besides saying that you are

Christ’sown?I should live under Him in His kingdom and serve Him in everlasting

righteousness,innocenceandblessedness.57)Underwhomshouldyoulive?IshouldliveunderChrist.58)Yes,He isourMasterandonlyLord.Weshould liveunderHimin

Hiskingdom.WhatisthekingdomofChrist?TheChurchisthekingdomofChrist.59)AndwhoistheheadandmasteroftheChurch?JesusChrist.60)WeshouldnotonlyliveunderHim,butwhatelsedoesthequestion

referredtosay?WeshouldserveHim.61)WhatdoesitmeantoserveHim?ItmeanstoobeyHisword,todoHiswill.62)AndhowshallweserveHim?Ineverlastingrighteousness,innocenceandblessedness.63)Repeat2Cor.5:15.“Christthereforediedforall,thattheywhichliveshouldnothenceforthlive

untothemselves,butuntoHimwhichdiedforthem,androseagain.”64)ReadalsoLuke1:74-75.

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“That He would grant us that we, being delivered out of the hand of ourenemies, might serve Him without fear. In holiness and righteousness beforeHim,allthedaysofourlife.”

65)Weare to serve theLord in everlasting innocenceandblessedness;thatis,notonlyhereinthisworld,butwhere?

Intheworldtocome;inHeaven.66) We are to serve Him in blessedness. How only can we be truly

blessed,orhappy?InHisservice.

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2.TheStateOfExaltation

Lesson59.TheDescentIntoHell.

(Question199-201.)

1)WehaveseenthatChristexercisesHisofficeasourmediator in twodifferentstates.Whataretheycalled?

Thestateofhumiliationandthestateofexaltation.2)Whichstatewereweconsideringinourlastlesson?Thestateofhumiliation.3)(193)“AccordingtowhichnaturedidChristhumbleHimself?”“ChristhumbledhimselfaccordingtoHishumannature.”4)AccordingtoHishumannatureChristhadbeengivendivinepower,

majesty and glory; but generally He did not make use of these; on thecontrary,howdidHegenerallyappearamongmen?

Heappearedmeekandlowly.5)ButonwhatoccasiondidHeshowHisdivinepowerandglory?WhenHeperformedmiracles,andatHistransfiguration.6) These were, so to speak, exceptions to the rule. As a rule He went

about,notasamightyLord,buthow?Asaservant,pooranddespised.7)Ofthethingsmentionedinthesecondarticle,whichbelongtothestate

ofhumiliation?“Conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under

PontiusPilate,crucified,deadandburied.”8)Andalltheotheritemsbelongtowhichstate?Theybelongtothestateofexaltation.9)(199)“Whatisthestateofexaltation?”“This, thatChristalsoaccordingtoHishumannatureunceasinglyexercises

Hisdivinemajesty.”

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10)WehaveseenthatChristhumbledHimselfaccordingtoHishumannature. Now tell me from this answer to question No. 199, according towhichnaturewasHeexalted?

HewasalsoexaltedaccordingtoHishumannature.11)SothatbothHishumiliationandHisexaltationmustbesaidofwhich

nature?TheymustbothbesaidofHishumannature.12)Yes, becauseChrist, asGod, is unchangeable.Thedivinenature of

Christcanbeneithermadelowernorhigherthanitwasfromalleternity.ButeventhehumannatureoftheSaviorwasinpossessionofwhatkindofmajesty?

Itwasinpossessionofdivinemajesty.13)During the state of humiliationChrist did not fully and constantly

makeuseofthisdivinemajesty,butnowsinceChristisexalted,whatdoesHedo?

HeunceasinglyexercisesHisdivinemajesty.14)RepeatPhil.2:9-11.“WhereforeGodalsohathhighlyexaltedHim,andgivenHimanamewhich

isaboveeveryname:thatatthenameofJesuseverykneeshouldbow,ofthingsinheaven,andthingsinearth,andthingsundertheearth;andthateverytongueshouldconfessthatJesusChristisLord,tothegloryofGodtheFather.”

15)Christwasnothumbled,buthumbledHimself;what,however,doestheapostleheresayofHisexaltation.

GodhathhighlyexaltedHim.16)WhatkindofnamedidGodgiveHim?Anamethatisaboveeveryname.17)Whatshallbedoneatthisname?AtthenameofJesuseverykneeshallbowofthingsinheaven,andthingsin

earthandthingsundertheearth.18)Andwhatshalleverytongueconfess?EverytongueshallconfessthatJesusChristisLord,tothegloryofGodthe

Father.19)ReadalsoLuke24:26.“OughtnotChristtohavesufferedthesethings,andtoenterintoHisglory?”20)ReadalsoHeb.2:9.“WeseeJesus,whowasmadealittlelowerthantheangelsforthesuffering

ofdeath,crownedwithgloryandhonor;thatHebythegraceofGodshouldtaste

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deathforeveryman.”21)(200)“Whatwordsofthearticletreatofthestateofexaltation?”“Hedescendedintohell;thethirddayroseagainfromthedead;Heascended

into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, fromthenceHeshallcometojudgethequickandthedead.”

22)WhatthenwasthefirststepinHisexaltation?Hedescendedintohell.23)TowhichstateofChristdoesHisdescentintohellbelong?Tothestateofexaltation.24)(201)“WhydidHedescendintoHell?”“ThatHemight showHimself to the spirits in hell as their conqueror and

mightilytriumphoverthem.”25)Whoaretheinhabitantsofhell?Thedevil,hisangelsandwickedmen.26)TowhomdidChristshowHimselfinhell?HeshowedHimselftothespiritsinhell.27)WhatobjecthadChristinshowingHimselftothespiritsinhell?HeshowedHimselfastheirconqueror,andmightilytriumphedoverthem.28)Howdidthedevilholdpowerovermen?Throughsin.29) And this power was so great thatmen could never have delivered

themselves from it. Who was it that delivered us from the power of thedevil?

TheSaviordeliveredusfromsatan’spower.30)HowdidHedothis?HowdidHeredeemusfromsin,fromdeathand

fromthepowerofthedevil?“Notwithgoldorsilver,butwithHisholypreciousblood,andHisinnocent

sufferingsanddeath.”31)Read1John3:8,thesecondsentence.“ForthispurposetheSonofGodwasmanifested,thatHemightdestroythe

worksofthedevil.”32) It was a mighty struggle between Christ and satan. But what did

JesussayonthecrossjustbeforeHedied?John19:30. “When Jesus thereforehad received thevinegar.He said, ‘It is

finished:’andHebowedHishead,andgaveuptheGhost.”33)WhatwasfinishedwhenJesusdied?Hisworkwasfinished.

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34)WhatwastheworkthatHehadcomeintotheworldtodo?Hehadcomeintotheworldtoredeemus;tosaveus.35)Yes,and thisworkHe finished.OverwhomdidHewin thevictory

whenHefinishedthisworkofredemption?Hewonthevictoryoversatan.36) When the Germans had been victorious over the French in the

Franco-Germanwar,theymarchedintoParis.WhatisthecityofParis?ItisthecapitalofFrance.37)HowdidtheGermanscelebratetheirvictoryovertheFrench?Bymarchingintotheircapital.38)Yes,thiswasatriumphantmarch.SoJesusheldatriumphantentry

into the devil’s capital, hell. What did He prove and celebrate by Hisdescentintohell?

HeprovedandcelebratedHisvictoryoverthedevil.39)Nowrepeat1Peter3:18-19.“Christalsohathoncesufferedforsins,thejustfortheunjust,thatHemight

bringustoGod,beingputtodeathintheflesh,butquickenedbytheSpirit:bywhichalsoHewentandpreacheduntothespiritsinprison.”

40)Whoarethespiritsinprisonherereferredto?Thedevil,hisangelsandwickedmen.41)WhatdidChristdountothespiritsinprison?Hepreachedtothem.42)Hedidnotpreach theGospel to them.Hellknowsnoglad tidings.

Butastheirconqueror,whatdidHepreach,ordeclaretothem?HedeclaredHisvictoryoverthem.43) Satan is a conquered enemy; and how does satan know that he is

conquered?ChristshowedHimselfinhellashisconqueror.44)What is saidof theSaviorCol.2:15?“Havingspoiledprincipalities

andpowers.Hemadeashowofthemopenly,triumphingovertheminit.”45) Christ’s descent into hell does not refer to His burial, for that is

mentionedbefore in thecreed.Neitherdoes itmeantheplaceofdepartedhumanspirits,asthoughChristhadgonetopreachtheGospeltothosewhohaddied,thusgivingthemanotheropportunityforrepentance.Afterdeaththereisnoopportunitygivenforrepentance,aswereadHeb.9:27.

“Itisappointeduntomenoncetodieandafterthisthejudgment.”

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46) Neither did Christ descend into hell to suffer the torments of thedamned.ForallHissufferingswereendedwhen,onthecross,Hesaid,“Itisfinished.”ButHis descent into hell had a different object. Tellme again:whydidHedescendintohell(201).

“ThatHemight showHimself to the spirits in hell as their conqueror andmightilytriumphoverthem.”

47)BecauseChrist,byHisdescentintohell,begantoshowandexerciseHisdivinemajesty,towhichstateofChristdoesitbelong?

Itbelongstothestateofexaltation.48)Yes,itisthefirststepinthisstateofexaltation.Hemadeknownand

celebratedHis victory in hell. The devil succeeded in having Jesus put todeath and thoughtHe had conquered and forever overthrown the Savior.HenowthoughtthatHewouldforeverholdundisputedswayovermen.Buthowwasallthischanged?

WhenJesusshowedHimselfinhellashisconqueror.49) Yes, the very death of Jesus, which satan gloried in, proved his

undoing;forbythedeathofJesusallmenwereredeemed,sinwasatonedfor and the devil’s power was overthrown. The death of Jesus was hisvictory,aswasprophesiedHos.13:14.

“Iwill ransomthemfromthepowerof thegrave; Iwill redeemthemfromdeath:Odeath,Iwillbethyplague;Ograve,Iwillbethydestruction.”

50)AndhowdidJesuscelebrateHisvictoryoversatan?ByHisdescentintohell.

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Lesson60.TheResurrectionOfChrist.

(QuestionNo.202).

1)InwhattwostatesdidChristexerciseHisofficeofmediator?Inthestateofhumiliationandinthestateofexaltation.2)What things mentioned in the second article belong to the state of

humiliation?“ConceivedbytheHolyGhost,bornoftheVirginMary,wascrucified,dead

andburied.”3)WhatthingsbelongtoHisstateofexaltation?“Hedescendedintohell,thethirddayroseagainfromthedead,ascendedinto

heavenandsittethattherighthandofGod,theFatherAlmighty,fromthenceHeshallcometojudgethequickandthedead.”

4)WhatwasthelaststepinHishumiliation?Hisdeathandburial.6,Which,wasthefirststepinHisexaltation?Hedescendedintohell.6,TowhomdidChristshowHimselfinhell?Tosatanandthespiritsinprison.7)AswhatdidHeshowHimselftothedevilandhisangels?HeshowedHimselfastheirconqueror.8)WhatwasthenextstepinHisexaltation?ThethirddayHeroseagainfromthedead.9)Christreallydiedonthecross,asweseefromMatt.27:50.“Jesus,whenHehadcriedagainwithaloudvoice,yieldeduptheghost.”10)AlsoLuke23:46.“WhenJesushadcriedwitha loudvoice,Hesaid,‘Father, into thyhandsI

commendmyspirit:’andhavingsaidthus.Hegaveuptheghost.”11)Whenaman’sspirit,orsoul,leavesthebody,whatfollows?Themanisdead.12)And soJesus reallydiedandwasburiedbecauseHewasdead.On

whatdayoftheweekdidJesusdie?

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OnFriday.13)WhathourofthedaywasitwhenJesusdied?Aboutthreeo’clockintheafternoon.14)WherewasHeburied?Inthenewgrave,whichwasinthegardenofJosephofArimathea.15)What did the enemies of Jesus place at the grave of the Savior to

makeitsecure?(Mat.27:62-66).Theyplacedsoldiersasguards.16)Butwhattookplaceonthethirddayafter?Christarosefromthedead.17)OnwhatdayoftheweekdidChristarise?Onthefirstdayoftheweek.18)Whatdowecallthefirstdayoftheweek?WecallitSunday.19)ButwhatdowecallitbecauseonittheLordarose?WecallittheLord’sday.20) What festival do we keep in the church in memory of Jesus’

Resurrection?ThefestivalofEaster.21)AtwhattimeofthedaydidChristarise?Veryearlyinthemorning.22)MaryMagdaleneandtheotherMarycametothegraveveryearlyon

Easter morning and found the stone rolled away from the door of thesepulchre.Andwhomdidtheyseesittingonthisstone?(Mat.28:1-6).

Theysawanangel.23)Whatdidtheangeltellthem?HetoldthemthattheLordhadarisen.24)Andasthewomenreturned,whomdidtheymeet?Matt.28:9-10.TheymettheSaviorHimself.25)TowhomdidtheSaviorappearintheafternoonofthisday?(Luke

24:13-33.)TotwodisciplesontheirwaytothevillageofEmmaus.26) To whom did the Savior appear on the evening of this same day?

(Luke24:36-43).Heappearedtoalltheapostles.27)AndwhendidHeappeartothemasecondtime?(John20:26).Heappearedtothemasecondtimeaweeklater.

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28)ReadalsowhatSt.Paulsays,1Cor.15:3-8.“Idelivereduntoyoufirstofall thatwhichIalsoreceived,howthatChrist

diedforoursinsaccordingtotheScriptures,andthatHewasburied,andthatHerose again the thirdday according to theScriptures:And thatHewas seenofCephas, then of the twelve: After that, He was seen of above five hundredbrethrenatonce;ofwhomthegreaterpartremainuntothispresent,butsomearefallenasleep.Afterthat,HewasseenofJames;thenofalltheapostles.AndlastofallHewasseenofmealso,asofonebornoutofduetime.”

29)We have a whole host of witnesses, who testify to having seen therisenSavior,andthesewitnessesarereliable;sowhatmaywebesureof?

ThatJesusarosefromthedead.30)(202)“WhydidHeariseonthethirddayfromthedead?”“ToshowHimselfwithpowerastheSonofGod,whorenderedsatisfaction

foroursinsandwonforustherighteousnessthatavailsbeforeGod.”31) What does the resurrection of Jesus prove with reference to His

person?ItprovesthatHeistheSonofGod.32)Yes,becauseHerosebyHisownpower,asweseefromJohn10:17-

18.“ThereforedothmyFatherloveme,becauseIlaydownmylife,thatImight

take it again. Noman taketh it fromme, but I lay it down ofmyself. I havepowertolayitdown,andIhavepowertotakeitagain.ThiscommandmenthaveIreceivedofmyFather.”

33)ReadRom.1:4.“Declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of

holinessbytheresurrectionfromthedead.”34)WhatdoesouranswerNo.202sayfurtherconcerningJesus,theSon

ofGod?It says that He rendered satisfaction for our sins, and won for us the

righteousnessthatavailsbeforeGod.35) This was the work of Christ. For this purpose He came into the

world. Now the resurrection of Jesus proves thatHe really accomplishedthiswork.IfJesushadremainedindeath,wewouldhavenocertaintythattheransomwhichHeofferedwas sufficient forourredemption.Butwhatdoes theapostlesay inRom.4:25?“Christwasdeliveredforouroffenses,andwasraisedagainforourjustification.”

36)WhywasChristraisedagain?

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Hewasraisedagainforourjustification.37)HisresurrectionisadeclarationonthepartofGodthatthedebtis

paid,thatthejusticeofGodissatisfied.Letushearwhattheapostlesays,1Cor.15:17.18,astotheconditionofaffairsifChristhadnotrisen.

“IfChristbenotraised,yourfaithisvain;yeareyetinyoursins.ThentheyalsowhicharefallenasleepinChristareperished.”

38)What does he say of uswith reference to our sins ifChrist be notrisen?

Wewouldyetbeinoursins.39)WhatdoeshesayofthosewhoarefallenasleepinJesus,thatis,those

whohavediedinthefaithofJesus?Hesaystheyareperished,ifChristbenotrisen.40)IfChristhadnotrisenfromthedead;ifdeathcouldholdHim,what

powerwoulditalsohaveoverus?Itwouldalsoholdus.41)ButnowsinceHearose,whatblessedhopehaveweindeath?Thehopethatwe,too,shallarisefromthedead.42)RepeatJohn11:25-26.“Iamtheresurrection,andthelife:hethatbelievethinme,thoughHewere

dead, yet shallHe live: andwhosoever liveth and believeth inme shall neverdie.”

43)WhatdoesJesussayhereofhimthatbelievethonHim?“Thoughheweredead,yetshallhelive.”44)RepeatalsoJohn14:19.“BecauseIlive,yeshalllivealso.”45)HeisourHead;weareHismembers.IftheHeadlives,whatfollows

withreferencetothemembers?Theywilllivealso.46)ReadRom.8:11.“ButiftheSpiritofHim,thatraisedupJesusfromthedead,dwellinyou,he

thatraisedupChristfromthedeadshallalsoquickenyourmortalbodiesbyHisSpiritthatdwellethinyou.”

47)WhatdoestheapostleheresayshallbedonewiththemortalbodiesofthoseinwhomtheSpiritoftherisenSaviordwells?

Godshallquickenthem.48)Thatis,Godshallmakethemalive.Readalso1Peter1:3.4.

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“BlessedbetheGodandFatherofourLordJesusChrist,whichaccordingtoHisabundantmercyhathbegottenusagainuntoalivelyhopebytheresurrectionofJesusChristfromthedead,toaninheritanceincorruptible,andundefiled,andthatfadethnotaway,reservedinheavenforyou.”

49)TheapostleheresayswehavealivelyhopebasedontheresurrectionofJesusChristfromthedead.WhatdoesHecallthishopeinthe4thverse?

Hecallsitaninheritance.50)Whatkindofaninheritance?Aninheritanceincorruptibleandundefiled,andthatfadethnotaway.51)Andwheredowelookforthisinheritance?Itisreservedforusinheaven.52)EvenintheOldTestamentthechildrenofGodhadthisblessedhope,

asweseefromJob19:25-27.“I know thatmyRedeemer liveth, and thatHe shall stand at the latter day

upon the earth; and though, aftermy skinwormsdestroy thisbody,yet inmyfleshshallIseeGod:WhomIshallseeformyself,andmineeyesshallbehold,andnotanother.”

53) What does Job here say that he knows concerning the comingRedeemer?

HeknowsthatHelives.54) And though he knows that His own body shall decay, yet what

blessedhopedoesHeexpress?Hesays,“InmyfleshIshallseeGod.”55) Here we have the same blessed hope expressed. Because his

Redeemerliveswhatdoeshehopefor?Thatheshalllivealso.56)Howdoeshehope to seeGodevenafterwormshavedestroyedhis

body?InhisfleshhehopestoseeGod.57)Thenwhatmustbedonewithhisfleshorhisbody?Itmustberaisedfromthedead.

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Lesson61.Christ’sAscensionIntoHeaven.

(Questions20.3-205).

1)WhatthingsbelongtoChrist’sstateofexaltation?“He descended into Hell, the third day He arose again from the dead. He

ascendedintoHeavenandsittethattherighthandofGod,theFatherAlmighty,fromthenceHeshallcometojudgethequickandthedead.”

2)Whichofthesedidweconsiderinourlastlesson?WeconsideredHisresurrectionfromthedead.3)OnwhatdaydidChristarisefromthedead?OnthethirddayafterHiscrucifixion.4)BywhomwasHeseenafterHisresurrection?ByHisapostles,andbythewomenwhohadcometoanointHisbody.5)WhatisthenextstepinHisexaltationafterHisresurrection?Hisascensionintoheaven.6) Howmany days did Christ showHimself to His disciples after His

resurrection?HeshowedHimselffortydays.7)Yes,andduringthistimeHetalkedtothemconcerningHisKingdom,

and explainedmany thingswhich they had not understood concerning it.Afterthistime,whatbecameofChrist?

Heascendedintoheaven.8)ThuswereadinthefirstchapterofActs.Letuslookespeciallyatthe

9thverse.“WhenHehadspokenofthesethings,whiletheybeheld.Hewastakenup;

andacloudreceivedHimoutoftheirsight.”9)HowwasJesustakenup?HewastakenupandacloudreceivedHimoutoftheirsight.10)WhoweretheeyewitnessesofHisascension?Hisdisciples.11) (203)Yes,before theirvery eyes,whileHewas talking to them,He

wastakenupintoheaven.“WhydidHeascendintoheaven?”

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“ToseatHimselfattherighthandofHisFather,andbeforeHimexercisetheofficeofMediatorandAdvocateforus.”

12)RepeatMark16:19.“SotheLord,afterHehadspokenuntothem,wasreceivedupintoheaven,

andsatontherighthandofGod.”13.WhatgreatpromisehadtheSaviorgiven?Mat.28:20.“Lo,Iamwithyoualway,evenuntotheendoftheworld.”14)TheSavioriswithus,thoughwecannotseeHim.Whatdowecallthe

mannerofHispresence?WesayHeisinvisiblypresentwithus.15)WhereistheSaviorvisiblypresentsinceHisascension?Heisvisiblypresentinheaven.16)ReadActs7:55:56,andletushearwhatStephensaw.“He,beingfulloftheHolyGhost,lookedupsteadfastlyintoheaven,andsaw

the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God. And said,‘Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son ofman standing on the righthandofGod.’”

17)Even in theOldTestament this ascension of theMessiahhadbeenforetold,asweseefromPs.68:18.

“Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hastreceived gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the Lord God mightdwellamongthem.”

18)WhatblessedpromisedidtheSaviorgiveusinJohn12:26?“WhereIam,thereshallalsomyservantbe.”19)AndagainJohn14:2.“Igotoprepareaplaceforyou.”20)SinceChristascendedintoheaven,whatblessedhopehavewealso?ThehopethatwewillalsogotoheavenandbewithHim.21)WhatofficedoesChristexerciseinheavenforus?TheofficeofMediatorandAdvocate.22) He is our Representative with God, our Advocate in the court of

heaven.Tellmethiswithascripturepassage.1John2:1.2.“If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the

righteous:andHeisthepropitiationforoursins:andnotforoursonly,butalsoforthesinsofthewholeworld.”

23) Jesus intercedes for us before God. He pleads our cause. ThisintercessionispartofwhatofficeofChrist?

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ItispartofChrist’shigh-priestlyoffice.24)WhatacomfortitisforustoknowthattheSaviorisourMediator

andAdvocate.NowwhatmaywehopeforwhenwepraytoGod?Wemayhopetobeheard.25)Forwhosesakemaywehopethis?ForthesakeofJesusChrist.26)Weconfess in thecreed thatChristascended intoheaven.Whatdo

weaddtothisconfession?ThatHesittethattherighthandofGodtheFatherAlmighty.27)(204)“WhatisunderstoodbytherighthandofGod,atwhichChrist

seatedHimself?”“TheinfinitepowerandmajestyofGod,wherebyHeworks,governsandfills

allthings.”28)WhereisGod?Godiseverywhere.29)WhenwespeakofGod’srighthand,wemustnotthinkofHimaswe

would of a human beingwith hands, feet, eyes, ears and othermembers.Godisnotabodilybeing,butwhatisHe?

Godisaspirit.30)TellmethiswithaScripturepassage,John4:24.“Godisaspirit,andtheythatworshipHimmustworshipHiminspiritandin

truth.”31) Such expressions then, as the hand or eye of God are figurative

expressions.TheystandfortheattributesofGod.Forinstance,whataretheeyesusedfor?

Oureyesareusedtosee.32)WhatdoestheeyeofGodstandfor?ItstandsforHisomniscience.33)Whatdoweuseourhandsfor?Weusethemforwork.34)Whichofourhandsandarmsisusuallythestronger?Ourrighthand.35)SowhatdoestherighthandofGodstandfor?ItstandsforHisalmightypower.36)ReadPs.77:10.“Isaid,‘Thisismyinfirmity;butIwillremembertheyearsoftherighthand

oftheMostHigh.’”

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37)AlsoPs.118:16.“The right hand of the Lord is exalted: the right hand of the Lord doeth

valiantly.”38)AlsoExodus15:6.“Thy right hand, O Lord, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O

Lord,hathdashedinpiecestheenemy.”39)AlsoIs.48:13.“Minehandalsohathlaidthefoundationoftheearth,andmyrighthandhath

spannedtheheavens.”40)Buttherighthandisalsotoexpressmajestyandhonor.Soweread

concerningChrist,Heb.1:3.“WhobeingthebrightnessofHisglory,andtheexpressimageofHisperson,

and upholding all things by theword ofHis power,whenHe had byHimselfpurgedoursins,satdownontherighthandoftheMajestyonhigh.”

41)ReadalsoMatt.26:64.“HereaftershallyeseetheSonofmansittingontherighthandofpower,and

cominginthecloudsofheaven.”42) This expression is used to tell us that after His deep humiliation,

suffering anddeath,Godhath highly exalted the Savior, aswe readPhil.2:9-11.

“WhereforeGodalsohathhighlyexaltedHim,andgivenHimanamewhichisaboveeveryname:thatatthenameofJesuseverykneeshouldbow,ofthingsinheavenandthingsinearth,andthingsundertheearth;andthateverytongueshouldconfessthatJesusChristIsLord,tothegloryofGodtheFather.”

43)ChristasGodalwayshaddivinepowerandmajestyandexercisedit.Asmanthisdivinepowerandmajestyweregiven toHim,butHedidnotfullynorconstantlymakeuseofthemduringHisstateofhumiliation;butnowsinceHeisexalted,HehasenteredintothefulluseandexerciseofHisdivinepowerandmajesty,evenaccordingtoHishumannature.OverwhathasChrist,ourbrother,dominion?

Hehasdominionoverallthings.44)ThroughwhomdoesGodtheFathernowruleandgovernthewhole

world?ThroughJesusChrist,ourLord.45)SowereadthatChristisLordevenoverHisenemies,Ps.110:1.“Sitthouatmyrighthand,untilImakethineenemiesthyfootstool.”46)AlsoEph.1:20-22.

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"AndsetHimatHisownrighthandintheheavenly places, far above all principality and power, and might, and

dominion,andeverynamethatisnamed,notonlyinthisworld,butalsointhatwhichistocome:andhathputallthingsunderHisfeet,andgaveHimtobetheheadoverallthingstothechurch."

47)ReadEph.4:10.“Hethatdescendedisthesamealsothatascendedupfaraboveallheavens,

thatHemightfillallthings.”48)TherighthandofGodisnotanyparticularlocality,orplace,butis

usedtoexpressthemajestyandpoweroftheSavior.SinceHisexaltationHeiseverywhereasHepromisedMatt.18:20.

“Where two, or three, are gathered together inmyname, there am I in themidstofthem.”

49)ReadMatt.28:20.“Lo,Iamwithyoualwayevenuntotheendoftheworld.”50) It is a great comfort to know that Christ, our brother, rules and

governsallthings.ThatHeisKingofkingsandLordoflords,aswereadinRev.19:16.

“HeistheLordoflordsandKingofkings.”51)AgainRev.19:16.“He hathHis vesture and onHis thigh a namewritten,King of kings and

LordofLords.”52)Henotonlyrulesandgovernsallthings,butguardsandprotectsHis

churchandshalltriumphwiththesaintsinheavenforever.HowmanifoldisthekingdomofChrist?

Christ’skingdomisthreefold.53)WhatisthethreefoldkingdomofChrist?Hiskingdomofpower,HiskingdomofgraceandHiskingdomofglory.54)HowlongshallthiskingdomofChristlast?Itshalllastforever.55)SowereadLuke1:33.“He shall reignover thehouseof Jacob forever; andofHis kingdom there

shallbenoend.”56)AlsoHeb.1:8.“ButuntotheSonHesaith,‘Thythrone,OGod,isforeverandever:asceptre

ofrighteousnessisthesceptreofthykingdom.’”

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Lesson62.Christ’sComingToJudgment.

(QuestionNo.206).

1)Whatwasthesubjectofourlastlesson?Christ’sascensionintoheavenandHissittingattherighthandofGod.2)TowhichstateofChristdoesthisbelong?ToHisstateofexaltation.3) The Savior ascended up into heaven visibly. The disciples stood

looking up atHim asHe disappeared from their view; and as they stoodlookinguptoheaventwoangelsappearedtothem.Letushearwhattheseangelssaid.Acts1:10-11.

“While they looked steadfastly toward heaven asHewent up, behold, twomenstoodbytheminwhiteapparel;whichalsosaid,‘YemenofGalilee,whystandyegazingup intoheaven?This sameJesus,which is takenup fromyouintoheaven,shallsocomeinlikemannerasyehaveseenHimgointoheaven.’”

4)Whatdid theangels say to themconcerning theascendedSavioronthisoccasion?

ThatHeshallcomeagain.5)AndhowshallHecomeagain?HeshallcomeinlikemannerastheysawHimgointoheaven.6)Thatis,Heshallcomeagainvisibly.Inwhatwordsdoweconfessthis

inthethirdarticleofthecreed?“FromthenceHeshallcometojudgethequickandthedead.”7)Yes,Jesusshallcomeagain.LetusseewhattheSaviorsaysastothe

manner ofHis coming.We have already seen thatHe shall come visibly.NowturntoMatt.25:31.

“WhentheSonofmanshallcomeinHisglory,andalltheholyangelswithHim,thenshallHesituponthethroneofHisglory.”

8) When Jesus appeared the first time upon earth, He appeared inmeekness andhumility, inpoverty and suffering, buthowwillHe appearwhenHecomesagain?

HewillappearinHisglory.

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9) When He appeared the first time, He was accompanied by poorpublicansandfishermen.Hisdiscipleswereallmeninthecommonwalksoflife.ButwhenHecomesagain,whowillbewithHim?

AlltheholyangelswillbewithHim.10)WhenHecame the first timeHe stoodbefore the judgment seatof

such an unjust judge as the heathen Pontius Pilate, but when He comesagain,howwillHeappear?

HeshallsituponthethroneofHisglory.11)LetusagainhearhowthiscomingoftheSaviorisdescribed.Mat.16:27.“TheSonofmanshallcomeinthegloryofHisFatherwithHis

angels;andthenHeshallrewardeverymanaccordingtohisworks.”12)ReadalsoMatt.24:30.“Thenshallappear thesignof theSonofmaninheaven:and thenshallall

thetribesof theearthmourn,andtheyshallseetheSonofmancominginthecloudsofheavenwithpowerandgreat.glory.”

13)(206)“ForwhatpurposewillChristcomeagain?”“Tojudgethequickandthedead.”14)WhatwillHecomefor?Hewillcometojudge.15)Whothenisthejudgeofalltheworld?OurSavior,JesusChrist.16)SoHeHimselfsays,John5:22.“TheFatherjudgethnoman,buthathcommittedalljudgmentuntotheSon.”17)SoSt.PaulalsotoldhishearersatAthens,Acts17:31.“BecauseHehathappointedaday, in thewhichHewill judge theworld in

righteousness by that man whom He hath ordained; whereof He hath givenassuranceuntoallmen,inthatHehathraisedHimfromthedead.”

18)Who is themanappointedofGod to judge theworld towhom theapostlehererefers?

HereferstoJesusChrist.19)St.PetersaysthesametoCorneliusandhishousehold,Acts10:42.“He commanded us to preach unto the people and to testify that it is He

whichwasordainedofGodtobethejudgeofthequickandthedead.”20) What does the Savior say of the exact time of His coming to

judgment?Mark 13:32. “Of that day and that hour knoweth no man, not the angels

whichareinheaven,neithertheSon,buttheFather.”

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21)Therehavebeenmenwho thought theyknewtheexact timeof theSavior’scoming.ButwhatdoestheSaviorHimselfsay?

Hesaysnoman,noteventheangelsthemselves,knowwhenHeiscoming.22)We should be prepared for His coming at any time, as the Savior

admonishes.Luke21:34-36.“Takeheed toyourselves, lest at any timeyourhearts beoverchargedwith

surfeiting, anddrunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day comeuponyouunawares.Forasasnareitshallcomeonallthemthatdwellonthefaceofthewholeearth.Watchyethereforeandprayalways,thatyemaybeaccountedworthytoescapeallthesethingsthatshallcometopass,andtostandbeforetheSonofman.”

23)SoalsoSt.Paulwrites,1Thes.5:1-3.“Of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that Iwrite unto

you.ForyourselvesknowperfectlythatthedayoftheLordsoComethasathiefinthenight.Forwhentheyshallsay,‘Peaceandsafety,’thensuddendestructioncometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall notescape.”

24) InMatt. 24:42-51 theSavioradmonishesus tobeprepared forHiscoming.Readthe42ndverse.

“Watchtherefore;foryeknownotwhathouryourLorddothcome.”25)InMatt.25:1-13,whatparabledoestheSaviorusetoadmonishHis

disciplestobereadyforHiscoming?Theparableofthetenvirgins.26)WhatdoestheSaviorsayofthosewhowerereadyforHiscoming?Verse10.“Whiletheywenttobuy,thebridegroomcame;andtheythatwere

readywentinwithHimtothemarriage:andthedoorwasshut.”27)Whowentintothemarriagefeast?Theythatwereready.28) Yes, they that live in the faith of Jesus are always ready for His

coming.We should bemore concerned about our readiness tomeet HimthanabouttheexacttimeofHiscoming.AndyetweshouldnotregardHiscomingasfaroffbutratherasnearathand,asweread,1Pet.4:7.

“Theendofallthingsisathand.”29)WhatdoesSt.Johnwriteinhisfirstepistle,chap.2:18?“Littlechildren, it is the last time:andasyehaveheardthatantichristshall

come,evennowaretheremanyantichrists;wherebyweknowthatitisthelasttime.”

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30)WhatdoesSt.Paul,1Thes.2:3:4,sayastothetimeoftheSavior’scoming?

“Letnomandeceiveyoubyanymeans:forthatdayshallnotcome,exceptthere come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son ofperdition;whoopposethandexaltethhimselfaboveallthatiscalledGod,orthatisworshiped; so that he asGod sitteth in the templeofGod, shewinghimselfthatheisGod.”

31)Thishasalreadybeenfulfilled.Howmanyhavefallenfromthefaith,andinpoperywehaverevealedmoreandmorethemanofsinwhoshowshimselftobeGod.ButtheSaviorinMatt.24:1-35tellsusofothersignsbywhich we shall recognize the fact that the day of the Lord is fastapproaching.WhatdoesHespeakofinthe6thverse?

Ofwarsandrumorsofwar.32)Andinthe9thverse?Ofpersecutions.33)Andinthe11thverse?Ofthecomingoffalseprophets.34)Andinthe13thverse?ThattheGospelshallbepreachedinalltheworld.35)Nowreadtheverses29and30.“Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened,

andthemoonshallnotgiveher light,andthestarsshallfallfromheaven,andthepowersoftheheavensshallbeshaken:andthenshallappearthesignoftheSonofmaninheaven:andthenshallallthetribesoftheearthmourn,andtheyshallseetheSonofmancominginthecloudsofheavenwithpowerandgreatglory.”

36)All these signs are either already fulfilled orwill be fulfilled at thecoming of Christ, and from them we should recognize the fact that thecomingoftheLordtojudgmentisnotfaroff.Repeat2Pet.3:10.

“The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which theheavens shall pass awaywith a great noise, and the elements shallmelt withferventheat,theearthalsoandtheworksthatarethereinshallbeburnedup.”

37)TellmefromRev.20:11,whatshallbecomeofthevisibleheavenandearthonthatday?

Theyshallpassaway.38)AndwhatiswritteninRev.21:1.

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“Isawanewheavenandanewearth:forthefirstheavenandthefirstearthwerepassedaway;andtherewasnomoresea.”

39)WehaveseenthattheSaviorshallbethegreatjudgeofalltheearth.WhoshallbeHisservantsorministersaccordingtoMatt.24:31?

“HeshallsendHisangelswith thegreatsoundofa trumpet,and theyshallgather togetherHis elect from the fourwinds, from one end of heaven to theother.”

40)ReadalsoMatt.13:41.“TheSonofmanshallsendforthHisangels,andtheyshallgatheroutofHis

kingdomallthingsthatoffend,andthemwhichdoiniquity.”41)Also1Thes.4:16.“FortheLordHimselfshalldescendfromheavenwithashout,withthevoice

of thearchangel, andwith the trumpofGod: and thedead inChrist shall risefirst.”

42)Nowletusseewhoshallhejudged.Repeat2Cor.5:10.“WemustallappearbeforethejudgmentseatofChrist; thateveryonemay

receivethethingsdoneinhisbody,accordingtothathehathdone,whitheritbegoodorbad.”

43)WhomustappearbeforethejudgmentseatofChrist?Allmen.44)Andhowshallweallbejudged?WeshallbeJudgedaccordingtowhatwehavedonewhilewelived,whether

itbegoodorbad.45)ReadRev.20:12.“I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were

opened: andanotherbookwasopenedwhich is thebookof life: and thedeadwere judgedoutof these thingswhichwerewritten in thebooks,according totheirworks.”

46)AlsoJude14:15.“Enochalso, the seventh fromAdam,prophesiedof these, saying, ’Behold,

theLordcomethwithtenthousandofHissaints,toexecuteJudgmentuponall,and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deedswhich they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches whichungodlysinnershavespokenagainstHim.”

47)AlsoEccles.11:9.“Rejoice,Oyoungman,inthyyouth;andletthyheartcheertheeinthedays

ofthyyouth,andwalkinthewaysofthineheart,andinthesightofthineeyes:

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butknowthou,thatforallthesethingsGodwillbringtheeintojudgment.”48) We shall have to give an account of all our thoughts, words and

actions.Soweread.Eccles.12:14.“GodshallbringeveryworkintoJudgment,witheverysecretthing,whether

itbegoodorwhetheritbeevil.”49)WhatdoestheSaviorsayofourwords,Matt.12:36?“I say unto you, that every idleword thatmen shall speak, they shall give

accountthereofinthedayofJudgment.”50)AndwhatdoestheApostlesayevenofourthoughts,1Cor.4:5.“ThereforeJudgenothingbeforethetime,untiltheLordcome,whobothwill

bringtolightthehiddenthingsofdarkness,andwillmakemanifestthecounselsofthehearts:andthenshalleverymanhavepraiseofGod.”

51)Howcarefulweshouldbeastoouractionsandwords:yeaevenourthoughtswhenweconsiderthatforallweareaccountabletotheSavioronthe great day. Now let us see according to what rule or lawmen will bejudged.RepeatJohn12:48.“Theword that Ihave spoken, the sameshallJudgehiminthelastday.”

52)ReadRom.2:16.“In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ

accordingtomygospel.”53)TheGospelshallbetheruleofjudgment.Itwillalldependuponhow

menhaveconductedthemselvestowardtheGospel.WhatdotheScripturessayofthosewhobelievetheGospel?

Mark16:16.“Hethatbelievethandisbaptizedshallbesaved.”54) Andwhat about those who do not believe? “He that believeth not

shallbedamned.”55)ReadalsoRev.20:12.“I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were

openedandanotherbookwasopened,which is thebookof life; and thedeadwere judgedout of those thingswhichwerewritten in thebooks according totheirworks.”

56)TheSaviorHimself is thebookof life.Allwhobelieve onHimarewritteninthebookoflife.TheirworkstestifythattheybelieveonHim.SowhentheScripturessay thatmenshallbe judgedbytheirworkswemustremember that goodworks are the fruits of faith.Where goodworks arewanting there is no faith in the Savior. In Matt. 25:31-46 we have a

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descriptionofthefinaljudgment.WhatdoestheKingsaytotherighteousonHisrighthand?

Verse34.“Come,yeblessedofmyFather,inheritthekingdompreparedforyoufromthefoundationoftheworld.”

57)AndwhatshallHesaytothewickedonHislefthand?Verse41.“Departfromme,yecursed,intoeverlastingfire,preparedforthe

devilandhisangels.”58)This judgment is the last judgment.From it there is no appeal. Its

decisionshallstandforeverasweseefromthe46thverseofthischapter.“Theseshallgoawayintoeverlastingpunishment:buttherighteousintolife

eternal.”

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TheThirdArticleOfTheCreed.

Lesson63.ThePersonOfTheHolyGhost.

(Question207-212.)

1)Howmanychiefpartshasthecatechism?Thecatechismhassixchiefparts.2)Whatarethey?TheholyTenCommandments, theApostles’Creed,theLord’sPrayer,Holy

BaptismandtheLord’sSupper.3)Whichisthesecondchiefpartofthecatechism?TheApostles’Creed.4)Howmanyarticlesareinthecreed?Therearethreearticlesinthecreed.5)Ofwhatdoesthefirstarticletreat?Thefirstarticletreatsofcreation.6)Ofwhatdoesthesecondarticletreat?Thesecondarticletreatsofredemption.7)Ofwhatdoesthethirdarticletreat?Thethirdarticletreatsofsanctification.8)Ofwhomdoesthefirstarticletreat?ThefirstarticletreatsofGodtheFather.9)Ofwhomdoesthesecondarticletreat?ThesecondarticletreatsofGodtheSon.10)Andofwhomdoesthethirdarticletreat?ThethirdarticletreatsofGodtheHolyGhost.11)(207)“Repeatthethirdarticle—ofsanctification.”“IbelieveintheHolyGhost;theholyChristianChurch,theCommunionof

saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the lifeeverlasting.Amen.”

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12)(208)“Whatdoesthismean?”“IbelievethatIcannotbymyownreasonorstrengthbelieveinJesusChrist,

my Lord, or come toHim; but theHolyGhost has calledme by theGospel,enlightenedmewithHisgifts,sanctifiedandkeptmeinthetruefaith;evenasHecalls,gathers,enlightens,andsanctifiesthewholeChristianChurchonearth,andkeepsitwithJesusChristintheonetruefaith;inwhichChristianChurchHedailyandrichlyforgivesallsinstomeandallbelievers,andwillatthelastdayraiseupmeandallthedead,andgiveuntomeandallbelieversinChristeternallife.Thisismostcertainlytrue.”

13)(209)“Howmanypartsdoesthisarticlecontain?”“Principallyfive:ittreats,1.OftheHolyGhost;2.OftheChristianChurch;

3.OfForgivenessofSin;4.OftheResurrectionoftheBody;5.OfEternalLife.”14)Whatthenisthefirstthingwhichweconfessinthisthirdarticle?WeconfesstobelieveintheHolyGhost.15)(210)“WhatwordsofthethirdarticletreatoftheHolyGhost?”“IbelieveintheHolyGhost.”16)(211)“Whydoyousay:‘IbelieveintheHolyGhost?’”“BecauseIacknowledgeHimasthethirdPersonoftheGodheadandthereby

astrueGod.”17)TobelieveinGodmeanstofear,loveandtrustinhim.Underwhich

commandmentdidweconsiderthisfear,loveandtrust?Underthefirstcommandment.18)What does the explanation of the first commandment tell us about

suchfear,loveandtrust?Ittellsusthatweshouldfear,loveandtrustinGodaboveallthings.19)WhatkindofhonordowegiveGodwhenwefear,loveandtrustin

Himaboveallthings?WegiveHimdivinehonor.20)Nowtellmefromquestion211:howdoyouregardtheHolyGhost?IregardHimastrueGod.21)Yes;howmanypersonsarethereinGod?TherearethreepersonsinGod.22)WhichoftheseistheHolyGhost?ThethirdpersonistheHolyGhost.23)(212)“WhydoyoubelievethattheHolyGhostIstrueGod?”“Because in the Holy Scriptures the names, attributes, works and honor,

whichpertaintoGodonly,areexpresslyascribedtoHim.”

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24)Where do we find this plainly taught that the Holy Ghost is trueGod?

WefindittaughtintheHolyScriptures.25)Accordingtoquestion212,whatisthefirstthingascribedtotheHoly

GhostintheScriptures?ThenameswhichpertaintoGodonly.26)Yes;wefindintheBiblethattheHolyGhostisexpresslycalledGod.

Forinstance,whatdidPetersaytoAnaniasafterhehadliedtotheapostle?Acts5:3:4.“Petersaid, ’Ananias,whyhathSatanfilled thineheart to lie to

the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? While itremained,was itnot thineown?andafter itwas sold,was itnot in thineownpower?whyhastthouconceivedthisthinginthineheart?thouhastnotlieduntomen,butuntoGod.”

27) Ananias had lied not only to the Apostle Peter, but what questiondoestheapostleputtohim?

“Ananias,whyhathSatanfilledthinehearttolietotheHolyGhost?”28)InlyingtotheApostle,AnaniasliedtotheHolyGhost,whodweltin

Peter.Butwhatdoestheapostlesayaboutthislieinthelastsentenceoftheverse?

“Thouhastnotlieduntomen,butuntoGod.”29)WhatthenmusttheHolyGhostbeiflyingtoHimislyingtoGod?HemustbeGod.30)Repeat1Cor.3:16.“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God

dwellethinyou?”31)WhodwellsinChristians?TheSpiritofGoddwellsinthem.32) What does the apostle call Christians because of the presence of

God’sSpiritinthem?HecallsthemthetempleofGod.33) Because the Spirit of God dwells in them. Christians are God’s

temple.Who thenmust theHolyGhostbe ifHis indwellingmakespeopleGod’stemple?

HemustbeGod.34)But,accordingtoquestion212,wefindthatnotonlydivinenames,

butwhatelseisascribedtotheHolyGhost?Alsodivineattributes.

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35)Yes;anddivineattributesbelongtowhomalone?DivineattributesbelongtoGodalone.36)Ifanyonehasdivineattributes,whomusthebe?HemustbeGod.37)Whicharethedivineattributes?(Question142)God is eternal, omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient, holy, righteous,

mercifulandtruthful.38)Whoalonehastheseattributes?Godalonehasthem.39)Whomustapersonbewhohastheseattributes?HemustbeGod.40)RepeatPs.139:7-10.“WhithershallIgofromthySpirit?orwhithershallIfleefromthypresence?

IfIascendupintoheaven,thouartthere;ifImakemybedinhell,behold,thouartthere.IfItakethewingsofthemorning,anddwellintheuttermostpartsofthesea;eventhereshallthyhandleadme,andthyrighthandshallholdme.”

41)Where,accordingtothispassageistheSpiritofGod?Heiseverywhere.42)WhomustHebeifHeiseverywhereatthesametime?HemustbeGod.43)Nowrepeat1Cor.2:10.“God hath revealed themunto us byHis Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all

things,yea,thedeepthingsofGod.”44)WhatistheSpiritofGodheresaidtosearch?Hesearchethallthings.45)AndevenwhatisHesaidtoknow?HesearchesandknowseventhedeepthingsofGod.46)AndwhomustHebeifHeknowsallthings?"HemustbeGod.47)Read2Pet.1:21.“TheholymenofGodspakeastheyweremovedbytheHolyGhost.”48)The holymen ofGod, the prophets and apostles,were inspired by

God. They spoke andwrote as the Spirit ofGodmoved them. They saidthingswhich they couldneverhaveknownof themselves.Theyare calledmenofGodbecause theyweremovedby theHolyGhost.Whatdoes thisprovewithreferencetotheHolyGhost?

ItprovesthattheHolyGhostisGod.

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49)Repeat1Cor.12:11.“AllthesethingsworkeththatoneandtheselfsameSpirit,dividingtoevery

manseverallyashewill.”50)IftheSpiritworkethallthings,thatis,ifheisalmighty,whomustHe

be?HemustbeGod.51)ReadalsoMatt.12:28.“But if I cast out devils by the Spirit ofGod, then the kingdomofGod is

comeuntoyou.”52)ThroughwhomdidtheSaviorcastoutdevils?HecastthemoutthroughtheSpiritofGod.53)WhomustthisSpiritbeifeventhedevilsaresubjecttoHim?HemustbeGod.54)RepeatJohn15:26.“WhentheComforter iscome,whomIwillsenduntoyoufromtheFather,

even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify ofme.”

55)WhatisheresaidoftheComforter,theSpiritoftruth?HeproceedethfromtheFather,56)WhatkindofbeingmustHebeifHeproceedsfromtheFather?Hemustbeadivinebeing.57)Read1John5:7.“Therearethreethatbearrecordinheaven,theFather,theWordandtheHoly

Ghost:andthesethreeareone.”58)HeretheHolyGhostisplacedonalevelwiththeFatherandtheSon.

WhomustHeaccordinglybe?HemustbeGod,justastheyareGod.59)Butaccordingtoourquestion212,theHolySpiritnotonlyhasdivine

namesandattributes,butwhatkindofworksdoesHedo?Hedoesdivineworks.60)Yes;andthisalsoisaproofthatHeistrueGod.RepeatGen.1:2.“TheSpiritofGodmoveduponthefaceofthewaters.”61)Thisissaidinconnectionwithwhatdivinework?Itissaidinconnectionwiththeworkofcreation.62)WhatkindofpersonmusttheHolySpiritbeifHewaspresentatand

tookpartintheworkofcreation?Hemustbeadivineperson.

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63)RepeatJob33:4.“TheSpiritofGodhathmademe,andthebreathoftheAlmightyhathgiven

melife.”64)WhatdoesJobheresayoftheSpiritofGod?HesaystheSpiritofGodcreatedHim.65)WhomustthisSpiritbeifthedivineworkofcreationisascribedto

Him?HemustbeGod.66)RepeatJohn3:5.“Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except aman be born of water and of the

Spirit,hecannotenterintothekingdomofGod.”67)HeretheworkofregenerationisascribedtotheHolySpirit.Itisby

Him thatmen are born again through baptism. This is a divine work; awork thatGod alone can do. If now theHolyGhost does thiswork,whomustHebe?

HemustbeGod.68)RepeatTitus3:5.“According toHismercyHesavedus,by thewashingof regeneration,and

renewingoftheHolyGhost.”69)Baptismisherecalledawashingofregenerationandarenewingof

theHolyGhost.Whoisitthenthatrenewsus?ItistheHolyGhost.70)Butwhoalonecanmakenewcreaturesofus?Godalonecandothis.71)IfthentheHolyGhostrenewsuswhomustHebe?HemustbeGod.72)According to our question 212 theHolyGhost has not only divine

namesandattributes,andnotonlyperformsdivineworks,butwhatkindofhonorisgiventoHim?

DivinehonorisgivenHim.73)ReadMatt.28:19.“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the

Father,andoftheSon,andoftheHolyGhost.”74)Here theHolyGhost ismentionedwith and put on the same level

withtheFatherandtheSon.WhomustHebetodeservesuchhonor?HemustbeGod.

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75)FromallthisweseethattheHolyGhostisadivineperson,thatHeistrueGod,withtheFatherandtheSon.

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Lesson64.Conversion.

(Question213-218.)

1)Ofwhomdoesthethirdarticleofthecreedtreat?IttreatsofGodtheHolyGhost.2)WhoistheHolyGhost?HeisthethirdpersonintheTrinity.3) (213) “Why is the third person of the Godhead called the Holy

Ghost?”“BecauseinHolyScripturestheworkofsanctificationisespeciallyascribed

toHim.”4)WhatworkisthespecialworkoftheHolyGhost?Theworkofsanctification.5)Repeat1Cor.6:11.“Butyearewashed,butyearesanctified,butyearejustifiedinthenameof

theLordJesus,andbytheSpiritofourGod.”6)WhatistheHolyGhostheresaidtodotoChristians?Hewashes,andsanctifiesthem.7)Tosanctifymeanstomakecleanandholy.FromwhatdoestheHoly

Spiritcleanseus?Hecleansesusfromsin.8)(214)“Whatdoyouunderstandbythissanctification?”“TheworkoftheHolySpiritwhenHecallsmebytheGospel,enlightensme

withHisgifts,andsanctifiesandkeepsmeinthetruefaith.”9)Whatthen,isthefirstthingwhichtheHolyGhostdoesinthisworkof

sanctification?HecallsusbytheGospel.10)WhatistheGospel?(Question137).TheGospel is theglad tidings thatJesusChristhassavedus fromoursins,

andthroughfaithmakesusforeverblessed.11)When we hear these glad tidings concerning Jesus Christ andHis

blessedworkofsalvation,whoisitthatiscallingus?

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ItistheHolyGhostthatiscallingus.12)FromwhatdoeshecallusawaywhenweheartheGospel?Hecallsusawayfromsin.13)Wehaveall strayedaway fromHim,andare lost.What command

didtheSaviorgiveHisdisciples?Mark16:15. “Hesaidunto them, ‘Goye intoall theworld, andpreach the

gospeltoeverycreature.’”14)UntowhomdoestheHolyGhostcallusbytheGospel?HecallsustotheSavior.15)WhatelsedoesHedobesidescallingus?HeenlightensuswithHisgifts.16)Wearesoignorantthat,ofourselves,wecouldnotevenunderstand

theGospelwhenwehearit.SowhatdoesHedoinorderthatinspiteofourblindnesswemayunderstandandaccepttheGospel?

HeenlightensuswithHisgifts.17)AndwhenwehaveacceptedtheGospelbyfaith,whatelsedoesHe

do?Hesanctifiesus.18)Thatis,Hegivesupwillingnessandpowertoleadwhatkindofalife?Toleadaholylife.19)Andbecause,iflefttoourselves,weshouldfallawayagainfromthe

faith,whatdoestheHolyGhostdo?Hekeepsusinthetruefaith.20)Whoisitthatdoesallthis?ItistheHolyGhost.21)(215)“WhymusttheHolyGhostdoallthis?”“BecauseIcannotbymyownreasonorstrengthbelieveinJesusChrist,my

Lord,orcometoHim.”22)RepeatthefirstsentenceinLuther’sexplanationofthethirdarticle

ofthecreed.“IbelievethatIcannotbymyownreasonorstrengthbelieveinJesusChrist,

myLord,orcometoHim.”23) What is necessary in order that we may come to our Lord Jesus

Christ,thatis,tobesaved?WemustbelieveonHim.24)(216)Yes,andthiswecannotdoofourselves.“Whyisthis?”“Onaccountoforiginalsin.”

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25)Whatisoriginalsin?(Question126)It is theutterdepravityof thewholehumannature,which, since the fallof

Adam,isinborninallmen.26)Andwhereindoesthisdepravityconsist?(Question127).Inthis,thatwehavelosttheimageofGodand,consequently,thatourreason

isdarkenedandourwillperverted.27)Accordingtothisanswer,whateffecthasoriginalsinonourreason

orunderstanding?Ourreasonisdarkened.28)Thatis,wecannotunderstandthetruththatisnecessarytosalvation.

Whatdoestheapostlesayin1Cor,2:14?The naturalman receiveth not the things of theSpirit ofGod; for they are

foolishness untoHim; neither can he know them, because they are spirituallydiscerned.

29)Aswearebynature,theGospelappearsafoolishthing.Wecannotunderstand it. But according to question 127 original sin has not onlydarkenedourunderstanding,butwhateffecthasitonourwill?

Ithaspervertedourwill.30)Whatdoestheapostlesay,Rom.8:7?“The carnalmind is enmity againstGod; for it is not subject to the lawof

God,neithercanbe.”31)BynatureweareatenmitywithGod.Welacknotonlythepowerbut

also thewillingness to believe inChrist. In Phil. 2:13, the apostle tells ushowwecometobelieveinJesusChrist.Readthepassage.

“ItisGodwhichworkethinyoubothtowillandtodoofHisgoodpleasure.”32)God’sgoodpleasureisthatwebelieveonHisson,JesusChrist,and

besaved.Butwheredoesthisfaithcomefrom?Godworksitinus.33)(217)“Whosethenistheworkofconversion?”“ItissolelythegraciousworkoftheHolyGhost.”34)Whydowesayitis“solely”theworkoftheHolyGhost?BecauseHedoesitalone.35)Andwhydowecallitagraciouswork?BecauseHisgracemovesHimtodoit.36)Yes,God owes us nothing.Hewould have a perfect right to let us

perishforeverinoursins.ButwhydoesHetrytosaveus?BecauseHepitiesus.

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37)RepeatJer.31:18.“Turnthoume,andIshallbeturned;forthouarttheLord,myGod.”38)Whoalonecanturnusfromsintorighteousness;fromdeathtolife?GodtheHolyGhost.39)WhenwebelieveonJesus,wecallHimLord,weacknowledgeHimto

beourMaster,butwhatdoestheapostlesay1Cor.12:3?“NomancansaythatJesusistheLord,butbytheHolyGhost.”40)RepeatCol2:12.“YearerisenwithHimthroughthefaithof theoperationofGod,whohath

raisedHimfromthedead.”41)Whatdoestheapostleheresayastotheoriginoffaith?HesaysitisoftheoperationofGod.42) That is, it is the work of God. What does David ask of God, Ps.

51:10?“Createinmeacleanheart,OGod;andrenewarightspiritwithinme.”43)Wheremustcleanheartscomefrom?Godmustcreatethem.44)ReadalsoJohn6:44.“Nomancancome tomeexcept theFatherwhichhath sentmedrawhim;

andIwillraisehimupatthelastday.”45)Alsothe65thverseofthesamechapter.“Therefore said I untoyou, that noman can comeuntome, except itwere

givenuntohimofmyFather.”46)ReadalsoEzek.36:25-27.“Then Iwill sprinklecleanwateruponyou,andyeshallbeclean: fromail

yourfilthiness,andfromallyouridols,will1cleanseyou.AnewheartalsowillIgiveyou,andanewspiritwillIputwithinyou:andIwilltakeawaythestonyheartoutofyourflesh,andIwillgiveyouaheartofflesh.AndIwillputmySpiritwithinyou,andcauseyou towalk inmystatutes,andyeshallkeepmyjudgmentsanddothem.”

47)FromallthesepassagesitisclearthatwhenwebelieveinChristandaresaved,wehaveGodtothankforit.Hebegins,carrieson,andfinishestheworkof conversion inus.To convertmeans to turnabout, to change.Whoalonecanbringaboutthischangeinus?

Godalonecandoit.48)(218)“Whatdoesitmeantobeconverted,ortorepent?”“Itmeanstobecontriteforone’ssinsandtobelieveinJesusChrist.”

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49)Howmanythingsbelongtotrueconversion,orrepentance?Twothings.50)Whatisthefirst?Tobecontriteforone’ssins.51)Andwhatisthesecond?TobelieveinJesusChrist.52)RepeatMark1:15.“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and

believethegospel.”53)WhentheSaviorheresays,“Repentye,andbelievethegospel,”He

means,“Besorryforyoursinsandbelieveinme.”54)RepeatalsoLuke18:13.“Thepublicanstandingafaroff,wouldnot liftupsomuchashiseyesunto

heavenbutsmoteuponhisbreast,saying,‘Godbemercifultomeasinner.’”55) Here we have an example of true repentance. How did the poor

publicanfeelabouthissins?Hefeltsorry.56)Andyetwhatdidheaskandhopefor?Heaskedandhopedformercy.57) InLuke15:11-32weare told theparableof theprodigal son.How

didthispoorboyfeelabouthissins?Hefeltsorryforthem.58)Andwhatdidheaskforwhenhecamehome?Heaskedforforgiveness.59)Whatmusthehavebelievedwithreferencetohisfather?Thathewouldforgivehim.60) No man is truly converted who loves sin. But how does the truly

convertedmanregardsin?Heissorryforitandhatesit.61) Tell me how did the apostle Peter show that he was sorry for the

greatsinofdenyingtheSavior?(Mat.26:75.)“Hewentoutandweptbitterly.”62)AndyetPeterdidnotdespair.Hehopedforandreceivedforgiveness.

In this respect he differed from Judas. He, too, was sorry that he hadbetrayedtheLord.Butstillhewasnotaconvertedman.Whatdidhelack?

Helackedfaith.

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63) Yes, he did not believe that his sin could be forgiven. His sorrowdrove him to despair. So what are the two things which belong to trueconversion,orrepentance?

SorrowforsinandfaithinChrist.

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Lesson65.ContritionAndFaith.

(Question219-220.)

1)RepeattheThirdArticleoftheCreed.“IbelieveintheHolyGhost,”etc.2)Whatdoesthismean?“IbelievethatIcannotbymyownreasonandstrengthbelieveinJesusChrist

myLordorcometoHim,”etc.3)Whatisnecessaryinorderthatwepoorsinnersmaybesaved?WemustbelieveinJesusChrist.4)Whoworksthisfaithinourhearts?TheHolyGhost.5)ThisworkoftheHolyGhostwecallconversionorrepentance.Inour

last lessonwe learnedhowmanypartsbelong torepentance.Canyou tellme?

Repentancehastwoparts.6)Whatarethey?SorrowforsinandfaithinChrist.7)Bywhatworddoweexpressthissorrowforsin?(218)Bythewordcontrition.8)(219)“Whatiscontrition?”“Contritionisthesorrowoftheheartforsin.”9)Whatdoesitmeantobecontrite?Tobecontritemeanstobesorry.10)ThiswelearnfromPsalm51:17:“ThesacrificesofGodareabrokenspirit: abrokenandacontriteheart,O

God,Thouwiltnotdespise.”11)WhatkindofheartthenispleasingtoGod?Acontriteheart.12) The heart that is pleasing to God is here described not only as a

contriteheartbutwhatelseissaidofit?Itiscalledabrokenheart.

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13)Whatisitonaccountofwhichourheartsshouldbesobrokenupandsorrowful?

Onaccountofsin.14)HowdoesGodregardsin?ItoffendsHim.Hehatesit.15)Godhasbeenkindandgood tous,andwhenwe learn thatbyour

sinswehavegrievedandoffendedHim,howshouldwefeelaboutit?Weshouldfeelsorry.16)Yes, it is an awful thing that instead of pleasingwe have offended

God.Andwhathavewedeservedbyoursins?Wehavedeservedpunishment.17)WhathasGodthreatenedtodowithsin?Hehasthreatenedtopunishit.18)RepeatwhatGodsaysintheconclusionoftheTenCommandments.

“I,theLordthyGod,amajealousGod,visitingtheiniquitiesofthefathersupon the childrenunto the thirdand fourthgenerationof them thathateme,andshowingmercyuntothousandsofthemthatlovemeandkeepmycommandments.”

19)Whatdoesthismean?“God threatens to punish all those who transgress his commandments,

thereforeweshouldfearHiswrath.”20)Thatwilldo.Stophere,and tellme:whatdoesGod threaten todo

withthosewhotransgressHiscommandments?Hehasthreatenedtopunishthem.21)Tellmewhen didGod once punish thewholeworld on account of

sin?Atthetimeoftheflood.22)WhattwospeciallygodlesscitiesdidGodoncepunishonaccountof

sin?ThecitiesofSodomandGomorrah.23)SoGodpunishessininthisworld,buthealsopunishesitintheworld

tocome.WhatissaidofthewickedinMatt.25:46?“Theseshallgoawayintoeverlastingpunishment.”24)Godpunishes sinboth in thisworldand in theworld to come.Sin

bringsmiseryanddeath.Whenwe learnandexperience this,how shouldwefeelaboutoursins?

Weshouldfeelsorryonaccountofthem.

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25)Notallpeoplearesorryforsin.Sometakepleasureinsin,andevenboastofit.ButwhatdoesGodsayIs.66:2.?

The secondpart of theverse. “To thismanwill I look, even to him that ispoorandofacontritespirit,andtremblethatmyword.”

26)ReadalsoJoel2:12:13.“Thereforealsonow,saiththeLord, turnyeeventomewithallyourheart,

andwithfasting,andwithweeping,andwithmourning:andrendyourheart,andnot your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for He is gracious andmerciful,slowtoanger,andofgreatkindness,andrepentethHimoftheevil.”

27)DavidhadsinnedagainstGod.HowhefeltabouthissinsweseefromPsalm38.Letusreadit.

“OLordrebukemenot,”etc.28)LetusalsoreadPsalm130.“Outofthedepths,”etc.29)Canyougivemeanotherexampleofonewhowassorryforhissins?Thepublicaninthetemple.30)Whatdidtheprodigalsonsaytohisfatherwhenhereturnedfroma

lifeofsinandshame?Luke15:21."Father,Ihavesinnedagainstheavenandbeforethee,andamno

moreworthytobecalledthyson.31)HowdidPetersinagainsttheSaviorduringHistrialbeforetheHigh

Priest?HedeniedtheSavior.32) How did he feel about this sin afterward when the Savior looked

uponhim?Hewentoutandweptbitterly.33)But true repentancemeansmore than sorrow for sin.Which other

disciplehadalsoshamefullysinnedagainsttheLord?Judas,whobetrayedHim.34)Healsoafterwards felt sorry forwhathehaddone,aswesee from

Matt.27:3-5.“ThenJudas,whichhadbetrayedHim,whenhesawthatHewascondemned,

repentedhimselfandbroughtagainthethirtypiecesofsilvertothechiefpriestsandelders,saying,IhavesinnedinthatIhavebetrayedtheinnocentblood.Andtheysaid,what is that tous?See thou to that.Andhecastdownthepiecesofsilverinthetempleanddeparted,andwentandhangedhimself.”

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35)Meresorrowisnotrepentance.Whatelsedoestruerepentanceimplybesidessorrowforsin?

ItalsoimpliesfaithinChrist.36)(220)“Whatisfaith?”“FaithistheconfidenceoftheheartthatwethroughChristhaveforgiveness

ofsinandagraciousGod.”37)ThisiswhatJudaslacked.HehadnoconfidenceinGod,nohopeof

forgiveness.Contritionissorrow,butwhatisfaith?Faithisconfidence.38)Contritionissorrowoftheheart,butwhatisfaith?Faithistheconfidenceoftheheart.39)Bothpartsofrepentancethenarefoundwhere?Theyarefoundintheheart.40) Yes, our heartsmust be right withGod. Andwhat two things are

necessaryinorderthatourheartsmayberightwithGod?Sorrowandconfidence.41)RepeatHeb.11:1.“Nowfaith is thesubstanceof thingshoped for,and theevidenceof things

notseen.”42)Whatkindofthingsdoesfaithdealwith?Itdealswiththingsnotseen.43)Yes, and itmeans confidence in these things. It lays hold ofGod’s

promisesandtrustsinthem.WhathasGodpromisedwithreferencetooursins?

Hehaspromisedtoforgivethem.44)Throughwhommaywehopeforthisforgiveness?ThroughChrist.45)“ThroughChrist”meansforHissake,andbyfaithinHim.Whatdid

ChristdothatGodshouldforgiveoursinsthroughHim?Hesufferedanddiedforus.46)Yes,andnowwhatisGodwillingtodoforthesakeofthesufferings

anddeathofChrist?Toforgiveoursins.47)GodisaholyandrighteousGod,whohasthreatenedtopunishsin,

butaccordingtoourquestion220Heisalsowhat?Heisalsogracious.

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48)AndbecauseHeisagraciousGodandbecauseChristhasbornethepunishmentforoursinswhatmaywehopefor?

WemayhopethatGodwillforgiveoursins.49)And this confidence is the chief thing in repentance.Only thenare

ourheartsrightwithGodwhenwehavethisconfidence.ThisweseefromMark16:15-16.

“Hesaiduntothem,goyeintoalltheworld,andpreachtheGospeltoeverycreature,Hethatbelievethandisbaptizedshallbesaved;hethatbelievethnotshallbedamned.”

50) What is this Gospel which the apostles were to preach to all theworld?

ItisthegladtidingsthatJesusChristhassavedusfromoursinsandthroughfaithmakesusforeverblessed.

51)WhatistheblessedresultwhenwebelievethisGospel?Wearesaved.52)ThesameistaughtJohn3:16.“GodsolovedtheworldthatHegavehisonlybegottenSonthatwhosoever

believethinHimshallnotperishbuthaveeverlastinglife.”53)Whoaccordinglyshallbesaved?HethatbelievesonJesus.54) He that believes on Jesus and is baptized in His name is truly

converted.ReadalsoRom.8:3-4."What the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God

sendinghisownSoninthelikenessofsinfulflesh,andforsin,condemnedsininthe flesh:That the righteousnessof the lawmightbe fulfilled inus,whowalknotaftertheflesh,butaftertheSpirit.

55)NowalsoreadRom.10:4.“Christistheendofthelawforrighteousnesstoeveryonethatbelieveth.”56)WhenwebelieveonChristwearerighteousbeforeGod,thatis,our

heartsstandrightwithHim.Repeat2Tim.1:12.Latterhalfoftheverse.“IknowwhomIhavebelievedandampersuadedthatHeisabletokeepthat

whichIhavecommitteduntoHimagainstthatday.”57)ThusfaithinthepersonandworkoftheSaviorsavesus.Inthisfaith

wecancheerfullyawaitthejudgmentday.ReadalsoRom.8:38-39.“Iampersuaded,thatneitherdeath,norlife,norangels,norprincipalities,nor

powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any

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other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love ofGod,which is inChristJesusourLord.”

58)This faith inChrist iswhat converts aman, turns him about, andchangeshiswholelife.Itmakesanewmanoutofhim.ItsetshimrightwithGod,changeshiswholespiritanddispositionnotonlytowardGodbutalsotowardmen.Butthisfaithcannotexistinaheartthatlovesanddelightsinsin,butratheronlyinwhatkindofheart?

Inaheartthatissorryforsin.59)Therefore,whattwothingsbelongtotruerepentanceorconversion?SorrowforsinandfaithinChrist.

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Lesson66.TheOrderOfSalvation.

Question221-224.1)OfwhomdoesthethirdarticleoftheCreedtreat?IttreatsoftheHolyGhost.2)WhatisthespecialworkofGodtheHolyGhost?Theworkofsanctification.3)Yes,ortheworkofconversion.Whattwothingsbelongtoconversion

orrepentance?SorrowforsinandfaithinChrist.4)Whyshouldwebesorryforsin?BecauseitoffendsGodanddeservespunishment.5) The second part of conversion is faith in Christ. What are we to

believeconcerningChrist?WearetobelievethatHeistheSonofGodandtheSavioroftheworld.6)Who is it that works in our hearts this sorrow for sin and faith in

Christ?ItisGodtheHolyGhost.7)(221)“ThroughwhatmeansdoestheHolyGhostworkallthisinus?”“ThroughtheWordofGodandtheHolySacraments.”8)Godworksthroughmeans.Whogaveuslife?Godgaveuslife.9)ThisHedidthroughourparents.Whopreservesourlife?Godpreservesourlife.10)AndthisalsoHedoesthroughmeans.WhatdoesGodsupplyuswith

inordertopreservelife?Hesuppliesuswithfood,clothingandshelter.11)Now justasGodworks throughmeans in thenaturalworld, soHe

also works through means in the spiritual world. From Rom. 10:17, welearnhowGodworksfaithinourhearts.Repeatthepassage.

“Sothenfaithcomethbyhearing,andhearingbythewordofGod.”12)HerewearetoldthatbyhearingtheWordofGodmenarebrought

tofaith.Sowhatmustwedoifwewouldcometofaithandbesaved?

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WemustheartheWordofGod.13)Butwemustnotonlyhearitwithourbodilyears.Wemusttakethis

Wordtoheart,asweseefromLuke11:28.“BlessedaretheythatheartheWordofGodandkeepit.”14)This is how theGalatians came tobeChristians, aswe learn from

Gal.3:2.“Thisonlywould I learnofyou, receivedye theSpiritby theworksof the

law,orbythehearingoffaith?”15)OnthegreatdayofPentecost3000becamebelieversandwereadded

tothechurch.Whathadthismultitudelistenedtoonthatday?Acts2:14.TheyhadlistenedtothepreachingoftheGospel.16)Andhowdidtheyreceivethispreaching?Acts2:41.Theyreceiveditgladly.17)In1Peter1:23theWordofGodiscalledalivingandlife-givingseed.

Readthepassage.“Beingbornagain,notofcorruptibleseed,butofincorruptible,bytheWord

ofGodwhichlivethandabidethforever.”18)TheSaviorhimselfintheparableofthesowercallstheWordofGod

aseedasweseefromLuke8:11.“Nowtheparableisthis,theseedistheWordofGod.”19)ButGodhasothermeansofworkingfaithintheheartsofmen.HedoesitnotonlythroughtheWordofGodbutaccordingtoquestion221

throughwhatothermeans?Throughtheholysacraments.20)EspeciallythroughHolyBaptism,asweseefromTitus3:5,ff.“Not byworks of righteousnesswhichwe have done, but according to his

mercyhe savedus,by thewashingof regeneration, and renewingof theHolyGhost.”

21)WhatisthiswashingofregenerationthroughwhichGodworksfaithinusandsavesus?

ItisholyBaptism.22) This is especially the case with little children. They can not be

reachedbythepreachingoftheWordofGod,fortheycannotunderstandit.SowhatmeansdoesGodusetoworkfaithinthem?

HeusesHolyBaptism.23)Readalso1Cor.12:13.

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“ForbyoneSpiritareweallbaptizedintoonebody,whetherwebeJewsorGentiles,whetherwebebondorfree;andhavebeenallmadetodrinkintooneSpirit.”

24)(222)“HowmanifoldistheworkoftheHolyGhostdescribedinthethirdarticle?”

“Fourfold:Hecallsandgathers,enlightens,sanctifiesandkeepsus.”25)Thecallingandgatheringareheretakentogether.Whatthenisthe

firstthingwhichtheHolyGhostdoesinordertoworkfaithinourhearts?Hecallsandgathersus.26) That is, He calls us together. Repeat the explanation of the third

articleofthecreed.“IbelievethatIcannotbymyownreasonorstrengthbelieveinJesusChrist

myLord,orcometoHim.ButtheHolyGhosthascalledmebytheGospel”etc.27)WhatisthefirstworkoftheHolyGhostherementioned?HecallsmebytheGospel.28)Andalittlefurtheron,whatissaidofthiscalling?“Even as He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian

Churchonearth.”29)HowdoestheHolyGhostcallyou?HecallsmebytheGospel.30)WhenweheartheGospelpreached,whosevoiceisthiscallingus?ItisthevoiceofGodtheHolyGhost.31)Whenachildisrunningawayfromitsmotherintodangerwhatwill

themotherdo?Shewillcallthechild.32)Whenahenseesherchicksindanger,whatwillshedo?Shewillcallthemtogether.33)(223)“HowdoestheHolyGhostcallandgatherus?”“Heoffersus thegraceofGodandgivesuspower toaccept it in faith,by

whichwebecomemembersoftheChristianChurch.”34) What does the Holy Ghost offer us when we hear the Gospel

preached?HeoffersusthegraceofGod.35)Weareallpoor sinnersbeforeGodandwhathavewedeservedby

oursins?WehavedeservedGod’spunishment.36)Nowinsteadofpunishingusaswedeserve,whatdoesGodofferus?

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Heoffersushisgrace.37)That is,whatdoesheoffertodowithoursins insteadofpunishing

them?Heofferstoforgivethem.38)ForwhosesakedoesGodoffertoforgiveoursins?ForChrist’ssake.39) What did Christ do that God should offer us forgiveness for His

sake?Hesufferedanddiedforus.40)ButtheHolyGhostnotonlyoffersusthegraceofGodbutwhatelse

doesHedo?Hegivesuspowertoacceptitinfaith.41)HowarewetoacceptthisgraceofGod?Wearetoacceptitinfaith,42)Butofourselveswecouldnotbelieve thatGod iswilling to forgive

sin.Eitherwethinkweneednoforgivenessorthatthereisnoforgiveness.NowwhatdoestheHolyGhostdoinorderthatwemaybelievethatGodisgraciousandforgivessin?

Hegivesusthepowertobelieveit.43)Withthecallcomesthepower.WhenJesuscalledLazarusfromthe

deadwhatpowerdidHegivehimwiththatcall?Thepowertocomeforth.44)Nowrepeat2Tim.1:9.“Whohathsavedusandcalleduswithanholycalling,notaccordingtoour

works,butaccordingtohisownpurposeandgrace,whichwasgivenusinChristJesusbeforetheworldbegan.”

45)Repeatalso1Peter2:9.“Butyeareachosengeneration,aroyalpriesthood,anholynation,apeculiar

people;thatyeshouldshewforththepraisesofHimwhohathcalledyououtofdarknessintohismarvelouslight.”

46)WhathasGodcalledusoutof?Hehascalledusoutofdarkness.47)Yes,outofthedarknessofignoranceandsin.IntowhathasHecalled

us?IntoHismarvelouslight.48)LightheremeanstheknowledgeofthetruthoftheGospel.Butnot

allmenobeythiscall.Someclosetheireyesandheartsagainstthecall.As

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weseefromMatt.23:37.“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them

whicharesentuntothee,howoftenwouldIhavegatheredthychildrentogether,evenasahengatherethherchickensunderherwings,andyewouldnot.”

49)ThewickedpeopleofJerusalemwerecalledbytheSavior,butwhatwastheresult?

Theywouldnotcome.50)O,letusbewarelestwecloseourearsandheartswhenGodcalls.In

Matt. 22:1-14wehave theparable of themarriage of theking’s son.Theguestswerecalled,thatis,invitedtothemarriagebutwhatwastheresult?

Verse 5. “But theymade light of it, andwent theirways, one to his farm,anothertohismerchandise.”

51)SoweseethegreatmajorityofmentodayclosingtheirheartstothecallofGod.Theywillnot comeandbe saved.Even in theOldTestamentGodhadtocomplainofthis.ReadIsaiah65:2.

“I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, whichwalkethinawaythatwasnotgood,aftertheirownthoughts.”

52)LetusseehowtheSaviorrepresentshimselfinRev.3:20.“BeholdIstandatthedoorandknock:ifanymanhearmyvoice,andopen

thedoor,Iwillcomeintohimandwillsupwithhim,andhewithme.”53)EverytimeyouheartheGospelpreacheditisthevoiceofGodcalling

you away from sin unto righteousness. And though by nature we areinclined to look upon this as foolishness, yet God gives us the power tobelieveit.LetususethispowerandthusacceptthegraceofGodbyfaith.Andwhatdowebecomebysuchfaith?

WebecomemembersoftheChristianChurch.54)HowthendowebecomemembersoftheChristianChurch?BybelievingtheGospel.55)SotheHolyGhostcallsandgathersus:thatis,bringsustogetherasa

companyofbelievers.ButwhatelsedoestheHolyGhostdobesidescallingandgathering"us?

Heenlightensuswithhisgifts.56)(224)“HowdoestheHolyGhostenlightenus?”“Hekindlesfaithinourhearts,sothatweknowJesusChristasourSavior.”57)Whenaroomisdarkwhatmustbedoneifyouwouldsee?Wemustlightacandle.

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58)Sobynatureourheartsaredarkinspiritualthings.Wedonotknowthewayoflife.Nowwhatisthelightthatmustbekindledinourhearts?

Faithisthislight.59)Andwhokindlesthislightoffaithinourhearts?GodtheHolyGhost.60)Andwhomdowelearntoknowbyfaith?WelearntoknowChrist.61)AswhatdowelearntoknowHim?WelearntoknowHimasourSavior.62)Repeat2Cor.4:6.“ForGodwhocommandedthelighttoshineoutofdarkness,hathshinedin

ourhearts,togivethelightoftheknowledgeofthegloryofGodinthefaceofJesusChrist.”

63)Readalso2Cor.4:3-4.“ButifourGospelbehid,itishidtothemthatarelost:inwhomthegodof

thisworldhathblindedthemindsofthemwhichbelievenot,lestthelightoftheGospelofChrist,whoistheimageofGod,shouldshineuntothem.”

64)AlsoActs26:18.“Toopen their eyes, and to turn them fromdarkness to light, and from the

power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, andinheritanceamongthemwhicharesanctifiedbyfaiththatisinme.”

65)SotheHolyGhostopensoureyestoseeandknowthetruth.Butinspiteofallthissomemenremainwillfullyblind.Inthemisfulfilledtheoldadage:

“There are none so blind as those who will not see.” And the other:“Convinceamanagainsthiswillandheisofthesameopinionstill.”

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Lesson67.Sanctification.

Question225.1)Wehave seen that it isGod theHolyGhostwhoworks faith in our

hearts.HedoesthisthroughtheWordofGodandtheholysacraments.CanyoutellmefromtheexplanationoftheThirdArticlewhatdifferentthingstheHolyGhostdoesinordertobringustofaithandsaveus?

HecallsusbytheGospel,enlightensusbyhisgifts,sanctifiesandkeepsusinthetruefaith.

2)WhatdowecallthiswholeworkoftheHolyGhost?WecallittheworkofSanctification,3)Here theword“sanctification” is used to express thewholeworkof

theHolyGhost,andyetwefindthatintheexplanationoftheThirdArticlethisword“sanctification”isusedtoexpressoneparticularpartoftheworkoftheHolyGhost.Thesamewordisusedinatwofoldsense,thewiderandthenarrower.InthewidersenseitincludeseverythingthattheHolyGhostdoes tobringandkeepus in the faith, as these thingsare set forth in theexplanationoftheThirdArticle.ForofwhatdoestheThirdArticletreat?

ThethirdarticletreatsofSanctification.4) But in the narrower sense itmeans only one particular part of this

work.AfterwesayintheexplanationinthecatechismthattheHolyGhostcalls,gathersandenlightensus,whatelsedowesayHedoes?

Hesanctifiesus.5)ThatisHemakesusholy.Whatdoesitmeantosanctify?Itmeanstomakeholy.6)ReadwhatiswrittenActs15:8-9.“And God which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the

HolyGhost,evenasHediduntous;andputnodifferencebetweenusandthem,purifyingtheirheartsbyfaith.”

7)AccordinglywhatdoestheHolyGhostdobyfaith?Hepurifiesourheartsbyfaith.8)Whatotherwordthencouldyouuseinsteadofthewordsanctify?Thewordpurify.

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9)WehaveseenthattheHolyGhostworksfaithinourhearts,nowwewillseetheresultsofthisfaithinourlives.Ifyoulightacandleinadarkroomwhatwillbetheresult?

Itwillbelight.10)Ifyoukindleafireinacoldroomwhatwillbetheresult?Itwillgetwarm.11)Faithissuchalightandsuchafire.Whatdoesitdowithourhearts

andlives?Itlightsandwarmsthem.12)Faithmayalsobecomparedtoatree.SotheSaviorsaysMat.7:17-

18.“Evensoeverygoodtreebringethforthgoodfruit;butacorrupttreebringeth

forthevil fruit. .Agood treecannotbring forthevil fruit,neithercanacorrupttreebringforthgoodfruit.”

13)ByfaithinChristwearemadegoodtrees,andwhatmustagoodtreebringforth?

Agoodtreemustbringforthgoodfruit.14)Faithissomethingthatcannotbehidden.Itshowsitself.Wecannot

seefaith,butwecanseeitsresults.Wecannotseethelifeofatreebutwecanseetheresultsofthislife.Andwhatarethese?

Itsfruits,15)RepeatGal.5:6.“InJesusChristneithercircumcisionavailethanything,noruncircumcision;

butfaithwhichworkethbylove.”16)Whatisheresaidoffaith?Itworkethbylove.17)Thefaithwhichsavesus isnotadeadthingbutanewlife inus.It

changesourwholelives, itsanctifies,thatis, itpurifiesandmakesusholy.Howcanyoutellwhetheramanisaliveordead?

Alivemanwillbreathe.18)Yes.Andwhatelsewillhedo?Hewillmoveandact.19)Sofaithshowsitselfinworks.SotheapostleSt.Jamessays,chapter

2,verses17and18.“Evensofaith,ifithathnotworks,isdead,beingalone..Yea,manmaysay,

thouhast faith, and Ihaveworks: shewme thy faithwithout thyworks, and Iwillshewtheemyfaithbymyworks.”

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20)Howdoesfaithshewitselfaccordingtothispassage?Faithshowsitselfbyworks.21)(225)“HowdoestheHolyGhostsanctifyus?”“Through faithhegivesusdelight inholyorgoodworks,andpower todo

them.”22)Sanctificationisaresultoffaith.AmancannotbelieveinChristand

stilltakepleasureinsin.HowdoesamanfeeloversinwhenheisabelieverinChrist?

Hefeelssorryforit.23)Ifhefeelssorryforsinhecannotloveit,buthowdoeshefeeltoward

it?Hehatesit.24)Hehatessin,andwhatdoeshelove?Heloveswhatisright.25)That is, he loves righteousness.According to our answer 225what

doestheHolyGhostgiveusthroughfaith?Hegivesusdelightinholyandgoodworks.26)Whenamanhasfaithwhatdoeshedelightortakepleasurein?Hetakespleasureinholyorgoodworks.27)Bynaturewhatdowedelightin?Wedelightinsin—evilworks.28)ThroughfaiththeHolyGhostbringsaboutawonderfulchangeinus.

Welovewhatwehatedbefore,andwehatewhatwelovedbeforewewereChristians.Faith isnotamerematterof the intellect,butamatterof theheart.TakeSt.Paulasanexample.BeforehewasaChristian,howdidheregardtheSavior?

HehatedanddespisedHim.29)AndhowdidhebehavetowardChristians?Hepersecutedthem.80)ButafterhebecameabelieverhowdidheregardtheSavior?HelovedHimandservedHim.31)AndhowdidhebehavetowardsChristians?Helovedandservedthem.32)HowdidhespendtherestofhislifeafterhewasconvertedtoChrist?HespentitpreachingtheGospelandservingtheLord.33) Think of Zaccheus, the publican. Before his conversion he was

dishonest,butafterhewasconvertedtoChristwhatdidhesay?

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Luke19:8.“AndZaccheusstood,andsaiduntotheLord;Behold,Lord,thehalfofmygoodsIgivetothepoor;andifIhavetakenanythingfromanymanbyfalseaccusation,Ireturnhimfourfold.”

34)BeforeamanbelievesonChristhemayhavebeenadrunkard,butafterhebecomesaChristianhowdoesheregardthisvice?

Hehatesitandfightsagainstit.35)BeforeamanbelievesontheSaviorhemayhavedelightedin lying

and deceiving but after he becomes aChristian howdoes he regard suchthings?

Hehatesthem.30)Andonthecontrarywhatdoeshelove?Heloveswhatishonest,truthfulandupright.37)What is written in the first Psalm, in the first and second verses,

concerningtherighteousman;thatis,thetruebeliever?“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the council of the ungodly, nor

standeth in theway of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But hisdelightisinthelawoftheLord;andinHislawdothhemeditatedayandnight.”

38)ButtheHolyGhost,throughfaith,notonlygivesuspleasureinholyandgoodworks,butaccordingtoouranswerwhatelsedoeshegiveus?

Healsogivesuspowertodothem.39)Bynaturewehaveneither thedesirenor thepower todoanything

good.Wehavenotthedesireandevenifwehad,wehavenotthepower.ButtheHolyGhostmakesnewcreaturesofusandmakesitpossibleforustodowhatpleasesGod.RepeatEph.2:10.

“WeareHisworkmanship, created inChrist Jesusuntogoodworks,whichGodhathbeforeordainedthatweshouldwalkinthem.”

40)Wearecreateduntogoodworks.ThatiswhyGodmadeusthatweshouldserveHim.Hegaveushands, feet, eyes, earsandallourmembersthat we should serve Him. But the apostle here says God created us inChristJesus.That is,heredeemedus through the sufferingsanddeathofChrist thatweshouldserveHim.Forwhatpurposedoes thispassagesay,GodcreatedusinChristJesus?

Hecreatedusuntogoodworks.41)AndwhathathGodbeforeordained?Hehathordainedthatweshouldwalkingoodworks.42)WhatdoestheexplanationoftheSecondArticleoftheCreedsayas

tothereasonwhyChristredeemed,purchasedandwonyou?

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“ThatImightbeHisown,liveunderHiminHiskingdomandservehimineverlastingrighteousness,innocenceandblessedness.”

43)ThisisalsoplainlytaughtinTitus2:14.WhatisheresaidofChrist?“Who gave himself for us, that hemight redeem us from all iniquity, and

purifyuntohimselfapeculiarpeople,zealousofgoodworks.”44)WhatthenwasthereasonwhyChristgavehimselfforus?“Thathemightpurifyuntohimselfapeculiarpeople.”45)Andwhatissaidofthispeople?Theyshouldbe“zealousofgoodworks.”46)ThatGodalonecangivethepowertodogoodworksisevidentfrom

Phil.2:13.“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good

pleasure.”47)NowrepeatHeb.12:14.“Followpeacewith allmen, and holiness,withoutwhich noman shall see

God.”48)Weshouldfolloworstriveforholiness.Whatreasondoestheapostle

heregiveforthis?WithoutholinessnomancanseeGod.49)God himself is pure and holy and they thatwould see him and be

withHimmust be asHe is.What arewe accordingly to follow after andcultivate?

Wearetofollowafterholiness.50)Andwhatdoestheapostleheresayofthosewhoarenotwillingtodo

this?HesaystheyshallnotseeGod.51)Nowrepeat1Thess.4:3.“ForthisisthewillofGod,evenyoursanctification.”52)ThisiswhatGodwants,namely,thatwebeholy.Sanctificationishis

work.It isagrowth.Thenewlife inusmustgrow.Howdoesall lifeshowitself?

Itshowsitselfbygrowth.53)Andthisgrowthcontinuesaslongasweliveintheworld.Itisnever

perfectonearth.Whileweareinthissinfulworldwecannotbeperfectlyholy.Therearepeoplewhoaresoblindastoimaginetheycanbeperfectlysanctified in this world. But what does the apostle say of such in 1 John1:8.?

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“Ifwesaywehavenosin,wedeceiveourselves,andthetruthisnotinus.”54)Perfect sanctification, that is,perfectholinessor sinlessness,willbe

reachedonlyinheaven.Butsolongasweliveinthisworldwearetogrowandincreaseinholinessofheartandlife.Weshouldbebettertodaythanwewereyesterday,andbettertomorrowthanwearetoday.Whatbecomesofaplantwhenitstopsgrowing?

Itdies.55)Soourspirituallifemustsoondieifwedonotgrow.Thereisnosuch

thingasstandingstill.IfwearenotgoingforwardwearegoingbackwardinChristianlife.

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Lesson68.GoodWorks.

Question226-228.1)Wehaveseenthatthefaithwhichsavesusshowsitselfingoodworks.

It can not be hidden. It is a new life in the soul, and life shows itself byaction.Wheredoboththewillingnessandthepowertodogoodworkscomefrom?

TheHolyGhostgivesthemtous.2)(226)“Whataregoodworks?”“All that aChristian thinks, speaksanddoes from faith according toGod’s

commandandtoHishonorandglory.”3)Tellmefromthisanswerwhoalonecandogoodworks?OnlyaChristiancandogoodworks.4)Whatmustamanbecomebeforeanythingwhichhedoescanplease

God?HemustbecomeaChristian.5)SowereadHeb.11:6.“WithoutfaithitisimpossibletopleaseGod.”6)TheSaviorHimselfsaysthesamething,Matt.7:17-18.“Everygood treebringeth forthgoodfruit;butacorrupt treebringeth forth

evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt treebringforthgoodfruit.”

7)Whatfruitdoesanappletreebear?Itbearsapples.8)Whatfruitdoesagrapevinebear?Itbearsgrapes.9)Canyouexpectfigstogrowonathistlestock?No.youcannot.10)Whynot?Becauseitisnotthenatureofathistletobearfigs.11)Nowbynatureweareallcorrupttrees.Weareconceivedandbornin

sin,andallthatwethinkorsayordoissinful.WhatchangemusttakeplacebeforewecandoanythingthatisreallygoodinthesightofGod?

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WemustbecomeChristians.12)Yes,wemustbebornagain.Eveninnaturallifeamanmustbeborn

beforehecanact.Whatmustbedonewithacandlebeforeitgiveslight?Itmustbelighted.13)Whatmustbedonewithafirebeforeitgiveswarmth?Itmustbekindled.14)Butwhatwillafiredoassoonasitiskindled?Itwillburnandgiveforthwarmth.15)WhatdoestheSaviorsayofeverygoodtree?Everygoodtreebringethforthgoodfruit.16)Itisthenatureofthegoodtreetobringforthgoodfruit.Whyneed

thesunnotbeurgedandtoldtoshine?Becauseitdoessowithoutbeingtold,itisitsnaturetoshine.17)SoitistheregeneratednatureoftheChristianthatdoesgoodworks.

WhatdoestheSaviorsayofalltruebelievers.John15:5?“Iamthevine,yearethebranches.HethatabidethinMe,andIinhim,the

samebringethforthmuchfruit:forwithoutMeyecandonothing.”18)Whatcomesofabranchwhenitiscutofffromthevine?Itwithersanddies.19)Sowecan liveandbear the fruitofgoodworksonlyso longaswe

remaininlivingconnectionwiththeSaviorbyfaith.NowtellmewhatitisinaChristianthatpromptshimtodogoodworks?

Itisfaith.20)Faithisthenewlifewhichshowsitselfthroughworks.AsSt.James

says,James2:17-18:“Faithifithathnotworks,isdead,beingalone.”21)RepeatRom.14:23.“Whatsoeverisnotoffaithissin.”22)FaithinChrististhesourceofallgoodworks.Theremaybeworks

whichoutwardlyappeartobegoodwithoutfaith.Amanmayavoidsinforfear of punishment, hemaygive to thepoor tomakehimself aname.Hemay give because he expects to receive again. But are such works reallygoodinthesightofGod?

No,theyarenot.23)Theylackthepropermotive.Readwhatiswritten1Sam.16:7.The

lasthalfoftheverse.

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“For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh upon the outwardappearancebuttheLordlookethupontheheart.”

24)Godjudgesourworksbyourmotives.HowmustHeregardthemiftheyaredonefromselfishnessorvanity?

Hecannotbepleasedwiththem.25)Not everything that aChristiandoes is good;but according to our

answerwhatisgood?EverythingthataChristiandoesthroughfaith.26)NoChristianisperfectandthereforeonlywhenheactsthroughfaith

arehisworksgood.Nowtellmefromquestion226,accordingtowhatrulemustworksbedoneinordertobegood?

AccordingtoGod’scommand.27)OnlythatisgoodwhichGodhascommanded.Whatgoodthing,for

instance,hasHecommandedchildren?Hehascommandedthemtoobeytheirparents.28)Howdoweknow that it is a goodwork for children to honor and

obeytheirparents?BecauseGodHimselfhascommandedit.29)WhatdoestheSaviorsayMatt.15:9?“In vain do theyworshipme, teaching for doctrines the commandments of

men.”30)Now tellme fromourquestion inwhat three formsdogoodworks

showthemselves?Inthoughts,wordsanddeeds.31)HowdoestheSaviordescribetheevilheartofman?Matt.15:19.“Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications,

thefts,falsewitness,blasphemies.”32)TheSaviorheretellsusthatoutoftheevilheartofthenaturalman

proceedevilthoughts.Thenwhatkindofthoughtsproceedoutoftheheartofagoodman,thatis,—aChristian?

Goodthoughts.33)Howdothethoughtsofourheartsfindexpression?Bywords.34)Amanwhothinksrightwillalsotalkright.Ifhisthoughtsarepure,

howwillhiswordsbe?Hiswordswillalsobepure.35)RepeatCol.3:17.

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“Whatsoever ye do inword or deed, do all in the nameof theLord Jesus,givingthinkstoGodandtheFatherbyHim.”

36)Butwhenamanthinksright,notonlyhiswords,butwhatelsewillberight?

Hisactionswillalsoberight.37) AChristian thinks, speaks and acts according toGod’s command,

butwhatisthegreatobjectofallthathethinks,speaksandacts?HedoesitalltothehonorandgloryofGod.38)Nothisown,butwhosehonorandgloryisheseeking?HeisseekingthehonorandgloryofGod.39)Sotheapostleadmonishes1Cor.10:31.“Whetherthereforeyeeat,ordrink,orwhatsoeveryedo,doalltotheglory

ofGod.”40)(227)“ButwhydothegoodworksofChristians,seeingtheyarenot

allperfect,pleaseGod?”“BecauseChristians, through faith, areGod’sdear children, and theperfect

righteousnessofChristcoversalltheirimperfections.”41)CanaChristiandoperfectlygoodworks?No,hecannot.42)Whynot?BecauseevenChristiansarepoorsinners.43)AndyethowdoesGodregardtheseimperfectworksofChristians?Heispleasedwiththem.44)ButhowcanGodbepleasedwithworksthatarenotperfect?Toanswerthistellmefromquestion227whatareChristians?ChristiansareGod’sdearchildren.45)HowdotheybecomeHisdearChildren?ThroughfaithinChrist.46)Whenafatherloveshischildhowwillheregardeventheimperfect

worksofthechild?Hewillbepleasedwiththem.47) All our works are imperfect, but how are all these imperfections

covered?TheyarecoveredbytheperfectrighteousnessofChrist.48)WhatkindofrighteousnessistherighteousnessofChrist?Itisaperfectrighteousness.

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49)AndthispleasesGod.AndforChrist’ssakeGodispleasedwithus.RepeatRom.8:1.

“ThereisthereforenocondemnationtothemwhichareinChristJesus,whowalknotaftertheflesh,butafterthespirit.”

50)AndagainRom.8:33-34.“WhoshalllayanythingtothechargeofGod’select?ItisGodthatjustifieth.

Who is he that condemneth? It isChrist that died, yea rather, that rose again,whoiseverattherighthandofGod,whoalsomakethintercessionforus.”

51)(228)“Whyshouldwedogoodworks?”“Notinorder tobecomejustandbesaved,but to thankGodandproveour

faithbythem.”52)Sooften,whenmenareaskedwhytheyshoulddogoodworkswhat

dotheyanswer?Inordertobecomejustandbesaved.53)Mendowhat theyconsidergoodworksbecause theywant togo to

heaven.Butthisisawrongmotive.Wearesaved,notbyourworks,butbyfaith,asweseefromRom.3:28.

“Thereforeweconcludethatamanisjustifiedbyfaithwithoutthedeedsofthelaw.”

54)AndagainEph.2:8-9.“Bygraceareyesavedthroughfaith;andthatnotofyourselves:itisthegift

ofGod:notofworks,lestanymanshouldboast.”55)Whatisthefirstreasongiveninquestion228whyweshoulddogood

works?TothankGod.56)WhatdoweoweGodforallhisbodilyandspiritualblessings?Weowehimthanks.57)Andhowcanwebestshowourthankfulness?Bydoinggoodworks,byobeyinghiscommandments.58)Andwhatotherreasonisheregivenwhyweshoulddogoodworks?Weproveourfaithbythem.59)So theSavior says.Matt. 5:16. “Let you light so shinebeforemen,

that theymay see your good works, and glorify your Father which is inheaven.”

60)AndSt. James says James 2: 17-18. “Faith, if it hathnotworks, isdead,beingalone.Yes,amanmay say, thouhast faithand Ihaveworks:

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showmethyfaithwithoutthyworks,andIwillshewtheemyfaithbymyworks.”

61)RepeatalsoJohn13:35.“Bythisshallallmenknowthatyearemydisciples,ifyehaveloveonetoanother.”

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Lesson69.PreservationInTheFaith.

Question229.1)Howarewesaved?WearesavedbyfaithinJesusChrist.2)Whoworksthisfaithinus?TheHolyGhost.3)HowisthissetforthintheexplanationoftheThirdArticle?“IbelievethatIcannot,bymyownreasonorstrength,believeinJesusChrist

myLord or come toHim. .But theHolyGhost has calledme by theGospel,enlightenedmewithHisgifts,sanctifiedandkeptmeinthetruefaith.”

4)WehereconfessthattheHolyGhostcallsusbytheGospel,enlightensuswithHisgiftsandsanctifiesus in the true faith.What littleworddidIjustnowomit?

Theword“keeps”.5)Yes, theHolyGhost also“keepsus in theone true faith.”This little

word“keeps”isofverygreatimportance.Forunlesswearekeptinthetruefaithwecannotbesaved.Readwhatiswritten.Rev.2:10.

“Bethoufaithfuluntodeath,andIwillgivetheeacrownoflife.”6)AsGodalonecanworkfaithinus,Healonecankeepusinthefaith.

Whatwouldbecomeofournatural,bodilylifeifGoddidnotpreserveit?Itwouldperish.Wewoulddie.7)GodisnotonlytheCreatorbutalsothePreserverofourbodilylife.So

inourspirituallife.Henotonlybringsustofaith,butwhatelsedoesHedo?Hepreservesusinthisfaith.8) Ifwewere left toourselves, afterGodhasbroughtus to faith,what

wouldbecomeofourfaith?Wewouldloseit.9)(229)“HowdoestheHolyGhostkeepus?”“Hepreservesusinthetruefaithuntoeternallife.”10)Repeat1Peter1:5.“YearekeptbythepowerofGodthroughfaithuntosalvation.”11)Bywhatpowerarewekeptuntosalvation?

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WearekeptbythepowerofGoduntosalvation.12)NowreadPhil.1:6.“Beingconfidentofthisverything,thatHewhichhathbegunagoodworkin

youwillperformituntilthedayofJesusChrist.”13)ReadalsoHeb.12:2,thefirstpartoftheverse.“LookinguntoJesus,theauthorandfinisherofourfaith.”14)WhatisJesusherecalled?Heiscalledthe“authorandfinisherofourfaith.”15)HowdoesGodpreserveournatural,bodilylives?Heprovidesuswithfood,drink,clothingandshelter.16) These are the means through which God preserves our natural,

bodilylives.Nowletusseethroughwhatmeanshepreservesourspirituallives.Whatisthecommonestarticleofbodilyfood?

Breadisthecommonestarticleofbodilyfood.17)ReadwhatJesussaysofhimself,John6:48.“Iamthebreadoflife.”18)We feeduponHimwhenwehearHisWord.ReadLuke14:15, the

secondhalfoftheverse.“BlessedishethatshalleatbreadinthekingdomofGod.”19) God’s word is the bread of life. This is the spiritual food through

whichwearekeptalivespiritually.Butwhatmustwedowithbreadifwewouldhaveitkeepusalive?

Wemusteatit.20) And what must we do with God’s word if it is to keep us alive

spiritually?Wemusthearit.21)HowmustwehearitaccordingtoLuther’sexplanationofthethird

Commandment?Wemustgladlyhearandlearnit.22)ReadLuke11:28.“BlessedaretheythathearthewordofGodandkeepit.”23)Whatelsedoweneedbesidesfoodtopreservelife?Wealsoneeddrink.24)ReadJohn7:37,thesecondhalfoftheverse.“Inthe lastday, thatgreatdayof thefeast,Jesusstoodandcried,saying, if

anymanthirst,lethimcomeuntome,anddrink.”25)JesusisthetruewateroflifeastheprophetIsaiahsays,chapter12:3.

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“Thereforewithjoyshallyedrawwateroutofthewellsofsalvation.”2G.God’sword, theblessedGospel ofChrist, is the truewater of life.

Butifwateristodousgoodwhatmustwedowithit?Wemustdrinkit.27)Yes,andplentyofit.Howdowedrinkthisspiritualwateroflife?WhenwegladlyhearandlearnthewordofGod.28)SothewordofGodisthegreatmeansthroughwhichGodpreserves

usinthetruefaithuntoeternallife.Butthiswordcomestousnotonlybymeans of our ears but also by means of our eyes, namely in the HolySacraments.TheyarecalledthevisibleWord.Especiallytheholysacramentofthealtar,theLord’sSupper,isameansthroughwhichGodstrengthensandpreserves faith.Herewe come intomost intimate fellowshipwith theSavior,asweshall learnunder the lastchiefpartof theCatechism. If theLord’s Supper is a means to strengthen our faith what should this factinduceustotodowiththisSacrament?

ItshouldinduceustoreceivetheSacramentfrequently.29)GodpreservesfaithinusthroughtheWordandtheSacraments.But

notallwhohearthisWordandreceivetheSacramentarestrengthenedandpreservedinfaith.Whosefaultisthis?

Itistheirownfault.30)Yes,theyhardentheirheartsagainsttheHolyGhostwhentheyhear

theWord and go to the Sacrament.Andwhen amanwillfully resists theHolyGhost,whatbecomesofhisfaith?

Helosesit.31)ReadHeb.3:7-8.“Wherefore, as theHolyGhost saith, today if yehear his voicehardennot

your hearts as in the day of provocation, in the day of temptation in thewilderness.”

32)Againstwhatareweheresolemnlywarned?Againsthardeningourhearts.33)ThatmeanswillfullyresistingtheHolyGhostwhenHebringsusthe

truth.Whodidthisaccordingtothepassagejustread?ThechildrenofIsraelinthewilderness.34) Another example of such hardening of the heart and resisting the

HolyGhostisKingSaul.WhatdidGodgivehimwhenhecametobekingofIsrael?1Sam.10:9.

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“And itwas so, thatwhenhehad turnedhisback togo fromSamuel,Godgavehimanotherheart.”

35)Saulmadeafairbeginning,buthedidnotkeepitup.HesoonturnedhisheartawayfromGodandbecameareprobate,sothatGodrejectedhim.Read1Sam.15:26.

“AndSamuelsaiduntoSaul,Iwillnotreturnwiththee:forthouhastrejectedthewordoftheLord,andtheLordhathrejectedtheefrombeingkingofIsrael.”

36)BecauseSaul resisted theknown truthhewasnotkept in the faithbutfellaway.Andwhatbecameofhim?

Hetookhisownlifeandwaslost.37)WhichoneofthedisciplesbetrayedtheSavior?JudasIscariot.38)Hetoo,nodoubt,wasatruebeliever.Whatofficedidheholdamong

thetwelve?Hecarriedthebag,thatis,hewastreasurer.39)Buthowdidhedealwiththemoneyentrustedtohim?John12:6.“Thishesaid,notthathecaredforthepoor;butbecausehewasa

thief,andhadthebag,andbarewhatwasputtherein.”40)The sin of avarice so tookpossessionofhisheart thathe fell away

fromthefaith.HewasahypocritewhenheprofessedtobeafollowerandafriendoftheSavior.HowdidheshowthisinthegardenofGethsemane?

HebetrayedtheSaviorwithakiss.41)Whatisakissthesignof?Akissisthesignoffriendship.42)BythissignoffriendshiphebetrayedtheLordintothehandsofhis

enemies.Whenhedidthishehadlostthefaith.HehadheardtheSavior’spreachingandseenhismiracles,andyethewaslost.Canyoutellmewhyhewasnotkeptorpreservedinthefaith?

Becausehehardenedhisheartagainstthetruth.43)Children, it is an awful thing to resist the known truth, to harden

one’sheartagainstthewordofGod.Bewareofthis,ifyouwouldbekeptinthe faithandbesaved.Now letusalsoseesomecases just theoppositeofSaulandJudas.WhowasthemanwhomSamuelanointedaskingofIsraelinSaul’sstead?

HeanointedDavid.44)Davidalsosinned,andfellawayfromGod.ButwhenGodsent the

prophetNathan to admonish him to repent, what didDavid say? 2 Sam.

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12:13.“AndDavidsaiduntoNathan,‘IhavesinnedagainsttheLord’,AndNathan

saiduntoDavid‘TheLordhathputawaythysin;thoushaltnotdie’.”45)HedidnotresistthewordofGodbutyieldedtoit.Andwhatdidthe

prophetsaytohimonthataccount?“TheLordhathputawaythysin;thoushaltnotdie.”

46)ThusDavidwasrestoredtofaithandpreserved in it.WhichoneofthedisciplesbesidesJudasshamefullysinnedagainstJesus,duringhistrialbeforetheHighPriest?

TheApostlePeter.47)Jesushadwarnedhiminadvanceagainstthissin,buthewastoosure

thathewasstrongenoughtostandanytemptation.WhatdidhedowhenhewasaccusedofbeingoneoftheLord’sdisciples?

HedeniedwithanoaththatheevenknewtheSavior.48)Thiswasanawfulsin.Peterfellawayfromthefaithwhenhedidthis.

But afterwards,when according to the Savior’s prediction, the cock crewandtheSaviorturnedandlookedathim,whatdidPeterdo?

Hewentoutandweptbitterly.49)Herepentedofhissinandwasrestoredandpreservedinfaith.ReadwhattheSaviorsays.Mark14:38.“Watchyeandpray, lestyeenter into temptation.Thespirit truly iswilling

butthefleshisweak.”50)Whenwearetemptedtofallawayfromthefaith,whatshouldwedo?Weshouldwatchandpray.51) Prayer is very importantwith reference to our preservation in the

faith.WehaveseenthatGodalonecanpreserveusinthefaith.Whenamanisindangerandcannothelphimself,whatdoeshedo?

Hecallsforhelpfromsomeoneelse.52)Andsoweshoulddowhenwefeelourselvesgrowingweakinfaith.

Uponwhomshouldwecallwhenweareindanger?WeshouldcalluponGod.53)AndwhatdoesGodsayhewilldowhenwecalluponhimintrouble?Psalm50:15.“Calluponmeinthedayoftrouble:Iwilldeliverthee,andthou

shaltglorifyme.”

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Lesson70.TheChristianChurch.

Question230-232.1)Howdoestheexplanationofthethirdarticledescribetheworkofthe

HolyGhostinus?“IbelievethattheHolyGhosthascalledmebytheGospel,enlightenedme

withHisgifts,sanctifiedandkeptmeinthetruefaith.”2) This he does to you, but not only to you. What else does the

explanationsay?“Even as he calls, gathers, enlightens and sanctifies the whole Christian

Churchonearth.”3)WhomdoestheHolyGhostcall,gather,enlighten,sanctifyandkeep?ThewholeChristianChurchonearth.4)(230)“WhichwordsoftheThirdArticletreatoftheChurch?”“IbelievetheholyChristianChurch,thecommunionofsaints.”5)(231)“Whatdowehereunderstandbythechurch?”“Thecommunionofsaints,orallthosewhotrulybelieveinChrist.”6)TheChurchisherecalledacommunion.Ifyouomitthefirstsyllable

ofthisword,whatwordremains.Theword“union.”7)By thiswemean two ormore things that are brought together and

lookeduponasone.Forinstance,whatdowemeanwhenwespeakofourcountryasthe“Union”?

Wemeanthewholelandinwhichwelive.8)Whyisitcalled“theUnion”?Becauseitiscomposedoftheseveralstates,whichmakeupourcountry.9)So thechurch isaunion,acombinationof individualbelievers.Can

yougivemeanotherwordwhichmeansaboutthesamethingasthewordunion?

Agathering,oracompany.10)WhatkindofgatheringorcommunionistheChurch?Thechurchisthecommunionofsaints.11)Whoarethesesaints,accordingtoquestion231?

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AllthosewhotrulybelieveinChrist.12)RepeatEph.2:19-22.“Nowthereforeyearenomorestrangersandforeigners,butfellowcitizens

with the saints, andof thehouseholdofGod;builtupon the foundationof theapostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone; inwhomthewholebuildingfitlyframedtogethergrowethuntoanholytempleintheLord.InwhomyealsoarebuildedtogetherforanhabitationofGodthroughtheSpirit.”

13)UnderwhatfigureistheChurchhererepresented?Underthefigureofabuilding,atemple.14)A building is composed of stones and othermaterial.What is that

calleduponwhichthebuildingrests?Itiscalledthefoundation.15)WhatisthefoundationoftheChurch?Thefoundationoftheapostlesandprophets.16)Andwhoisthechiefcornerstoneinthisfoundation?JesusChristHimself.17)InwhomdowebelieveasChristians?WebelieveinChrist.18)Andwhatdowebecomebysuchfaith?WebecomeChristians.19)RepeatEph.5:25-27.“Christalsolovedthechurch,andgaveHimselfforit;thathemightsanctify

andcleanseitwiththewashingofwaterbytheWord,thatHemightpresentittoHimself aglorious church,nothaving spot, orwrinkle, or any such thing;butthatitshouldbeholyandwithoutblemish.”

20)WhatisheresaidofChrist’srelationtotheChurch?“HelovedthechurchandgaveHimselfforit.”21)AndwhatelsedidHedo?HesanctifiedandcleansedtheChurch.22)HowdidHedothis?BythewashingofwaterbytheWord.Thisisareferencetobaptism.SincewhenarewemembersoftheChristian

church?Sincewewerebaptized.23)HowwerewemademembersoftheChurch?Throughbaptism.

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24)RepeatRom.8:9.“IfanymanhavenotthespiritofChrist,heisnoneofHis.”25)WhatisheresaidofthosewhoareChrist’s?TheyhaveHisspirit.26)Andonly thosewhohaveHisspiritareHis, that ismembersof the

church.AsGodseesthechurch,whomdoesHecountasitsmembers?Onlytruebelievers.27)RepeatMatt.13:38.“Thefieldistheworld;thegoodseedarethechildrenofthekingdom;butthe

taresarethechildrenofthewickedone.”28)Whenyoulookatawheatfieldinthespringtime,howdoesitlook?Itlooksgreen.29)Whatisthereonthisfieldbesideswheat?Therearealsotaresorweedsonit.30)Yes,andyoucannotdistinguishonefromtheother;andyettaresare

notwheat.WhomdoestheSaviorherecomparetowheat?Thechildrenofthekingdom,truebelievers.31)AndwhomdoesHecomparetothetares?Thechildrenofthewickedone,orhypocrites.32) These hypocrites do not really belong to the church, but are only

outwardly connected with it. When a wagon is drawn through the mud,whatclingstothewheels?

Dirtclingstothewheels.33)Isthedirtreallyapartofthewagon?No,itonlyclingstoit.34)Thewagonwouldbeagreatdealbetteroffwithoutthedirt.Butso

longasyouarepullingthewagonthroughthemudthedirtwillsticktothewheels. So the wicked will cling outwardly to the Church, although theChurchwouldbeagreatdealbetteroffwithout them,andyetwhoalonearemembersofthechurch?

Onlytruebelievers.35)(232)“WhydowesayIbelievetheChurch?”“BecausetheWordofGodtestifies,thatatalltimesthereisacommunionof

saints,andyetwecannotseetheirfaithwithoureyes.”36)WesayintheThirdArticleIbelieveintheholyChristianchurch.We

donotsayIseeit.TheChurchasamatteroffaithandnotofsight.WecanseethebuildingcalledaChurch.Wecanseethepeoplewhoareconnected

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with, and worship in this church. But what can we not see according toquestion232?

Wecannotseetheirfaith.37)Thatis,wecannottellwithinfalliblecertaintywhoaretruebelievers.

Andthatisbecausewecannotseeintomen’shearts.Whoalonecandothis?Godalonecanseeintotheheart.38)RepeatLuke17:20-21.“The kingdomofGod cometh notwith observation: neither shall they say,

Lo,here!orlo,there!forbehold,thekingdomofGodiswithinyou.”39)WhereaccordinglyisGod’skingdom?Itiswithinus,inourhearts.40)WhatdoesGod’sWordtestifyconcerningthecommunionofsaints?TheWordofGodtestifiesthatatalltimesthereisacommunionofsaints.41)In1Kings19:14-18wehavepartofthestoryoftheprophetElijah.

HewasdiscouragedbecausehethoughthewastheonlytruebelieverleftinIsrael.ButwhatdidtheLordsay?

Verse18. “Yet Ihave leftme seven thousand in Israel, all thekneeswhichhavenotboweduntoBaal,andeverymouthwhichhathnotkissedhim.”

42) So the Church is in the world even when it appears to have beencompletelywipedout.Read2Sam.15:11.

“And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that werecalled;andtheywentintheirsimplicity,andtheyknewnotanything.”

43)AbsalomwasinrebellionagainstkingDavidhisfather.Butmanyofhisfollowersdidnotknowhisevildesign.Howdidtheyfollowtheirwickedleader?

Theyfollowedhimintheirsimplicity.Theydiditignorantly.44)SowemayoftennotonlycountmenintotheChurchwhoareoutof

it,butwhatothermistakemaywemake?Wemaycountmenoutwhoarereallyin.45)ButGodmakesnosuchmistake,Andwhy?BecauseHeseestheheart.46)RepeatMatt.16:15.“AndIsayalsountothree,thatthouartPeter,anduponthisrockIwillbuild

mychurch;andthegatesofhellshallnotprevailagainstit.”47)WhatnobleconfessionhadPetermadeconcerningtheSavior?Verse,16.“AndSimonPeteransweredandsaid:ThouarttheChrist,theSon

ofthelivingGod.”

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48)Onaccount of the confessionwhichhehadmade theSavior calledhim a rock. The truth which he confessed is the rock upon which theChurchisfounded.AndwhatdoestheSaviorsaywithreferencetothisHisChurch?

Hesaysthegatesofhellshallnotprevailagainstit.49)Thatis,thedevilshallnotsucceedindestroyingtheChurch.Itshall

remainforever.RepeatLuke1:33.“AndHe shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom

thereshallbenoend.”50)ThisisaprophecyconcerningthecomingSavioroftheworld.What

isheresaidofHiskingdom?Itshallcontinueforever.51)Readalsowhatisprophesied,Dan.7:14,concerningtheMessiah.“AndthereshallbegivenHimdominion,andglory,andakingdom,thatall

people, nations, and languages, should serve Him: His dominion is aneverlastingdominion,which shall notpass away, andHiskingdom thatwhichshallnotbedestroyed.”

52)WhatisheresaidofthekingdomoftheMessiah?Itshallbeaneverlastingdominion,itshallnotpassaway.53)But this is amatter of faith andnot of sight.Webelieve therewill

alwaysbeaChurch,althoughitoftenseemedasthoughtheChurchcouldnotexistmuchlonger.Yes,infidelshaveboastedthatthedaysoftheChurcharenumbered.Therewillalwaysbesometruebelieversintheworld,eventhoughtheymaybefew.Godknowswhotheyare,aswelearnfrom2Tim.2:19.

“NeverthelessthefoundationofGodstandethsure,havingthisseal,theLordknoweth them that areHis.And let everyone that nameth thenameofChristdepartfrominiquity.”

54)WhatisheresaidoftheLord?ThelordknoweththemthatareHis.55)Whenwe say in theCreed: Ibelieved in theChurch,wemake it a

matteroffaith,andfaithdealswiththingsthatcannotbeseen,aswelearnfromHeb.11:1.

“Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things notseen.”

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Lesson71TheChristianChurch(Continued).

Question233-236.1)Whatwasthesubjectofourlastlesson?TheChristianChurch.2)WhobelongstotheChurch?Alltruebelievers.3) What do you confess in the Third Article with reference to the

Church?IbelieveintheHolyChristianChurch.4)WhattwoattributesareheregiventotheChurch?TheattributesHOLYandCHRISTIAN.5)Whatdoesthewordholymean?Thewordholymeanspure,withoutsin.6)(223)“WhyistheChurchcalledholy?”“BecauseChristiansbyfaithareperfectlyholyinChrist,andbegintoleada

holylife.”7)TheChurchiscomposedofpoorsinners,andyetitissaidtobeholy.

WhatdoyoucalltheChurchinthisthirdarticle?The“communionofsaints.”8) Saints are holy people. According to question 233, how are we

Christianstoberegardedholy?WeareperfectlyholyinChrist.9)WhatdoesGoddowiththesinsofthosewhobelieveinChrist?Heforgivesthem.10)Christians are regarded byGod as holy, not because they have no

sins,butwhy?Becausetheirsinsareforgiven.11)ByfaithweareonewithChrist.Christ isholy, thenhowmustGod

regardus?Hemustregardusasholy.12)ReadEph.5:25-27.

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“Christalsolovedthechurch,andgaveHimselfforit;thatHemightsanctifyandcleanseitwiththewashingofwaterbytheWord,thatHemightpresentittoHimselfagloriouschurch,nothavingspot,orwrinkle,oranysuchthing;butitshouldbeholyandwithoutblemish.”

13)ButthereisanotherreasonwhytheChurchiscalledholy.Whatisit?BecauseChristiansbegintoleadaholylife.14)ReadLuke1:74-75.“That He would grant us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our

enemiesmightserveHimwithoutfearinholinessandrighteousness,allthedaysofourlife.”

15)AChristian is amanwho hates sin and loves righteousness.Whatkindofmanwouldyoucallsuchaman?

Iwouldcallhimaholyman.16)Read1Cor.1:2.“Unto thechurchofGodwhich isatCorinth, to them thatare sanctified in

ChristJesus,calledtobesaints,withallthatineveryplacecalluponthenameofJesusChristourLord,boththeirsandours.”

17)WhatweretheseChristiansatCorinthcalledtobe?Theywerecalledtobesaints.18)That is, theywerecalledtobeholypeople.Andtheybegantoobey

this call. They made a beginning in holiness of life. Now note this word“beginning”.Christiansbegintoleadaholylife,buttheydonotfinishitinthisworld.Theybeginandgrow,buttheyarenotperfectinholinesssolongas they live in this world. Where do Christians expect to be perfect inholiness?

Inheaven.19)Whatotherattributehasthechurchbesidesbeingholy?ItiscalledChristian.20)AfterwhomistheChurchcalledChristian?ItiscalledChristianafterChrist.21)(234)“WhyisthechurchcalledChristian?”“BecauseChristaloneisitsfoundationandhead.”22)InwhatrelationdoesChriststandtotheChurch,firstofall?Heisitsfoundation.23)RepeatEph.2:19-22.“Nowthereforeyearenomorestrangersandforeigners,butfellowcitizens

withthesaints,andofthehouseholdofGod;andarebuiltuponthefoundation

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oftheApostlesandProphets,JesusChristHimselfbeingthechiefcornerstone;inwhomallthebuildingfitlyframedtogethergrowethuntoaholytempleintheLord:inwhomyealsoarebuildedtogetherforahabitationofGodintheSpirit.”

24)UponwhomistheChurchbuilt?TheChurchisbuiltuponChrist.25) Christ is the founder of the Church and what is it called on that

account?ItiscalledChristian.26)IfitwerenotforChristtherewouldbenoChurch.Hissufferingsand

deathmadetheChurchpossible.RepeatEph.5:25-27.“ChristalsolovedtheChurch,andgaveHimselfforit;thatHemightsanctify

andcleanseitwiththewashingofwaterbytheWord,thatHemightpresentittoHimselfagloriousChurch,nothavingspot,orwrinkle,oranysuch thing;butthatitshouldbeholyandwithoutblemish.”

27)InwhatotherrelationdoesChriststandtotheChurchbesidesbeingitsfoundation?

HeisalsoitsHead.28)RepeatMatt.23:8.“OneisyourMaster,evenChrist;andallyearebrethren.”29)Whatdoesthename“Master”heremean?ItmeansLord.30)AsChristiansweareunderHisauthority.Whomdoweobey?WeobeyChrist.31) In theChurchHisWord is law.His life is our pattern. IfHe goes

before,whatshouldwedo?WeshouldfollowHim.32)Read1Peter2:21-22.“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us,

leavingusanexamplethatweshouldfollowHissteps:whodidnosin,neitherwasguilefoundinHismouth.”

33)ReadalsoJohn13:13.“YecallmeMasterandLord:andyesaywell;forsoIam.”34)(235)“WhereisthisChurchfoundonearth?”“Where theWord ofGod is preached and theSacraments are administered

accordingtoChrist’sinstitution.”35)We have seen that the Church is invisible, that is that God alone

knows who are members of the Church. But there are certain signs or

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marksbywhichwecantellwheretheChurchis.WhatisthefirstthingtonoticewhenwearelookingfortheChurch?

WheretheWordofGodispreached.36)WhenweseepeoplecomingtogethertopreachandheartheWordof

God,aswhatdoweregardsuchpeople?WeregardthemasChristians.37)TheymaynotallbeChristians,butwemaybesuretherearesome

Christiansamongthem,becauseGodhaspromisedthatHisWordshallnotbepreachedinvain,asweseefromIs.55:10-11.

“Foras theraincomethdownandthesnowfromheaven,andreturnethnotthither,butwatereththeearth,andmakethitbringforthandbud,thatitmaygiveseedtothesower,andbreadtotheeater;soshallmywordbethatgoethoutofmymouth:itshallnotreturnuntomevoid,butitshallaccomplishthatwhichIplease,anditshallprosperinthethingwheretoIsentit.”

38)Intheparableofthesower(Luke8:11-15)theLordtellsusthatsomeof the seed fell by the wayside, some fell on stony ground, and some fellamongthorns,butnotalltheseedwaswasted.Wheredidsomealsofall?

Somefellongoodground.39) So there will always be some who believe God’sWord when it is

preached. It is therefore of great importance that the Word of God bepreached.ForwhatdoesSt.Paulsay?Rom.10:17.

“Sothenfaithcomethbyhearing,andhearingbytheWordofGod.”40)AnditisimportantthatGod’sWordbepreachedpure,withoutany

mixtureoferror.This isnotalwaysthecase,however.TherearechurcheswhopreachGod’sWord,butalongwithitalsopreachhumanerror.WhatdoestheSaviorsay?John8:31-32.

“If ye continue inmyWord then are yemy disciples Indeed; and ye shallknowthetruthandthetruthshallmakeyoufree.”

41)FaithfulnesstotheWordofChristisamarkoftruediscipleship.TheChurch is outwardly divided intomany denominations.Can youmentionsomeofthem?

TheRomanCatholics, theLutherans, theMethodists, thePresbyterians andtheBaptists.

42)This shouldnotbe.There isonlyoneWordofGod,one truthuntosalvation.TheChurchreallyisone.AllChristianshaveoneLord,onefaith,oneBaptism,oneHolySpiritandonehome inheavenas theapostle says.Eph.4:4-5.

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“Thereisonebody,andonespirit,evenasyearecalledinonehopeofyourcalling; one Lord, one faith, one Baptism, oneGod and Father of all, who isaboveall,andthroughall,andinyouall.”

43) Inwardly all Christians are one, and it is wrong that they areoutwardlysodivided.ThesedivisionsarecausedbythefactthatsomehavedepartedfromthepureteachingoftheWordofGodinsomerespects.Read1Cor.1:10.

“NowIbeseechyou,brethren,bythenameofourLordJesusChrist,thatyeallspeakthesamething,andthattherebenodivisionsamongyou;butthatyebeperfectlyjoinedtogetherinthesamemindandinthesamejudgment.”

44)NowreadMatt.28:19-20.“Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the

FatherandoftheSonandoftheHolyGhost:TeachingthemtoobserveallthingswhatsoeverIhavecommandedyou:andlo,Iamwithyoualways,evenuntotheendoftheworld.”

45)WhenChristsentoutHisdisciplestoestablishtheChurchwhatdidHetellthemtopreach?

HetoldthemtopreachtheGospel.46)AndinpreachingtheGospelwhatshouldtheyteach?TheyshouldteachallthingswhatsoeverHecommanded.47)So,amongalldenominations,whichisthetrueChurch?That denomination which teaches all things whatsoever Christ has

commanded.48)WhereGod’swordispreachedpureandwillinglyreceived,there is

thetrueChurch,astheSaviorsays.John10:27-28.“Mysheephearmyvoice,andIknowthem,andtheyfollowme:andIgive

untothemeternallife:andtheyshallneverperish,neithershallanymanpluckthemoutofmyhand.”

49)Andthisisthechurchordenominationtowhichwebelong.Bywhatnameisitknown?

ItiscalledtheEvangelicalLutheranChurch.50)Theterm“Evangelical”meansGospel.Whyisourchurchcalledthe

GospelChurch.BecauseItpreachestheGospel.51)ButotherchurchesalsoclaimtopreachtheGospel.Whyshouldour

Churchdeservethisnamemorethanothers?BecauseitpreachesthepureGospel.

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52)BywhatothernameisourChurchknown?ItisalsocalledLutheran.53)AfterwhomisitcalledLutheran?AfterDr.MartinLuther.Lutherwas a great reformerwho, under theguidanceofGod, cleansed the

church from the errors of Popery and again restored the pureGospel.We callourselves Lutheran, not because we believe in Luther, but in the truth whichLuthertaught.Nowtellmefromquestion235whatistheothermarkbywhichwecantellwheretheChurchis,besidesthepreachingoftheWordofGod?

WherethesacramentsareadministeredaccordingtotheinstitutionofChrist.54)Wherepeoplecometogethertobaptizeandbebaptized,togiveand

receivetheLord’sSupper,whatdowecallthesepeople?WecallthemChristians.55)BywhatsacramentarelittlechildrenreceivedintotheChurch?bythesacramentofBaptism.56)SowhereBaptismisadministeredthereweknowmustbeaChurch,

there must be Christians. And where the Lord’s Supper is administeredthereChristiansarestrengthenedinthefaithandwemaybesurethereistheChurch.Howshouldthesacramentsbeadministered?

AccordingtotheinstitutionofChrist.57)Thatmeans, just as the Savior gave them. Inwhich church is this

done?InourEvangelicalLutheranChurch.58)AndthereforewhatdowebelieveconcerningourChurch?WebelievethatsheisthetrueChurch.59)Yes,thetruevisibleChurchofChristonearth.Sheteachesthetruth,

the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, and she administers thesacraments according to the institution of Christ. But besides ourEvangelicalLutheranChurchthereareotherchurches.ThesechurchesalsoteachpartsoftheWordofGod,buttheydonotteachitpure.Andinsofaras theydepart from the truthand teach error,whatkindof churches arethey?

Theyarefalsechurches.60)(286)“Isitthenamatterofindifferencetowhichvisiblechurchwe

belong?”“Bynomeans;forchurchesteachingfalsedoctrinearetobeavoided.”

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61)Weoftenhearpeoplesay:O,itmakesnodifferencetowhatchurchwe belong. We are all aiming for the same place. Does it make anydifferencewhetherweeatpureoradulteratedfood,whetherwedrinkpureorimpurewater,whetherwebreathefreshorfoulair?

Itcertainlydoes.62)Andonthataccountwhatshouldwedowithchurchesteachingfalse

doctrine?Weshouldavoidthem.63)WhatdoestheSaviorsayMatt.7:15?“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but

inwardlytheyareraveningwolves.”64)AndwhatdoestheapostlePaulsayRom.16:17?“I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses

contrarytothedoctrinewhichyehavelearned;andavoidthem.”65)RepeatalsoMatt.10:32-33.“Whosoever therefore shallconfessmebeforemen,himwill I confessalso

beforemyFatherwhichisinheaven.Butwhosoevershalldenymebeforemen,himwillIalsodenybeforemyFatherwhichisinheaven.”

66)NowreadTit.3:10.“Amanthatisanhereticafterthefirstandsecondadmonitionreject.”67)Also1John4:1.“Beloved,believenoteveryspirit,buttrythespiritswhethertheyareofGod:

becausemanyfalseprophetsaregoneoutintotheworld.”68)Again2John10-11.“Iftherecomeanyuntoyou,andbringnotthisdoctrine,receivehimnotinto

yourhouse,neitherbidhimGod speed:Forhe thatbiddethhimGod speed ispartakerofhisevildeeds.”

69) From all these passages we see that we should have no religiousfellowshipwithchurchesteachingfalsedoctrines.Bythiswedonotmeantosay that our Church is the only saving Church and that there are noChristiansexcepttheLutherans.ButwhenweworshipandcommunewithaChurchwe therebyconfess thatweaccept itsdoctrine,andwhycanwenotmakesuchaconfessionwithreferencetootherchurches?

BecauseinsomethingstheyteachcontrarytotheWordofGod.

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Lesson72.TheForgivenessOfSin,OrJustification.

(Question237-239.)

1)What is the next truth which we confess in the third article of thecreed?

“Ibelievetheforgivenessofsins.”2) (237) “Why do you say in this article: ‘I believe the forgiveness of

sins’?”“BecauseI,according toGod’sWord,mostassuredlyhold, thatGod inHis

ChristianChurchdailyandrichlyforgivesallsinstomeandallbelievers.”3) According to what do we hold or believe this doctrine of the

forgivenessofsins?AccordingtotheWordofGod.4) This teaching is not something which men have invented, but it is

plainlytaughtintheBible.Anditisamostpreciousdoctrine.Whoisitthatforgivessins?

ItisGodwhoforgivessins.5)WheredoesGodforgivesins?InhisChristianChurch.6) Outside of the Christian Church there is no forgiveness of sins. To

whomdoesGodforgivesins?Tomeandallbelievers.7)HowdoesGodforgivesins?Heforgivessinsrichlyanddaily.8)WhatsinsdoesGodforgive?Heforgivesallsins.9)Godissobountiful inHisdealingswithusthatHeforgivesnotonly

thesmallbutthegreatsins.AndhowoftendoesHedothis?Hedoesitdaily.10)Wesineveryday,andonthataccountwhatdoweneedeveryday?Weneedforgivenesseveryday.11)(238)“Whyisthisnecessary?”

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“BecauseIthenonlybecomejustbeforeGod,whenGodforgivestomemysins.”

12)WhathasGodthreatenedtodowithsin?Godhasthreatenedtopunishsin.13)Ifsinisnottobepunished,whatmustbedonewithit?Itmustbeforgiven.14)Andifitisnotforgiven,whatwillbedonewithit?Itwillbepunished.15)HowdoesGodregardthosewhosesinsHehasforgiven?Heregardsthemasjust.16)WhenonlycanGodregardusasjust?WhenHeforgivesusoursins.17)RepeatPsalm130:3.4.“Ifthou,Lord,shouldstmarkiniquities,OLord,whoshallstand?Butthereis

forgivenesswiththee,thatthoumayestbefeared.”18)IfGodshouldregardiniquities,thatis,ifHeshouldholdsinsagainst

usandpunishusonaccountofthem,whatwouldbecomeofus?Wewouldbelost.19)Butwhatisourhopewhenwethinkofoursins?OurhopeisthatthereisforgivenesswithGod.20)ReadPsalm143:2.“Enternotintojudgmentwiththyservant:forinthysightshallnomanliving

bejustified.”21)AlsoIs.68:6.“Butweareallasanuncleanthing,andallourrighteousnessesareasfilthy

rags.”22)AlsoJob25:4-6.“HowcanamanbejustifiedwithGod?Orhowcanhebecleanthatisborn

ofawoman?Beholdeventothemoon,anditshinethnot;yea,thestarsarenotpureinhissight.Howmuchlessman,thatisaworm?andthesonofman,whichisaworm?”

23)Fromall thesepassagesweseehowvery important thisdoctrineoftheforgivenessofsinsis.ThedoctrineofjustificationiftheveryheartoftheGospel.Withouttheforgivenessofsinswecannotbesaved.TheonlyhopeforuspoorsinnersisthatGodforgivessins.OnlythencanwebejustinthesightofGod.ForwhatisitthatmakesusunjustbeforeHim?

Itisoursins.

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24)TheforgivenessofsinistheconditionofourjustificationbeforeGod.WhensinisforgivenhowdoesGodregardus?

Heregardsusasjust.25)(239)“Whatthenisjustification?”“Justificationis thatactofGodbywhichHe,ofpuregrace,for thesakeof

themeritsofChrist,pronouncesapoorsinner,whotrulybelievesinChrist,freefromguilt,anddeclareshimjust.”

26)Whoseactisjustification?JustificationistheactofGod.27)Godisourjudge.Healonecancondemnorpardon.Whatisitthat

inducesHimtopardonorforgiveuspoorsinners?Hedoesitoutofpuregrace.28)RepeatRom.3:21-24.“Now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being

witnessedbythelawandtheprophets;eventherighteousnessofGodwhichisbyfaithofJesusChristuntoallanduponall themthatbelieve: for there isnodifference: for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God; beingjustifiedfreelybyhisgracethroughtheredemptionthatisinChristJesus.”

29)Godpitiesuspoorsinnersandthispity induceshimtoforgive.ButHe has threatened to punish sin. How can He forgive when He hasthreatenedtopunish?Inouranswerjustafterthewords“ofpuregrace”wearetoldhowHecanforgiveinspiteofthefactthatHisjusticecompelsHimtopunish.Whatdoesouranswersay?

“ForthesakeofthemeritsofChrist.”30)WhatdidChristdothatGodshouldforgivesinsforHissake?Hesufferedanddiedforus.31)Hesufferedanddiedtoredeemusfromoursins.Inthepassagejust

repeatedwearetoldhowwearejustified.Throughoronaccountofwhatarewejustifiedfreely?

ThroughtheredemptionthatisinChristJesus.32)WhomdoesGodjustifyaccordingtoourquestion239?HejustifiesapoorsinnerwhotrulybelievesinChrist.33)Whatkindofsinnerisapoorsinner?Whenisamanpoor?Whenhehasnothing.34)Read2Tim.1:9.“Whohathsavedus,andcalleduswithanholycalling,notaccordingtoour

works,butaccordingtohisownpurposeandgrace,whichwasgivenusinChrist

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Jesusbeforetheworldbegan.”35)Apoorsinner isonewhohasnothingtodependonandwhoknows

thatthereisnothinginhimthatcouldpleaseGodormakesatisfactionforsin.Andhowshouldamanfeelwhoknowsthis?

Heshouldfeelsorry.36) Such a sinner was the poor publican in the temple. Read what is

writtenofhimLuke18:13.14.“The publican, standing afar off, would not lift so much as his eyes unto

heaven,butsmoteuponhisbreast,saying,Godbemercifultomeasinner.”37)Howdidhefeelonaccountofhissins?Hefeltashamed,hefeltsorry.38)Soapoorsinneriswhatkindofsinner?Heisonewhofeelssorryforhissins.39) But what is said in our answer of the poor sinner to whom God

forgivessins?HetrulybelievesinChrist.40)What does such a poor sinner believe concerningChrist, as to his

person?HebelievesthatheistrueGod.41)AndwhatdoeshebelieveconcerningChrist’swork?ThatHediedforusandsavedupfromoursins.42)ReadRom.3:28.“Thereforeweconcludethatamanisjustifiedbyfaithwithoutthedeedsof

thelaw.”43)Howarewejustifiedaccordingtothispassage?Wearejustifiedbyfaith.44)NowreadRom.4:5.“Buttohimthatworkethnot,butbelievethonhimthatjustifieththeungodly,

hisfaithiscountedforrighteousness.”45)Whatisheresaidoffaith?Itiscountedforrighteousness.46)ReadalsoRom.10:4.“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that

believeth.”47)We are accounted righteous beforeGod, not for anythingwe have

done,butforwhatChristhasdone.Andwhoisthusaccountedrighteous?Everyonethatbelieveth.

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48)WhatdoesGoddotosuchapoorsinnerwhotrulybelievesinChristaccordingtoquestion239?

Hepronounceshimfreefromguiltanddeclareshimjust.49)WhatisthefirstthingHedoes?Hepronounceshimfreefromguilt.50)ReadPsalm32:1.2.“Blessedishewhosetransgressionisforgiven,whosesiniscovered.Blessed

isthemanuntowhomtheLordimputethnotiniquity,andinwhosespiritthereisnoguile.”

51)ComparewiththisRom.4:6-8.“EvenasDavidalsodescribeththeblessednessoftheman,untowhomGod

imputethrighteousnesswithoutworks,saying,Blessedaretheywhoseiniquitiesareforgiven,andwhosesinsarecovered.BlessedisthemantowhomtheLordwillnotimputesin.”

52) Read also Gen. 15:6 and see what is here written concerningAbraham.

“HebelievedintheLord;andhecountedituntohimforrighteousness.”53)ComparewiththisRom.4:3.“For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted

untohimforrighteousness.”54)ReadalsoHab.2:4.“Thejustshalllivebyhisfaith.”55)Whenwebelieve inChristwhat doesGoddowith sin forChrist’s

sake?Heforgivesit.56) And after God has pronounced us free from guilt what does He

declareustobe?Hedeclaresustobejust.57)WhatisitthatmakesusunjustbeforeGod?Oursins.58)Andwhatmustbedonewithsin ifweare tobe just in thesightof

God?Itmustbeforgiven.59)AndhowdoesGodregarduswhensinisforgiven?Heregardsusasjust.60)Whyisthisforgivenessofsinssonecessary?Itisnecessaryinorderthatwemaybesaved.

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61)Bywhomwasthisforgivenesssecuredforus?ItwassecuredforusbyChrist.62)Howisthisforgivenessofferedtous?ItisofferedtousintheGospel.63)Andhowdoweacceptit?Weacceptitbyfaith.

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Lesson73.TheResurrectionOfTheBody.

(Question240-241.)1)What is the first thing which we confess in the third article of the

Creed?IbelieveintheHolyGhost.2)Whatisthesecond?IbelieveintheholyChristianChurch,theCommunionofSaints.3)Whatisthethird?Ibelieveintheforgivenessofsins.4)Whyistheforgivenessofsinsnecessary?Itisnecessaryinorderthatwemaybesaved.5)Howwastheforgivenessofsinssecuredforus?BythesufferingsanddeathofChrist.6;Howisthisforgivenessbroughttousandtoldus?BytheGospel.7)Howdowetakethisforgivenessandmakeitourown?Throughfaith.8)Thiswasthesubjectofourlast lesson.Todayweconsiderthefourth

thingwhichweconfessinthethirdarticle.Whatisit?Ibelieveintheresurrectionofthebody.9)(240)“Whydoyousay:Ibelieveintheresurrectionofthebody?”“BecauseIaccordingtoGod’sWordmostassuredlyhold,thatGodwillatthe

lastdayraiseupmeandallthedead.”10)Manwasmade in the imageofGod,and thatmeans, amongother

things also that he was immortal, that is, not subject to death. But whatawfulthingtookplaceshortlyafterhiscreation?

HefellfromGodintosin.11)WhathadGodthreatenedwithreferencetosin?Gen.2:17.“Ofthetreeoftheknowledgeofgoodandevil,thoushaltnoteatofit:forin

thedaythatthoueatestthereofthouShaltsurelydie.”12)NowwhenAdam andEve ate of the forbidden fruitwhatwas the

result?

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Theybecamesubjecttodeath.13)Yes,andastheywerenowmortal,whateffecthadthisuponalltheir

offspring?Theytoobecamesubjecttodeath.14)SoSt.PaultellsusRom.5:12.“Whereforeasbyonemansinenteredintotheworld,anddeathbysin;and

sodeathpasseduponallmen,forthatallhavesinned.”15) Of what two parts is every human being composed: Of body and

soul.16)Thesoul lives in thebodyand ismost intimatelyconnectedwith it.

Butwhenthesoulisseparatedfromthebody,whatbecomesofman?Hedies.17)Andhowdowedisposeofthebodyafterdeath?Weburyitintheearth.18)Andwhatbecomesofthebodyintheearth?Itdecays.19)SowereadEccles.12:7.“Thenshall thedust return to theearthas itwas:and thespirit shall return

untoGodwhogaveit.”20)Andthis is theendofthebodyasfarasourreasonandexperience

go.ButwhatdoestheWordofGodsayofthisdecayedbody?Itsaysthatitshallriseagain.21)Thenwhydoyoubelieveintheresurrectionofthebody?BecauseGod’sWordplainlyteachesit.22)LetushearwhattheSaviorhimselfsaysJohn5:28.29.“Marvelnot at this: for thehour is coming, in thewhichall that are in the

gravesshallhearHisvoice,andshallcomeforth;theythathavedonegooduntothe resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection ofdamnation.”

23)Whatpowerdoesitrequiretoraisethedead?Itrequiresdivinepower.24)Whothenwillraisethedead?Godwillraisethedead.25)WhatbecameofJesusonthethirddayafterHisdeathandburial?Hearosefromthedead.26) And because He, our Lord and Head, arose, what do we, His

members,expect?

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Thatwetooshallarise.27)Repeat1Cor.15:12.“NowifChristbepreachedthatHerosefromthedead,howsaysomeamong

youthatthereisnoresurrectionofthedead?”28)Nowalsoread1Cor.15:20.“ButnowisChrist risen fromthedead,andbecome the first fruitsof them

thatslept.”29)EvenintheOldTestamentthispreciousdoctrinewastaught.What

doesJobconfess?Job19:25.26?"ForIknowthatmyRedeemerliveth,andthatheshallstandatthelatterday

upon the earth: and though aftermy skinworms destroy this body, yet inmyfleshshallIseeGod!

30)WhatdoesJesussay?John11:25.“Jesussaiduntoher, Iamtheresurrection,and the life:he thatbelieveth in

me,thoughheweredead,yetshallhelive.”31)ReadalsoJohn6:40.“ThisisthewillofHimthatsentme,thateveryonewhoseeththeSon,and

believethonHim,mayhaveeverlasting life:andIwill raisehimusat the lastday.”

32)Andthe54thverseofthesamechapter."Whosoeatethmyflesh,anddrinkethmyblood,hatheternallife;andIwill

raisehimupatthelastday.33)ReadalsoLuke20:37.38.“Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he

called the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God ofJacob.ForheisnotaGodofthedead,butoftheliving:forallliveuntohim.”

34)Whichdeadshallberaised?Allthedead.35)ThistheSaviorplainlysaysJohn5:28.“Thehouriscominginthewhichallthatareinthegravesshallhearhisvoice

andshallcomeforth.”36)Whenshallthisresurrectiontakeplace?Atthelastday.37)Letus seea fewexamplesofdeadwhowereraised.Whomdid the

prophetElijahraisefromthedead?1Kings17:17-24.Heraisedthesonofthewidowwithwhomhestayed.38)Read2Kings13:21.

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“Itcametopassastheywereburyingaman,that,behold,theyspiedabandofmen;and theycast themaninto thesepulcherofElisha;andwhenthemanwasletdown,andtouchedthebonesofElisha,herevived,andstooduponhisfeet.”

39)NowletusseeafewcasesofdeadwhomJesusraised.AccordingtoLuke7:14.15,whomdidJesusraisefromthedead?

Thewidow’ssonatNain.40)AndaccordingtoMark5:42whomdidHeraise?ThedaughterofJairus.41)AndaccordingtoJohn11:43whomdidheraise?HisfriendLazarus.42) Even the apostles raised the dead. According to Acts 9:36 and

following,whomdidPeterraisefromthedead?AdisciplecalledTabitha,orDorcas.43)AndaccordingtoActs20:9,10,whomdidPaulbringbacktolife?AyoungmannamedEutychus.44)Soweseetheresurrectionofthedeadispossible.Innumerouscases

thedeadwereraised,asforinstanceatthedeathofJesus,aswereadMatt.27:52-53.

“Thegraveswereopened;andmanybodiesof thesaintswhichsleptarose,andcameoutofthegravesaftertheresurrection,andwentintotheholycity,andappeareduntomany.”

45)Webelieveintheresurrectionofthebody,andwebelievethisontheevidenceoftheWordofGod.Nomatterwhattheunbelievingmaysay,thegeneralresurrectionofallthedeadatthelastdayisplainlytaughtinholyScripture,anditisamostpreciousdoctrine.ItissoimportantthatsincetheageoftheapostlestheChurchhasconfessedit.Andwheredoesthechurchmakethisconfession?

Inthethirdarticleofthecreed.46)(241)“Withwhatdifferencewilltheyrise?”“Theythathavedonegood,shallcomeforthuntotheresurrectionoflife,and

theythathavedoneevil,untotheresurrectionofdamnation.”47)This theSaviorplainlyteaches inthepassagerepeatedawhileago,

John 5:28.29.What difference does the Savior say there shall be betweenthosewhorise?

Someshallarisetoeverlastinglife,otherstoeverlastingdamnation.48)Whoshallrisetoeverlastinglife?

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Theythathavedonegood.49)Andwhoshallrisetoeverlastingdamnation?Theythathavedoneevil.50) They that have done good are those who, by faith in Christ, are

accountedgoodandjustbeforeGodandhereonearthalreadybegintoleadagoodorholylife.Howshalltheyrise?

Theyshallriseuntoeverlastinglife.51)Danieltellsusthesamething.Chapter12:2.“Many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to

everlastinglife,andsometoshameandeverlastingcontempt.”52)NowletusseewhattheScripturessaywithreferencetothebodiesof

thejustattheresurrection.RepeatPhil.3:20.21.“Ourconversationisinheaven;fromwhencealsowelookfortheSavior,the

LordJesusChrist:whoshallchangeourvilebody,thatitmaybefashionedlikeuntohisgloriousbody,accordingto theworkingwherebyheisable tosubdueallthingsuntohimself.”

53)Howwillourbodiesbefashioned?TheywillbefashionedlikeHis,theSavior’s,gloriousbody.54)Theywillbeperfect,pure,beautiful,strongandhealthy.Infact,the

imageofGodwillthenberestoredinusnotonlyastooursoulsbutinwhatotherway?

Astoourbodies.55)Thebodiesofthejustwillnotbeweakly,sick,blind,deaf,maimed,as

theyoftenareinthisworld,buthowwilltheybe?Theywillbeperfect.56)Read1Cor.15:41-44.“There isonegloryof thesun,andanothergloryof themoon,andanother

gloryofthestars:foronestardifferethfromanotherstaringlory.Soalsoistheresurrectionofthedead.Itissownincorruption;itisraisedinincorruption:itissown in dishonor; it is raised in glory: it is sown inweakness; It is raised inpower:Itissownanaturalbody;itisraisedaspiritualbody.”

57)WhatissaidofthejustinLuke20:36.“Neithercan theydieanymore; for theyareequalunto theangels;andare

thechildrenoftheresurrection.”58)WhatdoestheSaviorheresayofthejustaftertheresurrection?Theycannotdie.

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59)Theirbodiesareimmortal.ButwhatdoesHesay,John5:29,ofthewicked?

Theyshallarisetoshameandeverlastingcontempt.60)They,too,shallarise,butnotinglorifiedbodies,butratherinhorrid

bodies,inwhomareseentheresultsofsinandvice,asisoftenthecaseeveninthisworld.Whateffectdoesthesinofdrunkennesshaveonthebody,forinstance,ontheface?

Itmakesthefaceredandbloated.61)Ontheeyes?Itmakesthembloodshotandwatery.62)Onthelimbs?Itmakesthemweakandtottering.63) And so with other sins. These awful results will appear in much

greatermeasure at the resurrection, so that thewickedwill be objects ofhorrortolookupon.ReadIs.66:24,thelastclauseoftheverse.Whatissaidhereofthewicked?

“Theyshallbeanabhorringuntoallflesh.”

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Lesson74.EternalLife.

(Question242-24.’!.)

1)Inourlastlessonwespokeoftheresurrectionofthebody.Whatisthelastthingwhichyouconfessunderthethirdarticle?

Ibelieveinthelifeeverlasting.2)(242)“Whydoyousay:Ibelievethelifeeverlasting?”“BecauseIaccording toGod’sWordmostassuredlyhold, thatHewillgive

untomeandallbelieversinChristeternallife.”3) In Luke 16:19-31 we are told the story of the rich man and poor

Lazarus.Whentherichmandied,whatbecameofhissoul?Itwenttohell.4)AndwhenLazarusdiedwhatbecameofhissoul?ItwascarriedbytheangelsintoAbraham’sbosom.5)Thatis,itwastakentoheaven.Sowhatdoweseewithreferencetothe

livesofbothafterdeath?Theybothexistedafterdeath.6)Allmennaturallyhaveadesiretoliveafterdeath,andallpeople,no

matterhowdegraded,have some ideaof a lifebeyond thegrave.Butourfaithineternallifeisnotamerevaguenotionofthiskind,butuponwhatdowebaseourfaithineternallife?

WebaseitonGod’sWord.7)Let us nowhear somepassages of Scripture on this subject.Repeat

Matt.25:46.“Theseshallgoawayintoeverlastingpunishment:buttherighteousintolife

eternal.”8)Whatthenbecomesofthewickedafterthejudgment?Theyshallgoawayintoeverlastingpunishment.9)Andwhatissaidoftherighteous?Theyshallgointolifeeternal.10)Soweseeforboththereisaneternalexistence.Mandoesnotceaseto

existatdeath.Nowletusconsidertheexistenceoftherighteousafterdeath.

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WhatdoestheSaviorsayofoftherighteous?John10:27.28:“Mysheephearmyvoice,andIknowthem,andtheyfollowme:andIgive

untothemeternallife;andtheyshallneverperish,neithershallanymanpluckthemoutofmyhand.”

11)WhatdoestheSaviorherepromisetogivehissheep?Hepromisestogivethemeternallife.12) Life is themost precious gift we have. All else that aman has he

would give to save his life.Many a richmanwould give thousands, evenmillions,toaddasingleyeartohislife.ButwhatkindoflifedoestheSaviorherepromisehispeople?

Hepromisesthemeternallife.13)Thatis,alifethatneverends.RepeatJohn3:16.“Godsolovedtheworld,thathegavehisonlybegottenSon,thatwhosoever

believethinHimshouldnotperishbuthaveeverlastinglife.”14)WhatisheresaidofthosewhobelieveinChrist?Theyshallnotperishbuthaveeverlastinglife.15)Thatis,alifethatneverends.RepeatalsoHeb.13:14.“Herehavewenocontinuingcity,butweseekonetocome.”16)Wecannotliveinthisworldalways.Ifwehavenocontinuingplace

inthisworld,whatshouldwedo?Weshouldseekonetocome.17)AndthatisinHeaven.Nowletusseehowthislifethatneverendsis

furtherdescribedintheScriptures.Repeat1Cor.2:9.“Eyehathnotseen,norearheard,neitherhaveenteredintotheheartofman,

thethingswhichGodhathpreparedforthemthatloveHim.”18)ItisimpossibletogiveanaccuratedescriptionofHeavenbecauseitis

farbeyondanythingthatanymanhaseverseenorheard.Andyettherearesome things which God has clearly revealed to us concerning Heaven.Among other things we know that in Heaven there will be no evil. Thisworldisavaleoftears,aplaceofsorrow.ButwhatissaidoftheworldtocomeinRev.21:4?

“Godshallwipeawayall tearsfromtheireyes;andthereshallbenodeath,neithersorrow,norcrying,neithershall therebeanymorepain:for theformerthingsarepassedaway.”

19)WhatthingsshallnotbeinHeaven?Nodeath,nosorrow,notears,nopain.20)WhatkindofplacethenmustHeavenbe?

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Itmustbeahappyplace.21)Readalso2Tim.4:18.“TheLordshalldelivermefromeveryevilwork,andwillpreservemeunto

hisheavenlykingdom.”22)Owhatahappyprospect,tobedeliveredfromallevil!Butweknow

moreaboutHeaven.ManwasmadeintheimageofGod.InwhatdidthisimageofGodconsist?

Youwillfindtheanswerunderquestion166:“In the perfection of the whole man, chiefly in righteousness and true

holiness.”23)Nowrepeat1John3:2.“Beloved,nowarewe thesonsofGod,and itdothnotyetappearwhatwe

shallbe;butweknowthat,whenHeshallappear,weshallbelikeHim;forweshallseeHimasHeis.”

24)Thepassagesaysweshall,inheaven,belikeHim,likewhom?LiketheSavior.25)AndtheSavioristrueGod,sothatmeansweshallbelikewhom?WeshallbelikeGod.TheimageofGodinwhichwewerecreatedandwhich

welostbythefall,shallberestoredinus.26)Wehavebelieved in theSavior and servedHim in thisworld even

withoutseeingHim.Heisourbestfriend.WhatelsedoestheapostlesayoftheSaviorbesidesthatweshallbelikeHim?

WeshallseeHimasHeis.27)AndthatwillbeourgreatesthappinesstoseeHimandbewithHim

whomweloveandserve.Aswehaveseen,thelostimageofGodconsistedintheperfectionofthewholeman.SoinHeaven,howwillthewholemanbe?

Hewillbeperfect.28) Yes, perfect in body and soul. But the image of God consists

principally in righteousness and true holiness. Now let us see how thisrighteousnesswillberestoredinusinthelifetocome.ReadPsalms17:1.5.

“Asforme,Iwillbeholdthyfaceinrighteousness:Ishallbesatisfied,whenIawake,withthylikeness.”

29)Heavenisaplaceofrighteousness,aswelearnfrom2Peter3:13.“Neverthelesswe,accordingtoHispromise,lookfornewheavensandanew

earth,whereindwellethrighteousness.”30)HowarethosewhoseeGoddescribedinMatt.5.8?“Blessedarethepureinheart:fortheyshallseeGod.”

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31)Another part of the image ofGod is knowledge ofGod anddivinethings.Readwhatiswritten1Cor.13:12.

“Nowwesee throughaglass,darkly;but then face to face:nowIknow inpart;butthenshallIknowevenasIamknown.”

32)Heavenisaplacewherethereisnosin,andwheretheimageofGodisrestoredinus.whatkindofplacemustitbe?

Itmustbeaplaceofhappiness.33)Yes, it is a place of perfect happiness andpurepleasure, aswe see

fromPs.16:11.“In thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures

forevermore.”34)Insteadofsorrowthereshallbejoy,asweseefromLuke6:21.“Blessedareye thathungernow: forye shall be filled.Blessedareye that

weepnow:foryeshalllaugh.”35)ReadalsoPs.128:5.6."Theythatsowintearsshallreapinjoy.Hethatgoethforthandweepeth,bearingpreciousseed,shalldoubtlesssome

againwithrejoicing,bringinghissheaveswithhim."36)InHeaventhereshallbeperfectrest,asweseefromRev.14:13.“I heard a voice fromHeaven saying untome,write, blessed are the dead

whichdieintheLordfromhenceforth:yea,saiththeSpirit,thattheyrestfromtheirlabors;andtheirworksdofollowthem.”

37)Forall the sufferingsof thisworld there shallbe joyandpeace.SoSt.PaulcomfortedhimselfRom.8:18.

“I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to becomparedwiththeglorywhichshallberevealedinus.”

38)Godwill even reward his children for their faithful service in thisworld,althoughofcourseitisarewardnotofmeritbutofgrace.ReadwhatiswrittenMatt.25:21.

“HisLordsaiduntohim.Welldone,thougoodandfaithfulservant:thouhastbeenfaithfulovera fewthings, Iwillmake theerulerovermany things:enterthouintothejoyoftheLord.”

39)Alsothe34thverseofthesamechapter:“Thenshallthekingsayuntothemonhisrighthand,come,yeblessedofmy

father,inheritthekingdompreparedforyoufromthefoundationoftheworld.”40)ReadalsoRev.2:10,thelastclause.“Bethoufaithfuluntodeath,andIwillgivetheeacrownoflife.”41)Eternallifeisagloriouslife,aswelearnfrom2Tim.4:8.

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“Henceforththereislaidupformeacrownofrighteousness,whichtheLord,therighteous judge,shallgivemeat thatday:andnot tomeonly,butuntoallthemalsothatloveHisappearing.”

42)ReadalsoMatt.13:43."Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their

Father.43)WhatdidtheSaviorsaytothemalefactorbesideHimonthecross?Luke23:43.“VerilyIsayuntothee,todayshaltthoubewithmeinparadise.”44)Whatkindofplaceisparadise?Aplaceofbeautyandofhappiness.45)InRev.21wehaveadescriptionofthenewworld,theholycity,the

newJerusalem.Whatdoalltheseexpressionsreferto?Theyrefertoheaven.46)Heresomeofthegloriesofheavenaredescribed.Heavenisaplaceof

perfect happiness, of everlasting joy, and yet there will be degrees ofhappiness,asweseefrom2Cor.9:6.

“But this I say, he that soweth sparingly, shall reap also sparingly; and hewhichsowethbountifullyshallreapalsobountifully.”

47)Readalso1Cor.15:41.42.“There isonegloryof thesun,andanothergloryof themoon,andanother

gloryofthestars;foronestardifferethfromanotherstaringlory.Soalsoistheresurrectionofthedead.”

48)LetusseewhatDanielsaysonthissubject.Dan.12:3.“And they that bewise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and

theythatturnmanytorighteousnessasthestarsforeverandever.”49)AlsoMatt.19:28.“And Jesus said unto them, verily I say unto you, that ye which have

followedmeintheregenerationwhentheSonofManshallsitinthethroneofhis glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes ofIsrael.”

50)(243)“Whowillcertainlyattaintothislifeeverlasting?”“Alltheywhocontinueintruefaithuntotheend.”51) When we learn that heaven is a place of freedom from sin and

suffering,aplaceofpurityandhappiness,wecannotbuthaveadesiretogetthere.Andthereforethisquestion243isaveryimportantone.Ofwhatdoesittreat?

Ittreatsofhowtogettoheaven.

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52) Yes, and of how to be certain about it, for in a matter of suchimportance we must not be in doubt. What must we do to be saved inheavenforever?

WemustbelieveintheLordJesusChrist.53)SowereadActs16:31.“BelieveontheLordJesusChristandthouShaltbesavedandthyhouse.”54)But not only for a timemustwe believe, butwhat does the Savior

himselfsay?Mat.24:13.“Hethatshallendureuntotheendthesameshallbesaved.”55)AndtowhomisthecrownoflifepromisedaccordingtoRev.2:10?Thelatterhalf.“Bethoufaithfuluntodeath,andIwillgivetheeacrownof

life.”56) They who only for a time believe and then fall away will lose the

crown.Whatshouldwethereforebeanxiousabout?Weshouldbeanxioustokeepthefaithtotheend.57)RepeatMatt.25:34.“Thenshallthekingsayuntothemonhisrighthand.Comeyeblessedofmy

Father,inheritthekingdompreparedforyoufromthefoundationoftheworld.”58)Heavenwith itshappinessandglory isnotarewardofmeritbuta

freegiftofgrace.Whatwill theKingsayto thoseonHisrighthandas tohowtheyaretogetthekingdom?

Theyaretoinheritit.59)Aninheritance isafreegift.Eternal life isathingnottobeearned

buthowarewetogetit?Asafreegift.

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Lesson75.Election.

(Question244-246.)

1)(244)“Whatnowisthedivineelectionofgrace?”“DivineelectionisthatactofGod,bywhichHe,frometernity,accordingto

thepurposeofHiswill,ofpuregraceandmercy,decreed,tosaveeverlastinglyallthosewhowouldperseveringlybelieveinChrist.”

2)Wehavealreadyseenthatoursalvation isentirelytheworkofGod.He saves us, and does it out of puremercy.ButGod is eternal, the sameyesterday, today, and forever. What He does in time he decreed, ordeterminedtodo,frometernity.WhomdoesGodsaveintime?

AllthosewhobelieveinChristtotheend.3)ThenwhomdidGodfromalleternitydecreetosave?AllthosewhobelieveinChristtotheend.4) It is a great comfort that God thought of us from all eternity, that

foreseeingourfallintosin,hedeterminedinthefullnessoftimetosendhisSonasour redeemer, toofferus free salvation through theGospel and tosaveallthoseofwhomHeforesawthatbyHisgracetheywouldacceptthepardonoffered.ThenwhomdidGodfromalleternitydecreetosave?

AllthoseofwhomheforeknewthattheywouldbelieveinChristtotheend.5)WhatinducedGodtopassthisdecree?Hediditfrompuregraceandmercy.6)WhendidGodformthisdecree?Hedecreedthisfromalleternity.7)WhatobjecthadGodinformingthisdecree?HedidittothepraiseofHisgloriousgrace.8)NowletusseehowSt.PaulpresentsthisdoctrineEph.1:3-6.“BlessedbetheGodandFatherofourLordJesusChrist,whohathblessedus

with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places inChrist: according asHe hathchosenusinHimbeforethefoundationoftheworld,thatweshouldbeholyandwithoutblamebeforeHiminlove:havingpredestinatedusuntotheadoptionofchildrenbyJesusChristtohimself,accordingtothegoodpleasureofHiswill,to

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thepraiseof thegloryofHisgrace,whereinHehathmadeusaccepted in theBeloved.”

9) Here we see that God has chosen us before the foundation of theworld,andpredestinatedustotheadoptionofchildren.Nowrepeat2Thes.2:13.

“WeareboundtogivethanksalwaystoGodforyou,brethren,belovedoftheLord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation throughsanctificationoftheSpiritandbeliefofthetruth.”

10)ThiseternaldecreeofGodwasbaseduponHisforeknowledge.Godfrom eternity foreknows the future aswell as the past. In fact,withHimthereisnofutureandnopast,butallthingsareforeverpresent.Hiseternaldecree to save certain persons is based upon his foreknowledge that theywouldbyHisgracecometofaithandcontinueinfaithtotheend.ThisweseefromRom.8:29.

“WhomHe did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to theimageofHisSon,thatHemightbethefirstbornamongmanybrethren.”

11)Whatwas it that in the foreknowledge ofGodmade thedifferencebetweenthosewhoweretobesavedandthosewhowerenottobesaved?

Perseveringfaithmadethisdifference.12)God’sgoodandgraciouswillistosaveallwhoperseveringlybelieve

inChrist,asweseefromJohn6:40.“ThisisthewillofHimthatsentme,thateveryonewhichseeththeSon,and

believethonHim,mayhaveeverlastinglife:andIwillraisehimupat thelastday.”

13)Notallmenwillbesaved,asweseefromMatt.22:14.“Manyarecalledbutfewarechosen.”14)GodchoseonlyfewbecauseHeforesawthatonlyfewwouldaccept

thegraceofferedtoallintheGospel.Thereasonforthischoicewasnotthatthesewerenaturallybetterthanthosewhowerenotchosen,fornaturallyallmen are alike in trespasses and sin. Faith is not a goodwork, that on itsaccountGodchosethoseinwhomHeforesawit.NothinginuscausedGodtochooseus,asweseefrom2Tim.1:9.

“Whohathsavedus,andcalleduswithanholycalling,notaccordingtoourworks, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us inChristJesusbeforetheworldbegan.”

15)FromMatt.25:34weseethateternallifeisgivenasaninheritance,notasareward.

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“Thenshall theKingsayunto themonhis righthand.Come,yeblessedofmy Father; inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of theworld.”

16)Godhaschosenus“inChrist,”aswehavealreadyseen,Eph.1:3-6,andthere isnowayofbeing inChristbutby faith inHim.He is the truebookof lifeandall truebelieversarewritten inHimaswesee fromPhil.4:3.

“Ientreattheealso,trueyoke-fellow,helpthosewomenwhichlaboredwithmeintheGospel,withClementalso,andwithothermyfellow-laborers,whosenamesareinthebookoflife.”

17)ReadalsoRev.20:15.“Whosoeverwasnotfoundwritteninthebookoflifewascastintothelakeoffire.”

18)LikewiseLuke10:20.“Notwithstandinginthisrejoicenot,thatthespiritsaresubjectuntoyou;but

ratherrejoice,becauseyournamesarewritteninheaven.”19)(245)“IsitnotGod’searnestwillthatallshouldbesaved?”“Mostassuredly;for themercyofGod, themeritsofChrist,andthecallof

theHolyGhostpertaintoallmenwithoutexception.”20)ItisthegoodandgraciouswillofGodtosaveallmen.Inthisanswer

toquestion245,whatissaidofthegraceofGod?Itpertainstoallmen.21)Thatis,itextendsoverallmen.ReadEzek.33:11.“Sayuntothem,asIlive,saiththeLordGod,Ihavenopleasureinthedeath

ofthewicked;butthatthewickedturnfromhiswayandlive;turnyefromyourevilways;forwhywillyedie,OhouseofIsrael?”

22)Themercy,orlove,ofGodextendsoverallmen,asweseefromJohn3:16.

“GodsolovedtheworldthatHegavehisonlybegottenSon,thatwhosoeverbelievethinHimshouldnotperish,buthaveeverlastinglife.”

23)WhomwouldGodsaveaccordingto1Tim.2:4?“Whowillhaveallmentobesaved,andtocomeuntotheknowledgeofthe

truth.”24)Readalso2Peter3:9.“TheLordisnotslackconcerningHispromise,assomemencountslackness;

but is long-suffering tousward,notwilling that any shouldperish,but that allshouldcometorepentance.”

25)OverwhomdocsGod’smercyextendaccordingtoRom.11:32?

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“God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that hemight havemercy uponall.”

26)GodisreadytoreceiveallwhocometoHimintruerepentance,asweseefromJohn6:37.

“AllthattheFathergivethmeshallcometome;andhimthatcomethtomeIwillinnowisecastout.”

27)ReadalsoRom.10:11-13.“Thescripturesaith,whosoeverbelievethonHimshallnotbeashamed.For

thereisnodifferencebetweentheJewandtheGreek:forthesameLordoverallisrichuntoallthatcalluponHim.ForwhosoevershallcalluponthenameoftheLordshallbesaved.”

28)AlsoRom.5:20,thesecondhalfoftheverse.“Butwheresinabounded,gracedidmuchmoreabound.”29) None are so deeply fallen that God would not and could not save

them.ReadIs.1:18.“Come now let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as

scarlet, they shall be aswhite as snow; though they be red like crimson, theyshallbeaswool.”

30)But not only does the grace ofGod extend over all, butwhat else,accordingtoourquestion245,extendsoverallmen?

ThemeritsofChrist.31)Thatis,forwhomdidChristdie?Christdiedforallmen.32)Thisweseefromthefollowingpassages.Read1John2:1.2.“Mylittlechildren,thesethingswriteIuntoyou,thatyesinnot.Andifany

mansin,wehaveanadvocatewiththeFather,JesusChristtherighteous:andHeisthepropitiationforoursins:andnotforoursonly,butalsoforthesinsofthewholeworld.”

33)Readalso1Tim.4:10.“Thereforewebothlaborandsufferreproach,becausewetrustintheliving

God,whoistheSaviorofallmen,especiallyofthosethatbelieve.”34)Also1Tim.2:5.6.“ThereisoneGod,andonemediatorbetweenGodandmen,themanChrist

Jesus;whogavehimselfaransomforalltobetestifiedinduetime.”35)Christdiedevenforthosewhoonaccountoftheirpersistentunbelief

willnotbesaved,asweseefrom2Peter2:1.

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“Therewere false prophets among the people, even as there shall be falseteachersamongyou,whoprivilyshallbringindamnableheresies,evendenyingtheLordthatboughtthem,andbringuntothemselvesswiftdestruction.”

36)Christ is the lambofGod and, according to John 1:29,whose sinsdoeshetakeaway?

“ThenextdayJohnseethJesuscominguntohim,andsaith,beholdtheLambofGod,whichtakethawaythesinoftheworld.”

37)Readalso2Cor.5:14.“TheloveofChristconstrainethus,becausewethus judge, that ifonedied

forallthenwerealldead.”38)ChrististheSavioroftheworld,asweseefromJohn4:42.Whatdid

thepeopleofSamariasay to thewomanwhotold themaboutJesusbeingtheMessiah?

“Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard Himourselves,andknowthatthisisindeedtheChrist,theSavioroftheworld.”

39) According to our answer 245 not only the grace of God and themeritsofChrist,butwhatelseextendsoverallmen?

ThecalloftheHolyGhostalsoextendsoverallmen.40)Thatis,notonlyisGodanxioustosaveallandnotonlydidChristdie

forall,butintheGospeltheHolyGhostofferssalvationtoall.ThisweseefromMatt.11:28.

“Come untome all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and Iwill give yourest.”

41)TheSaviorsentoutthedisciplestopreachtheGospeltoallmen,asweseefromMark,16:15-16.

“Goye intoall theworld,andpreach theGospel toeverycreature.He thatbelieveth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall bedamned.”

42)GodoffersfreesalvationtoallmenasweseefromActs17:30.“The timesof this ignoranceGodwinkedat;butnowcommandethallmen

everywheretorepent.”43) God at various times offered salvation to the whole human race.

WhenGodcalledAdamafterthefallHecalledthewholerace,forthewholeracewasinAdam.ReadGen.3:9.

“TheLordGodcalleduntoAdam,andsaiduntohim:Whereartthou?”44) When God made a covenant with Noah after the flood He again

spoke to the whole human race which was represented in Noah. Read

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Gen.9:8-9.“God spake untoNoah, and to his sonswith him, saying,And I, behold, I

establishmycovenantwithyou,andwithyourseedafteryou.”45)Intheparableofthemarriageoftheking’sson.Matt.22:2-9,whom

weretheservantssentouttoinvite?Theyweresentouttoinviteall.46)Andthiscallishonestlyandearnestlymeant,asweseefromthetears

whichJesusweptoverimpenitentJerusalem,Luke19:41.“WhenHewas come near,He beheld the city, andwept over it, saying, if

thouhadst known, even thou, at least in this thyday, the thingswhichbelonguntothypeace,butnowtheyarehidfromthineeyes.”

47)(246)“Whyisitthatneverthelessnotallmenareelectedandfinallysaved?”

“Becausemanywantonlyresist theHolyGhost,who, through themeansofgrace,willstoworkandpreservefaithinall.”

48) The Holy Ghost is willing to work and preserve faith in all menthroughtheWordandsacraments,butwhyisthisnotdoneinallmen?

BecausemanywantonlyresisttheHolyGhost.49)Thatis,theyknowingly,stubbornlyandpersistentlyopposetheHoly

Ghost.ThiswasthecasewiththewickedcityofJerusalem,Matt.23:37.“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them

whicharesentuntothee,howoftenwouldIhavegatheredthychildrentogether,evenasahengatherethherchickensunderherwings,andyewouldnot.”

50) The Jews, as a nation, rejected the Gospel, and would not acceptChrist as their Savior, therefore the Gospel was taken from them andpreachedtotheGentiles.Acts13:46.

“Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, it was necessary that thewordofGodshouldfirsthavebeenspokentoyou:butseeingyeputitfromyou,andjudgeyourselvesunworthyofeverlastinglife,loweturntotheGentiles.”

51)Theywereastiffneckedpeople,aswereadActs7:51.“Yestiffneckedanduncircumcisedinheartandears,yedoalwaysresistthe

HolyGhostasyourfathersdid,sodoye.”52)Intheparableofthegreatsupper,Luke14:16-24,weseethatallwere

invited,buthowdidmostofthoseinvitedtreattheinvitation?Theymadelightofit,theyrejectedit.53)Whenamanislost,whosefaultisit?Itishisownfault.

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54)SoweseefromHos.13:9.“OIsrael,thouhastdestroyedthyself;butinmeishelp.”55)ItisneverGod’sfaultwhenmenarelost,asweseefrom1Thess.5:9.“God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord

JesusChrist.”56)TheywhothroughunbeliefrejectthesalvationwhichGodsofreely

offersmustsuffertheconsequencesoftheirownfolly,asweseefromJohn3:36.

“HethatbelievethontheSonhatheverlastinglife:andhethatbelievethnottheSonshallnotseelife;butthewrathofGodabidethonhim.”

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Lesson76.Hell.

(Questions247-248.)

1)Whatisthelastthingwhichweconfessunderthethirdarticle?“Ibelieveinthelifeeverlasting.”2)Whatistheoppositeofeverlastinglife?Everlastingdeath.3)Whereshallweenjoyeverlastinglife?InHeaven.4)Andwherewilltherebeeverlastingdeath?Inhell.5)WhatkindofaplaceisHeaven?Agoodplace.6)Yes,aplaceofpurity,andhappiness.Andwhatkindofaplaceishell?Abadplace.7) Yes, it is the opposite of heaven. If heaven is a place of purity and

holiness,whatkindofaplaceishell?Aplaceofwickedness.8)Andifheavenisaplaceofhappiness,whatkindofaplaceishell?Aplaceofmisery.9)InLuke16:23:24,wehaveanaccountofthedeathoftherichmanand

poorLazarus.Thisgivesussomeideaofhell.Repeatthepassage.“Inhellhelifteduphiseyes,beingintorments,andseethAbrahamafaroff,

andLazarusinhisbosom.Andhecriedandsaid,FatherAbraham,havemercyonme,andsendLazarus,thathemaydipthetipofhisfingerinwater,andcoolmytongue;forIamtormentedinthisflame.”

10)Whatdoestherichmanheresayofhisowncondition?Hesays:Iamtormented.11)Andwhatdoestheveryfirstsentenceofthepassagesayoftherich

man?Itsaysthathewasintorments.

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12) What does our answer to question 247 accordingly say of theconditionofthosewhoareinhell?

Theyshallinbodyandsoulhavetosufferpaineternally.13) The souls of the wicked shall suffer at once after death, and their

bodiesshalljoininthesufferingaftertheresurrection.Readthe25thverseofthe16thchapterofLuke.“Abrahamsaid,son,rememberthatthouinthylifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; butnowheiscomforted,andthouarttormented.”

14) In thisworld the richman sought only after the foolish and sinfulpleasuresoftheflesh,butwhatwashisconditionintheworldtocome?

Hewastormented.15)Thewickedshallsufferthepangsofanaccusingconscienceintheir

souls and the tortures of an abused body which they have ruined by agodless life. What did the rich man especially complain of according toverse24?

Hesufferedthirst.16)Thepangsofthirstaremuchgreatereventhanthoseofhunger.Let

usrememberthatbothbodyandsoulshallsufferinhell.ReadMatt.10:28.“Fearnotthemwhichkillthebody,butarenotabletokillthesoul;butrather

fearhimwhichisabletodestroybothsoulandbodyinhell.”17)WhatdoestheSaviorheresayGod,whomweshouldfear,isableto

do?Heisabletodestroybothbodyandsoulinhell.18)NowreadMatt.22:13.“Then said the king to the servants, bind himhand and foot, and take him

away,andcasthimintoouterdarkness;thereshallbeweepingandgnashingofteeth.”

19)What shall be donewith the unprofitable servant, that is,with themanwhohasrejectedtheweddinggarmentoftherighteousnessofChrist?

Heshallbeboundandcastintoouterdarkness.20)Aftertheorderisgiventobindthewickedservantwhatissaid?“Takehimaway.”21)Thatis,takehimawayfrommycompanyandfromthecompanyof

the just and holy. To be cast out from the presence of God is in itself aterrible thing, forGod is the source of all life andhappiness.Thewickedservantistobecastintoouterdarkness,thatis,intoaplacewithoutjoyor

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hope,andhowisthemiseryofthoseinthisplacedescribedinthelastpartofthisverse13?

“Thereshallbeweepingandgnashingofteeth.”22)ReadalsoHeb.10:26:27.“Ifwe sinwillfully after thatwehave received theknowledgeof the truth,

thereremainethnomoresacrificeforsins,butacertainlookingforofjudgmentandfieryindignation,whichshalldevourtheadversaries.”

23)ReadalsowhatiswrittenofthewickedRev.14:9-11.“Thethirdangelfollowedthem,sayingwithaloudvoice,ifanymanworship

thebeast,andhisimage,andreceivehismarkinhisforehead,orinhishand,thesameshalldrinkof thewineof thewrathofGod,whichispouredoutwithoutmixtureintothecupofhisindignation;andheshallbetormentedwithfireandbrimstoneinthepresenceoftheholyangels,andinthepresenceoftheLamb.”

24)Aman’shappinessormiserydependsagreatdealuponthecompanythatheisin.Inwhosecompanyshalltherighteousbeinheaven?

InthecompanyoftheSaviorandthesaints.25)Butinwhosecompanyshallthewickedbeinhell?Inthecompanyofthedevilandthewicked.26)ReadMatt.25:41.“Thenshallhesayuntothemonthelefthand,departfromme,yecursed,into

everlastingfire,preparedforthedevilandhisangels.”27)This showswhat company thewicked shall have inhell.Andwhat

kindoflifemustamanleadinthecompanyofthedevilandhisangles?Hemustleadamiserablelife.28)Therewillbedegreesofpunishmentinhell.RepeatLuke12:47:48.“ThatservantwhichknewhisLord’swill,andpreparednothimself,neither

didaccording tohiswill, shall bebeatenwithmany stripes.Buthe thatknewnot,anddidcommit thingsworthyof stripes, shallbebeatenwith fewstripes.For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required; and towhommenhavecommittedmuch,ofhimtheywillseekthemore.”

29)Whatdifferenceisthereinthetwoservantsherespokenofastotheirknowledge?

TheoneknewhisMaster’swillandtheotherdidnot.30)WhichhadthegreaterguiltindoingagainsttheMaster’swill?Theonewhodiditthoughheknewbetter.31)Accordingly,whichwastosuffermost?Theonewhosinnedagainstbetterknowledge.

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32)As there aredegrees of sin so therewill bedegrees of punishment.ReadMatt.20:11:20-24.

“ThenbeganHetoupbraidthecitieswhereinmostofHismightyworksweredone, because they repented not: Woe unto thee Chorazin! Woe unto thee,Bethsaida!for if themightyworks,whichweredoneinyou,hadbeendoneinTyreandSidon,theywouldhaverepentedlongagoinsackclothandashes.ButIsay unto you, it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day ofjudgment, than foryou.And thouCapernaum,which,artexalteduntoheaven,shaltbebroughtdowntohell:forifthemightyworks,whichhavebeendoneinthee,hadbeendone inSidon, itwouldhaveremaineduntil thisday.But Isayunto you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day ofjudgment,thanforthee.”

33)WhatdoestheSaviorsayofthescribesandPharisees,Matt.23:14?“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’

houses, and for a pretense make long prayers: therefore ye shall receive thegreaterdamnation.”

34)Butnomatterwhatthedegree,whatdoesourquestion247sayaboutthedurationofthispunishmentinhell?

Itshallbeeternal.35)ThisweseefromIsa.66:24.Repeatthepassage.“Theirwormshallnotdie,neithershalltheirfirebequenched;andtheyshall

beanabhorringtoallflesh.”36)What is here said of their worm, that is, of the accusations of the

consciencesofthewicked?Itshallnotdie.37)Andwhatofthefire,thatis,thebodilysuffering?Itshallnotbequenched.38)Whentherichman inhellaskedforrelief fromhissuffering,what

answerwasgivenhim?Luke16:26.“Besideall this,betweenusandyouthereisagreatgulffixed:sothatthey

whichwould pass fromhence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, thatwouldcomefromthence.”

39)ReadMark9:43-48.“If thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life

maimed,thanhavingtwohandstogointohell,intothefirethatnevershallbequenched:wheretheirwormdiethnot,andthefireisnotquenched.Andifthyfootoffendthee,cutitoff:itisbetterfortheetoenterhaltintolife,thanhaving

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two feet tobecast intohell, into the fire thatnever shallbequenched:Wheretheirwormdiethnotandthefireisnotquenched.Andifthineeyeoffendthee,pluckitout:itisbetterfortheetoenterintothekingdomofGodwithoneeye,thanhaving twoeyes tobecast intohell fire:where theirwormdiethnot,andthefireisnotquenched.”

40)AlsoMatt.25:46.“Theseshallgoawayintoeverlastingpunishment:buttherighteousintolife

eternal.”41) What is here said of the duration of the condition of both the

righteousandthewicked?Itshallbeeternal.42)ReadalsoDan12:2.“Many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to

everlastinglife,andsometoshameandeverlastingcontempt.”43)RepeatProverbs11:7.“When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of

unjustmenperisheth.”44)AlsoRev.14:11.“Thesmokeoftheirtormentascendethupforeverandever:andtheyhaveno

restdayornight,whoworshipthebeastandhisimage,andwhosoeverreceiveththemarkofhisname.”

45)Whatissaidofthewickedin2Thes.1:9?“Whoshallbepunishedwitheverlastingdestructionfromthepresenceofthe

Lord,andfromthegloryofHispower.”46)Nowlookatquestion(notanswer)247andtellme:uponwhomshall

thispunishmentbevisited?Upontheunbelievinganddamned.47)WhoshallbedamnedaccordingtoMark16:16?“Hethatbelievethnotshallbedamned.”48)Andaccordingto2Thes.1:8,uponwhomshalltheLordJesustake

vengeance?“InflamingfiretakingvengeanceonthemthatknownotGod,andthatobey

nottheGospelofourLordJesusChrist.”49)Godoffersfullandfreesalvationtoall.Whomwillthedamnedhave

toblamefortheireverlastingmisery?Theywillhavethemselvestoblame.50)(248)"Whatdoyouholdastoso-calledpurgatory?

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“It is nothingbut a human invention; forHolyScripture speaksof but twoplaces,towhichmenwillgoafterdeath.”

51)Whoholdsandteachesthisdoctrine?TheRomanCatholicchurch.52)Yes,thistheyimaginetobeaplacebetweenheavenandhell,where

thosego,whoarenotquitefitforheaven,andyettoogoodforhell,tosufferfor a long time the temporal consequences of sin, and from which theirfriendscanrelievethembyhavingmassesreadfortheirsouls.Thisreadingofmassesmustbepaidfor.Whatdoesouranswersayoftheirdoctrine?

Itisnothingbutahumaninvention.53)Yes,theRomanCatholicchurchhasinventedthisdoctrine,andithas

provenaverymoney-making invention.But it is falseandcontrarytotheWordofGod;forofhowmanyplacesdotheScripturesspeaktowhichmenmaygoafterdeath?

Theyspeakofonlytwoplaces.54)RepeatMatt.7:13.14.“Enteryeinatthestraitgate:forwideisthegate,andbroadistheway,that

leadethtodestruction,andmanytherebewhichgoin thereat:becausestrait isthegate andnarrow is theway,which leadethunto life, and few therebe thatfindit.”

55)Howmanygatesandwaysareherementioned?Therearebuttwogatesandtwoways.56)Wheredoesthewidegateandthebroadwayleadto?Itleadstodestruction.57)Andwheredoesthenarrowwaythroughthestraight, that is,small

gate,leadto?Itleadstolife.58) And between these two there is no other. After death there is no

opportunity foramantorepentandchangehiscondition,aswesee fromHeb.9:27.

“Itisappointeduntomenoncetodieandafterthisthejudgment.”59)ReadalsoHeb.3:12:13.“Takeheed,brethren,lesttherebeinanyofyouanevilheartofunbelief,in

departing from the livingGod.But exhort oneanotherdaily,while it is calledtoday;lestanyofyoubehardenedthroughthedeceitfulnessofsin.”

60)RepeatalsoEccles.11:3,secondhalf.

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“Ifthetreefalltowardthesouth,ortowardthenorth,intheplacewherethetreefalleth,thereshallitbe.”

61)ReadalsoProv.11:7.“Whenawickedmandieth,hisexpectationshallperish;andthehopeofan

unjustmanperisheth.”62)Themalefactoronthecrosswasnotfirstsenttopurgatory,although

hehadbeenagreatsinner,butwhatdidJesussaytohim?Luke23:43.“Todayshaltthoubewithmeinparadise.”

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Lesson77.Prayer.

(Questions249-260.)

1) Of what does the second chief part of the Catechism, which wefinishedinourlastlesson,treat?

IttreatsofthethreearticlesoftheChristiancreed.2)(249)“WhatisthethirdchiefpartoftheCatechism?”“TheLord’sPrayer.”3) In the first chief part we learn of our sins and their dreadful

consequences. In the secondwe learn how, by faith inChrist,we becomeGod’sdearchildren.NowthethirdtellsushowasGod’sdearchildrenweshouldtalktoourFather.Adearchildmustcertainlybeonspeakingtermswith its father. What do we call such talking of God’s children to theirheavenlyFather?

Wecallitprayer.4)Whatprayerareweespeciallytoconsiderunderthisthirdchiefpart

oftheCatechism?TheLord’sPrayer.5)(250)“WhatistheLord’sPrayer?”Itisabriefformofprayerwhichcontainsallweneedforbodyandsoul."6)Whatdoesthisprayercontain?Itcontainsallthatweneedforbodyandsoul.7)AndwhatisthisLord’sPrayer?Itisabriefformofprayer.8)(251)“WhyisitcalledtheLord’sPrayer?”“BecauseChristhimselftaughtittous.”(Matt.6:9-13.Luke11:2-4.)9)ReadLuke11:1.“Itcametopass,that,asHewasprayinginacertainplace,whenHeceased,

oneofHisdisciplessaiduntoHim,Lord, teachus topray,asJohnalso taughthisdisciples.”

10)InanswertothisrequestJesustaughthisdisciplesthisprayeraswefind it recorded in verses 2 to 4 of this chapter, and also in a somewhat

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longerforminMatt.6:9-13.Thisprayerwastobeamodelorpattern.Whatpurposedoesamodelorpatternserve?

Itshowshowathingistobemadeordone.11)BecauseChristHimselfgaveusthismodel,orpattern,whatkindof

modelmayweexpectittobe?Aperfectmodel.12)ThistheLord’sprayercertainlyis; it isthemodelprayer.Butnow,

beforeweconsidertheseparatepartsof thismodelprayer,ourCatechismanswers a few general questions concerning prayer.Which is the first ofthese?

WhatIsprayer?13)(252)“Whatisprayer?”“It is that divine service inwhichwe call upon the name ofGod in every

trouble,pray,praiseandgivethanks.”14)Whatkindofserviceisprayer?Prayerisadivineservice.15)Uponwhomdowecallinprayer?WecalluponthenameofGod.16) Under which commandment did we consider this calling upon the

nameofGod?Underthesecondcommandment.17)Repeatthesecondcommandmentanditsmeaning.ThoushaltnottakethenameoftheLordthyGodinvain.Weshouldfearand

loveGod thatwemay not curse, swear, usewitchcraft, lie or deceive byHisname,butcalluponHimineverytrouble,pray,praiseandgivethanks.

18)ItisGod’sexpresswillthatwecalluponHimwhenweareintrouble.WhatthreeformsofcallinguponGodareherementioned?

Weshouldpray,praiseandgivethanks.19)TopraymeanstoaskGodforsomething;topraise,tospeakwellof

Him;andtogivethanks, toacknowledgeHisblessings.Butbywhatworddowegenerallyexpressallthreeoftheseideas?

Bythewordprayer.20)(253)“Whatshouldmoveustoprayer?”“Notonlyourneed,butalsothecommandandpromiseofGod.”21)Whatisthefirstthingthatshouldmoveustopray?Ourneed.

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22) When we are in need or trouble, what does God want us to doaccordingtoPs.50:15?

“Call uponme in the day of trouble and Iwill deliver thee and thou shaltglorifyme.”

23)Andvery frequently thereasonwhywearenotdelivered fromourtroublesisbecausewedonotaskhelpofGod,asweseefromJames4:2.

“Yehavenot,becauseyeasknot.”24)Butwhatelseshouldmoveustoprayerbesidesourownneed?ThecommandandpromiseofGod.25)We have just seen that God has commanded us to call uponHim

whenweareintrouble.WearetoldthesamethinginPs.27:8.“Whenthousaidst,seekyemyface;myheartsaiduntothee,thyface,Lord,

willIseek.”26)NowwhenGodcommandsathingwhatshouldwedo?Weshouldobey.27)Whythenshouldweconsiderprayerasacredduty?BecauseGodhascommandedit.28)But,accordingtoquestion253,whatelseshouldmoveustoprayer,

besidesGod’scommand?Hispromise.29)WhathasGodpromisedwithreferencetoprayer?Hehaspromisedtohearit.30)One suchpromisewehave alreadyheard fromPs. 50:15.Will you

repeatitagain.“CalluponmeinthedayoftroubleandIwilldeliverthee.”31)When we hear that God promises to deliver us, what should that

moveustodo?ItshouldmoveustoaskHishelp.32)(254)“Towhomshouldwepray?”“OnlytothetrueGod,Father,SonandHolyGhost.”33)ReadthesecondhalfofMatt.4:10.“ThoushaltworshiptheLordthyGodandhimonlyshaltthouserve.”34)WhoistheonlytrueGoduponwhomweshouldcallinprayer?GodtheFather,SonandHolyGhost.Healonecanandwillhearprayer,as

we see from Ps. 65:2. “O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all fleshcome.”

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35) Everything that we need must come from Him, as we learn fromJames1:17.

“Everygoodgiftandeveryperfectgiftisfromabove,andcomethdownfromtheFatheroflights,withwhomisnovariableness,neithershadowofturning.”

36)Godaloneknowsourhearts,heseesandknowswhatwereallyneed,asweseefromJer.17:9-10.

“The heart is deceitful above ail things, and desperately wicked: who canknowit?I,theLordsearchtheheart,Itrythereins,eventoeverymanaccordingtohisways,andaccordingtothefruitofhisdoings.”

37) Let us now see some examples of pious men who prayed, that is,spokewithGod.Forinstance,Abraham,Gen.18:27.

“Abrahamanswered and said.Behold now, I have taken uponme to speakuntotheLord,whichambutdustandashes.”

38)MosesbesoughttheLord,Ex.32:11.“MosesbesoughttheLordhisGod,andsaid.Lordwhydoththywrathwax

hotagainst thypeople,whichthouhastbroughtforthoutof thelandofEgypt,withgreatpower,andwithamightyhand?”

39)ManoahentreatedGod,Judges13:8,“ThenManoahentreatedtheLord,andsaid,OmyLord,letthemanofGod

whichthoudidstsendcomeagainuntous,andteachuswhatweshalldountothechildthatshallbeborn.”

40)DavidspakeuntotheLord,2Sam.22:1.“Davidspakeunto theLord thewordsof thissong in theday that theLord

deliveredhimoutofthehandofallhisenemies,andoutofthehandofSaul.”41) The whole Book of Psalms is a prayer book, showing how God’s

childrenintheOldTestamentcalledupontheirFather.WeshouldcallonlyuponthetrueGod,andnotuponthesaintsastheRomanCatholicsdo,forthesaintscannothearnoranswerus.ThisweseefromIsa.63:16.

“DoubtlessthouartourFather,thoughAbrahambeignorantofus,andIsraelacknowledge us not: thou,O Lord, art our Father, our redeemer; thy name isfromeverlasting.”

42)Noteventotheangelsshouldwepray,asweseefromRev.19:10.“Ifellathisfeettoworshiphim.Andhesaiduntome,seethoudoitnot:I

am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus:worshipGod:forthetestimonyofJesusisthespiritofprophecy.”

43)Neithershouldweaddressourpetitionstoanindefinitegreatspirit,orhigherbeing,asisdoneinthesecretsocietiesofourday.Towhomalone

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shouldwepray?TothetrueGod,Father,SonandHolyGhost.44)(255)“WhatthingsshouldweaskofGod?”“EverythingthattendstothegloryofGodandoursalvation,beitspiritualor

temporalblessings.”45)RepeatPhil.4:6.“Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplicationwith

thanksgivingletyourrequestsbemadeknownuntoGod.”46)Howmanykindsofthingsmayweaskforinprayer?Two,spiritualandtemporal.47)Butwhateverweask,shouldservewhatpurpose?ItshouldtendtothegloryofGodandoursalvation.48)(256)“Shouldweprayforthesethingswithoutdistinctionatall?’”“No: all that is really necessary unto salvation we should ask for

unconditionally;butallelseunderthecondition:ifitpleaseGod.”49)So,forinstance,weneedtheHolyGhostinorderthatwemaybelieve

andbesaved.Luke11:13,theSaviorteachesustoaskforthisgiftwithoutanycondition.

“Ifyetherefore,beingevil,knowhowtogivegoodgiftsuntoyourchildren,howmuchmoreshallyourheavenlyFathergivetheHolySpirittothemthataskhim?”

50)Butunderwhatconditionshouldweaskforallelse?Underthecondition:ifitpleaseGod.51)Sothepoorleper,Matt.8:2.askedtheSavior.“Lord,ifthouwilt,thoucanstmakemeclean.”52) So the Savior himself prayed in the garden of Gethsemane, Luke

22:42.“Father, if thou bewilling, remove this cup fromme: nevertheless, notmy

will,butthinebedone.”53)InMatt.20:20-22,wehaveanexampleofaprayerthatwasdenied

becauseitwasnotinaccordancewithGod’swill.ThemotherofZebedee’schildrenwantedhersonstooccupyspecialplacesofhonorinthekingdomoftheSavior.Read1John,5:14.

“This is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anythingaccordingtohiswill,hehearethus.”

54)(257)“Forwhomshouldwepray?”“Notonlyforourselves,butalsoforallourfellow-menonearth.”

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55)Itisbutnaturalthateachshouldprayforhimself,butforwhomelseshouldwepray?

Forallourfellow-menonearth.56)Yes,we should also pray for others, but only for thosewho are on

earth. Itwould avail nothing topray for thosewhoare inhell, and thosewho are in heaven have no need of our prayers. Now let us see someexamplesofhowweshouldprayforourfellow-men.Matt.5:44,tellsustoprayforourenemies.

“ButIsayuntoyou,loveyourenemies,blessthemthatcurseyou,dogoodtothemthathateyou,andprayforthemwhichdespitefullyuseyou.andpersecuteyou.”

57)ReadLuke23:34,andseehowtheSaviorhimselfdidthis.“ThensaidJesus,Father,forgivethem;fortheyknownotwhattheydo.”58)FromActs7:59and60,weseehowSt.Stephenfollowedtheexample

oftheSavior.“TheystonedStephen,callinguponGod,andsaying,LordJesus,receivemy

spirit.Andhekneeleddown,andcriedwithaloudvoice,Lord,laynotthissintotheircharge.”

59)ReadEph.6:18,andseehowweshouldprayforourbrethren.“Prayingalwayswithallprayerandsupplication in thespirit,andwatching

thereuntowithallperseveranceandsupplicationforallsaints.”60)FromEx.32:31-32,weseehowMosesprayedforIsrael.“MosesreturneduntotheLord,andsaid,Oh,thispeoplehavesinnedagreat

sin,andhavemadethemgodsofgold.Yetnow,ifthouwiltforgivetheirsin—;andifnot,blotme,Ipraythee,outofthybookwhichthouhastwritten.”

61)ReadthelatterpartofIsa.53:12,andseehowtheMessiahissaidtoprayforthewicked.

“Hebarethesinsofmany,andmadeintercessionforthetransgressors.”62)FromJames5:14,weseethatwearetoprayforthesick.“Isanysickamongyou?Lethimcallfortheeldersofthechurch;andletthem

prayoverhim,anointinghimwithoilinthenameoftheLord.”63)ParentsshouldprayfortheirchildrenasweseefromMatt.19:13.“Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his

handsonthemandpray:andthedisciplesrebukedthem.”64)Weshouldprayforthechurch,thatGodmaygivefaithfulministers.

ReadMatt.9:37:38.

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“Then said he unto his disciples, the harvest truly is plenteous, but thelaborersarefew;prayyethereforetheLordoftheharvest,thathewillsendforthlaborersintohisharvest.”

65)Jer.29:7,tellsusthatweshouldprayforthepublicwelfare.“Seek the peace of the citywhither I have caused you to be carried away

captives, and pray unto theLord for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye havepeace.”

66)(258)“Howmustwepray?”“InthenameofJesus,orintruefaith.”67) In the name of Jesus means in obedience to his command and

depending upon his merits.We ourselves are not worthy of anything forwhichwepray,butwearetopraythatGodgiveuswhatweaskforJesussake.RepeatJohn16:23.

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall ask the Father In myname,hewillgiveityou.”

68)ThatweshouldprayintruefaithweseefromMatt.21:22.“Allthings,whatsoeveryeshallaskinprayer,believing,yeshallreceive.”69)NowreadJames1:5-7,andtellmehowweshouldpray.Weshouldprayinfaith.70)ToprayinfaithmeanstodependonthemercyofGod.RepeatDan.

9:18.“WedonotpresentoursupplicationsbeforeTheeforourrighteousness,but

forthygreatmercies.”71)Howdidthepoorpublicaninthetemplepray?Luke18:13.“And thepublican, standingafaroff,wouldnot liftupsomuchashiseyes

untoheaven,butsmoteuponhisbreast,saying,Godbemercifultomeasinner.”72) In true faith also means in the spirit of piety, in sincerity and

uprightness.RepeatPs.66:18.“IfIregardiniquityinmyheart,theLordwillnothearme.”73)ReadalsoJohn4:24.“Godisaspirit:andtheythatworshiphimmustworshiphiminspiritandin

truth.”74)Trueprayerisnotthemererepetitionofwords,butitisamatterof

theheart.RepeatMatt.6:7.“Whenyepray,usenotvainrepetitions,astheheathendo:fortheythinkthat

theyshallbeheardfortheirmuchspeaking.”75)ReadalsoMatt.15:8.

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“Thispeopledrawethnighuntomewiththeirmouth,andhonorethmewiththeirlips;buttheirheartisfarfromme.”

76)(259)“Whenshouldwepray?”“Withoutceasing,particularlyalsoatstatedtimes.”77) TheChristian should pray at all times.His life should be a life of

prayer.Read1Thes.5:17.“Praywithoutceasing.”78)AlsoEph.6:18.“PrayingalwayswithallprayerandsupplicationintheSpirit,andwatching

thereuntowithallperseveranceandsupplicationforallsaints.”79)IntheparableLuke18:1-7,whatisitthattheSaviorimpressesupon

us,accordingtoverse1?Thatweoughtalwaystopray.80) And yet there are times which particularly call for prayer. So we

learnfromIsa.26:16.“Lord, in trouble theyhavevisited thee, theypouredoutaprayerwhen thy

chasteningwasuponthem.”81) It is well to have stated, or fixed, times for prayer, lest it be

overlookedorcrowdedout.Whataresuchtimesoftheday?Morning,atmealsandevening.82)ReadPs.92:1.2.“ItisagoodthingtogivethanksuntotheLord,andtosingpraisesuntothy

name,OmostHigh:Toshewforththylovingkindnessinthemorning,andthyfaithfulnesseverynight.”

83)AlsoPs.55:16-17.“Asforme, IwillcalluponGod;and theLordshallsaveme.Eveningand

morning,andatnoon,willIpray,andcryaloud:andheshallhearmyvoice.”84) Our Catechism gives us such morning and evening prayers, and

prayersbeforeandaftermeals.Weshouldnotonlylearnbutfaithfullyusethem.Whichdayoftheweekshouldbeaspecialdayofprayer?

TheLord’sday,orSunday.85)(260)“Whereshouldwepray?”“Everywhere,butparticularlyalsoinourclosetandatchurch.”86)Godiseverywhere,andthereforewemaycalluponHimatanyplace.

Repeat1Tim.2:8.“I will therefore thatmen pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without

wrathanddoubting.”

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87)But prayer need not always be in public. In the secret of our ownhearts,whenwearealonewithGod,weshouldpraytoHim,asweseefromMatt.6:6.

“Butthou,whenthouprayest,enterintothycloset,andwhenthouhastshutthy door pray to thy Fatherwhich is in secret; and thy Fatherwhich seeth insecretwillrewardtheeopenly.”

88)Butthereisoneplaceparticularlywhichshouldbeaplaceofprayer.ReadthelatterpartofIsa.56:7.

“Forminehouseshallbecalledanhouseofprayerforallpeople.”89)RepeatalsoPs.26:12.“InthecongregationswillIblesstheLord.”90)ReadalsoPs.22:22.“Iwilldeclarethynameuntomybrethren: inthemidstof thecongregation

willIpraisethee.”91)AlsoPs.27:6,latterhalf.“ThereforewillIofferinhistabernaclesacrificesofjoy.”

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Lesson78.TheIntroductionToTheLord’sPrayer.

(Questions261-272.)

1)WhichisthethirdchiefpartoftheCatechism?TheLord’sPrayer.2)(261)“RepeattheLord’sPrayer.”“OurFatherwhoartinHeaven,etc.”3)(262)“HowmanypartsdoestheLord’sPrayercontain?”“Three:theintroduction,thesevenpetitions,andtheconclusion.”4)(263)“Whatistheintroduction?”“OurFatherwhoartinheaven.”5)(264)“Whatdoesthismean?”“GodwouldbythesewordstenderlyinviteustobelievethatHeisourtrue

FatherandthatweareHis truechildren,so thatwemaywithallboldnessandconfidenceentreatHim,asdearchildrenentreattheirdearfather.”

6)WhotaughtustheLord’sPrayer?OurLordJesusChrist.7)WhatdoesJesusinthisprayerteachustocallGod?HeteachesustocallGodfather.8)HemighthavetoldustoaddressGodasLord,Jehovah,theAlmighty,

butHepreferredthatweshouldaddressGodbywhatdearname?BythenameFather.9)ThisHedid to giveus confidence inGod.HowdoesLuther express

thisinthecatechism?“Hewouldtenderlyinviteus.”10) (265) “Why does the Lord’s Prayer leach us to address God as

Father?”“Godwouldtherebytenderlyinviteustobelieve.”11)(266)“OfwhatwouldHeinvitinglyassureus?”“TobelievethatHeisourtrueFatherandthatweareHistruechildren.”12) He wants us to believe, that is, to have confidence in God. What

wouldHehaveustobelieve?

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ThatHeisourtrueFatherandthatwearehistruechildren.13)WhatkindofafathershouldwebelieveGodtobe?WeshouldbelieveHimtobeatruefather.14) Yes, He is a father not only in name but in fact. He deserves the

name.Canyoutellmewhy?BecauseHemadeus.15)Yes,weoweHimourlife.AswereadinPsalm100:3.“Know ye that the Lord he isGod: it is he that hathmade us and notwe

ourselves.”16)Achildowesnotonlyitslifetoitsfather,butwhatelse?Lovingcare.17)Yes,andwhythenmaywetrulycallGodourFather?BecauseHecaresforus.18)InwhatpartoftheCatechismhavewealreadyseenandlearnedthis?Inthefirstarticleofthecreed.19)RepeatLuther’sexplanationofthefirstarticle.“IbelievethatGodhasmademeandallcreatures;thatHehasgivenmemy

bodyandsoul,eyes,earsandallmymembers,myreasonandailmysenses,andstillpreserves them;alsoclothingandshoes,meatanddrink,houseandhome,wife and children, fields, cattle and all my goods; that He richly and dailyprovidesmewithallthatIneedtosupportthisbodyandlife;thatHedefendsmeagainstalldanger,andguardsandprotectsmefromallevil;andallthispurelyoutof fatherlydivinegoodnessandmercy,withoutanymeritorworthiness inme;forallwhichitismydutytothankandpraise,toserveandobeyHim.Thisismostcertainlytrue.”

20)ButthereisanotherreasonwhyJesuswouldhaveuscallGodFather.Jesusisourbrother,andGodishisFather.TheninwhatrelationdoesGodstandtous?

HeisourFather.21)Yes,anditisonlythroughChristthatwecantrulycallGodFather.

ButifHeistrulyourfathertheninwhatrelationdowestandtoHim?WeareHischildren.22)Therearechildrenwhodonotdeservethename.Whatwasthename

ofthatsonofkingDavidwhowasadisgracetohisfather?Absalom.23)Whatdidtheprodigalsonconfess?

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Luke15:21.“Thesonsaiduntohim.Father,Ihavesinnedagainstheavenandinthysight,andamnomoreworthytobecalledthyson.”

24)Solongashewaslivinginsinandshame,thiswastrue.SotherearechildrenofGodwhoarenotworthyofthename.Butwhatkindofchildrenshouldwebe?

Weshouldbedearchildren.25)Thatis,childrenwholovetheirheavenlyFather.Ourproperrelation

to our heavenly Father is expressed in the explanation of the firstcommandment.Repeatit.

“Weshouldfear,loveandtrustinGodaboveallthings.”26)WhatwouldtheSaviorhaveusbelieveconcerningGod?HewouldhaveusbelievethatHeisourtrueFather.27)(267)“Whyshouldwebelievethis?”“ThatwemaywithallboldnessandconfidenceentreatHim,asdearchildren

entreattheirdearfather.”28)WhatarewetodoifwebelievethatGodisourtrueFather?Wearetoentreat,tocallon,Him.29)TellmeaScripturepassageinwhichGodexpresslyasksustocallon

Himintrouble.Psalm50:15.“CalluponmeinthedayoftroubleandIwilldeliverthee,and

thoushaltglorifyme.”30)HowshouldwecallonGod?WeshouldcallonHimwithallboldnessandconfidence.Orasdearchildren

callontheirdearfather.31)Whenachildneedssomething,towhomdoesitgo?Itgoestoitsfather.32)RepeatPsalm103:13.“Likeasafatherpitiethhischildren,sotheLordpitieththemthatfearHim.”33)TurntoLuke11:13,andreadwhatistherewrittenofGod.“Ifyethen,beingevil,knowhowtogivegoodgiftsuntoyourchildren:how

much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that askHim?”

34)ThatallgoodgiftscomefromourheavenlyFatherwelearnalsofromJames1:17.

“Everygoodgiftandeveryperfectgiftisfromabove,andcomethdownfromtheFatheroflights,withwhomisnovariableness,neithershadowofturning.”

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35)Whenwesay“OurFather,”arewespeakinginthesingularorpluralnumber?

Wearespeakinginthepluralnumber.36)Howwoulditreadinthesingularnumber?MyFatherwhoartinheaven.37)(268)“WhydowesayOurFather?”“Because allChristians are brethren and should therefore also pray for one

another.”38)Whenwesay“OurFather,”whosefatherdoweconfessGodtobe?TheFatherofallChristians.39)WhoareChristians?AllwhobelieveinChrist.40)Whatdoweinanswer268sayofallChristians?WesaythatallChristiansarebrethren.41)AndwhatshouldChristianbrethrendoforoneanother?Theyshouldprayforoneanother.42)ThisisplainlytaughtuswhenintheLord’sPrayerwearetoldtouse

thepluralnumber.Repeatthefourthpetition.“Giveusthisdayourdailybread.”43)Repeatthefifthpetition.“Forgiveusourtrespassesasweforgivethosewhotrespassagainstus.”44)Andsoinalltheotherpetitions.WhatdoestheSaviorteachuswhen

HeasksustousethepluralnumberthroughouttheLord’sPrayer?Thatweshouldprayforoneanother.45)ReadMatt.23:8.“OneisyourMaster,evenChristandallyearebrethren.”46)RepeatJames5:16.“Confessyourfaultsonetoanother,andprayoneforanother,thatyemaybe

healed.”47)(269)“WhydoweintheGermansay:‘VaterUnser’andnot‘Unser

Vater’?”“That we may, in keeping with the constant usage of the ancient church,

begin the prayer with the precious word Father. (The construction of thelanguagedoesnotadmitofitintheEnglish.”)

48)(27(1)“Whydoweadd:Whoartinheaven?”“ToindicatethatthisourdearFatheristheomniscientandomnipotentGod.”

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49)Iffromanypartoftheearth’ssurfacewelookupward,whatdowesee?

Weseetheheavens.50)Astheheavensareoveruseverywhere,soGodiseverywherepresent.

WhymaywecalluponHimatallplaces?BecauseHeiseverywherepresent.51)ReadJer.23:23:24.“AmIaGodathand,saiththeLord,andnotaGodafaroff?Cananyhide

himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the Lord.Do not I fillheavenandearth?saiththeLord.”

52) But when we say to God: “Who art in heaven,” we are not onlyreminded of the fact thatHe is omniscient and omnipresent, but ofwhatotherattributedowethinkaccordingtoanswer270?

WearealsoremindedoftheomnipotenceofGod.53) As the heavens are far above the earth, so isGod far above us in

glory,majestyandpower.ReadIsa.66:8,thefirstpartoftheverse.“ThussaiththeLord,theheavenismythrone,andtheearthismyfootstool.”54) God is here represented as sitting on a throne, what must He

accordinglybe?Hemustbeaking.55)WhatkindofkingHeisweseefromRev.19:16.“HehathonhisvestureandonHisthighanamewritten,KingofKings,and

LordofLords.”56)Howshouldweappearbeforesuchagreatandgloriousking?WeshouldappearbeforeHiminduereverence.57) But not only in reverence and fear should we appear before Him.

Supposeagreatandpowerfulkingwouldgiveyou theprivilege toaskofHimanythingyouneeded,howwouldyoufeelaboutit?

Iwouldfeelgoodaboutit.Iwouldnotbeafraidtoask.58)SoweshouldcomebeforeGodinourprayers,nottimidly,asthough

wewereafraidofaskingtoomuch,but,accordingtoLuther’sexplanation,howshouldweaskGod?

Withallboldnessandconfidence.59)RepeatPsalm115:3.“OurGodisintheheaven:HehathdonewhatsoeverHehathpleased.”60)(271)“HowmanypetitionsdoestheLord’sPrayercontain?”“Seven.”

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61)(272)“Whatistheorderanddivisionofthesepetitions?”“In thefirst fourweprayGod tobestowgood, in the last three towardoff

evil.”

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Lesson79.TheFirstPetition.

(Questions273-280.)

1)(273)“Whichisthefirstpetition?”“HallowedbeThyname.”2)(274)“Whatdoesthismean?”“God’snameisindeedholyinitself;butweprayinthispetitionthatitmay

beholyamongusalso.”3)(275)“Howisthisdone?”“When the Word of God is taught in its truth and purity, and we as the

childrenofGodalsoleadagodlylifeaccordingtoit.Thisgrantus,dearFatherin heaven. But he that teaches and lives otherwise than God’sWord teaches,profanesthenameofGodamongus.Fromthispreserveus,heavenlyFather.”

4)Whatdoesthisfirstpetitiontreatof?IttreatsofthenameofGod.5)WhereintheCatechismhavewealreadytreatedofthenameofGod?Underthesecondcommandment.6)Repeatthesecondcommandment.ThoushaltnottakethenameoftheLordthyGodinvain.7)(276)“WhatdoweunderstandbythenameofGod?”SeeQuestion25.“AllthatGodhasrevealedofhimselfinHolyScripture,suchashisessence,

attributes,willorcommand.”8)Forwhomdoesthenameofapersonstand?Itstandsforthepersonhimself.9)Whenwehearthenameofaperson,ofwhomdowethink?Wethingoftheperson.10)Yes,andwethinkofotherthingsconnectedwiththeperson,suchas

hisattributes.Forinstance,whenwehearthenameof“Solomon,”ofwhatattributedowethink?

Wethinkofwisdom.11)Whenwehearthename“Samson,”ofwhatqualitydowethink?Wethinkofstrength.

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12)SowhenwehearthenameofGod,wethinknotonlyofhisperson,butofwhatelse?

Wethinkalsoofhisattributes.13)MentionsomeoftheattributesofGod.God is eternal, almighty, all-wise, everywhere present, holy, righteous,

mercifulandtruthful.14)Whichisthefifthattributeyouhavejirstmentioned?Godisholy.15)IfGodhimselfisholy,thenhowmusthisnamebe?Hisnamemustalsobeholy.16)Whenwe inthispetitionpray:“Hallowedbethyname.”wedonot

mean thatGod’s name is not holy untilwemake it holy. Forwhat is thenameofGodinitself?

God’snameisholyinitself.17)Whatdoes“holy”mean?Holymeanspure,perfect,withoutsin.18)ButifGod’snameisholyinitself,whatdoweaskforinthispetition?Weaskthatitmaybeholyamongusalso.19)(277)“WhendoesthenameofGodbecomeholyamongusalso?”“WhenamongustheWordofGodistaughtinitstruthandpurity,andweas

thechildrenofGodleadaholylifeaccordingtoit.”20)WherehasGodrevealedhimselftous,thatis,toldusallweshould

knowaboutHimselfandHisname?IntheBible.21)Whenachildistolearn,whatmustbedoneforit?Itmustbetaught.22)Andwhenwe are to learn from theWord ofGodwhatwe should

knowaboutHim,whatmustbedonewiththisWord?ThisWordmustbetaughtus.23)Andhowmustitbetaught?Itmustbetaughtinitstruthandpurity.24)RepeatthepassageJohn17:17.“Sanctifythemthroughthytruth:thyWordistruth.”25)Accordingtothispassage,howarewesanctified,ormadeholy?ThroughGod’struth.26)Andwhattruthisheremeant?God’sWord,theholyScriptures.

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27)ButifGod’snameistobehallowedamongus,whatelseisnecessarybesidesthathisWordbetaughtinitstruthandpurity?

We,asthechildrenofGod,mustalsoleadaholylifeaccordingtoit.28)WhatarewewhobelieveGod’sWordandtrustinhisgrace?WeareHischildren.29)Towhomisthegoodbehaviorofachildanhonor?Itisanhonortoitsparents.30)Whenaboy learnswelland iswellbehavedat school,whomaybe

proudofhim?Hisparentsmaybeproudofhim.31)Yes, the father of such aboywouldbe glad to say: this ismyboy.

Whenagirlbyhermodestyandskill,herneatnessanddiligence,deservescredit,andsomeonewouldask:whosechildisshe?whoisgladtoownherasdaughter?

Herparentsaregladtodoso.32)SowhenweasthechildrenofGodleadholylives,uponwhomdoes

thisreflecthonor?ItreflectshonoronourheavenlyFather.33)Repeatthepassage.Matt.5:16.“Letyourlightsoshinebeforemen,thattheymayseeyourgoodworks,and

glorifyyourFatherwhichisinheaven.”34)Whenmenseeourgoodworks,whomwilltheyglorify?TheywillglorifyourFatherinheaven.35)Whattwothings,then,arenecessaryinorderthatthenameofGod

maybeholyamongus?God’sWordmustbepreachedinitstruthandpurityandweasHischildren

mustleadaholylifeaccordingtoit.36)(278)“Doesthislieinourpower?”“Itdoesnot;thereforewepray:‘ThisgrantusdearFatherinheaven.’”37) By nature we are rather inclined not to preachGod’sWord in its

truth and purity nor to accept it when it is thus preached. Nor are weinclined to lead a holy life according to thisWord.Whenwe see thatwealonearenotabletodoathing,whatdoweaskfor?

Weaskforhelp.38)WhoalonecanhelpushallowGod’sname?OurdearFatherinheaven.39)SowereadPhil.2:13.

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“ItisGodwhichworkethinyoubothtowillandtodoofhisgoodpleasure.”40)Readalso2Cor.3:5.“Notthatwearesufficientofourselvestothinkanythingasofourselves;but

oursufficiencyisofGod,”41)(279)“WhoprofanesthenameofGod?”“HethatteachesandlivesotherwisethanGod’sWordteaches.”42) Bywhat kind of teaching domen get a false idea ofGod andHis

name?Byfalseteaching.43)WhenachurchteachesthatGodwouldhothaveallmen,butonlya

selectfew,saved,andmenhearandbelievethisfalsedoctrine,howdoesthisreflectonthenameofGod?

ItdishonorsthenameofGod.44) So all false teaching profanes the name of God, that is, reflects

dishonoronit.Weread,forinstance,Ezek.22:26.“Herpriestshaveviolatedmylaw,andhaveprofanedmineholythings.”45)ReadalsoPs.50:16:17.“UntothewickedGodsaith,Whathastthoutodotodeclaremystatutes,or

that thou shouldst take my covenant in thy mouth? Seeing thou hatestinstruction,andcastestmywordsbehindthee.”

46) But God’s name is profaned among us not only when we teachotherwisethanGod’sWordteaches,butinwhatotherway?

WhenweliveotherwisethanGod’sWordteaches.47) When children live a wicked life, upon whom does this reflect

dishonor?Upontheirparents.48) Good children are an honor to their parents, but what are bad

children?Theyareadisgracetotheirparents.49)RepeatRom.2:23:24.“Thouthatmakestthyboastofthelaw,throughbreakingthelawdishonorest

thouGod?ForthenameofGodisblasphemedamongthegentilesthroughyou,asitiswritten.”

50)Inwhattwoways,then,isthenameofGodprofanedamongus?Byfalseteachingandawickedlife.51)(280)“Canwepreventthisbyourownpower?”“Wecannot,hencewepray:‘Fromthispreserveus,heavenlyFather.’”

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52)Bynatureweare inclined toerrorandsin.Whoalonecankeepusfrombothfalsedoctrineandawickedlife?

Godalonecandothis.53)Onthisaccount,howdoesthisquestionintheCatechismend?“Fromthispreserveus,heavenlyFather.”54)FromwhatdowehereaskGodtopreserveus?Fromfalsedoctrineandagodlesslife.

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Lesson80.TheSecondPetition.

(Questions281-286.)

1)(281)“Whichisthesecondpetition?”“Thykingdomcome.”2)(282)“Whatdoesthismean?”“ThekingdomofGodcomesindeedwithoutourprayer,ofitself,butwepray

inthispetitionthatitmaycomeuntousalso.”3)(283)“Howisthisdone?”“WhenourheavenlyFathergivesusHisHolySpirit,sothatbyHisgracewe

believe His holy Word and lead a godly life, here in time and hereafter ineternity.”

4)Whatdoesthissecondpetitiontreatof?IttreatsofthekingdomofGod.5)WherealreadydidwespeakofthekingdomofGod,orofChrist?UnderthesecondarticleoftheCreed.6)HowmanifoldisthekingdomofChrist?ThekingdomofChrististhreefold.7)WhatarethethreekingdomsofChrist?Thekingdomofpower,thekingdomofgrace,andthekingdomofglory.8)ReadthepassagePs.103:19.“TheLordhathpreparedHisthroneintheheavens;andHiskingdomruleth

overall.”9)WhatkingdomofGodisherereferredto?Thekingdomofpower.10)Overwhatdoesthiskingdomextend?Itextendsoverallcreatures.11) This kingdom of power can not be meant when we pray: “Thy

kingdomcome.”Forthiskingdomisalreadyhere,andweareallinit.WhattwootherkingdomsofGodaretherebesidesthiskingdomofpower?

Thekingdomofgraceandthekingdomofglory.12)(284)“WhatismeantinthispetitionbythekingdomofGod?”

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“His kingdom of grace and of glory. (See Question 191 together with itspassages).”

13)Turntoquestion191andtellmewhatdoesChristdoinHiskingdomofgrace?

Heprotectsandgovernsthechurch.14)AndwhatdoesHedoinHiskingdomofglory?HeforeverlivesandtriumphswithHissaintsinheaven.15)RepeatCol.1:12-14.“GivethanksuntotheFather,whichhathmadeusmeettobepartakersofthe

inheritance of the saints in light: who hath delivered us from the power ofdarkness,andhathtranslatedusintothekingdomofHisdearSon:inwhomwehaveredemptionthroughHisblood,eventheforgivenessofsin.”

16) The kingdom of grace is the church on earth and the kingdom ofglory is the church in heaven. By nature we are under what power,accordingtothispassage?

Weareunderthepowerofdarkness.17)ButwhenwebecameChristiansinBaptismweweredeliveredfrom

whatpower,orkingdom?Fromthekingdomofdarkness.18)Andweweretranslated,orputoverinto,whatkingdom?IntothekingdomofHisdearSon,intoChrist’skingdom.19)Yes,throughfaithweweremademembersoftheChristianChurch.

ThisisthekingdomreferredtoinLuke12:32.“Fear not, little flock; for it is yourFather’s goodpleasure to give you the

kingdom.”20)WhatdoestheCatechismsayaboutthecomingofGod’skingdom?“ThekingdomofGodcomesindeedwithoutourprayer.”21)Thatis,theChurchwithitsblessingsishereonearth,andwillbein

heaven,whetherweprayforitscomingornot.TherewillbeChristiansonearth and saints in heaven even if we are not among them; but what,accordingtotheCatechism,doweprayforinthispetition?

ThatthekingdomofGod“maycometousalso.”22)Yes,orthatwemaycomeintothiskingdomofGod.Andwhenarewe

inthekingdom?WhenwebelieveontheSavior.23)(285)“WhendoesGod’skingdomcometousalso?”“WhenourheavenlyFathergivesusHisHolySpirit.”

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24)WhoaremembersofthekingdomofGod,oroftheChurch?Alltruebelievers.25)SincewhenarewemembersoftheChurch?Sincewewerebaptized.26)Repeatthepassage,Mark16:16.“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not

shallbedamned.”27)What, then, isnecessary inorder thatwemaybecomemembersof

thekingdomofGodandbesaved?Faithisnecessary.28)Whoalonecanworkthisfaithinus?TheHolyGhost.29)ThisHedoes inBaptismaswe see fromJohn3:5.“Verily,verily, I

sayunto thee,exceptamanbebornofwaterandof theSpirit,hecannotenterintothekingdomofGod.”

30)WhatdoestheexplanationofthethirdarticleofthecreedsayabouttheworkoftheHolyGhostinus?

“IbelievethatIcannotbymyownreasonandstrengthbelieveinJesusChristmy Lord or come to Him, but the Holy Ghost has called me by the Gospel,enlightenedmewithHisgifts,sanctifiedandkeptmeinthetruefaith.”

31)Whosework, then, is it whenwe are brought into the kingdom ofGodbyfaith?

ItistheworkoftheHolyGhost.32)(286)“HowdoestheHolyGhostbringGod’skingdomtous?”“Heenablesus,byHisgrace,tobelieveHisholyWordandleadagodlylife,

hereintimeandhereafterineternity.”33)ThekingdomofGodcomestouswhenwearemademembersofthe

Church.Andwhat isnecessaryonourpart inorder thatwemaybecomeandremainmembersofthechurch?

WemustbelieveHisholyWord.34)AndhowarewebroughttobelieveHisholyWord?ByHisgrace.35)Andwhatkindoflifemustfollowsuchfaith?Agodlylife.36)RepeatPs.119:38.“StablishThyWorduntoThyservant,whoisdevotedtoThyfear.”

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37)Bybeingrootedandgrounded in theWordofGodwearebroughtandkeptinthekingdomofGod.ReadalsoRom.14:17.18.

“ForthekingdomofGodisnotmeatanddrink;butrighteousness,andpeaceandjoyintheHolyGhost.ForhethatinthesethingsservethChristisacceptabletoGod,andapprovedofmen”

38)ThekingdomofGoddoesnotconsist inoutward things,but in thespiritanddispositionoftheheart.Itcomestous,orwearebroughtintoit,whentheHolyGhostworksinusfaith,righteousness,peaceandjoy.AstheSavioralsosaysLuke17:20:21.

“WhenHewasdemandedofthePharisees,whenthekingdomofGodshouldcome He answered them and said: the kingdom of God cometh not withobservation: neither shall they say. Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, thekingdomofGodiswithinyou.”

39)Butweprayforthecoming,notonlyofthekingdomofgrace,butofwhatotherkingdom?

Ofthekingdomofglory.40) In the explanation of the second article of the creed we say that

ChristredeemedusthatwemightliveunderHiminhiskingdomandserveHim,how?

Ineverlastingrighteousness,innocenceandblessedness.41)Yes,weare tobelieveHisholyWordand leadagodly lifenotonly

hereintimebutwhere?Hereafterineternity.42) We look forward to the coming of that blessed time when the

kingdomofgraceshallbechangedintothekingdomofglory,asSt.Pauldidwhenhewrote2Tim.4:18.

“TheLordshalldelivermefromeveryevilwork,andwillpreservemeuntoHisheavenlykingdom.”

43) This is the blessed hope ofGod’s children, and for this they pray.Those who refuse to believe God’sWork and to lead a godly life cannotenterthekingdomofGodnorremaininit,norcantheyhopetoenterintothekingdomofglory,aswelearnfromRom.2:23.24.

“Thouthatmakestthyboastofthelaw,throughbreakingthelawdishonorestthouGod.ForthenameofGodisblasphemedamongtheGentilesthroughyou.”

44)Inprayingthispetitionwethinknotonlyofourselvesbutofothers.WewouldhaveGod’skingdomcomenotonlytousbuttoallmen.WhatdidJesussaytoPeter,Luke22:32.

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“Whenthouartconverted,strengthenthybrethren.”45) When Peter would himself have arisen from his sad fall through

repentanceheshouldhelpandbeofservicetohisbrethrenthattheymightbe strengthened and kept in the faith.What does St. James say, chapter5:19-20?

“Brethren,ifanyofyoudoerrfromthetruth,andoneconverthim;lethimknow thathewhichconvertetha sinner from theerrorofhiswayshall saveasoulfromdeathandshallhideamultitudeofsins.”

46)Weshouldallbeinterestedinthesavingofsouls.Thereisnogreaterworkonearththantheworkofsavingimmortalsouls.Andoh,howmanyunsaved souls there are in the world! Not only among the heathen whoknownotGodandthewayofsalvation,butevenhereinourowncountrythere are thousands who have drifted away from the Church and aredeprivedofitsblessings.WhatdoesSt.Jamesinthispassagesayofanyonewhoshallconvertasinnerfromtheerrorofhisway?

Heshallsaveasoulfromdeath.47)WecannothonestlypraythatthekingdomofGodmaycometoour

fellowmen if we are not willing to work for its coming. Repeat what theSaviorsays,Matt.9:37:38.

“Then saith He unto His disciples, the harvest truly is plenteous, but thelaborers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, thatHewill sendforthlaborersintohisharvest.”

48)WhatdowecallthegreatworkofpreachingtheGospeltothosewhoarewithoutitsblessings?

Wecallittheworkofmissions.49)WhenJesuslookedattheworlditappearedlikeagreatharvestfield.

Whenafieldisreadytobeharvested,whatisneeded?Hands,reapers,areneeded.50)AndaccordingtoJesus’words,wherearethesetocomefrom?TheLordmustsendthem.51)Andwhatarewetodo?WearetopraytheLordtosendthem.52)Yes,andwecandomore.SupposeHewantstosenduswhatshould

wedo?Weshouldgo.53)And supposeHewants to send one of our friendswhohas not the

moneytoeducatehimselffortheGospelministrysoastobecomealaborer

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intheLord’svineyard,whatshouldwedo?Weshouldhelpfurnishhimwiththemeans.54)Sothispetition:“Thykingdomcome”directsustotakeaninterestin

whatgreatwork?Inthegreatworkofmissions.

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Lesson81.TheThirdPetition.

(Questions287-295.)

1)(287)“Whichisthethirdpetition?”“Thywillbedoneonearthasitisinheaven.”2)(288)“Whatdoesthismean?”“ThegoodandgraciouswillofGodisdone indeedwithoutourprayer;but

weprayinthispetitionthatitmaybedoneamongusalso.”3)(289)"Howisthisdone?“WhenGodbreaksandhinderseveryevilcounselandwillwhichwouldnot

let us hallowGod’s name nor let His kingdom come, such as the will of thedevil,theworldandourflesh;butstrengthensandpreservesussteadfastinHisWordandfaithuntoourend.ThisisHisgraciousandgoodwill.”

4)Whatdoesthispetitiontreatof?IttreatsofthewillofGod.5)WhatkindofwillisthewillofGod,accordingtoLuther’sanswerin

question288?Itisagraciousandgoodwill.6) God is good and what He wills cannot but be good and right. He

governs theworldaccordingtoHisownwill,and in thisnoonecanresistHim.Hiswillisdoneinnaturewhetherweprayornot,andHiswillisgoodwhetherweseeitornot.ButtheCatechismspeaksnotonlyofthegoodwillofGodbutofwhatotherwill?

Ofthegraciouswill.7)WherehasGodrevealedHiswilltous,thatis,whatHewantsUStodo

andwhatnottodo?IntheScriptures.8)Inwhatpart,oftheCatechismdidwetreatofthis?Inthefirstchiefpart,thetencommandments.9)What hasGod threatened to dowith thosewho transgressHis holy

will?Hehasthreatenedtopunishthem.

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10)WhathasGod,however,promised todowith the sinsof thosewhorepent?

Hehaspromisedtoforgivethem.11)Yes,Heiswillingtoforgive,andonthataccounthiswilliswhatkind

ofwill?Itisagraciouswill.12)Whenakingpardonshis enemies,andbestowsallmannerofgood

uponthem,whatkindofkingishe?Heisagraciousking.13)Read John 6:40, and let us see from itwhat is the graciouswill of

God.“This isthewillofHimthatsentme,thateveryonewhichseeththeSon,andbelievethonHim,mayhaveeverlasting life:andIwillraisehimupatthelastday.”

14)InJohn3:16,wehaveanotherveryfinedescriptionof thegraciouswillofGod.Whocanrepeatthisbeautifulpassage?

“Godsolovedtheworld,thatHegavehisonlybegottenSon,thatwhosoeverbelievethinhimshouldnotperish,buthaveeverlastinglife.”

15) Even in the Old Testament this gracious will of God was clearlyrevealed,aswesee fromEzek.33:11.“AsI live, saith theLord, Ihavenopleasureinthedeathofthewicked;butthatthewickedturnfromhiswayandlive:turnye,turnyefromyourevilways;forwhywillyedie,OhouseofIsrael?”

16)HowdoestheApostlePauldescribethewillofGodin1Tim.2:4?“Whowillhaveallmentobesaved,andtocomeuntotheknowledgeofthe

truth.”17)HowdoesSt.PeterdescribethewillofGod,2Peter3:9?“TheLordisnotslackconcerninghispromise,assomemencountslackness;

but is long-suffering tousward,notwilling that any shouldperish,but that allshouldcometorepentance.”

18)(290)“WhatdoweunderstandinthispetitionbythewillofGod?”“That his name be hallowed and his kingdom come; or, that we remain

steadfastinHisWordandfaithuntoourend.”19)How,accordingtoquestion277,isthenameofGodhallowed?“WhenamongustheWordofGodistaughtinitstruthandpurity,andweas

thechildrenofGodalsoleadaholylifeaccordingtoit.”20)Andhow,accordingtoquestion283.doesHiskingdomcome?

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“WhenourheavenlyFathergivesushisHolySpirit,sothatbyhisgracewebelieve His holy Word and lead a godly life here in time and hereafter ineternity.”

21)God’swillisnotonlythatwebelieveHisholyWord,butwhatelseisHiswill?

Hiswillisalsothatweleadagodlylife.22)Thisweseefrom1Thes.4:3.“ThisisthewillofGod.evenyoursanctification.”23)(291)“Whatdoweaccordinglyhereprayfor?”“ThatGod’sgoodandgraciouswillbedoneamongusalso.”24)How,accordingtoquestion288,isGod’swilldone?“ThegoodandgraciouswillofGodisdoneindeedwithoutourprayer.”25)Thatis,Godwilldoashepleasesingoverningtheworld,whetherwe

prayornot,andtherewillbesomepeoplewhobelieveHisholyWordandlead a godly life, whether we do or not, then what do we ask for in thispetition?

ThatthewillofGodmaybedoneamongusalso.26)(292)“Whenisthisdone?”“WhenGodbreaksandhinderseveryevilcounselandwillwhichwouldnot

letushallowGod’snamenorletHiskingdomcome.”27)ItisGod’swillthatwebelieveontheLordJesusChristandbesaved,

butwhoalonecanworksuchfaithinus?TheHolyGhost.28)ThisweseefromPhil.2:13.“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good

pleasure.”29)ReadalsoJer.31:18,thelatterhalf.“TurnthoumeandIshallbeturned;forthouarttheLordmyGod.”30)AlsoPs.51:10.“Createinmeacleanheart,OGod,andrenewarightspiritwithinme.”31)AlsoPs.143:10.“Teachmetodothywill;forthouartmyGod:thyspiritisgood;leadmeinto

thelandofuprightness.”32)ThisisGod’sgoodandgraciouswill,butwhatotherwillistherethat

isnotagraciousandgoodwill?Thereisalsoanevilcounselandwill.33)(293)“Whohassuchanevilcounselandwill?”

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“Thedevil,theworld,andourflesh.”34)WehaveseenthatitisthewillofGodthatwebelieveHisholyWord

andbesaved.Butwhatisthedevil’swill?JusttheoppositeofGod’swill.Thatwedonotbelieveandarelost.35)Read1Peter5:8.“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion,

walkethabout,seekingwhomhemaydevour.”36)Hetemptsus todocontrarytoGod’swilland.word.Canyougive

meanexampleofsuchtemptation?Ourfirstparentsinparadise.HealsotemptedtheSaviorinthewilderness.37)Now let us see from James 4:7.whatwe should dowhen the devil

thustemptsus.“SubmityourselvesthereforetoGod.Resistthedevil,andhewillfleefrom

you.”38)Nowwhoisinleaguewiththedevilinthisevilcouncilandwill?Theworld.39)Bythisismeantthewickedpeopleintheworld.Read1John2:15-17.“Lovenottheworld,neitherthethingsthatareintheworld.Ifanymanlove

theworld,theloveoftheFatherisnotinhim.Forallthatisintheworld,thelustoftheflesh,andthelustoftheeyes,andtheprideoflife,isnotoftheFather,butis of theworld.And theworld passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he thatdoeththewillofGodabidethforever.”

40)WhatelseisopposedtoourdoingGod’swillbesidesthedevilfindtheworld?

Ourownflesh.41)ReadGen.4:7.“Ifthoudoestwell,shaltthounotbeaccepted?Andifthoudoestnotwell,sin

liethatthedoor:anduntotheeshallbehisdesire,andthoushaltruleoverhim.”42)HereGodwarnedCain against sin, that is, against thewickedness

andhatredinhisownheart.ThiswasCain’sflesh,thesinfulnessofhisownnature. This flesh was opposed to doing the will of God, and in favor ofdoingthedevil’swill.ReadalsoRom.8:7.

“Because thecarnalmind isenmityagainstGod: for it Isnotsubject to thelawofGod,neitherindeedcanbe.”

43)Nowwhatmustbedonewith thisevilcounselandwillof thedevil,theworldandourfleshifGod’swillistobedone?

Thisevilwillmustbebrokenandhindered.

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44)Andwhoalonecanbreakandhinderthisevilcounselandwill?Godalonecandoit.45)(294)“InwhatmannerdoesGodbreakandhinderthisevilcounsel

andwill?”“He strengthens and preserves us steadfast inHisWord and faith unto our

end.”46)LetusseehowthiswasdoneinthecaseofSimonPeter.ReadLuke

22:31:32.“TheLordsaid,Simon,Simon,behold,Satanhathdesiredtohaveyou,that

hemaysiftyouaswheat:butIhaveprayedforthee,thatthyfaithfailnot:andwhenthouartconverted,strengthenthybrethren.”

47)Repeat1John5:4.“WhatsoeverisbornofGodovercomeththeworld:andthisisthevictorythat

overcomeththeworld,evenourfaith.”48)Byprayerand faithwemayovercome theworld, the fleshand the

devil.Ourfaithisthevictorythatovercomeththeworld,andwhoisitthatkindlesandpreservesthisfaith?

ItisGod.49)Nowletusseehowthewillofthefleshmustbebrokenandhindered.

ReadRom.8:13:14.“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die; but if ye through the spirit do

mortifythedeedsofthebody,yeshalllive.ForasmanyasareledbytheSpiritofGodtheyarethesonsofGod.”

50)ThatGodalonemustworkandpreservefaithweseefromPhil.1:6.“Beingconfidentofthisverything,thatHewhichhathbegunagoodworkin

youwillperformituntilthedayofJesusChrist.”51)Readalso1Thes.5:23.“AndtheveryGodofpeacesanctifyyouwholly;andIprayGodyourwhole

spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of ourLordJesusChrist.”

52)Butthefaithbywhichwearekeptuntosalvationisnotadeadbutalivingfaith,afaiththatshowsitselfbyworks,asweseefromGal.5:6.

“InJesusChristneithercircumcisionavailethanything,noruncircumcision;butfaithwhichworkethbylove.”

53)AsChristians,God’sdear children,we should cheerfully submit toHiswillinallthings.HerulesandordersourlifeaccordingtoHiswisdom,

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forourgood.GodknowsbestwhatISgoodforus.HowdoweexpressoursubmissiontoHiswillinthispetition?

Bysaying:Thywillbedone.54)OfthissubmissiontheSaviorhimselfgaveusthebestexample.Read

Matt.26:39.“OmyFather,ifitbepossible,letthiscuppassfromme:neverthelessnotas

Iwill,butasthouwilt.”55)WhatdoestheSaviorsay,Luke9:23?“Hesaidtothemall,ifanymanwillcomeafterme,lethimdenyhimself,and

takeuphiscrossdaily,andfollowme.”56) Following the Savior is not an easy matter. The world persecuted

HimandwhatmustweexpectifwefaithfullyfollowHim?Thattheworldwillalsopersecuteus.57)(295)“Whydoweadd:OnearthasItisinheaven?”“ThatwemaytakeexampleoftheholyangelsanddothewillofGodgladly

andcheerfully.”58)WhodoesthewillofGodinheaven?Theangelsandsaints.59)RepeatPs.103:21.“BlessyetheLord,allyehishosts;yeministersofhisthatdohispleasure.”60)TheangelsandsaintsdothewillofGodnotbycompulsion,buthow?Cheerfullyandwillingly.61)Andtheydoitnotimperfectly,buthow?Theydoitperfectly.62)AndsoweaskGodtohelpushowtodothewillofGod?Todoitwillinglyandperfectly.

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Lesson82.TheFourthPetition.

(Questions296-304.)

1)(296)“Whichisthefourthpetition?”“Giveusthisdayourdailybread.”2)(297)“Whatdoesthismean?”“Godgivesdailybreadindeedwithoutourprayer,alsotothewicked;butwe

prayinthispetitionthatHewouldleadustoknowandtoreceiveourdailybreadwiththanksgiving.”

3)(298)“Whatismeantbydailybread?”“Everythingthatbelongstothesupportandwantsofthebody;suchasfood,

drink,clothing,shoes,house,home,fields,cattle,money,goods,apiousspouse,piouschildren,piousservants,piousandfaithfulrulers,goodgovernment,goodweather, peace, health, discipline, honor, good friends, faithful neighbors, andthelike.”

4)Whatisthesubjectofthispetition?Dailybread.5)Inthefirstthreepetitionsweaskedforspiritualblessings,whatdowe

askforinthisfourthpetition?Forbodilyblessings.6)Why, according to the first part of answer 298, do we need bodily

blessings?Weneedthemforthesupportandwantsofthebody.7)WhydoestheSaviorplacethepetitionsforspiritualblessingsfirst?Becausetheyarethemostnecessary.8)TheSaviorhimselftellsusthisinMatt.6:33.“Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these

thingsshallbeaddeduntoyou.”9)Andyetwehavenotonlysouls,butalsobodiesthatmustbecaredfor.

In this fourth petition we ask God to remember our bodily wants. Inquestion 298 some of the things necessary for our bodily welfare arementioned.Whatdoweneedwhenwearehungryandthirsty?

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Weneedfoodanddrink.10)Whatdoweneedtoprotectusfromcold?Weneedclothingandshoes.11)Whatdoweneedforshelter?Weneedhouseandhome.12)Whatdoweneedtogrowfoodandclothing?Weneedfieldsandcattle.13)Whatdoweneedtobuyorgiveinexchangeforwhatwewant?Weneedmoneyandgoods.14)Becauseitisnotgoodformantobealone,whatdoweneedinorder

tobehappyinthefamily?Weneedapiousspouse,piouschildren,andpiousservants.15)Andwhatdoweneedforourpublicwelfareinthestate?Weneedpiousandfaithfulrulersandgoodgovernment.16) And what other things are here mentioned as necessary for our

bodilywelfare?Good weather, peace, health, discipline, honor, good friends, faithful

neighborsandthelike.17)InwhatsingleworddoestheSaviorintheLord’sPrayerincludeall

this?Intheword“bread”.18)Whatisthecommonestarticleoffoodonourtables?Itisbread.19)(299)“WhydowehereaskGodonlyfordailybread?”“Becausewearetobecontentwithourdailybread,orwithwhatbelongsto

thesupportandwantsofthebody.”20)Bread is very ordinary food. It is not a luxurybut a necessity.We

couldmissanythingelsefromourtablesratherthanbread.AndhowshouldwefeelaboutitwhenGodsuppliesuswithplain,commonfood?

Weshouldbecontent.21)RepeatProv.30:7-9.“TwothingshaveIrequiredofthee;denymethemnotbeforeIdie:Remove

far frommevanityand lies:givemeneitherpovertynor riches; feedmewithfoodconvenientforme:LestIbefull,anddenyThee,andsay,WhoistheLord?orlestIbepoor,andsteal,andtakethenameofmyGodinvain,”

22)WhatdoesSolomonhereaskGodnottogivehim?HeasksGodtogivehimneitherpovertynorriches.

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23)ButwhatdoesheaskofGod?“Feedmewithfoodconvenientforme.”24)That is,givemewhatIreallyneed,neithermorenorless.Repeat1

Tim.6:6-10.“Godlinesswithcontentmentisgreatgain.Forwebroughtnothingintothis

world,anditiscertainwecancarrynothingout.Andhavingfoodandraimentletusbetherewithcontent.Buttheythatwillberichfallintotemptationandasnare,andintomanyfoolishandhurtfullusts,whichdrownmenindestructionandperdition.For the loveofmoney is the rootofall evil:whichwhile somecoveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves throughwithmanysorrows.”

25)What,shouldwebecontentwith?Weshouldbecontentwithfoodandraiment.26) In John 6:1-13, we have the story of how Jesus fed the hungry

multitude.Whatdidhegivethemtoeat?Hegavethembarleybreadandfish.27)Thiswasplainfood,buttherewasplentyofit.Readthe12thverse.“When theywerefilled,hesaiduntohisdisciples,Gatherup thefragments

thatremain,thatnothingbelost.”28)(300)“Whydowesaythisday?”“Becausewearenottobeanxiouslyconcernedforthemorrow.”29)TheSaviorteachesustosay,not:giveusthisweek,northismonth,

northisyear,ourdailybread,butwhatdoesheteachustosay?Heteachesustosay:Giveusthisdayourdailybread.30)Whatarewenottobeanxiouslyconcernedabout?Abouttomorrow.31)No,forifGodgivesuswhatweneedtoday,weshouldtrustHimtodo

thesametomorrow.RepeatMatt.6:34.“Takethereforenothoughtforthemorrow:forthemorrowshalltakethought

forthethingsofitself.Sufficientuntothedayistheevilthereof.”32)Readalsothe24thand33rdversesofthesamechapter.“Nomancanservetwomasters:foreitherhewillhatetheone,andlovethe

other;orelsehewillholdtotheone,anddespisetheother...ButseekyefirstthekingdomofGodandhis righteousness;andall these thingsshallbeaddeduntoyou.”

33)Whyshouldweborrowtrouble,andworryoverwhatthefuturemaybring?Towhomshouldweleavethefuture?

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WeshouldleaveittoGod.34)All ourworryingwill accomplishnothing. It isnotonly foolishbut

sinfultoworryoverthefuture,asweseefromPs.127:1-2.“ExcepttheLordbuildthehouse,theylaborinvainthatbuildit:exceptthe

Lordkeepthecity,thewatchmanwatchethbutinvain.Itisvainforyoutoriseupearly,tosituplate,toeatthebreadofsorrows:forsohegivethhisbelovedsleep.”

35)(302)“WhydowepraythatGodshouldgiveusourdailybread?”“BecausewemustreceiveallthatweneedfromourkindFatherinheaven.”36)RepeatwhatiswrittenJames1:17.“Everygoodgiftandeveryperfectgiftisfromaboveandcomethdownfrom

theFatheroflights,withwhomisnovariablenessneithershadowofturning.”37)RepeatPs.145:15:16.“The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due

season.Thouopenestthinehandandsatisfiestthedesireofeverylivingthing.”38)AndwhatinducesGodtogiveusallthatweneed?Hedoesitoutofloveandmercy.39) How does Luther express this in the concluding words of his

explanationofthefirstarticleofthecreed?“All thispurelyoutof fatherlyanddivinegoodnessandmercywithoutany

meritorworthinessinme.”40)Read1Cor.4:7.“Whomakeththeetodifferfromanother?Andwhathastthouthatthoudidst

notreceive?Nowif thoudidstreceiveit,whydost thouglory,as if thouhadstnotreceivedit?”

41)(303)“TowhomevendoesGodgivetheirdailybread?”“Godgivesdailybreadindeedwithoutourprayer,alsotoailthewicked.”42)RepeatMatt.5:45.“ThatyemaybechildrenofyourFatherwhichis inheaven:forhemaketh

hissuntoriseontheevilandonthegood,andsendethrainonthejustandontheunjust.”

43)ReadalsoPs.17:13:14.“Arise, O Lord, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the

wicked,whichisthysword:Frommenwhicharethyhand,OLord,frommenoftheworld,whichhavetheirportioninthislife,andwhosebellythoufillestwiththyhidtreasure:theyarefullofchildren,andleavetherestoftheirsubstancetotheirbabes.”

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44)AlsoPs.73:12.“Behold these are the ungodly, who prosper in theworld: they increase in

riches.”45)Yes,GodissograciousthatHeevenblessesthewickedwiththegood

thingsofthislife,althoughtheydespisethespiritualblessingsoftheworldtocome.Theyaresatisfiedtoenjoythepleasuresofthefleshinthisworldand carenothing forheavenand its treasures.Thiswas the casewith therichman.ReadwhatAbrahamsaidtohim,Luke16:25.

“Abrahamsaid: son remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thygoodthingsand likewiseLazarusevil things:butnowhe iscomforted,and thouarttormented.”

46)ReadalsoJer.5:23-24.“This people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart; they are revolted and

gone. Neither say they in their heart, let us now fear the Lord our God, thatgivethrain,boththeformerandthelatter,inhisseason:hereservethuntoustheappointedweeksoftheharvest.”

47)(304)“WhythendowepraytoGodforit?”“That He would lead us to know, and to receive our daily bread with

thanksgiving.”48)WhomustleadustoknowthatourdailybreadcomesfromHim?Godmustdoit.49)Read2Cor.3:5.“Notthatwearesufficientofourselvestothinkanythingasofourselves;but

oursufficiencyisofGod.”50)GodhimselfmustopenoureyestoseeHisgoodness.Andhowshould

wereceiveourdailybread?Weshouldreceiveitwiththanksgiving.51)RepeatPs.50:23.“Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his

conversationarightwillIshewthesalvationofGod.”52)WhentheLordcleansed the ten lepers,howmanyreturned togive

thanks?ReadLuke17:17:18.“Jesusansweringsaid,weretherenottencleansed?Butwherearethenine?

TherearenotfoundthatreturnedtogiveglorytoGod,savethisstranger.”53) We pray: Give us this day our daily bread. We ask for our own

bread, thebreadwhichGodgivesus throughthe laborofourownhands.RepeatPs.128:1-2.

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“BlessediseveryonethatfeareththeLord;thatwalkethinhisways.Forthoushalteatthelaborofthinehands:happyshaltthoube,anditshallbewellwiththee.”

54)WhatGodgivesweshouldthankfullyreceiveandnotdespiseasweseefrom1Tim.4:3-5.

“Forbidding tomarry, and commanding to abstain frommeats, whichGodhathcreatedtobereceivedwiththanksgivingofthemwhichbelieveandknowthetruth.ForeverycreatureofGodisgood,andnothingtoberefused,ifitbereceivedwiththanksgiving.”

55)Whenweaskforourdailybreadwethinknotonlyofourselvesbutof others.We ask that Godmay especially remember the poor. Read Ps.132:15.

“Iwillabundantlyblessherprovision:Iwillsatisfyherpoorwithbread.”56)AlsoPs.37:25.“I have been young and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous

forsaken,norhisseedbeggingbread.”57)AlsoPs.33:15-19.“BeholdtheeyeoftheLordisuponthemthatfearhim,uponthemthathope

inhismercy;todelivertheirsoulfromdeath,andtokeepthemaliveinfamine.”

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Lesson83.TheFifthPetition.

(Questions305-311.)

1)(305)“Whichisthefifthpetition?”“Forgiveusourtrespassesasweforgivethosewhotrespassagainstus.”2)(306)“Whatdoesthismean?”“WeprayinthispetitionthatourFatherinheavenwouldnotlookuponour

sins,norontheiraccountdenytheseourpetitions;forweareworthyofnoneofthethingsforwhichwepray,neitherhavewedeservedthem;butthatHewouldgrantthemalltousbygrace;forwedailysinmuch,andindeeddeservenothingbutpunishment.Wewillalsoheartilyforgiveandreadilydogoodtothosewhosinagainstus.”

3)Whatdoesthispetitiontreatof?Ittreatsoftrespasses.4)(307)“Whatdoweunderstandherebyourtrespasses?”“Alloursins.(CompareQuestions125-128.)”5)Turntoquestion123.andtellmewhatissin?Siniseverytransgressionofthedivinelaw.6)Tellmefromquestion125ofhowmanykindsissin?Two.originalandactual.7)Whatisoriginalsin?Question126.Itistheutterdepravityofthewholehumannaturewhichsince

thefallofAdamisinborninallmen.8)Andwhatisactualsin?Question128.Allthatisdonecontrarytothetencommandmentsinthought,

wordanddeed.9)Tellmefromquestion129:Whataretheconsequencesofsin?God is thereby most deeply offended and moved to temporal and eternal

punishment.10)(308)“Whatdoweprayforinthispetition?”“ThatourFatherinheavenwouldnotlookuponoursins,norontheiraccount

denytheseourpetitions.”

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11) IfGod lookedupon our sins, that is, remembered themagainst us,whatwouldHehavetodo?

Hewouldhavetopunishus.12)AndifHelookeduponoursins,whatwouldHehavetodowithall

ourpetitions?Hewouldhavetodenythem.13)(309)“Whyisthisnecessary?”“Becauseweareworthyofnoneofthethingsforwhichwepray,neitherhave

wedeservedthem.”14)WeareworthyofnoneofGod’sgifts,asweseefromGen.32:10.“Iamnotworthyof the leastofall themercies,andofall the truth,which

thouhastshoweduntothyservant;forwithmystaffIpassedoverthisJordan;andnowIambecometwobands.”

15)Wehavedeservedno good thing, but on account of ourmany sinswhathavewedeserved?

Wehavedeservednothingbutpunishment.16)(310)“Whymustweacknowledgethis?”“Becausewedailysinmuchandindeeddeservenothingbutpunishment.”17)Whatdowehereacknowledgewithregardtooursins?Thatwedailysinmuch.18)Howdowecometoaknowledgeofourmanysins?Bystudyingthetencommandments.19) Give me a Scripture passage from which we see that we get this

knowledgebythelaw?Rom.3:20.“Bythelawistheknowledgeofsin.”20)Inwhatthreedifferentwaysisactualsincommitted?Inthoughts,wordsanddeeds.21)WehavenotonlydonewhatGodhas forbidden,but inwhatother

wayhavewesinned?WehavefailedtodowhatGodhascommanded.22)Whenwe confess our sinsbeforeGod,we shouldnot only thinkof

thosesinswhichweknow,butevenofthosewedonotknow,asweseefromPs.19:12.

“Whocanunderstandhiserrors?cleansethoumefromsecretfaults.”23)Yes,andweshouldnotonlyconfessouractualsins.Butwhatother

sin?Weshouldalsoconfessoriginalsin.Wearebornsinners.

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24)ButwhatdowehopeforwhenweconfessoursinsbeforeGod?Wehopeforforgiveness.25)Andwehavereasontohopeforforgiveness,asweseefromPs.130:3-

4."Ifthou,OLord,shouldestmarkiniquities,OLord,whoshallstand?Butthereisforgivenesswiththee,thatthoumayestbefeared."26)AndagainPs.32:5.“Iacknowledgedmysinuntothee,andmineiniquityhaveInothid.IsaidI

willconfessmytransgressionuntotheLord;andthouforgavest theiniquityofmysin.”

27)Readalsothepassage,Micah7:18:19.“Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the

transgressionoftheremnantofhisheritage?Heretainethnothisangerforever,because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassionuponus;hewillsubdueour iniquities;andthouwiltcastall theirsins into thedepthsofthesea.”

28)ButhowcanGod forgive sinwhenhehas threatened topunish it?Forwhosesakeishewillingtoforgivesin?

ForChrist’ssake.29)WhatdidChristdothatGodshouldbewillingtoforgivesinforhis

sake?Hesufferedanddiedforus.30)Yes, thepunishmentofoursinswas laiduponHim.WhatdidJohn

theBaptistcallJesus?John1:29.“ThenextdayJohnseethJesuscominguntohimandsaith,BeholdtheLamb

ofGod,whichtakethawaythesinoftheworld.”31)Readalso1John2:1-2.“Mylittlechildren,thesethingsIwriteuntoyou,thatyesinnot.AndIfany

mansin,wehaveanadvocatewiththeFather,JesusChristtherighteous:andHeisthepropitiationforoursins:andnotforoursonly,butalsoforthesinsofthewholeworld.”

32)InwhomdoweputourconfidencewhenwehereaskGodtoforgiveusourtrespassesorsins?

WeputourconfidenceinJesusChristourSavior.33) Now let us see howGod answers this petition.Which are the two

chiefdoctrinesortheWordofGod?TheLawandtheGospel.

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34)InthelawGodthreatenstopunishsin,butwhatdoesHeofferusintheGospel?

Heoffersustheforgivenessofsins.35)WhenweheartheGospelpreached,ofwhatareweassured?Weareassuredoftheforgivenessofsins.36)ThisGospel,orthisdeclarationofforgiveness,comestousnotonly

inthepublicpreaching,butinthewordofabsolution,inBaptismandintheLord’s Supper. This is God’s way of answering our prayer for theforgiveness of sins. And how should we regard God’s declaration offorgivenesswhenwehearitintheGospel?

Weshouldbelieveit.37)Thisfifthpetitionwemightcallthemostimportantofalltheseven.

Andwhyistheforgivenessofsinssonecessary?Becausewecannotbesavedwithoutit.38)WhichattributeinGodisitthatmakesHimwillingtoforgivesins?Hismercy.39)ForwhosesakeisitpossiblethatGodshouldforgivesins?ForChrist’ssake.40)Howisthisforgivenessdeclaredtous?ThroughtheGospel.41)Howshouldweregardthisdeclarationofforgivenesswhenwehear

it?Weshouldbelieveit.42)(311)“Whydoweadd:Asweforgivethosewhotrespassagainstus?”“Becausewecanhavenofaith,andthereforealsonoforgivenessofoursins,

ifwedonotalsoheartilyforgiveandwillinglydogoodtothosewhosinagainstus.”

43)Whatdoweherepromisetowardthosewhosinagainstus?Wepromisetoforgivethem.44)Andhowshouldweforgivethem?Weshouldforgivethemheartily.45)Yes,notonlywiththelipsbutfromtheheart,forsoGodhasforgiven

us.Andifwesoforgive,whatwillwedotothosewhosinagainstus?Wewilldogoodtothem.46)Andhowwillwedothemgood?Wewillwillinglydothemgood.

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47)Yes,itwillbeapleasuretodothemgood.Butsupposeamanisnotreadytoforgive,nortodogoodtothosewhosinagainsthim,whatdoesthatshowwithreferencetohisfaith?

Itshowsthathehasnofaith.48)Oratleastthathisfaithisnotoftherightkind,thatitisdead.This

kindoffaithisdescribedinJames2:17.“Evensofaith,ifithathnotworks,isdead,beingalone.”49)Read alsowhat the Savior says of the poor penitentwoman, Luke

7:47.“Wherefore I say unto thee, her sinswhich aremany, are forgiven; for she

lovedmuch:buttowhomlittleisforgiven,thesamelovethlittle.”50)RepeatalsoPs.119:32.“Iwillrunthewayofthycommandments,whenthoushaltenlargemyheart.”51)Readalso1John4:11and19.“Beloved,ifGodsolovedus,weoughtalsotoloveoneanother.”“Welove

himbecausehefirstlovedus.”52)Also1John3:14.“We know that we have passed from death unto life, becausewe love the

brethren.Hethatlovethnothisbrotherabidethindeath.”53)Where aman is not willing to forgive, there is no love toward his

fellowman,butwherethereisnolovetowardmenthereisnolovetowardGod,andwherethereisnolovetoGodthereisnofaithandwhatdoesourquestion311saywherethereisnofaith?

Thereisnoforgivenessofsins.54)Ifwedonot forgiveoneanother,Godwillnot forgiveus,aswesee

fromMatt.5:23-26.“Ifthoubringthygifttothealtar,andthererememberestthatthybrotherhath

aughtagainstthee;leavetherethygiftbeforethealtar,andgothyway;firstbereconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Agree with thineadversary quickly, while thou art in the way with him; lest at any time theadversarydelivertheetothejudge,andthejudgedelivertheetotheofficer,andthoubecastintoprison.VerilyIsayuntothee,thoushaltbynomeanscomeoutthence,tillthouhastpaidtheuttermostfarthing.”

55) InMatt. 18:28-35, we have the parable of the unmerciful servant.Whenhewouldnotforgivehisfellow-servantwhatdidhisLorddotohim,verse34?

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“HisLordwaswroth,anddeliveredhimtothetormentors,tillheshouldpayallthatwasdueuntohim.”

56)ReadalsoLuke6:36-38.“Beyethereforemerciful,asyourFatheralsoismerciful.Judgenotandye

shallnotbejudged:condemnnotandyeshallnotbecondemned:forgiveandyeshall be forgiven:Give and it shall begivenuntoyou; goodmeasure, presseddown,andshakentogether,andrunningover,shallmengiveintoyourbosom.For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to youagain.”

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Lesson84.TheSixthPetition.

(Questions312-319.)

1)(312)“Whichisthesixthpetition?”“Andleadusnotintotemptation.”2)(313)“Whatdoesthismean?”“Godtemptsnoone;butweprayinthispetitionthatGodwouldguardand

keepus,sothatthedevil,theworld,andourfleshmaynotdeceiveus,norenticeus intomisbelief, despair, and other great shame and vice: and thoughwe beassailedbythem,thatstillwemayfinallyprevail,andobtainthevictory,”

3)Ofwhatdoesthispetitiontreat?Ittreatsoftemptation.4)Totemptamanmeanstotryhim;toputhimtothetest.Temptation

calls fordecisiononthepartofhimwho is tested.WhenourfirstparentsweretemptedinthegardenofEdentheyhadthechoicebetweengoodandevil.Sowhatdoestemptationaskofus?

Itasksustomakeachoicebetweengoodandevil.5)(314)“Howmanykindsoftemptationarethere?”“Two:Temptationuntogoodandtemptationtoevil.”6)Whenwearetemptedtogood,whatchoicehavewe?Wehavethechoicebetweendoinggoodandnotdoingit.7)Andwhenwearetemptedtoevil,whatchoicehavewe?Wehavethechoicebetweendoingevilandnotdoingit.8)Ineverycasetemptationimpliesachoice,andachoiceisamatterof

thewill.Sowhenwearetempted,whatpowerofthesoulisappealedto?Thewill.9)You cannot compel aman todo either good orbad.Whenhedoes

eithergoodorbad,howdoeshedoit?Hedoesitofhisownwill.10)(315)“Whotemptsusuntogood?”“God;forHeoftentriesourfaithinordertostrengthenit.”11)ThatGodtries,ortemptsustodogood,weseefromPs.139:23.24

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“Searchme,OGod,andknowmyheart;tryme,andknowmythoughts:Andseeiftherebeanywickedwayinme,andleadmeinthewayeverlasting.”

12)HerethepsalmistasksGodtosearchandtryhim,toseeiftherebeanywickedwayinhim.ReadIsa.26:16.

“Lord, in troublehave theyvisited thee, theypouredoutaprayerwhen thychasteningwasuponthem.”

13)Sowe see that troubledrivesus toGod.According to thispassage,whendomenpouroutaprayer?

WhenGod’schasteningisuponthem.14)InGen.22:1,itisexpresslystatedthatGodtemptedAbraham.Read

thepassage.“It came to pass after these things, thatGod did temptAbraham, and said

untohim,Abraham:andhesaid.Behold,hereIam.”15)WhatstrangecommanddidGodgiveAbrahamwithreferencetohis

onlysonIsaac?V.2.“Hesaid,Takenowthyson,thineonlysonIsaac,whomthoulovest,andget

theeintothelandofMoriah;andofferhimthereforaburntofferingupononeofthemountainswhichIwilltelltheeof.”

16)ThiswastobeatrialofAbraham’sfaith,andhestoodthetrial.Hewaswillingtoofferuphissonasasacrifice.Thisweseefromthe12thverseofthesamechapter:

“Hesaid,Laynotthinehanduponthelad,neitherdothouanythinguntohim;for now, I know that thou fearestGod, seeing thouhast notwithheld thy son,thineonlyson,fromme.”

17)NowletusseefromtheNewTestamentacasewheretheSaviorputoneofhisdisciplestothetestastohisfaith.ReadJohn6:5.6.

“When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come untohim,hesaithuntoPhilipsWhenceshallwebuybread,thatthesemayeat?Andthishesaidtoprovehim:forhehimselfknewwhathewoulddo.”

18)Accordingtoquestion315,whatisGod’sintentionwhenhetemptsortriesourfaith?

Hedoesitinordertostrengthenit.19)Whyisourrightarm,asarule,strongerthantheleft?Becauseweuseitmore.20)Exercisekeepsourlimbshealthyandstrong,andsoourfaithneeds

exercisetokeepsoundandwell.Everytimewedecideinfavorofthatwhich

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isgood,webecomestrongerinfaithandlove;inpatienceandhumility.Butthereisnotonlyatemptationtogood,butwhatothertemptation?

Temptationtoevil.21)(316)“Whotemptsustoevil?”“Thedevil,theworld,andourflesh;fortheyenticeustosin.”22)God tempts us to good.He never tempts us to evil aswe see from

James1:13.“Letnomansaywhenheistempted,IamtemptedofGod:forGodcannotbe

temptedwithevil,neithertemptethheanyman.”23)Godisperfectandholy,andHewouldhaveustobeasHeis,asHe

saysLev.19:2.“Yeshallbeholy:forItheLordyourGodamholy.”24)Godisholy,butwhowasthefirsttosin?Satan.25)Andnowthathebecameasinner,whatdoeshetrytogetustodo?Hetriestogetustosin.26)HowdidAdamandEvecometosin?Theyweretemptedbythedevil.27)Andthedevilstilltriestodeceivemenintosin,asweseefrom1Peter

5:8.“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion,

walkethabout,seekingwhomhemaydevour.”28)JudasIscariot,oneoftheLord’sdisciples,betrayedhismaster.How

didhecometodothis?ReadJohn13:2.“Supperbeingended,thedevilhavingnowputintotheheartofJudasIscariot

Simon’sson,tobetrayhim”...29)HowdidJudasgetthiswickedthought?Satanputitintohisheart.30)AndafterhehadbetrayedhisMaster,Satanagain temptedhim to

believethattherewasnoforgiveness,nohelpforhim,andwhatdidhedoinhisdespair?

Hewentandhangedhimself.31)ThisweseefromMatt.27:3-5.“ThenJudas,whichhadbetrayedhim,whenhesawthathewascondemned,

repentedhimself,andbroughtagainthethirtypiecesofsilvertothechiefpriestsandelders,saying,IhavesinnedinthatIhavebetrayedtheinnocentblood.And

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theysaid.What is that tous?see thou to that.Andhecastdownthepiecesofsilverinthetemple,anddeparted,andwentandhangedhimself.”

32)Nowread1Chron.21:1.“SatanstoodupagainstIsrael,andprovokedDavidtonumberIsrael.”33)David,outofpride,setabouttonumberthepeopleandthustoglory

inhismilitarystrength.Whoprovoked,ortemptedhimtodothis?Satandidit.34)AccordingtoLuther’sexplanationintheCatechism,towhatdoesthe

devilenticeus?Tomisbelief,despair,andothergreatshameandvice.35)Butaccordingtoquestion316,whohelpsthedevilinthis?Theworldandourflesh.36)By theworld,weheremean thewickedpeople in theworld.When

SatantemptedJosephtocommitadultery,throughwhomdidhedoit?ThroughPotiphar’swickedwife.37)Bytheworldisalsomeantthethingsthatareintheworld,suchas

money,pleasure,honor,etc.WhydidJudasbetrayhisMaster?Hediditformoney.38)SowhatdidSatanuseasameanstotemptJudastobetraytheLord?Heusedmoney.39)Sohemayuseevenpoverty,sickness,andmisfortuneasameansto

tempt men to fall from the faith into despair. But especially does he usewickedpeopletoaccomplishhisevildesigns,asweseefromMatt.18:7.

“Woeuntotheworldbecauseofoffenses!foritmustneedsbethatoffensescome;butwoetothatmanbywhomtheoffensecometh.”

40)PeterdeniedhisMaster in thepalaceof thehighpriest.Letus seefromMatt.26:69.70,howhecametodoit.

“NowPetersatwithout in thepalace;andadamselcameuntohim,saying,ThoualsowastwithJesusofGalilee.Buthedeniedbefore themall, saying, Iknownotwhatthousayest.”

41)WhomdidthedeviluseasaninstrumenttofrightenPeterintothisgreatsin?

Heusedadamsel,awoman.42)ReadJames4:4.“Yeadulterersandadulteresses,knowyenotthatthefriendshipoftheworld

is enmitywithGod?whosoever thereforewill be a friend of theworld is theenemyofGod.”

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43)ButnotonlytheworldisinleaguewithSatanintemptingustosin,butwhatelsedoesheuse?

Heusesourflesh.44)Bythefleshismeantourownevilhearts, forweareconceivedand

born in sin, and have a natural inclination to wickedness. Read in thisconnectionJames1:14.

“Everymanistempted,whenheisdrawnawayofhisownlust,andenticed.”45) (317)“How is it therefore tobeunderstood,whenwe say:Leadus

notintotemptation?”“WeprayinthispetitionthatGodwouldguardandkeepus,sothatthedevil,

theworld,andourfleshmaynotdeceiveus,norenticeusintomisbelief,despair,andothergreatshameandvice.”

46) We ask here first that God would guard and keep us fromtemptation;thatis,thatHewouldnotallowustobetemptedabovewhatweareabletobear,forifHedid,whatwouldbetheresult?

Wewouldfallintomisbelief,despairandothergreatshameandvice.47) (318) “Can we here on earth ever become entirely free from

temptation?”“Wecannot,andhencealsopray:‘Thoughwebeassailedby them, thatwe

mayfinallyprevailandobtainthevictory.’”48)Wehaveseenhowinevitableitisforustobetempted.Butnoneofus

couldever stand in temptationbyourownpower;hence,what shouldweaskGodtodo?

WeshouldaskGodtoguardandkeepuswhenwearetempted.49)Repeat1Peter5:8.9.“Be sober, bevigilant; becauseyour adversary, thedevil, as a roaring lion,

walkethabout,seekingwhomhemaydevour.Whomresiststeadfastinthefaith,knowingthatthesameafflictionsareaccomplishedinyourbrethrenthatareintheworld.”

50)Whenwearetempted,weshouldfleetoGodforhelp,butweshouldalsofaithfullyusethemeanswhichGodgivesustoresistthedevil,andthisis especially theWordofGod.Satan temptedourLord in thewilderness.HowdidourSaviormeethim?Matt.4:4.

“Butheansweredandsaid, It iswritten,Manshallnot livebybreadalone,butbyeverywordthatproceedethoutofthemouthofGod.”

51)Andagainthe7thverseofthischapter.

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“Jesussaiduntohim, It iswrittenagain.Thoushaltnot tempt theLord thyGod.”

52)Andthe10thverse.“ThensaithJesusuntohim,Gettheehence,Satan:foritiswritten.Thoushalt

worshiptheLordthyGod,andhimonlyshaltthouserve.”53) Jesus met every temptation by a quotation from Scripture. God’s

wordisthebestweapontouseagainsttemptation.Letusbewatchfulandnever imagine we are out of danger. So the Savior admonishes us Matt.26:41.

“Watchandpray,thatyeenternotintotemptation:thespiritindeediswillingbutthefleshisweak.”

54)(319)“HowdoesGodthereforeanswerthisourprayer?”“By keeping us through His power and grace from temptation, or by

sustaininguswhentempted.”55)SoHeanswersthispetitioninhowmanyways?Heanswersitintwoways.56)Whatisthefirst?Hekeepsusfromtemptation.57)Whatisthesecond?Hesustainsusintemptation.58)Read1Peter1:5.“WhoarekeptbythepowerofGodthroughfaithuntosalvationreadytobe

revealedinthelasttime.”59)Also1Cor.10:13.“Therehathnotemptationtakenyoubutsuchasiscommontoman:butGod

isfaithful,whowillnotsufferyoutobetemptedabovethatyeareable;butwillwiththetemptationalsomakeawaytoescape,thatyemaybeabletobearit.”

60)RepeatJames4:7.“Resistthedevilandhewillfleefromyou.”61)Now let us see how the apostle describes the trueChristian in this

spiritualwarfareoftemptation.Eph.6:10-17.“Finally,mybrethren,bestrongintheLord,andinthepowerofhismight.

PutonthewholearmorofGod,thatyemaybeabletostandagainstthewilesofthedevil.Forwewrestlenotagainstfleshandblood,butagainsttherulersofthedarkness of thisworld, against spiritualwickedness in high places.WhereforetakeuntoyouthewholearmorofGod,thatyemaybeabletowithstandintheevil day, andhavingdone all, to stand.Stand therefore, havingyour loinsgirt

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aboutwith truth,andhavingon thebreastplateof righteousness;andyour feetshodwiththepreparationofthegospelofpeace;Aboveall,takingtheshieldoffaith,wherewithweshallbeabletoquenchallthefierydartsofthewicked.Andtake thehelmetof salvation,and theswordof theSpirit,which is thewordofGod.”

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Lesson85.TheSeventhPetition.

(Questions320-324.)

1)(320)“Whichistheseventhpetition?”“Butdeliverusfromevil.”2)(321)“Whatdoesthismean?”“Weprayinthispetition,asinasummary,thatourFatherinheavenwould

deliver us from every evil of body and soul, property and honor; and finallywhenourlasthourhascome,grantusablessedend,andgraciouslytakeusfromthisvaleoftearstoHimselfinheaven.”

3)Whatisthesubjectofthispetition?Ittreatsofevil.4)(322)“Whatdowehereunderstandbyevil?”“Everythingthatisharmfultous.”5)(323)“Whatdowethereforeprayinthispetition?”“Weprayinthispetition,asinasummary,thatourFatherinheavenwould

deliverusfromeveryevilofbodyandsoul,propertyandhonor.”6)WhichpetitionisthisintheLord’sPrayer?Itisthelastpetition.7)WhatdoesLutherintheCatechismcallthispetition?Hecallsitasummary.8)Thatis,inthispetitionwesumupeverythingthatwehaveaskedforin

alltheothers,whatevermaybetroublingus,whateverweneedforbodyorsoul,fortimeandeternity.Ifwearedeliveredfromevil,thenallourwantsaremet, thenweareperfectlyhappy.Now therearevariouskindsof evilwhicharespokenofinLuther’sexplanation.Whichisthefirst?

Evilofbody.9)WhenthechildrenofIsrael journeyedthroughthewildernesswhich

bodilyevilsweretheytroubledwith?Theysufferedhungerandthirst.10)WhenthemultitudehadremainedwithJesusthreedaystohearhis

preachingandseehismiracles,whatweretheyinwantof?

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Theywereinwantoffood.11) What were the poor people who flocked to the Savior for help

sufferingfrom?Theyweresufferingfromallmannerofdiseases.12)Canyoumentionsomeofthesediseases?Somewere sickwith the palsy, some had leprosy, somewere blind, lame,

dumbandsomewerepossessedwithevilspirits.13)Nowmentionsomeofthethingswhichweincludeamongbodilyevils.Hunger,thirstandsickness.14)Butwhatotherevilsaretherebesidesthosewhichaffectthebody?Evilsofthesoul.15)WhenJacobwastoldthatanevilbeasthaddevouredhissonJoseph,

howdidhefeelaboutit?Ittroubledhim.Hegrievedoverit.16)Yes;hissoulwassorrowful,somuchsothathethoughtitwouldkill

him. Can you mention an instance from the life of the Savior where HespeaksofthesorrowofHissoul?

In the Garden of Gethsemane. He said, “My soul is exceeding sorrowful,evenuntodeath.”

17)WhenDavidheardofthedeathofAbsalom,howdidhefeelaboutit?Hewasverymuchtroubledandlamentedoverit.18)Sowhatdowemeanbyevilthataffectsthesoul?Allkindsofworryandtrouble.19)Whatisthethirdkindofevilfromwhichweasktobedelivered?Eviltoproperty.20)Whenamanhasahouseashisproperty,howmightheloseit?Itmightburndown.21)HowdidmanypeopleinMiamiValleylosetheirpropertylastyear?Itwasdestroyedbytheflood.22) How do many people lose their money, jewelry, or other valuable

property?Itisstolen.23)Howdopeopleoftenlosetheirhogsandcattle?Theydieofdisease.24)Sowhatevilthingsmaybefallusasregardsourproperty?Fire,water,theft,diseaseamongcattle,andthelike.25)Whatisthefourthkindofevilthatweasktobedeliveredfrom?

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Eviltoourhonor.26)Byhonorweheremeangoodnameandreputation.Whenthewicked

wifeofPotipharaccusedJosephbeforeherhusband,whatinjurydidshedotohim?

Sheslanderedhim.27)WhenJesus stoodbeforePilate,what falseaccusationdid theJews

bringagainstHim?TheysaidHestirredupthepeopleandurgedthemnottopaytribute.28)WhatinjurydidtheydototheSaviorbythisfalseaccusation?TheyslanderedHim.29) And slander is the worst kind of injury; for a good name ismore

precious than money or goods. Now from all this evil of body and soul,propertyandhonor,weprayGodtodeliverus.RepeatJob5:19.

“Heshalldelivertheeinsixtroubles;yea,insevenshallnoeviltouchthee.”30)Job,himself, is agoodexampleofhowmenare troubledwith evil.

Whatevildidhesufferinhisproperty?Hiscattlewerestolen.31)Andwhattroubledidhesufferinhisbody?Hewasvisitedwithdisease.32)Andwhatothersadafflictioncameoverhim?Hischildrenwerekilled.33)AndhowdidGoddeliverhimfromsuchevils?Hewasrestoredtohealth.Godgavehimmorewealththanhehadbefore,and

Heevenblessedhimwithotherchildren.34)ReadPs.91:14-16.“Becausehehathsethisloveuponme,thereforewillIdeliverhim:Iwillset

himonhigh,becausehehathknownmyname.Heshallcalluponme,andIwillanswerhim;1will bewithhim in trouble; Iwill deliverhim, andhonorhim.WithlonglifewillIsatisfyhim,andshewhimmysalvation.”

35) So what do we ask to be delivered from in this seventh petition,accordingtoLuther’sexplanationintheCatechism?

Fromeveryevilofbodyandsoul,propertyandhonor.36)(324)“Whatbelongstothisaslastandchiefpart?”“ThatGodfinally,whenourlasthourhascome,grantusablessedend,and

graciouslytakeusfromthisvaleoftearstoHimselfinheaven.’”37)Whathourisheremeantby“ourlasthour?”Thehourofdeath.

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38)Solongasweareintheworldwecannotexpecttobeentirelyfreefromevil,forwhatdoestheCatechismherecallthisworld?

Avaleoftears.39)Whyistheworldherecalledavaleoftears?Becausethereissomuchweepinginit.40)Andwhatcausesthisweeping?Allkindsofsuffering,trouble,painanddeath.41)Whathasmadetheworldsuchavaleoftears?Sin.42)Whatblessedhopehaveweinreferencetothisvaleoftears?ThatGodwilltakeusfromthisvaleoftears.43)WheredoweexpectHimtotakeus?ToHimselfinheaven.44)Whatkindofaplaceisheaven?Aplaceofhappiness.45)Whatdid theSavior say to themalefactor on the cross,whoasked

Him:“Lord,remembermewhenThoucomestintoThykingdom”?“Thisdaythoushaltbewithmeinparadise.”46)WhatbecameofpoorLazaruswhenhedied?HewascarriedbytheangelsintoAbraham’sbosom.47)Whatkindofendthendoweaskforinthispetition?Weaskforablessedend.48)Whoalonecanhaveablessedend,thatis,dieahappydeath?OnlyhewhodiesinthefaithofJesus.49)RepeatActs14:22.“WemustthroughmuchtribulationenterintothekingdomofGod.”50)AlsoRom.7:24.25."O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this

death?IthankGodthroughJesusChristourLord."51)Also2Tim.4:18.“AndtheLordshalldelivermefromeveryevilwork,andwillpreserveme

untohisheavenlykingdom:towhombegloryforeverandever.Amen.”52)ReadalsowhatagedSimeonsaid.Luke2:29-32.“Lord,now lettest thou thy servantdepart inpeace, according to thyword:

Formineeyeshaveseenthysalvation,whichthouhastpreparedbeforethefaceofallpeople;alighttolightentheGentiles,andthegloryofthypeopleIsrael.”

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53)SimeonwasreadytodiewhenhehadseentheSavior.Sowe,whenwebelieveonHim,arehappyat thethoughtthatweshallat lastseeHimandbewithHiminwhomwebelieveandwhomwelove.Andwhenwillthisbe?

Whenwedie.

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Lesson86.TheConclusion.

(Questions325-332.)

1)HowdowedividetheLord’sPrayer?Intothreeparts:theintroduction,thesevenpetitions,andtheconclusion.2)(325)“Whatistheconclusion?”“For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.”3)(326)“Whatisthemeaningofthisconclusion?”“We therein express our confident assurance that our Father in heaven can

andwillhearourprayer.”4) If God is to hear and answer our prayers, He must have both the

powerandthewillingnesstodoso.WhatdowesayinthisconclusionaboutGod’spower?

Wesay,“Thineisthepower.”5)WhatpowerhasGod?Godhasallpower.6)WhatdowecallGodbecauseHehasallpower?WecallHimalmighty.7)AndbecauseHeisalmighty,whatisHeabletodoinreferencetoour

prayers?Heisabletoanswerthem.8)Letus remember this, children,we cannever askanythingwhich is

morethanGodcangive.Butinordertohearandanswerourprayers,whatelsemusttherebeonthepartofGodbesidespower?

Theremustalsobewillingness.9)WhatistheveryfirstthingwhichwesayofGodinthisconclusion?Wesay,“Thineisthekingdom.”10)WhatisthekingdomofGodhereonearth?ThechurchisthekingdomofGod.11)AndwhoisKinginthisKingdomofGod,theChristianchurch?JesusChristisKing.

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12)Howarewemademembersofthisspiritualkingdom?Byfaith.13)WhatmaysubjectsexpectfromtheirKing?Theymayexpectprotectionandhelp.14)BecauseweareHisdearchildren,andHeisourdearFather,howis

Goddisposedtowardus?Heiskindlydisposedtowardus.15)Yes,andthatmeansthatHehasthewillingnesstohearandanswer

ourprayers.16)(327)“Inwhatwordisallthisbrieflycomprehended?”“Inthesingleword,Amen.’”17)(328)“WhatdoesAmenmean?”“ThatIshouldbecertain,theseourpetitionsareacceptabletoourFatherin

heavenandheardbyHim;forHeHimselfhascommandedussotoprayandhaspromisedtohearus.Amen,Amen,thatis,yea,yea,itshallbeso.”

18)WhataccordinglyshouldIbecertainof?Thatthese,ourpetitions,areacceptabletoourFatherinheavenandheardby

Him.19) In question 328, there are two reasons given for this.Which is the

first?HeHimselfhascommandedussotopray.20)WhotaughtustheLord’sPrayer?TheLordJesusHimself.21)These are the very thingswhichGod ourheavenlyFather through

Christtoldustoaskfor.Ifwehadsimplyourselvesthoughtofthesethings,wemightbeindoubtastowhetherGodiswillingtogivethem,butwhyistherenoroomnowforanysuchdoubt?

BecauseHeHimselftaughtustoaskforthesethings.22)Yes.HecertainlywouldnottellustoaskforthingswhichHedoesnot

intend to give us. But in question 328 there is another reason given whythese our petitions are acceptable to our Father in heaven and heard byHim;whatisit?

BecauseHehaspromisedtohearus.23)WhenGodpromisesathing,whycanwedependonit?BecauseHeistruthful.Henevertellsalie.24)CanyourepeataScripturepassageinwhichthisisclearlystated?Heb.6:18.“itisimpossibleforGodtolie.”

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25)(329)“WhydoyouaccordinglyconcludetheLord’sPrayerwiththewordAmen?”

“That I shouldbecertain theseourpetitionsareacceptable toourFather inheavenandheardbyHim.”

26)Turnto2Cor.1:20,andreadit.“AllthepromisesofGodinhimareyea,andinhimAmen,untothegloryof

Godbyus.”27)Whatarewetobecertainof?ThattheseourpetitionsareacceptabletoGodourFatherinheavenandheard

byHim.28)(330)“Howcanwehavethisassurance?”“GodHimselfhascommandedussotopray,andhaspromisedtohearus.”29)TurntoMatt.6:9,andletusseehowGod,throughChrist,commands

usthustopray.“After this manner therefore pray ye, Our Father which art in heaven.

Hallowedbethyname.”30)AlsoLuke11:2.“He said unto them.When ye pray, say. Our Father which art in heaven.

Hallowedbethyname.Thykingdomcome.Thywillbedone,asinheaven,soinearth.”

31)Nowletusalsohearsomeofthepromiseswithreferencetoprayer.ReadJohn10:23,thesecondsentence.

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in myname:Hewillgiveityou.”

32)AlsoPs.50:15.“Calluponmeinthedayoftrouble:Iwilldeliverthee,andthoushaltglorify

me.”33)AlsoJohn14:13.“Whatsoeveryeshallaskinmyname,thatwillIdo,thattheFathermaybe

glorifiedintheSon.”34)(331)“DoesGodalwayshearbelievingprayer?”“Yes,butaccordingtoHiswisdomandinHisowngoodtime.”35)WhatkindofprayerdoesGodhear?Hehearsbelievingprayer.36)Thatis,Hehearsprayerthatisofferedintruefaith.Thisweseefrom

Mark11:24.

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“What things soeveryedesire,whenyepray, believe that ye receive them,andyeshallhavethem.”

37)Accordingtotheanswertoquestion331,howdoesGodanswerourprayer?

AccordingtoHiswisdomandinHisowngoodtime.38)Godknowsbetter thanwedowhat is forourgood.Childrenoften

ask theirparents for things thatarenotgood for them. In this case,whatwouldafatherormotherdo?

Theywouldnotgivetheirchildrenwhatisnotgoodforthem.39)AndsoGoddoeswithus.IfweaskforsomethingthatGodknowsis

notforourgood,Hedoesnotgiveusthis,butsomethingelsethatisforourgood.SoinallourpetitionsweshouldsubmittoGod’swill,asweseefrom1John5:14.

“This is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anythingaccordingtohiswill,hehearethus.”

40)Now let us hear some of thepreciouspromises thatGodhas givenconcerningprayer.ReadIsa.65:24.

“Itshallcometopass,thatbeforetheycall,Iwillanswer;andwhiletheyareyetspeaking,Iwillhear.”

41)AgainMatt.18:19.“Iftwoofyoushallagreeonearthastouchinganythingthattheyshallask,it

shallbedoneforthemofmyFatherwhichisinheaven.”42)AgainPs.145:18:19.“TheLordisnighuntoallthemthatcalluponhim,toallthatcalluponhimin

truth.Hewillfulfillthedesireofthemthatfearhim:healsowillheartheircry,andwillsavethem.”

43)ReadalsoJames5:16-18.“Confessyourfaultsonetoanother,andprayoneforanother,thatyemaybe

healed.Theeffectualferventprayerofarighteousmanavailethmuch.Eliaswasamansubject to likepassionsasweare,andheprayedearnestly that itmightnot rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and sixmonths.Andheprayedagain,andtheheavensgaverain,andtheearthbroughtforthherfruit.”

44)InthecaseoftheApostlePaulweseehowGodsometimesdoesnotgiveexactlythatwhichHischildrenaskfor.Read2Cor.12:7.8.

“Lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of therevelations,therewasgiventomeathornintheflesh,themessengerofSatanto

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buffetme,lestIshouldbeexaltedabovemeasure.ForthisthingIbesoughttheLordthrice,thatitmightdepartfromme.”

45)Godsentupontheapostlesomespecialafflictionwhichtroubledhimagreatdeal.HeaskedGodtotakeawaythisaffliction,hutinsteadoftakingitawayfromhim,whatanswerdidGodgivetheapostle?Verse9,thefirstsentence.

“Hesaiduntome,‘Mygrace issufficient for thee: formystrength ismadeperfectinweakness.’”

46)Godhearsourprayersnot onlyaccording toHis ownwisdom,butwhatotherconditiondoesquestion331mention?

Inhisowngoodtime.47)AtthemarriageofCanathemotherofJesuscalledHisattentionto

the fact that they lackedwine,expecting,ofcourse, thatHewouldhelpatonce.ButwhatanswerdidJesusgive?John2:4.

“Jesussaiduntoher,‘WomanwhathaveItodowiththee?minehourisnotyetcome.’”

48) When the Syrophoenician woman came to Jesus, asking that Heshouldhealherpoordaughterwhowasvexedwithadevil,didtheSavioranswerheratonce?(Matt.15:21-28).

No.Hemadeherwait.49)(332)“WhydoesGodoftenlongdelayHishelp?”“InordertoexerciseandstrengthenusintheWordandfaith,inpatienceand

inhope.”50)SoGodhasapurposeinmakinguswaitfortheanswertoourprayer.

Whatisthispurpose?HewantstoexerciseandstrengthenusinHisWordandfaith,inpatienceand

hope.51)Andwhenwearemadetowait,weshoulddojustasthepoorwoman

mentionedabovedid,whatwasthat?Shekeptrightonpraying.52)ThisweseefromRom.12:12.“Rejoicinginhope;patientIntribulation;continuinginstantinprayer.”53)NowreadLament.3:26:31-33.“Itisgoodthatamanshouldbothhopeandquietlywaitforthesalvationof

theLord.For theLordwillnotcastoffforever.But thoughhecausegrief,yetwillhehavecompassionaccordingtothemultitudeofhismercies.Forhedothnotafflictwillinglynorgrievethechildrenofmen.”

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54)ReadalsoIsa.54:7:8.“For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I

gather thee. In a littlewrath I hidmy face from thee for amoment; butwitheverlastingkindnesswillIhavemercyonthee,saiththeLordthyRedeemer.”

55)AlsoJohn5:17-19.“Behold,happyisthemanwhomGodcorrecteth:thereforedespisenotthou

the chastening of the Almighty: For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: hewoundeth,andhishandsmakewhole.Heshalldelivertheeinsixtroubles:yea,inseventhereshallnoeviltouchthee.”

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Lesson87.TheSacramentsInGeneral.

(Questions333-339.)

1)(333)“WhatisthefourthchiefpartoftheCatechism?”“ThesacramentofHolyBaptism.”2)Accordingtothisanswer,whatisBaptism?Baptismisasacrament.3)(334)“Whatisasacrament”?“AsacramentisaholyriteinstitutedbyChristHimself,wherebywithvisible

meansthetreasuresoftheGospelareoffered,givenandsealedtous.”4)Ariteisanact.Whatkindofactisasacrament?Asacramentisaholyact.5)Thewordsacramentalready indicates this.Whatadjectivedoes this

wordremindyouof?Theadjectivesacred.6)Whatkindofthingisasacredthing?Itisaholything.7) Yes, not something common and ordinary, but something

extraordinary and special. By whom were these holy rites, or acts,instituted?

TheywereinstitutedbyChristHimself.8)Theyare,then,nothuman,butofwhatorigin?Theyareofdivineorigin.9)HowshouldweregardanythingthatChristhasgivenus?Weshouldregarditasholy,asimportant.10)Whatisoffered,givenandsealedtousbythesacraments?ThetreasuresoftheGospel.11)Whatisatreasure?Atreasureissomethingvaluable.12)Mentionsomevaluablethingswhichyouwouldregardastreasures.Money,diamonds,jewelry.13)Yes;howarethesethingsregardedamongmen?

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Theyareregardedasvaluable,precious.14)Andyettherearethingsmorevaluablethanmoneyorjewels.What

kindoftreasuresareoffered,givenandsealedtousinthesacraments?ThetreasuresoftheGospel.15)WhatistheGospel?(Question137.)TheGospel is theglad tidings thatJesusChristhassavedus fromoursins,

andthroughfaithmakesusforeverblessed.16)ConcerningwhomdoestheGospeltellus?IttellsusconcerningChrist.17)WhatdoesittellusconcerningChrist?IttellsusthatHesavedusfromoursins.18)Now,what IsGodwilling todowithour sins, sinceChristdied for

us?Heiswillingtoforgivethem.19)Children,thisforgivenessofsinsisoneofthetreasuresoftheGospel.

Whyshouldweregardtheforgivenessofsinsasatreasure?Becauseitissomethingveryvaluable,veryprecious.20)Nowtellmeagainfromquestion137:WhatelsedoestheGospeldo?Throughfaithitmakesusforeverblessed.21)Yes,eternalhappiness,everlastinglife, isoneofthetreasuresofthe

Gospel.Andwhyshouldweregardeverlastinglifeasatreasure?Becauseitissomethingveryprecious.22) Forgiveness of sins and everlasting life are the treasures offered,

givenandsealed tous in thesacraments.ButwhenGoddealswithusHeusescertainmeansorinstruments.HowdoesHepreserveourbodilylife?

Throughfood,drinkandclothing.23)HowdoesHerestoreourbodilyhealthwhenwearesick?Throughmedicine.24) So God uses means when He wants to give us spiritual blessings.

WhatkindofmeansdoesHemakeuseofinthesacraments?Hemakesuseofvisiblemeans.25)Whatisavisiblething?Somethingthatwecansee.26)Youhaveseenmebaptizeachildinchurch.Whatistheoutward,or

visible,thinginBaptism?Water.

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27)Whataretheoutward,orvisible,thingsintheothersacramentoftheNewTestament,theLord’sSupper?

Breadandwine.28)WhatdoesGodoffer,giveandsealtousbythesevisiblemeansinthe

sacraments?ThetreasuresoftheGospel.29)RepeatTit.3:5.“Not byworks of righteousnesswhichwe have done, but according to his

mercy he saved us, through thewashing of regeneration and renewing of theHolyGhost.”

30)HowhasGodsavedusaccordingtothispassage?Bythewashingofregeneration,31) That is. by Baptism; for in Baptism God offers and gives us the

forgivenessofsinsandeternallife.ButHenotonlyoffersandgivesusthesethingsinthesacraments,butwhatelsedoesHedo?

Hesealsthem.32)A seal is an outward sign, bywhich a thing ismarked as genuine.

Repeat Rom. 4:11. “He received the sign of circumcision, a seal of therighteousness of the faithwhich he had yet being uncircumcised: that hemightbethefatherofallthemthatbelieve,thoughtheybenotcircumcised,thatrighteousnessmightbeimputeduntothem.”

33)GodmadeacovenantwithAbraham,andwhatdidhegivehimasasignofthiscovenant?

Hegavehimthesignofcircumcision.34) SoGodgives us the sacraments as outwardmarks, or seals, of the

factthatHehasforgivenoursins,thatHeisourdearFather,andthatHewillatlasttakeustoHimselfinheaven.Nodeednoranyvaluabledocumentisconsideredgenuineorvaliduntiltheonewhogivesitfixeshissealuponit.What are the visible signs, or seals,whichGod adds to his promise ofgraceandeternallife?

Thesacraments.35)Repeat1Job.5:8.“Fortherearethreewhobearwitness,theSpirit,andthewater,andtheblood:

andthesethreeagreeinone.”36)Godhas threeways of dealingwithus here on earth.Through the

WordofGod,whichwasgivenbyhisspirit,throughwaterinBaptism,andthroughbloodinCommunion.WheredoesHedealwithusthroughwater?

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InBaptism.37) And again He deals with us through blood, that is, in the Holy

Communion.WhatareBaptismandtheLord’sSupper?Theyaresacraments.38)(335)“Whatmakesitasacrament?”“ThatitbeadministeredinaccordancewiththeinstitutionofChrist.”39)Howmustthesacramentsbeadministeredorused?AccordingtotheinstitutionofChrist.40)Wemustaddnothing to, and takenothing from, these sacredacts;

butleavethemjustasChristgavethemtous.AndwhenweusethemjustasChristgavethemtous,whatarethey?

Thentheyaresacraments.41)(336)“Doesfaithalsobelongtothis?”“Faithbelongsnottotheessence,buttothesalutaryuse,ofasacrament.”42)Ourfaithdoesnotmakeorunmakethesacrament.WhenIoffertoa

beggar adollar, andhe refuses to take it becausehe thinks it counterfeit,doeshisthinkingsomakethedollarcounterfeit?

No,itdoesnot.43)Our faith or unbelief does not add anything to, nor take anything

from, the sacraments. But in what sense does faith belong to thesacraments?

Itbelongstotheirsalutaryuse.44) When the tramp refuses to take my dollar, because he thinks it

counterfeit,whateffecthashisunbelief?Itdepriveshimofthegift.45)Whatisnecessaryonourpartifwewouldhavetheblessingsofthe

sacraments?Wemusthavefaith.46)RepeatRom.3:3.“Whatifsomewerewithoutfaith?shalltheirunbeliefmakethefaithofGod

withouteffect?”47)ReadalsoMark16:18.“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not

shallbedamned.”48)(337)“Howmanykindsofsacramentarethere?”“Two:sacramentsoftheOldandsacramentsoftheNewTestament.”49)(338)“WhichwerethesacramentsoftheOldTestament?”

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“CircumcisionandthePaschalLamb,orPassover.”50)ReadGen.17:10.“Thisismycovenant,whichyeshallkeep,betweenmeandyouandthyseed

afterthee;everymanchildamongyoushallbecircumcised.”51)InExodus12,wehaveadescriptionoftheinstitutionofthepassover.

WhatgreateventinthehistoryofIsraeldidthissacramentcelebrate?ThedeliverancefromthebondageofEgypt.52)ReadHeb.10:1.“Forthelawhavingashadowofgoodthingstocome,andnottheveryimage

of the things, can neverwith those sacrificeswhich they offered year by yearcontinuallymakethecomersthereuntoperfect.”

53) In the Old Testament, these sacraments prefigured the blessingswhicharesorichlybestowedonusintheNew.ReadCol.2:11:12.

“Inwhomalsoyearecircumcisedwiththecircumcisionmadewithouthands,in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ.Buriedwithhiminbaptism,whereinalsoyearerisenwithhimthroughthefaithoftheoperationofGod,whohathraisedhimfromthedead.”

54)Readalso1Cor.5:7.“Purge out therefore the old leaven, that yemaybe a new lump, as ye are

unleavened.ForevenChristourpassoverissacrificedforus.”55)(339)“WhicharethesacramentsofthenewTestament?”“HolyBaptismandtheLord’sSupper.”56)HowmanysacramentswerethereintheOldTestament?Two.57)AndhowmanyarethereintheNew?Alsotwo.58)TheRomanCatholicchurchteachesthattherearesevensacraments:

baptism, confirmation, penance, marriage, ordination to the priesthood,holy communion and extreme unction. Which of these are reallysacraments?

BaptismandHolyCommunion.

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Lesson88.WhatIsBaptism?

(Questions340-347.)

1)OfwhatdoesthefourthchiefpartoftheCatechismtreat?IttreatsofHolyBaptism.2)(340)“WhatisBaptism?”“Baptism is not simply water, but it is the water comprehended in God’s

CommandandconnectedwithGod’sWord.”3)Withwhatdowebaptize?Webaptizewithwater.4)WhatthenistheoutwardvisibleelementinBaptism?Itiswater.5)ButisBaptismsimplywater?No,itisnotsimplywater.6)(341)“WhyisBaptismnotsimplywater?”“Because it is the water comprehended in God’s Command and connected

withGod’sWord.”7)SowhatisfoundinconnectionwiththewaterofBaptism?ThecommandandWordofGod.8)(342)“HowmanifoldistheWordofGodconnectedwithBaptism?”“Twofold:thewordofcommand,andthewordofpromise.”9)Sowhatwordarewetoconsiderfirst?Thewordofcommand.10)“Whichisthewordofcommand?”“ThatwhichChrist,ourLord,speaksin the lastchapterofMatthew:Goye

andteachallnations,baptizingtheminthenameoftheFather,andoftheSon,andoftheHolyGhost.”

11)(344)“Who,accordingtothis,istheauthorofHolyBaptism?”“OurLordJesusChrist.”12)Who gave this command: “Go ye and teach all nations, baptizing

theminthenameoftheFather,andoftheSonandoftheHolyGhost?”JesusChrist,ourSavior.

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13)Whereisthiscommandrecorded?InthelastchapterofMatthew.14)WhatgreatmanwastheforerunnerofChrist?JohntheBaptist.15)Whywashecalled“theBaptist?”Becausehebaptized.16)ReadLuke3:2-3.“TheWordofGod cameunto John the sonofZacharias in thewilderness.

And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism ofrepentancefortheremissionofsins.”

17)Johnpreachedandbaptized,tellingpeopletoprepareforthecomingof Christ by true repentance.When the Savior came,He commanded allnationstobebaptizedinthenameofthetriuneGod.TowhomdidHegivethiscommand?

Tohisapostles.18)(345)“WhoistoadministerBaptism?”“AsaruletherightlycalledministersoftheChurch.”19)TheSaviorgave this command tohisapostles,butof course itwas

nottobeconfinedtothempersonally.Whowastopreachandbaptizeafterthem?

TheministersoftheGospel.20)Ouranswer34.5says,“Asarule therightlycalledministersof the

church.”Whatdoesthisexpression“asarule”imply?Itimpliesthatthereareexceptionstothisrule.21) Yes, there are circumstances in which other Christians besides

ministersoftheGospelmightbaptize.Whenmightthisbeallowed?Incaseofnecessity,whenachildisindangerofdeath,andnoministercan

beobtained.22)Buttheruleisthatonlyministersshouldbaptize,fortheyarecalled

for this purpose.Repeatwhat the apostle says 1Cor. 4:1. “Let aman soaccountofus,asoftheministersofChrist,andstewardsofthemysteriesofGod.”

23)Read1Peter2:9.“Butyeareachosengeneration,aroyalpriesthood,anholynation,apeculiar

people;thatyeshouldshewforththepraisesofhimwhohathcalledyououtofdarknessintohismarvelouslight.”

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24)AllChristiansarekingsandpriestsuntoGod.andhavearighttothemeans of grace; but, as a matter of order, only those should publiclyadministerthesemeanswhoarerightlycalledtodoso.InExodus4:25,weread thatZipporah, thewifeofMoses, circumcisedher son.So, incaseofnecessity,whomayadministerBaptism?

AnyChristian.25) Yes, the father, or the grandfather of the child, or any Christian

present. There is a form for such an emergency baptism given in theappendix to our hymn book. But to whom should such an emergencybaptismbereported?itshouldbereportedtotheminister.

Yes, in order that he may examine and see whether the child has beenproperly baptized, and, if so,may record such baptism in the church records.Shouldhebaptizesuchachildoveragain?

26)No,heshouldnot.27)(346)“WhatconstitutesBaptism?”“Thatapersonbesprinkledwith,or immersed in,water in thenameof the

Father,andoftheSon,andoftheHolyGhost.”28)WhatarewetouseinBaptism?Wearetousewater.29)Whatkindofwatermustbeused?Anykindofwater.30)Inwhatoutwardmanneristhewatertobeapplied?Thepersonmaybesprinkledwithwaterorimmersedinit.31)TheBaptist sects insist that immersion is the only propermode of

Baptism. But they are mistaken in this. The word “Baptize” means anyapplication of water, whether it be washing, pouring, sprinkling, orimmersion, as we see from Mark 7:4. “And when they come from themarket, except theywash, they eat not. Andmany other things there be,whichtheyhavereceivedtohold,asthewashingofcups,andpots,brasenvessels,andoftables.”

32)Heretheword“baptize”isusedforwashing.ReadActs22:16.“Andnowwhytarriestthou?arise,andbebaptized,andwashawaythysins,

callingonthenameoftheLord.”33)HereBaptismisspokenofasawashing.ReadalsoHeb.10:22.“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our

hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with purewater.”

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34)Heretheword“Baptize”isusedforsprinkling.ReadalsoTit.3:5-6.“Not byworks of righteousnesswhichwe have done, but according to his

mercyhe savedus,by thewashingof regeneration, and renewingof theHolyGhost;whichheshedonusabundantlythroughJesusChrist,ourSavior.”

35)HerealsoBaptismiscalledawashing.ReadalsoEzek.36:25.“Thenwill I sprinklecleanwateruponyou,andyeshallbeclean: fromall

yourfilthiness,andfromallyouridols,willIcleanseyou.”36)Here theword“baptize” isused for sprinkling.Baptizemeansany

applicationofwater.InwhosenameisthewatertobeappliedinBaptism?InthenameoftheFather,andoftheSon,andoftheHolyGhost.37)(347)“WhatdoesitmeantobaptizeinthenameoftheFather,andof

theSon,andoftheHolyGhost?”“Itmeans, byBaptism to bring a person into blessed communionwith the

TriuneGod.”38)Inwhosenamearewetobebaptized?InthenameofthetriuneGod.39)WhenwearebaptizedinthenameofthetriuneGod,wearebrought

into communion with Him. Let us look at this word “communion.” Byomittingthefirstsyllable,whatwordisformed?

Theword“union.”40)Withwhomareweunitedbybaptism?WeareunitedwithGod.41)Yes,wearebroughttoHim.andmadeHis.Byournaturalbirthwe

arenotincommunionwithGod,forhowareweconceivedandborn?Weareconceivedandborninsin.42)AndhowarewebroughtintocommunionwithGod?Throughbaptism.43)Whatkindofcommunionisthiscalled?Question347.Itiscalledablessedcommunion.44) Yes, because whenwe are brought toGod andmadeHis own.He

blessesus,andwearehappy.Inthethirdarticleofthecreed,whatdoweconfessconcerningthiscommunion?

IbelieveintheHolyChristianChurch,thecommunionofsaints.45) The Church is the communion of saints. To be a member of the

ChurchistobeincommunionwithGodandallbelievers.Andhowarewebroughtintothiscommunion?

ThroughBaptism.

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46)Sincewhen,then,areyouchildrenmembersoftheChurch?Sincewewerebaptized.47)RepeatGal.3:26:27.“Foryeareall thechildrenofGodbyfaith inChristJesus.Forasmanyof

youashavebeenbaptizedintoChristhaveputonChrist.”48)Whatisheresaidofourbaptism?WearebaptizedintoChrist.49)Andwhatissaidistheresultofbaptism?ThoseofuswhohavebeenbaptizedintoChristhaveputonChrist.50)And having put onChrist by faith inBaptism,whose children are

we?WeareallthechildrenofGod.

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Lesson89.WhoShouldBeBaptized?

(Questions348-349.)

1)(348)“Whoshouldbebaptized?”“Allmenthatarenotalreadybaptized:adultsuntothesealingoftheirfaith,

after theyhave learned toknow theirSavior; children, that faithbekindled inthem.”

2)Whatisthesubjectofthisquestion?Whoshouldbebaptized?3) This answer tells us to whom the sacrament of baptism is to be

administered. When the Savior gave his disciples command to baptize,whomdidHesaytheyshouldbaptize?

Allnations.4)Howisthisexpressedinthefirsttwowordsofouranswer348?Allmen.5)Whatisaddedtothesetwowordsbywayofexplanation?Allmenthatarenotalreadybaptized.6)Accordingly,howoftenisbaptismtobeadministeredtoaperson?Onlyonce.7)Whattwokindsofpersonsarementionedinourquestion?Adultsandchildren.8)Whomdoyoumeanbyadults?Grownpeople.9)Forwhatpurposeareadultstobebaptized?Untothesealingoftheirfaith.10)Whengrownpeoplethathavenotbeenbaptizedintheirinfancyare

tobebaptized,theyshouldfirsthavefaithandconfess it.WhentheyhearthewordofGodandbelieveit,whatobjectisthereinbaptizingthem;whateffectistheirbaptismtohave?

Itsealstheirfaith.11)Tosealathingistoconfirmit;tostrengthenandestablishit.What

doesouranswer further sayofadultsbesides that theyare tobebaptized

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untothesealingoftheirfaith?ThisistobedoneaftertheylearntoknowtheirSavior.12) Howmay they learn to know their Savior?Where has the Savior

revealedHimselfuntous?InHisWord,theHolyScriptures.13)AndwhommaymenlearntoknowbyhearingthisWord,orreading

it?TheymaylearntoknowtheirSavior.14) Yes, and to believe on Him. And when such people are afterward

baptized,whateffecthasBaptismontheirfaith?Itstrengthensandconfirmsit.15)Butwhatotherpeoplearementionedinquestion348,besidesadults,

orgrownpeople?Children.16)Whatisheresaidaboutchildren?Theyshouldbebaptized,thatfaithmaybekindledinthem.17) In his baptismal command the Savior says: “Go ye and make

disciplesofallnationsbybaptizingtheminthenameoftheFather,andofthe Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” Accordingly, how are men to be madedisciplesoftheSavior?

Bybaptizingthem.18)WhateffectisBaptismtohaveonchildren,accordingtoourquestion

348?Throughitfaithistobekindledinchildren.19)RepeatMatt.28:19.“Goyeandteachallnations,baptizingtheminthenameoftheFather,andof

theSon,andoftheHolyGhost.”20)ReadalsoIsa.54:10.“Themountainsshalldepart,andthehillsberemoved;butmykindnessshall

notdepartfromthee,neithershall thecovenantofmypeaceberejnoved,saiththeLordthathathmercyonthee.”

21)ThecovenantofGod’speaceistobefirmereventhanthehillsandmountains.WheredoesGodmakethiscovenantwithus?

InBaptism.22)Read2Tim.2:13.“Ifwebelievenot,yetheabidethfaithful:hecannotdenyhimself.”

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23)Godneverbreakshispartofthebaptismalcovenant,evenifwedo.So there is no need of a new covenant. We only need to return in truerepentancetothecovenantwhichwehavebrokenbysin.Andifwereturn,whatdoesthispassagesayweshallfindwithreferencetoGod?

ThatHeisfaithful;thatHecannotdenyHimself.24)So there is noneed of anew covenant, anotherBaptism;but ifwe

havedeparted from the covenantandbroken it,what isnecessaryonourpart?

Thatwereturntoit.ThatwerepentandcomebacktoGod.25)(349)“Howdoweprovethatchildrenarealsotobebaptized?What

isthefirstproofoffered?”“Christ commanded to baptize all nations, and to these also belong the

children.”26)Itistrue,Christnowherecommandedtobaptizechildren,butdidHe

anywherecommandtobaptizewomen?No,Hedidnot.27)DidHeanywherecommandtobaptizemen?No,hedidnot.28)ButwhatdidHecommand?Hecommandedtobaptizeallnations.29)Andofwhatisanationcomposed?Itiscomposedofmen,womenandchildren.30)WhatisthesecondproofofferedfortheBaptismofchildren?“Childrenalsomustberegenerated,iftheyaretobesaved.”31)WhatdoestheSaviorsayJohn3:5-6.“Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except aman be born of water and of the

Spirit,hecannotenterintothekingdomofGod.Thatwhichisbornofthefleshisflesh;andthatwhichisbornoftheSpiritisspirit.”

32)WhatdoestheSaviorheresaymustbedoneifamanistoenterintotheKingdomofGod,thatis,ifheistobesaved?

Hemustbebornagain.33)Byhisnaturalbirthhe isnot fit for thekingdomofGod.And this

applies toourchildren.What is theirnaturalcondition fromamoralandspiritualpointofview?

Theyaresinners.34)Whatsindolittlechildrenbringwiththemwhentheyareborn?Originalsin.

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35)Onthisaccounttheyhaveneedofbeingbornagain.Andhowisthisbroughtabout?WhatdoesSt.PaulcallBaptism?

Tit.3:5.Hecallsitthewashingofregeneration.36) So children need Baptism in order that they may be born again.

RepeatHeb.11:6.“Withoutfaithitisimpossibletopleasehim:forhethatcomethtoGodmust

believethatheis,andthatheisarewarderofthemthatdiligentlyseekhim.”37)Without faith our children cannot be pleasing to God. But how is

faithkindledinchildren?ThroughBaptism.38)Whatisthethirdreasonheregivenwhychildrenshouldbebaptized?“Christexplicitlycommandedthatweshouldsufferthelittlechildrentocome

untoHim.”39)LetushearwhattheLordJesussays,Mark10:14.“Sufferthelittlechildrentocomeuntome,andforbidthemnot,forofsuchis

thekingdomofGod.”40)HowcanwebringlittlechildrentotheSavior?Whenwehavethembaptized.41)Butsomepeopleask:Whatgoodwillitdotobaptizelittlechildren;

theycannotbelieve.ButwhatdoestheSaviorsayMatt.18:6?“Butwhososhalloffendoneoftheselittleoneswhichbelieveinme,itwere

better for him that amillstonewere hanged about his neck, and that heweredrownedinthedepthofthesea.”

42)Here the Savior speaks of little ones that believe onHim. So littlechildrencanhavefaith,andcanenjoythebenefitsofBaptism.Whatisthefourthreasonheregivenwhychildrenshouldbebaptized?

“In the New Testament, Baptism has taken the place of Old Testamentcircumcision.”

43)ReadCol.2:11:12.“Inwhomalsoyearecircumcisedwiththecircumcisionmadewithouthands,

in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ.BuriedwithhiminBaptism,whereinalsoyearerisenwithhimthroughthefaithoftheoperationofGod,whohathraisedhimfromthedead.”

44)SoBaptismtakestheplaceofwhichOldTestamentsacrament?Ittakeththeplaceofcircumcision.45)ReadGen.17:12.

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“Hethatiseightdaysoldshallbecircumcisedamongyou,everymanchildinyour generations he that is born in the house, or bought with money of anystrangerwhichisnotofthyseed.”

46) How old were children when they were circumcised in the OldTestament?

Theywereeightdaysold.47)IfthenintheOldTestamentchildrenweretakenintothechurchat

theageofeightdays,whatmayweconcludewithreference tochildren intheNewTestament?

Theyalsoshouldbereceivedintothechurch.48)Andhowmaytheybereceivedintothechurch?ThroughBaptism.49)WhatisthefifthreasongivenfortheBaptismofChildren?“TheApostlesbaptizedentirefamilies,assuredlythenalsochildren.”50)Letusseesomeexamplesofthis.ReadActs16:15.“When shewasbaptized andher household, shebesought us, saying, If ye

havejudgedmetobefaithfultotheLord,comeintomyhouse,andabidethere.Andsheconstrainedus.”

51)ThiswasthefamilyofLydia,wholivedinthecityofPhilippi.Nowletusseeanotherexamplewhichtookplaceinthissamecity.Itisrecordedinthe53rdverseofthesamechapter.

“Hetookthemthesamehourofthenight,andwashedtheirstripes;andwasbaptized,heandallhis,straightway.”

52)ThiswasthejailoratPhilippi.Nowread1Cor.1:16.“I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides I knownotwhether I

baptizedanyother.”53)FromtheseexamplesweseethatitwasthecustomoftheApostlesto

baptizewholefamilies,andwhomdidthisinclude?Itincludedthechildren.54)Whatshouldwethereforealsodo?Weshouldbaptizechildren.

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Lesson90.SponsorsAndConfirmation.

(Question350.)

1)Wehaveseenthatchildrenshouldbebaptized.ButtheycannotcometoBaptismthemselves.WhatdowecallthosepersonswhobringachildtoBaptism?

Wecallthemsponsors.2)Whatelsearetheysometimescalledinviewofthefactthattheystand

intheplaceofparentsbeforeGod?TheyarecalledGod-parents.3)(350)“WhatthenhavesponsorstodoinconnectionwithBaptism?”“TheyaretobewitnessesoftheBaptism,confessthefaithinthenameofthe

infant,andhelptocareforitsChristiantraining.”4)Whatisthefirstthingthatsponsorshavetodo?TheyaretobewitnessesoftheBaptism.5)Whocantestilythatyouwerebaptized?Mysponsors.6)WhyaretheyabletotestilytoyourBaptism?BecausetheywerepresentwhenIwasbaptized.7) Baptism is a very important act. And all important acts should be

performed in thepresenceofwitnesses. So theSaviorHimself says,Matt.18:16.

“Thatinthemouthoftwoorthreewitnesseseverywordmaybeestablished.”8)HowmanywitnessesdoestheSaviorheremention?Twoorthree.9)Repeat1Cor.14:40.“Letallthingsbedonedecentlyandinorder.”10)SoimportantathingasBaptismshouldbedonewithduesolemnity,

andthereshouldbewitnesses.Thereshouldbedecency,andorderamongus inall things, and especially in so sacreda thingasBaptism.What elsehavesponsorstodobesideswitnesstheBaptism?

Theyaretoconfessthefaithinthenameoftheinfant.

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11)WhydoesachildatitsBaptismneedsomeonetoanswerforit?Becauseitcannotanswerforitself.12)AndwhoanswersforthechildatitsBaptism?Thesponsors.13)Whenapersonistobebaptizedheisaskedtorenounce,orgiveup,

theserviceofthedevilandallhisworksandallhisways.Aninfantcannotmakesucharenunciationforitself;sowhoanswersinitsname?

Itssponsors.14)Butwhenapersonisbaptizedheistomakeconfessionofhisfaithin

thetriuneGod.Aninfantcannotmakesuchconfession,sowhoistomaketheconfessionforit?

Itssponsors.15)WhenapersonisbaptizedheistopromisetoserveGodbyatruly

godlyandChristianlife.Aninfantcannotmakesuchapromise,sowhoistospeakinitsname?

Itssponsors.16) There is a similar arrangement in our civil courts. When orphan

childrenaredealtwith,whorepresentsthemincourt?Theirguardians.17)Theguardiansrepresentaminorchildbefore the law,andhoware

theanswersandpromisesoftheguardianregarded?Theyareregardedasvalidandbinding.18)SohowshouldtheanswersandpromisesofthesponsorsinBaptism

beregarded?Theyshouldberegardedasvalidandbinding.19) What is the third thing which sponsors are required to do in

connectionwiththeBaptismofachild?TheyaretocareforitsChristiantraining.20)WhoisfirstofallresponsiblefortheChristiantrainingofachild?Itsparents.21) But should the parents die, or neglect their duty in regard to the

Christiantrainingofachild,uponwhomdoesthisdutythenfall?Uponthesponsors.22)Soyouseethatsponsorsassumeasolemnduty.Whatkindofpersons

thenshouldbechosenassponsors?Honest,reliable,Christianpersons.

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23)Yes,peoplewho themselveshave the faith that they confess for thechild, and who can be relied on to fulfill the solemn promise which theymake at the Baptism of the child. What did your sponsors solemnlyrenounceinyournameatyourBaptism?

Theyrenouncedthedevilandallhisworksandways.24)Whatfaithdidtheyinyournameconfess?TheyconfessedtheChristianfaith.25)Whatkindoflifedidtheypromisethatyoushouldlead?TheypromisedthatIshouldleadaChristianlife.26) Are you satisfied with this confession and promise which your

sponsorsmadeinyourname?Yes,Iamsatisfiedwithit.27) Your parents have taught you the five chief parts of Christian

doctrine.Oriftheydidnotdothisthemselves,wheredidtheysendyouthatyoumightlearnGod’sWord?

TheysentmetoSunday-school.28)And towhomelsedid they sendyou inorder thatyoumightget a

morethoroughtraininginthechiefpartsofChristiandoctrine?Theysentmetothepastorforinstruction.29)Afteryouhaveformonthsoryearsreceivedthisinstruction,thetime

comesforyouinyourownpersontoassumethesolemnobligationswhichyoursponsorsinyournametookatyourBaptism.Whenisthis?

Atmyconfirmation.30)Theword“confirm”iscomposedofwhattwosyllables?Thesyllables“con”and“firm.”31)Whatdoestheword“firm”mean?Itmeansfast,fixed,orsure.32)Whatthendoestheword“confirm”mean?Itmeanstofix;tomakesure,orfirm.33)Confirmationisthesolemnrenewalofthebaptismalcovenantonour

part,afteryouhavebeentaughttheWordofGodandhavelearnedtoknowthe Savior in whose name you were baptized. After you have beeninstructed in the faith in which you were baptized, after you have beenmadeacquaintedwiththesolemnobligationsyourbaptismplacesuponyou,you are now to answer for yourselves the questions which your sponsorsansweredforyou.Inviewofallthis,confirmationiswhatkindofarite,orceremony?

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Itisaverysolemnandimportantone.34)Yes,althoughconfirmationisnotasacrament,asthepapiststeach,it

hasbeenretained inourLutheranchurch forverygoodreasons. It isnotcommandedofGodlikeBaptismandtheLord’sSupper,andyetitisaverygoodandusefulcustom.Whatdoesitforciblyremindyouchildrenof?

ItremindsusofourBaptism.35)Italsogivesyouanoccasiontodowhatimplicitly?Itgivesusanoccasiontoconfessourfaithpublicly.36)WhatdoestheSaviorsayaboutsuchpublicconfessionbeforemen?Matt.10:32.“Whosoever thereforeshallconfessmebeforemen,himwill I

confessalsobeforemyFatherwhichisinheaven.”37)Yes,andgladlyshouldyoumakeuseofsuchopportunity.Youareto

makethesamepromisesthatweremadeforyouatyourBaptism.Whatisthefirstpromise?

Ifyouhave listenedattentivelyat theBaptismofanychild,youwillknow.Wepromisetorenouncethedevilandallhisworksandways.

38)Bynatureyouwereinthekingdomandunderthepowerofthedevil.Howdoyounowstandtoyourformermaster?

Irenouncehisservice.39)Yes,yousay,Iwillnolongerservehim.Youalsorenouncetheworks

andwaysofthedevil.Whataretheworksandwaysofthedevil?Sinandwickedness.40)Yourenounce,thatis,giveupsin.Yousay,Iwillnotsin.Butinwhom

doyouconfesstobelieve?IconfesstobelieveinthetriuneGod.41)WhoisthetriuneGodinwhomyoubelieve?GodtheFather,SonandHolyGhost.42)Yes,GodtheFatherwhocreatedyouandpreservesyou,GodtheSon

whodiedforyouandredeemedyoufromsin,andGodtheHolyGhostwhoregeneratedyouandmadeyouachildofGod. In thisGodyouprofess tobelieve.TellmeinwhatrelationyouwillstandtowardthisGod,usingthewordsinwhichtheCatechismexplainsthefirstcommandment.Iwillfear,loveandtrustinGodaboveallthings.

43)AndtodothisyoumustbeaChristian,amemberof theChristianChurch.YoucannotbefaithfultoGodwithoutbeingfaithfultoHisChurch.Amongallvisiblechurcheswhichdowebelieveisthetruechurch?

TheEvangelicalLutheranChurch.

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44)Andbecause youbelieve this and are convinced of it.what do youpromisewithreferencetotheLutheranChurch?

IpromisetobeandremainamemberoftheEvangelicalLutheranChurch.45)HowlongdoyoupromisetoremainfaithfultotheLordandHistrue

visibleChurch?Untildeath.46)Isitrightforyoutomakesuchapromise?Yes,itis.47)Itisright,becauseyouarenotdoingitblindly.TheLutheranChurch

doesnotaskpeopletotakethisobligationignorantly.Whathasbeendonewithyoubeforeyouareaskedtomakethissolemnpromise?

Wehavebeeninstructed.48)OurLutheranChurchwouldhaveitsmemberstoactintelligently.It

firstgives instruction,and thenwantspeople toact fromconvictionwhenthey come into her fold. And this I hope you all do or did at yourconfirmation.Your confirmation vow should be free and from conviction.ThenandonlythenwillGodlookuponitwithfavor.

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Lesson91.WhatDoesBaptismGiveOrProfit?

(Questions351-357.)

1)ThefirstquestionoftheCatechismconcerningBaptismwas:“WhatisBaptism?” We now come to the consideration of the second importantquestion concerning this holy sacrament. What is this second importantquestion?

WhatdoesBaptismgiveorprofit?2)It is important forus toknowwhatBaptism is,butwhat isofequal

importance?ForustoknowwhatthebenefitsofBaptismare.3)(351)“WhatdoesBaptismgiveorprofit?”“Itworks forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil, and gives

everlasting salvation to all who believe it, as thewords and promises ofGoddeclare.”

4)(352)“WhicharesuchwordsandpromisesofGod?”“ThosewhichChrist,ourLord,speaksInthelastchapterofMark:‘Hethat

believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not, shall bedamned.’”

5)Nowtellmefromquestion351.WhatisthefirstbenefitorblessingofBaptism?

Itworksforgivenessofsins.6)(353)“WhatisthereforethebenefitofHolyBaptism?”“It works forgiveness of sins by conferring upon us the righteousness of

God.”7)Whyistheforgivenessofsinsnecessary?Becausewecannotbesavedwithoutit.8)Ifsinisnotforgiven,whatwillbedonewithit?Itwillbepunished.9)Whatisthepunishmentofsin?Deathanddamnation.

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10)Whatdoes theSavior say aboutBaptism in thepassagewhich yourepeatedinconnectionwithquestion352?

Hesays,“Hethatbelievethandisbaptizedshallbesaved.”11)IfBaptismsavesus,whateffectmustithaveonsin?Itmustworktheforgivenessofsin.12)Whowasitthatsecuredtheforgivenessofsinsforus?OurSaviorJesusChrist.13)HowdidJesussecuretheforgivenessofsinsforus?Byhissufferingsanddeath.14) This is told us in question 354. How does Baptism work the

forgivenessofsins?ByconferringuponustherighteousnessofChrist.15)The righteousness ofChrist heremeans everything thatChrist did

forus.HefulfilledthelawforusandgaveHimselfasacrificeforoursins.HeisrighteousbeforeGod,butallthisnotforHimself,butforwhom?

Forus.16) Through Baptismwe put on Christ. That is. Hismerit covers our

sins,asamancovershisnakednessbyputtingonagarment.Thiswe seefromGal.3:21-27.

“YeareallthechildrenofGodbyfaithinChristJesus.ForasmanyofyouashavebeenbaptizedintoChristhaveputonChrist.”

17) On the great day of Pentecost, when Peter had preached thatpowerful sermon to the multitude, and the men asked him. “Men andbrethren,whatshallwedo?”Theymeant,“Whatshallwedotobesaved?”AndwhatdidPeteranswer?

Acts 2:38. “Repent, and be baptized every one of you for the remission ofsins,andyeshallreceivethegiftoftheHolyGhost.”

18)Whyweretheytobebaptized?Fortheremissionofsins.19) Here we have just what the Catechism says: “Baptism works the

forgivenessofsins.”InActs22St.Paultellsthestoryofhisownconversion.AfterhehadbeenovercomebytheheavenlyvisiononthewaytoDamascus,Godsenthimtoadiscipleby thenameofAnanias.AndnowrepeatwhatAnaniassaidtoPaul.Verse16.

“Now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins,callingonthenameoftheLord.”

20)"WhywasPaultobebaptized?

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Thathissinsmightbewashedaway.21)Whatdoesthatmean?Thathissinsmightbeforgiven.22)ReadalsotheprophecywritteninZechariah13:1.“InthatdaythereshallbeafountainopenedtothehouseofDavidandtothe

inhabitantsofJerusalemforsinandforuncleanness.”23)ThisfountainforthewashingawayofsinisBaptism,forinitwhatis

donewithsin?Itiswashedawayorforgiven.24)(354)“Whatistheblessedconsequenceofthis?”“Thatdeathandthedevilnomorecanharmus,andthateternallifebyfaithis

certaintous.”25)Accordingtoquestion351,whatisthesecondeffectofBaptism?Itdeliversfromdeathandthedevil.26)Howdidmencometodie,sincetheywerecreatedfreefromdeath?Theysinned.27)Sowhatisthecauseofbothtemporalandeternaldeath?Sin.28)Andifyouwanttoremoveaneffectyoumustremovethecause.Soif

wewouldbedeliveredfromdeath,whatmustbedonewithsin?Itmustberemoved.29)Andhowisitremoved?Whenitisforgiven.30)Andhowisthisforgivenessbroughttoandgivenus?ThroughBaptism.31)Whatistheonlythingthatmakesusfeardeath?Sin.32)Butifsinisforgiven,weneednotfeardeath.ToabaptizedChristian,

deathisnotterrible,foritssting,sin,hasbeenremoved.Throughdeathhissoul enters heaven, andwhatwill become of his dead body at the end oftime?

Itwillriseagaintonewlife.33)HowcantheChristianwhoisbaptizedintoChristthereforesaywith

St.Paul,1Cor.15:54-57?“Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave,

whereisthyvictory?Thestingofdeathissin;andthestrengthofsinisthelaw.

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But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord JesusChrist.”

34)ButBaptismdeliversusnotonlyfromdeath,butfromwhatelsedoesitdeliverus?

Itdeliversusfromthedevil.35)Howdidmancomeunderthepowerofthedevil?Throughsin.36)Whomdoweservewhenwewillinglycommitsin?Weservethedevil.37)Sin is thechainwithwhich thedevilbindsus.Now ifwewouldbe

freefromthedevil,whatmustbedonewiththischain?Itmustbebroken.38) And this chain is broken when sin is forgiven. But how is sin

forgiven?Throughbaptism.39)AbaptizedChristianisnolongerunderthepowerofSatan.Hehas

renouncedthedevilandallhisworksandways.HeisafreechildofGod.ThisdeliveranceisbeautifullydescribedinCol.1:12-14.

“GivingthanksuntotheFather,whichhathmadeusmeettobepartakersofthe inheritanceof thesaints in light:Whohathdeliveredusfromthepowerofdarkness,andhathtranslatedusintothekingdomofhisdearSon:Inwhomwehaveredemptionthroughhisblood,eventheforgivenessofsins.”

40)Nowreadalso1John4:4.“YeareofGod,littlechildren,andhaveovercomethem:becausegreaterishe

thatisinyou,thanhethatisintheworld.”41)Andagain,1John5:4.“ForwhatsoeverisbornofGodovercomeththeworld:andthisisthevictory

thatovercomeththeworld,evenourfaith.”42) According to question 351, what is the third great thing which

Baptismdoes?Itgiveseverlastinglife.43)Or,aswehaveitinthesecondhalfofquestion3.54.“Eternallifebyfaithiscertaintous.”44)Whatistheonlythingthatcankeepusoutofheaven?Sin.45)Whatmustbedonewithsinifwewouldenterheaven?Itmustbeforgiven.

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46)Andhowisthisforgivenessbroughttoandgivenus?ThroughBaptism.47)BybeingbaptizedintoChristwearemadethechildrenofGodand

heirsofeternallife,asweseefromGal.3:26:27.“Foryeareall thechildrenofGodbyfaith inChristJesus.Forasmanyof

youashavebeenbaptizedintoChristhaveputonChrist.”48)ThesameweseefromRom.8:16:17.“Weare the childrenofGod, and if children, thenheirs; heirs ofGod, and

joint-heirswithChrist, if so be thatwe sufferwith him, thatwemay be alsoglorifiedtogether.”

49)Andagain.Tit.3:5.“Not byworks of righteousnesswhichwe have done, but according to his

mercyhe savedus,by thewashingof regeneration, and renewingof theHolyGhost.”

50)Noahwassaved in theark.Thewaterscarriedhimsafelyuntil thefloodwasover.ThisisusedasafigureofthesavingpowerofBaptismin1Peter3:20:21.

“Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of GodwaitedinthedaysofNoah,whilethearkwasapreparing,whereinfew,thatis,eightsoulsweresavedbywater.The likefigurewhereuntoevenBaptismdothalsonowsaveus(nottheputtingawayofthefilthoftheflesh,buttheanswerofagoodconsciencetowardGod)bytheresurrectionofJesusChrist.”

51)InBaptismGodmakesacovenantwithhischildrenthathewillbetheirGodandFatherintimeandeternity.RepeatIsa.54:10.

“For themountainsshalldepart,and thehillsberemoved;butmykindnessshallnotdepartfromthee,neithershall thecovenantofmypeaceberemoved,saiththeLordthathathmercyonthee.”

52)(355)“WhohasthisbenefitofHolyBaptism?”“Allwhobelieveinit.”53) So what is necessary on our part in order that we may have and

enjoythesegreatbenefitsofBaptism?Faithisnecessary.54) (356) “With what words does our Lord Jesus Christ Himself say

this?”“With these: He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that

believethnot.shallbedamned.”

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55)(357)“Whyisitnotsaid:‘Hethatbelievethnot,andisnotbaptizedshallbedamned?’”

“Becauseapersoncanalsoobtainfaith,andbesavedby theWordalone ifonlyBaptismbenotdespised.”

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Lesson92.HowCanWaterDoSuchGreatThings?

(Questions358-364.)

1) Which question concerning Baptism did we consider in our lastlesson?

Thequestion:“Whatdoesbaptismgiveorprofit?”2)Andwhichquestionhavewebeforeustoday?Thequestion:“Howcanwaterdosuchgreatthings?”3)(358)“Howcanwaterdosuchgreatthings?”“Itisnotwaterindeedthatdoesthem,buttheWordofGodwhichisinand

withthewater,andfaithwhichtrustssuchWordofGodinthewater.ForwithouttheWordofGodthewaterissimplywaterandnoBaptism.ButwiththeWordof God it is a Baptism, that is, a gracious water of life and a washing ofregenerationintheHolyGhost,asSt.Paulsays,Titus,thirdchapter:”AccordingtoHismercyHesavedus,bythewashingofregenerationandrenewingoftheHolyGhost,whichHeshedonusabundantly throughJesusChristourSavior;thatbeingjustifiedbyHisgrace,weshouldbemadeheirsaccordingtothehopeofeternallife.Thisisafaithfulsaying."

4)Whatgreatthingsareheremeant?ThegreatthingswhichBaptismgives.5)Andwhatarethesegreatthings?Forgiveness of sins, deliverance from death and the devil, and everlasting

salvation.6)Whatkindofthingsaretheseherecalled?Theyarecalledgreatthings.7)Yes,andtheyareindeedgreatthings;thegreatestthingswhichwecan

imagine.AndwhenwelookatBaptismoutwardly,what is it?What is theoutward,earthly,orvisible,thinginBaptism?

Itiswater.8)Nowsomepeoplemakethemistakeandimaginethatwaterisallthere

isinBaptism,thatitissimplywater.Whatdowesayofsuchpeople?Theyaremistaken.

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9) Baptism is not simply water, but what is in and with the water inBaptism?

TheWordofGod.10)Wesawunderquestion342whatWordofGodisheremeant.Letus

hearitagain.Thewordofcommand,andthewordofpromise.11)Whichisthewordofcommand?(343).“Goyeandteachallnations,baptizingtheminthenameoftheFather,andof

theSon,andoftheHolyGhost.”12)Andwhichisthewordofpromise?(352).“He thatbelievethand isbaptizedshallbesaved;buthe thatbelievethnot,

shallbedamned.”13)(359)“WhatthenisitinBaptismthatdoessuchgreatthings?”“TheWord ofGod that is in andwith thewater, and faith that trusts such

WordofGodinthewater.”14) We understand full well that a little water cannot take away sin,

deliverfromdeathandthedevil,andgiveeverlastinglife.Watercanwashawaybodilyfilth,butwhatfilthcanmerewaternottakeaway?

Thefilthofsin.15)IfBaptismweremerewater, itcouldnotdeliverusfromdeathand

thedevil,norgiveeverlastinglife.ButwhatisBaptism?Baptismisnotsimplywater,butthewatercomprehendedinGod’scommand

andconnectedwithGod’sword.16)(359)“Whatthenisitinbaptismthatdoessuchgreatthings?”“TheWord of God that is in andwith thewater and faith that trusts such

WordofGodinthewater.”17)Howmany thingsare set forth in thisanswerasgivingBaptism its

power?Twothings.18)Whichisthefirst?TheWordofGodthatisinandwiththewater.19)Andwhichisthesecond?FaithwhichtrustssuchWordofGodinthewater.20)What is it then that gives Baptism its power, andmakes it such a

sourceofblessing?ItistheWordofGod.

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21) While we are agreed that water cannot work forgiveness of sins,deliverfromdeathandthedevil,andgiveeverlastinglife,whatisitthatcandothesegreatthings?

TheWordofGodthatisinandwiththewater.22)AndwhatisnecessaryonourpartinorderthattheWordofGodin

Baptismmayeffectthesegreatthings?Faithisnecessary.23)Whatisfaithtodoaccordingtoquestion359?FaithmusttrustsuchWordofGodinBaptism.24)(360)“IsBaptismthenameresign?”“ItIsnot,butagraciouswaterof lifeandawashingofregenerationbythe

HolyGhost.”25)WeareagreedthatBaptismisasign.Whatdoesitsignify?(365).“It signifies that the old Adam in us, by daily contrition and repentance,

shouldbedrownedanddie,withallsinsandevillusts;andthatanewmandailycome forth and rise, who shall live in righteousness and purity before Godforever.”

26)ButwhileweareagreedthatBaptismisasign,arewealsoknowthatitismorethanameresign.Thereisagreatdifferencebetweenthepictureofathingandthethingitself.Ifapersonwererealhungryandyoushowedhimapictureoffruit,wouldthatsatisfyhim?

Itwouldnot.27) If he were cold and you showed him a picture of a red hot stove,

wouldthatwarmhim?Itwouldnot.28)Soamerepicture,orsignoftheforgivenessofsinscannotsatisfya

poorsoul.Wemusthavethisforgivenessitself.Andhowisthisbroughttous?

ThroughBaptism.29)On that account,what is Baptism called in the answer to question

360?Itiscalledagraciouswateroflife.30)Agraciouswater,thatis,awaterinandthroughwhichthegraceof

God,thatis,theforgivenessofsins,isbestoweduponus.Butwhatkindofwaterisitcalledinthissameanswer?

AwateroflifeandawashingofregenerationbytheHolyGhost.

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31)Whatisnecessaryfortheproductionandpreservationoflifeondrylandinnature?

Waterisnecessary.32) Baptism is called a water of life, for when God through Baptism

forgivesusoursinsHealsogivesusnew,spirituallife.WhatdoestheSaviorsaytoNicodemus,John3:5-7.

“Verily, verily, I say unto thee. Except aman be born ofwater and of thespirit,hecannotenterintothekingdomofGod.Thatwhichisbornofthefleshisflesh;andthatwhichisbornofthespiritIsspirit.”

33)Wemustbebornagainorregenerated.Whoalonecanbringaboutthischangeinus?

TheHolyGhost.34)AndthroughwhatmeansdoestheHolyGhostaccomplishthis?ThroughBaptism.35)(361)“WithwhatwordsdoesSt.Paultellusthis?”“According toHismercyHe savedus, by thewashingof regeneration and

renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through JesusChrist,ourSavior.”

36)Whoisitthenthatsavesus?ItisGodwhosavesus.37)WhatinducesHimtosaveus?Hesavesusaccordingtohismercy.38)AndhowdoesHedothis?HedoesitbythewashingofregenerationandrenewingoftheHolyGhost.39)Whatisthiswashingofregeneration?ItIsBaptism.40)(362)“WhatthenisBaptismaccordingtotheWordofGod?”“ItisthatwashingthroughwhichtheHolyGhostregeneratesandrenewsus.”41)(363)“HowdoestheHolyGhostdothisinBaptism?”“He works and strengthens faith in us, through which we become God’s

childrenandgrowinholinessoflife.”42)We have seen that both children and adults are to be baptized. In

whom, being without faith by nature, is faith to be worked throughBaptism?

Inchildren.43)AndinwhomisfaithtobestrengthenedbyBaptismaftertheyhave

learnedtoknowandtobelieveontheSaviorthroughthepreachingofthe

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Word?Inadults.44)ReadGal.3:26:27.“ForyouareallthechildrenofGodbyfaithInChristJesus.Forasmanyof

youashavebeenbaptizedintoChristhaveputonChrist.”45)WhenwearebaptizedintoChrist,whosechildrendowebecome?WebecomeGod’schildren.46) We are born again, regenerated and made the children of God.

RepeatEph.5:25:26.“ChristalsolovedthechurchandgaveHimselfforit;thatHemightsanctify

andcleanseitwiththewashingofwaterbytheword.”47)HowdoesGodsanctifyandcleanseus?WiththewashingofwaterbytheWord.48)WhatisthiswashingofwaterbytheWord?ItisBaptism.49)RepeatRom.8:14.“AsmanyasareledbytheSpiritofGod,theyarethesonsofGod.”50)WhatisheresaidofthesonsofGod?TheyareledbytheSpiritofGod.51)ThisSpiritwereceivedinBaptism,andthisspiritgivesusboththe

powerand thewill towalk in thewayofGod’scommandments.Repeat2Cor.5:17.

“ThereforeIfanymanbeinChrist,heisanewcreature:oldthingsarepassedaway;behold,allthingsarebecomenew.”

52)WearebaptizedintoChrist,andwhatisheresaidofthemanwhoisinChrist?

Heisanewcreature.53)Whathasbecomeoftheoldthings,thatis,oftheloveofsin?Oldthingshavepassedaway.54)(364)“WhatarewebaptizedbelieversthroughthisgraceoftheHoly

Spirit?”“Weare ‘justifiedbyHisgrace’and ‘heirsaccording to thehopeofeternal

life.’”55)HavingreceivedtheforgivenessofsinsthroughBaptism,howdowe

appearbeforeGod?WearejustifiedbyHisgrace.56)AndbeingGod’sdearChildren,whatfollowsfromthis?

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Weareheirsaccordingtothehopeofeternallife.

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Lesson93.WhatDoesBaptismSignify?

(Questions365-369.)

1) (351) We have seen, children, that Baptism is not a mere sign, anempty ceremony, but that it is a powerfulmeans throughwhich theHolyGhostworksinus.“WhatdoesBaptismgiveorprofit?”

“Itworks forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil, and giveseverlasting salvation to all who believe it, as thewords and promises ofGoddeclare.”

2) But Baptism not only works something, it also signifies something.That is, it is the sign, or the picture, of something.We do not object tocalling baptism a sign, but what do we object to? You can tell me fromquestion360,notfromtheanswer,butfromthequestion.

Weobjecttocallingbaptismameresign.3)Itisasign,orarepresentation,ofsomething,butitismuchmorethan

this. After we have seen what Baptism actually gives and does, it isimportantthatwealsoconsiderwhatitrepresents,orsignifies.UnderwhatheaddoweconsiderthisintheCatechism?

UnderNo.IV.4)(365)“Whatdoessuchbaptizingwithwatersignify?”“It signifies that the old Adam in us, by daily contrition and repentance

shouldbedrownedanddie,withallsinsandevillusts;andthatanewmandailycome forth and arise, who shall live in righteousness and purity before Godforever.”

5)(366)“Whereisthiswritten?”“St.Paul,Romans,sixthchapter,says:‘WeareburiedwithChristbyBaptism

intodeath;thatlikeasHewasraisedupfromthedeadbythegloryoftheFather,evensowealsoshouldwalkinnewnessoflife.’”

6)Herewearetoldwithwhatwebaptize.WhatistheearthlyelementinBaptism,whatdowebaptizewith?

Webaptizewithwater.7)Whatiswaterordinarilyusedfor?

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Itisusedfordrinking.8)Andforwhatelseisitused?Itisusedforwashing.9)Whenyourhands,yourfaceoryourclothes,becomesoiled,whatdo

youusetocleansethem?Weusewater.10)Wateristhegreatcleanserfrombodilyfilth.Butthereisafilththat

isworsethanbodilyfilth,whatisit?Thefilthofsin.11)NowthewaterinBaptismsignifiesthiscleansingfromspiritualfilth.

As in Baptism our bodies are washed with water, so our souls are to becleansed from sin. What is it in Baptism that signifies this spiritualcleansing?

Itisthewater.12) What mode of Baptism was often used in warm climates where

ChristandHisdiscipleslabored?Theybaptizedbyimmersion.13)What becomes of amanwhen he is put under thewater and held

there?Heisdrowned.14)Accordingtotheanswertoquestion36.",what is tobedrownedin

us?TheoldAdam.15)(367)“Whatdoyouunderstandby‘theoldAdam?’”“Ourdepravednature,whichweinheritedfromAdamandwhichshowsitself

inallsinandevillusts.”16)Ourdepravednatureheremeansthesinfulnessofournature.From

whomdidweinheritthissinfulness?WeinheriteditfromAdam.17)InwhoseimagewasAdamcreated?IntheimageofGod.18)Whereindidthisimageconsist?Inrighteousnessandholiness.19)WhatbecameofthisimageofGod?Itwaslostbysin.20)SinceAdambecamesinful,what effecthadhis sinfulnessonallhis

descendants?

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Theyareallsinful.21)Andhowdoesthissinfulnessofournatureshowitself?Question367.Itshowsitselfinallsinsandevillusts.22)RepeatEph.4:22.“Put off concerning the former conversation the old man which is corrupt

accordingtothedeceitfullusts.”23)Ourheartsarealwaysinclinedtoevil.Evenafterwearebaptizedwe

stillhavesinfulhearts,andare inclined toall sinsandevil lusts.How, forinstance,doesthissinfulnessshowitselfintheconductofachildtowarditsparents?

Throughdisobedience.24) How does it show itself in children in their conduct among

themselves?Theygetangryandquarrel.Theyareselfish.25)Howdoesitshowitselfinsinsagainsttheeighthcommandment?Theylie,andspreadbadreportsabouteachother.26)(368)“WhatshouldbedonewiththisoldAdam?”“Heshouldinusbydailycontritionandrepentancebedrownedanddie,with

allsinsandevillusts.”27)What becomes of amanwhen he is put under thewater and held

there?Heisdrowned.Hedies.28)Soweshoulddrownandkillall sin inus.Whatwouldamando if

youtriedtoputhimunderthewateranddrownhim?Hewouldstruggleandtrytogetloose.29)Sooursinfulnatureresistswhenwetrytogetridofit.Itdieshard.It

requiresafighttoputawaysin.HowistheoldAdaminustobedrowned?Bydailycontritionandrepentance.30)Contritionheremeanssorrow.Whatshouldwebesorryfor?Weshouldbesorryforoursins.31)HowdoesGodregardsin?ItoffendsHim.Hehatesit.32)Andonwhataccount,howshouldwefeelwhenwefindthatwehave

sinned?Weshouldfeelsorry.33)AndwhathasGodthreatenedtodowithsin?Hehasthreatenedtopunishit.

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34)Andwhenwehearandlearnthis,whateffectshouldithaveonus?Weshouldbecomealarmed.Weshouldbeafraid.35)But theCatechism speaksnot onlyof contrition, that is, of sorrow,

butofwhatelse?Ofrepentance.36)That is,whenwebecomealarmedonaccountof sin,weshouldnot

despair,but turn toGod forhelp.WhathasGodpromised todowith thesinsofthosewhorepent?

Hehaspromisedtoforgivethem.37)And thiswe shouldbelievewithallourhearts.Forwhose sakehas

Godpromisedtoforgiveoursins?ForChrist’ssake.38)WhatdidChristdothatGodshouldforgivesinsforHissake?Hesufferedanddiedforus.39)IfweturntoGodintruerepentanceandaskforgivenessforChrist’s

sake,whatmayweexpect?WemayexpectthatGodwillforgiveusoursins.40) But why does the Catechism speak of daily contrition and

repentance?Becausewesineveryday.41)Thisfightagainstsinneverendsaslongaswelive.Itisabitterfight,

andwillendonlywhenwedieandGodtakesustoheaven.Howoftendoweneedtowashourhandsandfaces?

Everyday,orasoftenastheygetdirty.42)Sothisspiritualcleansingistogooncontinually.Whatsinsandevil

lustsaretobedrownedanddieinus?Allsinsandevillusts.43)Wedarenotbeindifferent,orcareless,inregardtoasinglesin.How

shouldwefeelabouteverysin?Weshouldfeelsorry,andaskGod’sforgiveness.44)(369)“Whatshalltakehisplace?”“There shall ‘a new man daily come forth and arise, who shall live in

righteousnessandpuritybeforeGodforever.’”45)Whentheybaptizedbyimmersionandputapersonunderthewater,

didtheyleavehimthere?No,theydrewhimoutagain.

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46)Asputtingunderthewatermeantdeath,whatdiddrawingoutagainmean?

Itmeantlife.47)Theoneisasymbolofdeathandtheotherofresurrection.Whatisto

comeforthandarise?Anewman.48) Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration. In and through it God

createsnewspirituallifeinus,andwhatisheresaidaboutthisnewlife,thisnewman?

Heisdailytocomeforthandarise.49)That is, thenewman is to showhimself, tomakehimself felt.And

howisthistobedone?Inrighteousnessandpurity.50) Yes, and this is to be before God, who sees and knows all things.

Underwhoseeye,therefore,arewetoliveintheworld?UndertheeyeofGod.51)SoGodsaidtoAbraham,asweread.Gen.17:1.“WhenAbramwasninetyyearsoldandnine, theLordappeared toAbram,

and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thouperfect.”

52)Wearedailytogrowinholinessofheartandlife.Wearetobebettertodaythanwewereyesterday,bettertomorrowthanwearetoday.AndhowlongarewethustoliveinrighteousnessandpuritybeforeGod?

Forever.53)ThenewlifewhichwasbeguninusbyBaptismisnevertoend.We

aretolivearighteousandapurelifeallourdaysonearth.Ofcourse,itwillalwaysbe ingreatweaknessso longaswe liveonearth.Butwheredoweexpecttoliveaperfectlyrighteousandpurelifeforever?

Inheaven.51) St. Paul, in Romans the sixth chapter, verse 4, speaks of Baptism.

Whatdoeshesayinthefirstpartofthesentence?WeareburiedwithChristbyBaptismintodeath.55)Christdiedandwasburied,andBaptismburiesus,asitwere,with

Him.Wearetobedeadtosin.ButwhatdoestheapostlesayaboutChrist’sresurrectionandourwalk?

“LikeasHewasraisedupfromthedeadbythegloryofthefather,evensowealsoshouldwalkinnewnessoflife.”

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Confession

Lesson94.OfConfession.

(Question370.)

1)WhatchiefpartoftheCatechismdidwefinishinourlastlesson?Thefourthchiefpart.2)OfwhatdoesthefourthchiefpartoftheCatechismtreat?IttreatsofholyBaptism.3)WhatwasthefourthimportantquestionoftheCatechismconcerning

Baptism?“WhatdoessuchBaptismwithwatersignify?”4)AndwhatanswerdoestheCatechismgivetothisquestion?“It signifies that the old Adam in us, by daily contrition and repentance

shouldbedrownedanddie,withallsinsandevillusts;andthatanewmandailycome forth and arise, who shall live in righteousness and purity before Godforever.”

5)WhatdoweunderstandbytheoldAdam?Thesinfulnessofournature.6)Againstthiswearetofight;thiswearetoputdown.Ourwholelifeon

earth is tobeacontinual fightagainst sin.Whenwebecomeawareof thefactthatwehavesinned,howshouldwefeelaboutit?

Weshouldfeelsorry.7)Intheparableoftheprodigalsonweseewhatshouldbedonewhenwe

have sinned.What did he saywhen he came to himself, that is, when herealizedthathehadsinned?

Luke15:18.“Iwillriseandgotomyfatherandsaytohim,‘Father,Ihavesinnedagainstheaven,andbeforethee.’”

8)Whatdidhemakeuphismindtodo?Togotohisfatherandconfesshissins.

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9) This confession is necessary if we would receive forgiveness. OurLutheranChurchhasarrangedaspecialserviceforthosewhowouldgototheLord’sSupper.Whatdowecallthisservice?

Wecallittheconfessionalservice,orconfession.10)(370)“Whatisconfession?”“Confessionembracestwoparts:oneis, thatweconfessoursins; theother,

thatwe receive theabsolutionor forgiveness from theconfessor, as fromGodhimself, and in no wise doubt but firmly believe, that thereby our sins areforgivenbeforeGodinheaven.”

11)Howmanypartsdoesconfessionembrace?Twoparts.12)Whichisthefirst?Thatweconfessoursins.13)Todothiswemustfirstknowwhatsinis.Whatissin?(123)“Siniseverytransgressionofthedivinelaw.”14)EverytimewetransgressGod’slaw,whatareweguiltyof?Weareguiltyofsin.15)Howmanykindsofsinarethere?(125)Two:originalandactual.16)Whatisoriginalsin?(126)“Itistheutterdepravityofthewholehumannature,which,sincethefailof

Adam,isinborninallmen.”17)Whatisactualsin?(128)“All that is done contrary to theTenCommandments in thought,word and

deed.”18)Whentheprodigalsonbecameawarethathehadsinnedagainsthis

father,whatdidhennkeuphismindtodo?Luke15:18.Togohomeandconfesshissins.19)WhatdidDaviddowhenNathantoldhimofhissins?2Sam.12:13.Hesaid:“IhavesinnedagainsttheLord.”20)WhatdidDaviddowithhissins?Heconfessedthem.21)Readwhatiswritten,Prov.28:13.“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and

forsakeththemshallhavemercy.”22)Accordinglywhoshallhavemercy?Hethatconfessethandforsakethhissins.

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23)Toconfesssinsmeansnotonlytoacknowledgethatwehavesinned,buthowshouldwefeelaboutoursins?

Weshouldfeelsorryforoursins.24)Andwhyshouldwefeelsorryforsin,whenwethinkofhowitaffects

God?BecauseitgrievesandoffendsHim.25)Andwhatdoessinbringuponus?Itbringspunishmentuponus.26)Allthisweshouldconfess,butconfessionembracestwoparts.What

isthesecond?Theotheristhatwereceiveabsolution,etc.27)Whenwethinkofoursins,whatshouldwebeanxioustoreceive?Weshouldbeanxioustoreceiveforgiveness.28)Whyisthisforgivenesssonecessary?Becausewecannotbesavedwithoutit.29)Ifsinisnotforgivenwhatwillbedonewithit?Itwillbepunished.30)Andwhatisthepunishmentofsin?Deathanddamnation.31)Whatarewetoreceiveinconfession?Wearetoreceiveabsolution.32)Whatdoesabsolutionmean?Itmeansforgiveness.33)Fromwhomarewetoreceivethisforgiveness?Fromtheconfessor.34)Theconfessorheremeansthepastor.Buthowshouldwereceivethe

absolutionfromtheconfessor?AsfromGodhimself.35)Whomhaveweoffendedbyoursins?WehaveoffendedGod.36) So David confessed with reference to his great sin, as we read Ps.

51:4.“Against thee, theeonly,have I sinned,anddone thisevil in thysight: that

thoumightestbeJustifiedwhenthouspeakest,andbeclearwhenthoujudgest.”37)Thenwhoalonecanforgivesin?Godalonecanforgivesin.

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38)ButGoddoesitthroughhisservant,thepastor.Inwhosenamedoesthepastorforgivesin?

InGod’sname.39) Our Catechism in question 370 says we should in no wise doubt.

Whatshouldwenotdoubt?Weshouldnotdoubtthatoursinsareforgiven.40)HowcanGodforgivesinwhenHehasthreatenedtopunishit?WhohasmadeitpossibleforGodtoforgivesins?OurLordJesusChrist.41)HowdidHedothis?Throughhisinnocentsufferingsanddeath.42)ForwhomdidChristsecureforgivenessofsins?Forallmen.43)What,then,shouldwefirmlybelieve?Thatoursinsareforgiven.44)ThroughwhomdoesGoddeclaretoustheforgivenessofsins?ThroughtheministersoftheGospel.45)Andhowshouldweregardthisdeclarationoftheminister?AsthoughGodHimselfhadmadeit.46)Howshouldwelookuponwhatapersondoesthroughhisservant,or

agent?Asthoughthepersonhaddoneithimself.47)WhatdoestheSaviorsay,Luke10:16,inthefirstpartoftheverse?“Hethathearethyou,hearethme.”48)We have already referred to David’s confession of his great sin, 2

Sam.12:13.WhatdidNathansaytoDavidafterhisconfession?“AndNathan said untoDavid, ‘TheLord also hath put away thy sin; thou

shaltnotdie.’”49)SohowdidGodassureDavidoftheforgivenessofhissin?ThroughNathan.50)AndhowmightDavidregardthisdeclaration?AsthoughGodHimselfhadspokentohim.

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Lesson95.WhatSinsShouldWeConfess?

(Questions371-372.)

1)(370)“Whatisconfession?”“Confessionembracestwoparts:Oneis,thatweconfessoursins;theother,

thatwereceivetheabsolution,orforgiveness,fromtheconfessor,asfromGodHimself, and in no wise doubt but firmly believe, that thereby our sins areforgivenbeforeGodinheaven.”

2)Whatisthefirstpartofconfession?Thefirstpartofconfessionisthatweconfessoursins.3)(371)“Whatsinsshouldweconfess?”“BeforeGodweshouldpleadguiltyofall sins,evenof thosewhichwedo

not know, aswe do in the Lord’s prayer; but before the confessorwe shouldconfessthosesinsonlywhichweknowandfeelinourhearts.”

4)Beforewhomshouldwefirstofallconfessoursins?BeforeGod.5)WhatsinsshouldweconfessbeforeGod?BeforeGodweshouldpleadguiltyofallsins.6)Againstwhomisallsinanoffense?AgainstGod.7) When Cain slew his brother Abel, he sinned not only against his

brotherandagainsthisparents,butagainstwhom?HesinnedagainstGod.8)Andthisisalwaystheworstthingaboutsinthatitisanoffenseagainst

God.ItisrebellionagainstHim.SoDavidconfessedPs.51:4.“Against thee, theeonlyhave I sinned, anddone this evil in thy sight; that

thoumightestbejustifiedwhenthouspeakest,andbeclearwhenthoujudgest.”9)BeforeGodweshouldconfessourselvesguiltyevenofwhatsins?Evenofthosewhichwedonotknow.10)WhatdoesDavidsay,Ps.19:12?“Whocanunderstandhiserrors?cleansethoumefromsecretfaults.”

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11)We often sinwithout knowing it, and there is nothingwe so easilyforget as our sins. Which one of God’s commandments have we keptperfectly?

WehavekeptnoneofGod’scommandmentsperfectly.12)WhenthepoorpublicanstoodbeforeGod,whatdidheacknowledge

himselftobe?Luke18:13.Heacknowledgedhimselftobeasinner.13)Hedidnotconfessanyparticularsin,becausehefelthissinsweretoo

many to mention them one by one. Where do we all make a generalconfessionofsineveryday?

IntheLord’sPrayer.14)InwhichpetitionoftheLord’sPrayerdoweconfessoursin?Inthefifthpetition.15)Repeatthefifthpetition.“Andforgiveusourtrespassesasweforgivethosewhotrespassagainstus.”16) Here we confess not only that we have sinned, but that we are

sinners,justasthepoorpublicandid.Forwehavenotonlysinnedbyactualsinsinthoughts,wordsanddeeds,butwhatothersinhavewebesidesactualsin,thatwhichistherootofactualsin?

Originalsin.17)All thiswe should acknowledge and confess beforeGod, aswe see

fromPs.32:3-5.“When I kept silence,myboneswaxedold throughmy roaring all the day

long.Fordayandnightthyhandwasheavyuponme:mymoistureisturnedintothe drought of summer. Selah. I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mineiniquityhave Inothid. i said, Iwill confessmy transgressionsunto theLord;andthouforgavesttheiniquityofmysin.Selah.”

18)AlsoProv.28:13.“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and

forsakeththemshallhavemercy.”19)ButconfessionbeforeGod,thesearcherofhearts,isnotallwhichthe

Catechismspeaksof.Whatotherconfessionismentionedinquestion371?Confessionbeforetheconfessor.20)Theconfessoristhepastor.Whatsinsshouldweconfessbeforehim?Thosesinsonlywhichweknowandfeelinourhearts.21) It is neither necessary nor possible to confess every particular sin

before thepastor.Butwhenweknowand feel certain sins that troubleus

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and give us no peace and rest, to whom should we go for advice andcomfort?

Weshouldgotothepastor.22)Whenyouaretroubledwithbodilysicknessorpain,towhomdoyou

goformedicineandadvice?Tothephysician.23)Andwhomshouldyouconsiderasyourspiritualphysician?Thepastor.24)Yes,andthepastorshouldregardwhatisthustoldandconfessedto

him as a sacred trust which he is to keep to himself. You should haveconfidenceinyourpastorandbeopenandhonesttowardhim:foronlythencanheproperlyadviseanddealwithyou,justasaphysiciandoeswithhispatient.Ifwehavesinnedagainst,andoffended,anybody,whatarewetoldtodo.Matt.5:23-25?

“Thereforeifthoubringthygifttothealtar,andthererememberestthatthybrotherhathoughtagainstthee;leavetherethygiftbeforethealtar,andgothyway;firstbereconciledtothybrother,andthencomeandofferthygift.”

25)AllourworshipofGodamountstonothing,solongaswedonotliveinpeacewithoneanother.Ifwehavesinnedagainstandoffendedabrother,whatshouldwedoassoonaswebecomeawareofit?

Weshouldgotohimandconfessourfaults.26)Itisnodisgracetoconfessasinorafault.Thedisgraceliesinthesin

andnotintheconfession.Soweareadmonished.James5:6.“Confessyourfaultsonetoanother,andprayoneforanother,thatyemaybe

healed.Theeffectual,ferventprayerofarighteousmanavailethmuch.”27)Towhomdidtheprodigalsonconfesshissins?Tohisfather.28)Soweshouldconfesssinsbeforemen.Weshouldnotbetooproudto

saytoanoffendedbrother:“Brother,IamsorrythatIdidyouwrong,andIaskyoutoforgiveme.”Thefactis,thatifwearenotwillingtomakesuchconfessiontomen,wecannothonestlymakeconfessiontoGod.Whichsinsshouldwethusconfessbeforemen?

Thosewhichweknowandfeelinourhearts.29)(372)“Whicharethese?”“Here consider your station according to theTenCommandments,whether

you are a father,mother, son, daughter,master,mistress, servant;whether youhave been disobedient, unfaithful, slothful: whether you have grieved any

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person,bywordordeed:whetheryonhavestolen,neglected,wastedanything,ordoneotherharm.”

30)Whatistheruleaccordingtowhichweshouldexamineourselves?Thetencommandments.31)Whenabrick-layerwantstoknowwhetherthewallheisbuildingis

plumb,howdoeshefindthisout?Heappliestheplumbline.32)SoGod’slaw,thetencommandments,areaplumblineforourlives.

Howmustweregardeverythingthatdoesnotagreewiththisrule?Wemustregarditaswrongandsinful.33)Butwhatarewetoconsideraccordingtoquestion372?Wearetoconsiderourstation.34)That is,yourstation,orstanding, in life.Someof thesestationsare

herementioned.Whatarethey?Whetheryouarefather,mother,son,daughter,master,mistress,servant.35) To each of these stations in life, God has given particular duties.

What,forinstance,doesherequireofparents?Eph.6:4.“Yefathers,provokenotyourchildrentowrath:butbringthemup

inthenurtureandadmonitionoftheLord.”36)Parentsthenshouldaskthemselves:“HaveIdonethis?”Whatdoes

Godrequireofchildrenaccordingtothefourthcommandment?“Thoushalthonorthyfatherandthymother.”37)WhatdoesGodrequireofmasters?Col. 4:1. “Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal;

knowingthatyealsohaveaMasterinheaven.”38)AndwhatdoesGodrequireofservants?Col.3:22.“Servants,obeyinall thingsyourmastersaccordingto theflesh;

notwitheyeserviceasmenpleasers;butinsinglenessofheart,fearingGod.”39)What shoulda servant, orworkman, confess according toquestion

372?Whetherhehasbeendisobedient,unfaithfulorslothful.40)Whatelseshouldweacknowledgeandconfess?Whetherwehavegrievedanypersonbywordordeed.41)Whatsinsagainsttheseventhcommandmentshouldweconfess?Whetherwehavestolen,neglected,wastedanything.42)Whatsinsagainstthethirdcommandmentshouldweconfess?ThatwehaveneglectedpreachingandGod’sword.

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43)Whatsinsagainstthefifthcommandmentshouldweconfess?Thatwehavebeenangryandhatedourneighbor.44)Whatshouldweconfessasasinagainstthesixthcommandment?Thatwehavenotledachasteanddecentlifeinthought,wordanddeed.45)Andagainsttheeighthcommandment?Thatwehavenotalwaysbeentruthful.46) In general, what should we examine according to the sentence in

parenthesisinquestion372?Weshouldexaminenotmerelyouroutwardconduct,butalsoourinnerlifeof

theheartastothesinfulmotionsitindulged.47)Letusrememberthatthisself-examinationistobebeforeGod,who

isthesearcherofhearts,asweread,Jer.17:10.“I,theLordsearchtheheart,Itrythereins,eventogiveeverymanaccording

tohisways,andaccordingtothefruitofhisdoings.”48)Thisself-examinationweshouldholddaily.Whenthedayispastandwe

areabout to retireweshouldaskourselves, "Howhave I spent theday?WhathaveIsaidanddone?

Will my thoughts and desires meet with God’s approval?" But especiallycarefulandsearchingshouldthisexaminationbebeforewhatsacredandsolemnservice?

BeforewegototheHolyCommunion.49) Yes children, this is the time to make up, if we have grieved and

offendedoneanother.Thisisthetimenotonlytoconfess,buttoforgiveaswehopetobeforgiven.Godhelpustodoitwithalluprightnessofheart!

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Lesson96.TheConfessionalPrayer.

(Question375.)

1)WehaveseenthataChristianshouldmakeconfessionofsinsbothtoGodandhispastor.WhatsinsshouldweconfessbeforeGod?

BeforeGodweshouldpleadguiltyofallsins,evenofthosewhichwedonotknow.

2)Andwhatsinsshouldweconfessbeforetheconfessor,orpastor?Thoseonlywhichweknowandfeelinourhearts.3)Wehavealsoseenthat,inordertomakeproperconfession,weshould

examineourselves.Accordingtowhatruleshouldweexamineourselves?Accordingtothetencommandments.4)Andifwethusexamineourselves,whatwillwefind?Wewillfindthatwearepoorsinners.5)AndwhenweAndthatwearepoorsinners,whatshouldwedowith

oursinsbeforeGod?Weshouldconfessthem.6) (373)“Withaboutwhatwords canyoumakeconfessionbeforeGod

andyourpastor?”“AlmightyGod,OmostmercifulFather,I,apoor,miserablesinner,confess

untoThee allmy sins and iniquities,whereby I have ever offendedThee andjustlydeservedThytemporalandeternalpunishment;butIamheartilysorryforthem all and repent of them truly, and I beseech Thee through Thine infinitemercyandforthesakeoftheholy,innocent,andbittersufferingsanddeathofThy dear Son, JesusChrist, to be gracious andmerciful tome, a poor sinner.Amen.”

7)Letuslookatthisprayeralittlemoreclosely.Towhomisthisprayeraddressed?

ToAlmightyGod.8)OmnipotenceisoneoftheattributesofGod.Canyoumentionothers?God is eternal, omnipresent, omniscient, holy, righteous, merciful and

truthful.

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9)TheGod towhomwe are tomake confession is omnipresent.Whatdoesthatmean?

ItmeansthatHeiseverywherepresentatthesametime.10)Yesnomatterwhereweare,God ispresent tohearourconfession.

ButHeisalsoomniscient.Whatdoesthatmean?It means that He knows all things. Yes it means that He sees and knows

whetherweare truthful inourconfessionornot. It is foolish to try todeceiveGod,Whoseesandknowsall things.ButwhatotherattributeofGodcanyoumention?

Godisholy.12)Andwhatdoesthismean?ItmeansthatHeiswithoutsin.13)Beforethissinless,pure,perfectGodwearetomakeconfession.God

isnotonlyholy;whatotherattributeofGodcanyoumentionthatiscloselyrelatedtoholiness?

Godisrighteous.14)Andwhatdoesthatmean?ItmeansthatHelovesandrewardswhatisgoodandhatesandpunisheswhat

isevil.15)ButintheprayerunderconsiderationwecallGodnotonlyAlmighty

God.butwhatothernamedowegiveHim?WecallHimmostmercifulFather.16)AndwhatdoesitmeanwhenwecallGodamercifulFather?ItmeansthatHepitiesusandisreadytoforgive.17) Yes, let us remember this; the God beforeWhomwe are tomake

confessionisnotahard-heartedtyrantwhotakespleasureinpunishinganddestroying,butamercifulFatherwhoisreadytoforgivethosewhorepent.Whatdoyoucallyourselfinthisprayer?

Icallmyselfapoor,miserablesinner.18)Whatisasinner?Asinnerisonewhohassinned.19)Whatissin?Siniseverytransgressionofthedivinelaw.20)Whydoweconfessourselvessinners?BecausewehavetransgressedGod’slaw.21)Whatkindofasinnerdoyouconfessyourselftobe?Apoor,miserablesinner.

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22)Whenisamanpoor?Whenhehasnothing.23)AndbeforeGodwehavenothingbutsin.Wehavenorighteousness.

There isnothinggoodaboutus.Canyou thinkof suchapoorsinnerwhothoughtonlyofhissinswhenhestoodinthetemplebeforeGod?

Thepoorpublican.24)WhatconfessiondidhemakebeforeGod?“Godbemercifultomeasinner.”25)Butyoualsoconfessyourselftobeamiserablesinner.Whenisaman

inmisery?Whenheisinpain,introuble.26) And so it pains us to think that by our sins we have grieved and

offendedGod.AndwhatmightwejustlyexpectfromGodforoursins?WemightexpectHiswrathandpunishment.27)Towhomdowemakeconfessionaccordingtothisprayer?Wesay,“IconfessuntoThee!”28)Whenwerepeatthisprayer,weareassembledinthehouseofGod.

Westandorkneel,notbeforethepastor,butbeforewhom?BeforeGod.29)Yes,beforeGod,thesearcherofhearts,whoknowsusbetterthanwe

knowourselves.AndwhatdoyouconfesstoGod?Iconfessallmysinsandiniquities.30)Howmanykindsofsinarethere?Two,originalandactual.31)Weconfessboth thatwearebynaturesinnersandthatwehave in

thought,wordsanddeedssinned.Andwhathaveyoudonebyyoursins?IhaveoffendedGod.32)SinoffendsGod.Hehates it.Andwhathaveyoudeservedbyyour

sins?IhavetherebydeservedGod’spunishment.33)Howmanykindsofpunishmentareherementioned?Two:temporalandeternal.34)Whatismeantbytemporalpunishment?Punishmenthereinthisworld.35)GivemesomeexamplesofpunishmentbyGodinthepresentworld.Theflood,SodomandGomorrah.

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36)Whatdidtherichmaninhellsayconcerninghimself.Luke16, thelastclauseofthe24thverse?

“Iamtormentedinthisflame.”37) In vain did he try to have his misery relieved, for what do the

Scripturesteachastothedurationofpunishmentintheworldtocome?Itiseternal.38)Letusnowcontinuetheconsiderationofthisprayer.Ourconditionis

sad,butnothopeless.Howdoyouconfesstofeelaboutyoursins?Iamheartilysorryforthemallandrepentofthemtruly.39)Yes,ifthereisonethingthatshouldmakeusfeelsaditissinwithits

dreadfulconsequences.Wecannotbeindifferenttosin.WhyshouldwefeelsorryforsinwhenwethinkofGod,ourdearFatherinheaven?

BecauseitgrievesandoffendsHim.40)Andwhyshouldwefeelsorryforsinwhenwethinkofitseffectupon

us?Itmakesusmiserable,andbringsruinanddestruction.41)AndwhatdoyouaskofGodinthisprayer?IbeseechHimtobemercifulandgracioustomeapoorsinner.42)Thatis,whatdoyouaskofGodtodowithyoursins?IaskHimtoforgivethem.43)ButhowcanyouexpectHimtoforgive?WhatattributeinGodisit

thatmakesHimwillingtoforgive?Hisinfinitemercy.44)WhyisGod’smercycalledinfinite?Becauseitneverends.45)ButGodisnotonlymerciful.Heisalsojust.Whowasitthatsatisfied

thejusticeofGodandmadeitpossibleforHimtoforgive?ItwasJesusChrist.46)WhoisJesusChrist?HeisGod’sdearSon.47) And what did Christ do that God should forgive our sins for His

sake?Hesufferedanddiedforus.48)WhatisheresaidofthesufferingsanddeathofChrist?Theyarecalledholy,innocentandbitter.49)Whyaretheycalledholy?Whatdoesholymean?Holymeanspure,withoutsin.

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50)Christ’s lifewaswithoutsin;therefore,whatareHissufferingsanddeathcalled?

Theyarecalledinnocent.51)That is,undeserved.HedidnotsufferanddieforHisownsins,for

Hehadnone.ButforwhosesinsdidHesufferanddie?Foroursins.52) And what may we now confidently expect since Christ by His

sufferingsanddeathmadeatonementforoursins?WemayexpectthatGodwillforgivethem.53)Withwhatworddoyouconcludethisprayer?WiththewordAmen.54)WhatdoesthewordAmenmean?Itmeansyes.55)WhatdoweconfidentlyexpressbythiswordAmen?ThatGodwillsurelydoaswehaveaskedhim,namelyforgiveoursins.

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TheOfficeoftheKeys

Lesson97.WhatIsTheOfficeOfTheKeys?

(Questions374-378.)

1)Whatisthesubjectofourlessontoday?Theofficeofthekeys.2)(374)“Whatistheofficeofthekeys?”“ItisthepeculiarchurchpowerwhichChristhasgiventoHischurchonearth

toforgivethesinsofpenitentsinners,andtoretainthesinsoftheimpenitent,solongastheydonotrepent.”

3)Theofficeofthekeysisthepowertodowhat?Itisthepowertoforgiveorretainsins.4)Whatistheonlythingthatcankeepamanoutofheaven?Sinistheonlythingthatcankeepamanoutofheaven.5)Whatmustbedonewithsinifwewouldenterheaven?Itmustbeforgiven.6)Theforgivenessofsinsopensthedoortoheaven.Wearespeakingof

theofficeofthekeys.Whatisakeyusedfor?Akeyisusedtolockorunlockdoors.7)ReadwhattheSaviorsaystotheapostlePeter,Matt.16:19.“Iwill give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: andwhatsoever

thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: andwhatsoever thou shaltlooseonearthshallbeloosedinheaven.”

8)Whatkeysareherespokeof?Thekeysofthekingdomofheaven.9)Thekingdomofheavenisherespokenofasahouse.Howdoweget

intoahouse?Throughthedoor.10)Butwhatmustbedonewiththedoorbeforewecanenter?

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Itmustbeunlockedandopened.11)Who,usually,haspossessionofthekeystothehouse?Theownerofthehouse.12)SoChrist, as the ownerandheadof thekingdomofheaven, is the

only onewho can forgive sins and thus open the door to heaven.But theownermayhandthekeysovertosomeoneelse,andthen,whohaschargeofthehouse?

Theonetowhomthekeysaregiven.13)Thewordofficeheremeansservice.Anofficerisonewhohascharge,

who is appointed or elected to do certain things. What kind of peculiarpoweristheofficeofthekeys?

Itisthepeculiarchurchpower.14)Itisnotapoliticalpowerbutachurchpower,aspiritualpower.From

whomdoesthispowercome?ItcomesfromChrist.15)WhatdoesChristsayofHimself,Matt.28:18?“Allpowerisgivenuntomeinheavenandearth.”16)TowhomhasChristgiventhispower?HehasgivenittoHischurchonearth.17)Theofficeofthekeysisthepowertoforgiveorretainsins.Christ’s

church isnotonlyhereonearthbutalso inheaven.Here it iscalledwhatkingdom?

Thekingdomofgrace.18)Andwhatisitcalledinheaven?Thekingdomofglory.19)Whyisthispowertoforgiveorretainsinsgivenonlytothechurchon

earth?Becauseinheaventhereisnosin.20)Butwheredoweneedtheforgivenessofsins?Weneedithereonearth.21)(375)“Whatdowethereforeunderstandbytheofficeofthekeys?”“ThepeculiarchurchpowerwhichChristhasgiventoHischurchonearth.”22)(470)“Whatisthispeculiarpowerofthechurch?”“To forgive the sins of penitent sinners (Loosingkey, absolution), to retain

thesinsoftheimpenitent,solongastheydonotrepent(Bindingkey,orban).”23)Howmanykeysareherespokenof?Two,theloosingandthebindingkeys.

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24)Whatistheloosingkeyalsocalled?Itiscalledabsolution.25)Thatmeansforgiveness.Whatisthebindingkeyalsocalled?Itiscalledtheban.26)Tobanapersonmeanstotellhimthathissinsarenotforgivenand

toputhimoutof thechurch.What is tobedonewiththesinsofpenitentsinners?

Theirsinsaretobeforgiven.27)Andwhatistobedonewiththesinsoftheimpenitentsinners?Theyaretoberetained.28)Whatisapenitentsinner?Onewhoissorryforhissins,whobelievesinChristandiswillingtoleada

betterlife.29)Whatisthechurchtotellsuchapenitentsinner?Sheistotellhimthathissinsareforgiven.30)Andwhatisshetotelltheimpenitentsinner?Sheistotellhimthathissinsarenotforgiven.31)Andhowlongshallsuchsinnersbewithoutforgiveness?Solongastheydonotrepent.32)ReadMatt.18:17-20.“Ifheshallneglecttohearthem,tell ituntothechurch:butifheneglectto

hearthechurch,lethimbetotheeasaheathenmanandapublican.VerilyIsayuntoyou,whatsoeveryeshallbindonearthshallbeboundinheaven.AndagainIsayuntoyouthat if twoofyouagreeonearthastouchinganythingthat theyshallask,itshallbedoneforthemofmyFatherwhichisinheaven.Forwheretwoorthreearegatheredtogetherinmyname,thereamIinthemidstofthem.”

33)What doesChrist here say to thewhole church about binding andloosing?

“Whatsoeveryeshallbindonearthshallbeboundinheaven;andwhatsoeveryeshalllooseonearthshallbeloosedinheaven.”

34)ThispowerHegavenotsimplytotheapostlePeterbuttothewholecompanyofbelievers,eventhoughbuttwoorthreearegatheredtogetherinHisname.Tellmefromthe lastsentenceofthispassage:whenbuttwoorthreearegatheredtogetherinChrist’sname,whoisinthemidstofthem?

ChristHimselfisinthemidstofthem.35) And how should that be regarded which the church does in His

name?

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AsthoughtheSaviorhaddoneithimself.36)TowhomhasChristgiventheofficeofthekeys,thatis,thepowerto

forgiveandretainsins?HehasgivenittoHischurchonearth.37)(377)“Howdoesthechurchadministerthisofficeofthekeys?”“ByadministeringtheWordandSacraments.”38)WhenthechurchpreachestheGospeltoapenitentsinner,whatdoes

shesaytohimconcerninghissins?Thathissinsareforgiven.39)Andwhenthechurchbaptizes,whatgreatblessingisconferred?Theforgivenessofsins.40)Andwhentheholycommunion iscelebrated,whatgreatblessing is

bestowed?Theforgivenessofsins.41)ReadRom.1:1O.“Iamnotashamedof theGospelofChrist: for it is thepowerofGodunto

salvationtoeveryonethatbelieveth.”42)WhatistheGospelwhichthechurchpreachesherecalled?ItiscalledthepowerofGoduntosalvation.43)Yes, because it brings the forgiveness of sins and eternal salvation.

ReadalsoLuke24.46.47.“Thusitiswritten,andthusitbehoovedChristtosuffer,andtorisefromthe

deadthethirdday:andthatrepentanceandremissionofsinsshouldbepreachedinHisname,amongallnations.”

44)ChristhasgivenHisWordtothechurch.WhatshouldthechurchdowiththisWord?

ItshouldpreachtheWord,toallnations.45) But he also gave the sacraments to the church. What should the

churchdowiththesacraments?Sheshouldadministerthesacraments.46)(378)“Throughwhomshouldthechurchdothispublicly?”“ThroughtheministersoftheWord,whoarecalledbythechurchtodothis,

accordingtothecommandofChrist.”47)WhoaretheministersoftheWord?TheministersoftheGospel,orpastors.48)WhataretheministersoftheGospelcalledtodo?TheyarecalledtopreachtheWordofGodandtoadministertheSacraments.

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49)Bywhomaretheycalledtodothis?Theyarecalledbythechurch.50)Andatwhosecommanddoesthechurchcallthem?AtthecommandofChrist.51)RepeatRom.10:15.“Howshalltheypreachexcepttheybesent?”52)ReadalsoJer.23:21.andseewhattheLordsaysoffalseprophets.“Ihavenotsenttheseprophets,yettheyran:Ihavenotspokentothem,yet

theyprophesied.”53)ButtrueprophetsarecalledandsentofGodbythechurch.Repeat1

Cor.12:29."Areallapostles?areallteachers?areallworkersofmiracles?54)AlsoJames3:1."Mybrethren,benotmanymasters,knowingthatyeshallreceivethegreater

condemnation.55)Mastersheremeansteachers,orpastors.Noteveryoneshouldtakeit

upon himself to teach publicly: for there is a very great responsibilityconnectedwithpublicpreaching.ReadalsoHebrew5:4.

“Noman taketh this honor to himself, but he that is calledofGod, aswasAaron.”

56) Aminister should be called of God through the church, as we seefrom1Cor.4.1.

“Let aman so account of us as theministers ofChrist and stewardsof themysteriesofChrist,”

57)AlsoActs20:28.“Takeheedthereforeuntoyourselvesandtoalltheflockoverthewhichthe

HolyGhosthathmadeyouoverseers,tofeedthechurchofGod,whichhehathpurchasedwithhisownblood.”

58)Themenwhomtheapostlehereaddresseswerecalledbythechurchaspreachersandpastors,andyettheapostlesaysthatanothermadethemoverseersoftheflockofGod,namely,who?

TheHolyGhost.

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Lesson98.WhatDoYouBelieveInAccordanceWithTheseWords?

(Questions379-384).

1) (379) “Whatare thewordsof ourLordJesusChrist concerning theOfficeoftheKeys?”

“Thus writes the holy Evangelist John in the twentieth chapter:”The LordJesus breathed on His disciples, and saith unto them, Receive ye the HolyGhost." Whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosesoeversinsyeretain,theyareretained."

2)Whospokethesewords?OurLordJesusChrist.3)Wheredowefindthemrecorded?IntheGospelofSt.John,inthetwentiethchapter.4) Turn to this chapter and tell me in which verses do we find these

words.Inverses22and23.5)TowhomdidtheSavioraddressthesewords?ToHisdisciples.6)WhatdidHegivethemunderthevisiblesignofbreathingonthem?HegavethemtheHolyGhost.7)HavinggiventhemtheHolyGhost,whatdidHesaytothem?Whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; andwhosesoever

sinsyeretain,theyareretained.8)(380)“Whatdoyoubelieveinaccordancewiththesewords?”“I believe thatwhen the calledministers ofChrist byHis divine command

dealwithus,particularlywhentheyexcludethemanifestandimpenitentsinnersfrom theChristiancongregation, and, again, absolve thosewho repentof theirsinsandarewillingtoamend,thatthisisasvalidandcertain,alsoinheaven,asifChrist,ourdearLord,haddealtwithusHimself.”

9)Whodealswithusinthisofficeofthekeys?ThecalledministersofChrist.

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10)Andhowdotheydealwithus?ByHisdivinecommand.11)BywhomaretheministersofChristcalledthustodealwithus?TheyarecalledbyChrist.12)ThroughwhomdoesChristcalltheministers?Hecallsthemthroughthechurch.13)WhataretheministersofChristtodoinaccordancewiththewords

ofChrist?Theyaretoretainandforgivesins.14)(081)“Canministersthenforgiveandretainsins?”“Yes,Goddoesitthroughthem.”15)Againstwhomisallsinanoffense?AllsinisanoffenseagainstGod.16)Thenwhoalonecanforgivesin?Godalonecanforgivesin.17)Readwhat the scribes saidwhen theSavior forgave the sinsof the

poormanwhowassickofthepalsy.Mark2:7.“WhocanforgivesinsbutGodonly?”18)Theywere right in this, but theyoverlooked the fact thatChrist is

God.Healonecanaccordinglyforgivesinsandthusunlockthedoortothekingdomofheaven.Butwhatmaytheownerofthehousedowiththekeys?

Hemaygivethemtoanother.19) And this, we read in Matt. 16:19, is what Jesus did. Repeat the

passage.“Iwill give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven; andwhatsoever

thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; andwhatsoever thou shaltlooseonearthshallbeloosedinheaven.”

20)WhatHeheresaystoSt.PeterHesaystoalltheapostles,John20:23.Letushearthepassageagain.

“Whosesoever sinsye remit, theyare remittedunto them;andwhosesoeversinsyeretain,theyareretained.”

21)ReadalsowhatSt.Paulsays,2Cor.2:10.“ForifIforgaveanythingtowhomIforgaveit,foryoursakesforgaveIitin

thepersonofChrist.”22)Whentheapostleforgavesins,astherepresentativeofwhatperson,

orinwhosename,didheact?HeactedinthenameofChrist.

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23)When the Savior sent forthHis disciples to preach theGospel,Hesentthemtodeclareorpreachtheforgivenessofsins,asweseefromLuke24:46.47.

“Thusitiswritten,andthusitbehoovedChristtosuffer,andtorisefromthedeadthethirdday:andthatrepentanceandremissionofsinsshouldbepreachedinhisnameamongallnations,beginningatJerusalem.”

24)Thatministers of theGospel are ambassadors forChrist, acting inHisstead,weseefrom2Cor.5:18-20.

“AllthingsareofGod,whohathreconciledustohimselfbyJesusChrist,andhathgiven toua theministryof reconciliation;Towit, thatGodwas inChrist,reconcilingtheworduntohimself,notimputingtheirtrespassesuntothem;andhath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are,ambassadorsforChrist,as thoughGoddidbeseechyoubyus;weprayyou inChrist’sstead,beyereconciledtoGod.”

25)Readalso2Cor.3:6-8.“Whoalsohathmadeusableministersofthenewtestament;notoftheletter,

but of the spirit; for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. But if theministrationof deathwritten and engraven in stones,wasglorious, so that thechildrenofIsraelcouldnotsteadfastlybeholdthefaceofMosesforthegloryofhis countenance; which glory was to be done away; How shall not theministrationofthespiritberatherglorious?”

26)WhoisifaccordinglythatactinChrist’ssteadwhentheyforgiveorretainsins?

TheministersoftheGospel.27)(382)“Withwhatmusttheyaccordinglycomplyintheexerciseofthis

power?”“WiththewordandcommandofGod.”28)Whenamandoesathingthroughanagent,whatdoesheexpecthis

agenttocarryout?Heexpectshimtocarryouthisinstructions,hiscommand.29) (383) “When do they comply with it?” “When they exclude the

manifest and impenitent sinners from the Christian congregation, and,again,absolvethosewhorepentoftheirsinsandarewillingtoamend.”

30) What kind of sinners are to be excluded from the Christiancongregation?

Themanifestandimpenitentsinners.

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31)Manifestsinnersarethosewhosesinsareopenandpublic,wholivein open sin and shame, such as drunkenness, theft, adultery andmurder.Whatareimpenitentsinners?

Thosewhoarenotsorryfor theirsins,andhaveno intentionof leavingoffanddoingbetter.

32)Whatshouldbedonewithsuchpeople?Theyshouldbeputoutofthechurch.33) But what should we do with them before we put them out of the

church?Weshouldadmonishthemtorepent.34)Yes,thisweseefromMatt.18:15-17.“Moreoverifthybrothershalltrespassagainstthee,goandtellhimhisfault

betweenhimandtheealone;ifheshallhearthee,thouhastgainedthybrother.But if hewill not hear thee, then takewith thee one or twomore, that in themouthoftwoorthreewitnesseseverywordmaybeestablished,andifheshallneglecttohearthem,tellituntothechurch.Butifheneglecttohearthechurchlethimbeuntotheeasanheathenmanandapublican.”

35)Whatshouldwedofirstwithabrotherwhosins?Weshouldgotohimandtellhimofhisfaultbetweenhimandusalone.36)Andifherepent,whatshouldwedo?Weshouldforgivehim.37)Butifhewillnothearus—ifhedoesnotrepent,whatshouldwedo

next?Weshouldtakeoneortwowithusandtalktohim.38)Ifhenowrepents,whatshouldwedo?Weshouldforgivehim.39)Butifhestillwillnotrepent,whatshouldwethendo?WeshouldtellittotheChurch.40) Yes; we should then make the matter public and let the whole

congregationadmonishhim.Ifhehearsthechurch,whatshouldbedone?Weshouldforgivehim.41)Butifherefuseseventohearthechurch,howshouldsuchaperson

beregarded?Asaheathenmanandapublican.42) Yes, and a heathen has no place in a Christian congregation; he

shouldbeputout.Andhow long should suchapersonbekeptoutof the

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fellowship of the congregation, that is, kept from communion, and all therightsandprivilegesofthechurch?

Solongashedoesnotrepent.43)Sowereadin1Cor.5:11-13."Ifanymanthatiscalledabrotherbeafornicator,orcovetous,oranidolater,

orarailer,oradrunkard,oranextortioner;withsuchanonenonottoeat.ForwhathaveItodotojudgethemalsothatarewithout?donotyejudgethatarewithin?

But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from amongyourselvesthatwickedperson."

44) But suppose such a person alter a while repents and asks theforgivenessofthechurch,whatshouldhedone?

Heshouldbeforgivenandreceivedagain.45)Thisweseefrom2Cor.6-8.“Sufficienttosuchamanisthepunishment,whichwasinflictedofmany.So

thatcontrariwiseyeoughtrather toforgivehim,andcomforthim, lestperhapssuch an one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. Wherefore Ibeseechyouthatyewouldconfirmyourlovetowardhim.”

46)We have seenwhat is to be donewith the impenitent sinners. Butwhat is to be donewith thosewho repent of their sins and arewilling toamend?

Theyaretobeabsolved.47)Whatdoesthismean?Theirsinsaretobeforgiven.48) What then are the called ministers of Christ to do by his divine

command?Theyaretoforgivethesinsofthepenitentsinnersandtoretainthesinsofthe

impenitent.49)(384)“Whatshouldwefirmlybelievewithrespecttothis?”“Thatthisisasvalidandcertain,alsoinheaven,asifChrist,ourdearLord,

haddealtwithusHimself.”50)Soweread.Matt.18:18.“Verily,Isayuntoyou,Whatsoeveryeshallbindonearthshallbeboundin

heaven;andwhatsoeveryeshalllooseonearthshallbeloosedinheaven.”

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TheFifthChiefPartOfTheCatechism,OrLord’sSupper.

Lesson99.WhatIsTheSacramentOfTheAltar?

(Questions385-389).

1)IntohowmanychiefpartsistheCatechismdivided?TheCatechismisdividedintofivechiefparts.2)Mentionthesefivechiefparts.TheHolyTenCommandments,theChristianCreed,theLord’sPrayer,Holy

BaptismandtheLord’sSupper.3)(385)“WhatisthefifthchiefpartoftheCatechism?”“TheSacramentoftheAltar,ortheLord’sSupper.”4)Herewehavetwonamesgiven;whichisthefirst?TheSacramentoftheAltar.5)HowmanysacramentshaveweintheNewTestament?Two:HolyBaptismandtheLord’sSupper.3)(386)“WhydowecalltheotherSacramentoftheNewTestamentthe

Lord’sSupper?”“BecauseourLordandSaviorJesusChristinstituteditintheevening,before

Hissufferingsanddeath.”7)WhattimeofdaywasitwhenJesusinstitutedthissacrament?Itwasintheevening.8)Whicheveningwasit?TheeveningbeforeHissufferingsanddeath.9)Readfromthe26thchapterofMatthew,beginningwiththe19thand

endingwiththe20thverse.

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“The disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready thepassover.Nowwhentheevenwascome,hesatdownwiththetwelve.”

10) ItwasEaster time, the JewishPassover.What feast did the Saviorkeepwithhisdisciples?

Thefeastofthepassover.11)Inhonorofwhateventwasthisfeastkept?In honor of the deliverance of the children of Israel from the bondage of

Egypt.12)ThiswasthegreatfestivaloftheOldTestament.Whatwerethetwo

sacramentsoftheOldTestament?(338)Circumcisionandthepassover.13)Christ established theNewTestament, andwhat sacrament did he

instituteinplaceofthepassover?TheLord’sSupper.14)(387)“WhydowealsocallittheSacramentoftheAltar?”“Because, according to an ancient custom of the Christian Church, it is

usuallycelebratedatanaltar.”15)Wheredowehavealtars?Inourchurches.16)Wehavethreemeansofgraceinthechurch,theWordofGod,Holy

Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. And so we have three especially sacredplacesinourchurches.WhatplaceisespeciallysetapartforthepreachingoftheWordofGod?

Thepulpit.17)WhatplaceisespeciallysetapartforBaptism?Thebaptismalfont.18) And what place is especially set apart for the celebration of the

Lord’sSupper?Thealtar.19)ButwedonotalwayscelebratetheLord’sSupperinchurchandat

thealtar.Incaseofsicknessandoldage,wheredowecelebrateit?Wecelebrateitinourhouses.20)(388)“WhatistheSacramentoftheAltar?”“ItisthetruebodyandbloodofourLordJesusChrist,underthebreadand

wine,forusChristianstoeatandtodrink,institutedbyChristHimself.”21)TheSacramentoftheAltarisaverysacredthing.Somethingthatis

mostintimatelyconnectedwithourLordJesusChrist.Howisitconnected

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withHim?ItisHistruebodyandblood.22)Whosebodyandbloodisit?ItisthebodyandbloodofourLordJesusChrist.23)UnderwhatoutwardthingsarethebodyandbloodofChristgivenus

inthesacrament?Underthebreadandwine.24)Forwhatpurposearetheygiventous?Forustoeatanddrink.25)Towhatkindofpeopleisthissacramentgiven?TousChristians.26)Bywhomwasthissacramentinstituted?ItwasinstitutedbyChristHimself.27)(389)“Whereisthiswritten?”“The holy Evangelists,Matthew,Mark, Luke and St. Paul write thus:”Our

Lord JesusChrist, the same night inwhichHewas betrayed, took bread; andwhenHe had given thanks.He brake it and gave it toHis disciples and said,Take,eat;thisismybodywhichisgivenforyou:thisdoinremembranceofme.AfterthesamemanneralsoHetookthecup,whenHehadsupped,gavethanksandgaveittothem,saying.Take,drinkyeallofit;thiscupisthenewtestamentinmyblood,whichisshedforyoufortheremissionofsins:thisdoyeasoftasyedrinkit,inremembranceofme."

28)HowmanytimesistheinstitutionoftheLord’sSupperrecordedintheNewTestament?

Itisrecordedfourtimes.29) In what three Gospels have we a record of the institution of the

Lord’sSupper?IntheGospelsofMatthew,MarkandLuke.30) The fourth record we have in the first epistle of St. Paul to the

Corinthians,chapter11,verses23to25.Who,accordingtothewordsoftheinstitutiongaveusthissacrament?

OurLordJesusChrist.31)WhendidHedothis?ThesamenightinwhichHewasbetrayed.32)WhatdidHetakeasoneoftheearthlyelementsintheholySupper?Hetookbread.

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33)Theyhadjustfinishedthepassovermeal.Andatthismealtheyateunleavenedbread.WhatdidtheSaviordowiththebread?

WhenHehadgiventhanksHebrokeit.34)Hegavethanks,thatis,Heofferedprayerandthusblessedthebread.

The bread was in large, round cakes, and so He broke it in pieces fordistribution.AndthenwhatdidHedowithit?

HegaveittoHisdisciples.35)AndwhatdidHesayasHegavethemthebread?Hesaid:Take,eat,thisismybodywhichisgivenforyou.36)WhatdidHecallthatwhichHegavethem?HecalleditHisbody.37)WhatdidHesayofHisbody?Hesaid“whichisgivenforyou.”38)HowwasHisbodygivenforthemandforus?Itwasgivenintodeath.39)Forwhatpurposeweretheytodothis?TheyweretodoitinremembranceofHim.40)Whatarewetorememberastohisperson?ThatheisthesonofGod,andourSavior.41)Andwhatarewetorememberabouthiswork?Thathesufferedanddiedforus.42)Inthesameway,whatdidhetake?Hetookthecup.43)Atthepassovermealtheydrankgrapewine.WhatdidtheSaviordo

withthiscuporthewineinthecup?Hegavethanksandgaveittothem.44)WhatdidHesayashegaveittothem?Take,drinkyeallofit.45)AndwhatdidHecallthiscup?HecalledittheNewTestamentofHisblood.46)The blood of theOldTestamentwas the blood of the animals that

weresacrificed.ButwhatisthebloodoftheNewTestament?ThebloodofourLordJesusChrist.47)WhatdidtheSaviorsayofHisblood?Itisshedforus.48)HowwasChrist’sbloodshedforus?WhenHewascrownedwiththorns,scourgedandcrucified.

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49)WhatwasthepurposeofthesheddingofHisblood?Itwasshedfortheremissionofsins.50)WhatdidtheSaviorfinallysay?“Thisdo,asoftasyedrinkit,inremembranceofme.”51) This holy sacrament is not, like Baptism, to be administered once

only,butwhatdoestheSaviorsayofitsuse?Weshoulddothisoften.

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Lesson100.TheEarthlyElements.

(Questions390-394).

1)(390)“WhohasaccordinglyinstitutedtheHolySupper?”“OurLordJesusChrist,thefaithful,almightyandomnipresentGod-Man.”2)Thiswegetfromthewordsofinstitution.Howdothesewordsbegin?“OurLordJesusChrist,thesamenightinwhichHewasbetrayed.”3)WhoisJesusChrist?HeistrueGod,begottenoftheFatherfrometernity,andalsotrueman,born

ofthevirginMary,myLord.4)ReadinthisconnectionRom.9:5.“Whose are the fathers, and ofwhomas concerning the fleshChrist came,

whoisoverall,Godblessedforever,Amen.”5)AstrueGod,Jesushaswhatattributes?He is eternal, almighty, omnipresent, omniscient, holy, righteous, merciful

andtruthful.6)Whichoftheseattributesareespeciallymentionedinquestion390?Faithful,almightyandomnipresent.7)WhatdoesitmeanwhenwesayJesusisfaithful?HekeepsHisword.8)Yes,HedoeswhatHesays.WhenHesaysathing,wecandependonit.

WhenHesaysHegivesusHisbodyandbloodintheholysacrament,wecandependon it thatHewilldowhatHe says.WhatdoesHe sayofHimself,John14:6?“Jesussaithuntohim,‘Iamtheway,thetruth,andthelife;nomancomethtotheFatherbutbyme.’”

9)Heisthetruth.ButHeisalsoalmighty,andwhatdoesthatmean?ItmeansthatHecandoanythingthatHewantstodo.10)HeistrueGod,andwhatissaidofGodinLuke1:37?“WithGodnothingshallbeimpossible.”11)SomepeopleaskhowChristcangiveushisbodytoeatandhisblood

todrinkintheHolySupper.Whatdoweanswertothisquestion?Christisalmighty;Hecandoanything.

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12)ReadalsoEph.3:20.“Nowuntohimthatisabletodoexceedingabundantlyaboveallthatweask

orthink,accordingtothepowerthatworkethinus.”13)WhatotherdivineattributeofChristismentionedinquestion390?Heisomnipresent.14)Andwhatdoesthismean?ItmeansthatHeiseverywherepresentatthesametime.15)TheLord’sSupperiscelebratedinmanyplacesatthesametimeand

somepeopleask:“HowcanChrist’sbodybegivenandreceivedatallthesedifferentplaces?”

Whatdoweanswertothis?Weanswer,Christisomnipresent.Heiseverywhereatthesametime.16)ReadEph.4:19.“Hethatdescendedis thesamethatascendedupfaraboveallheavens, that

hemightfillallthings.”17) (391) “What, according to His word, do we receive in the Holy

Supper?”“Somethingearthly,namelybreadandwine;andsomethingheavenly,namely

Hisholybodyandblood.”18)Howmanykinds of elements, or objects, arewe to consider in the

HolySupper?Two,theearthlyandtheheavenly.19)Whataretheearthlyelements?Breadandwine.20)Andwhataretheheavenlyelements?Hisbodyandblood.21)(392)“WhatkindofbreadmustbeusedintheHolySupper?”“Realbread,bakedofflourandwater,beitotherwiseconstitutedasitmay.”22)Ofwhatisbreadmade?Outofflourandwater.23)WhatkindofbreaddidtheSavioruseatthefirstsacrament?Heusedunleavenedbread.24)Howdoyouknowthis?ItwasthetimeoftheJewishpassover.AndduringthisseasontheJewsusedonlyunleavenedbread.25)Wealsouseunleavenedbreadintheholycommunion,intheformof

littleroundwafers.Wemightusecommonbread,butthewafersaremuch

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moreconvenient fordistribution,andtheyarerealbread; forofwhataretheybaked?

Offlourandwater.26)Wemightuseordinarybreadintheholycommunion,butwhydowe

prefertousewafers?Becausetheyareunleavenedbread,andbecausetheyaremoreconvenientfor

distribution.27)(393)“Whatkindofwinemustbeused?”“Realwine:afruitofthe

grapevine.”28)TheSaviorusedrealwine,thatis,thefruitofthevine,asweseefrom

Matt.26:29.“ButIsayuntoyou,Iwillnotdrinkhenceforthofthisfruitofthevine,until

thatdaywhenIdrinkitnewwithyouinmyFather’skingdom.”29)Itmaybewhite,yelloworred,butitmustbegrapewine.Readalso

Luke22:18.“ForIsayuntoyou,Iwillnotdrinkofthefruitofthevine,untilthekingdom

ofGodshallcome.”30)WemustnotdepartfromtheorderofChrist.Itwouldbewrongto

use any other liquid, such as raisinwater,milk, or the juice of any otherfruit,exceptgrapes.ForwhatdidJesususe?

Heusedgrapewine.31)(394)“Whatshouldbedonewiththisbreadandwine?”“Both should be consecrated, and given to all communicants to eat and to

drink.”32) To consecrate a thing means to bless it, to set it apart for a holy

purpose.What is tobedonewithbreadandwinebeforetheyaregiventothecommunicants,thatis,tothepeoplewhocometocommunion?

Theyaretobeblessedorconsecrated.33)ThisisdonebyrepeatingthewordsoftheinstitutionandtheLord’s

Prayer.Aftertheyarethusblessed,what istobedonewiththebreadandwine?

Theyaretobegiventothecommunicantstoeatanddrink.34)TheRomanCatholics,whentheycelebratetheholycommunion,give

the people only half of the sacrament.The people receive only the bread,and the priest alone receives both. From Matthew 26:27 we see this iscontrarytotheinstitutionofChrist.

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“Hetookthecupandgavethanks,andgaveittothem,saying,Drinkyeallofit.”

35)ReadalsoMark14:23.“Hetookthecup,andwhenHehadgiventhanks,Hegaveittothemandthey

alldrankofit.”36)Also1Cor.11:23-26.“I have received of theLord thatwhich also I delivered unto you, that the

LordJesusthesamenightinwhichHewasbetrayedtookbread;andwhenHehadgiventhankshebrakeitandsaid,take,eat,thisismybody,whichisbrokenforyou;thisdoinremembranceofme.Afterthesamemanneralsohetookthecup,whenhehadsupped, saying,Thiscup is thenew testamentofmyblood;thisdoye,asoftasyedrinkit,inremembranceofme.Forasoftenasyeeatthisbread,anddrinkthiscup,yedoshowtheLord’sdeathtillhecome.”

37)AsthoughinprotestagainsttheabuseoftheRomanCatholicchurch,whatdidtheSaviorsaywhenhegavethedisciplesthecup?

Matthew 26:27. “He took the cup and gave thanks, and gave it to them,saying,Drinkyeallofit.”

38)WhentheRomanCatholicscelebratewhattheycallthemass,theydonot give anything to the people. The priest celebrates the sacrament allalone and thepeoplemerely lookon.They contend this is an offering forsin.Butthereisonlyoneofferingforsin,andwhatisthat?

ThedeathofourSavior,JesusChrist.39)RepeatHeb.10:18.“Nowwhereremissionoftheseis,thereisnomoreofferingofsin.”40)Christofferedhislifeforthesinsoftheworld,andthereisnoneedof

arepetitionofthisoffering,asweseefromHeb.10:11-12and14.“Every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same

sacrificewhichcannevertakeawaysins.Butthisman,afterhehadofferedonesacrificeforsinsforever,satdownontherighthandofGod.ForbyoneofferingHehathperfectedforeverthemthataresanctified.”

41)TheRomanistsclaimthattheirmassisanunbloodysacrificeforsin.Butwhatdoestheapostlesay,Heb.9:22.

“Withoutsheddingofbloodisnoremission.”42)ReadalsoHeb.9:2.5-28.“Noryetthatheshouldofferhimselfoften,asthehighpriestenterethintothe

holyplaceeveryyearwithbloodofothers;forthenmustheoftenhavesufferedsincethefoundationoftheworld;butnowonceintheendoftheworldhathhe

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appearedtoputawaysinbythesacrificeofhimself.Andasitisappointeduntomenoncetodie,butafterthisthejudgment.SoChristwasonceofferedtobearthe sins ofmany; andunto them that look for him shall he appear the secondtimewithoutsinuntosalvation.”

43)TheRomishdoctrineofthemassisaperfectabomination,foritnotonly perverts the holy sacrament, but it belittles the perfect sacrifice ofChrist offering up Himself once for all for the sins of the world. TheRomanistsworshiptheconsecratedwaferwhenitisplacedonthealtar,andthe consecrated wine when the priest holds it up to the view of thecongregation.TheSaviordidnotsay:Takeandworship,butwhatdidHesay?

Takeandeat,andtakeanddrink.

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Lesson101.TheHeavenlyElements.

(Questions395-401).

1)What are the earthly and visible objects, or elements, in theLord’sSupper?

Breadandwine.2)Andwhataretheheavenlyelements?ThebodyandbloodofChrist.3) (395) “What body and blood of Christ do we receive in the Holy

Supper.”“Histruebody,whichonthecrosswasgivenintodeathforus;andHistrue

blood,whichHeshedfortheforgivenessofoursins.”4)ReadwhattheSaviorHimselfsays.Luke22:19:20.“He tookbreadandgave thanks, andbrake it, andgaveunto them, saying.

Thisismybodywhichisgivenforyou:thisdoinremembranceofme.Likewisealso the cup after supper, saying:This cup is the new testament inmy blood,whichisshedforyou.”

5)WhichbodyofChristwasgivenonthecrossforusintodeath?Hisreal,truebody.6)AndwhichbloodofChristdidheshedfortheforgivenessofoursins?Hisreal,trueblood.7(396)“Whencedoweknowthis?”“ChristHimself, in thewordsof institution, explicitly tells us thatwith the

breadHegivesusHisbodytoeat,andwiththewine.Hisbloodtodrink.”8)IfwewouldknowthetruthabouttheHolySupper,wemustpaydue

heedtothewordswhichChristspokewhenheinstitutedit.Whenhegavethedisciplesthebread,whatdidhesay?

Hesaid:Take,eat,thisismybody.9)Andwhenhegavethemthecup,whatdidhesay?Hesaid:Drinkyeallofit;thiscupisthenewtestamentinmyblood.10)OrasSt.Matthewrecordsthewords,Matthew26:27:28.

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“Hetookthecup,andgavethanks,andgaveittothem,saying.Drinkyeallofit;forthisismybloodofthenewtestament,whichisshedformanyfortheremissionofsins.”

11)Sowhatdidhegivethemin,withandunderthebread?Hegavethemhisbodytoeat.12)Andwhatdidhegivethemin,withandunderthecuporwine?Hegavethemhisbloodtodrink.13)Sowhatisunitedwiththebreadintheholycommunion?Hisbody.14)Andwhatisunitedwiththewine?Hisblood.15) (397) “How are the earthly and the heavenly elements in theHoly

Supperunited?”“Theyaresacramentallyunited.”16) That means they are united during the celebration. Before the

celebrationoftheholysacrament,thebreadismerebreadandthewineismerewine.Andsoafterthecelebration,whatisleftoftheearthlyelements,aremerebreadandwine.Butwhenis theLord’sbodyandbloodin,withandunderthebreadandwine?

Duringthecelebrationoftheholysacrament.17)(398)“Whatfollowsfromthissacramentalunion?”“That each communicant in, with and under the bread and wine, truly

receivesthebodyandbloodofChrist.”18)Allwhogotocommunionreceivethesameobjects,althoughnotall

receivethesameblessings.ItisthesamewiththepreachingoftheWordofGod.IfatruebelieverandarankunbelieverareinchurchwhentheWordofGodispreached,whatdotheybothhear?

TheybothhearthesameWordofGod.19)Yes,buttheydonotbothreceivethesameblessing.Sowiththeholy

communion.Our faith does notmake the sacrament, butwhat does faithenableustodo?

Faithenablesustoenjoytheblessingsofthesacrament.20) (399)“Inwhatmannerdoweeatanddrink thebodyandbloodof

Christin.withandunderthebreadandwine?”“Notinafigurativeandnatural,butinarealandheavenlymanner.”21)Manydenominations,suchastheMethodists,Presbyterians,Baptists

and, in fact, all theReformed churches, teach that we receive the Lord’s

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body and blood, not in a real, but in a figurative manner. They say thebread in theHolySuppermerelyrepresents,or isa symbol,orpicture,ofChrist’sbody,andthewineisamererepresentationofChrist’sblood.Butifthiswerethecase,Christwouldsurelyhavesaid:“thisrepresentsmybody;thisisasymbolofmyblood.”Butwhatdidhesay?

Hesaid:“Thisismybody.”22)No,wedonotreceiveChrist’sbodyandbloodinafigurative,butin

whatmanner?Inarealmanner.23) On this account, what does our Catechism say in answer to the

question:Whatisthesacramentofthealtar?(388).“ItisthetruebodyandbloodofourLordJesusChrist,underthebreadand

wine,forusChristianstoeatandtodrink,institutedbyChristHimself.”24) “True” here means real. But our question 399 wards off another

wrongnotionconcerningtheholysupper.Itisnotonlywrongtosaythatwereceive Christ’s body and blood in a figurative manner, but what othernotionisequallywrong?

ThatwereceivetheLord’sbodyandbloodinanaturalmanner.25)Christ’sbodyandbloodarenotnatural food for thenourishingof

ourbodies, suchasbreadandwineare,and sowecannot receive, eatordrinkthemaswewouldotherfood.Wereceivethem,notinanatural,butinwhatkindofmanner?

Aheavenlymanner.26) That is, in a manner that is above nature, mysterious and

incomprehensible.CanweunderstandjusthowwereceivetheLord’sbodyandbloodintheholycommunion?

No,wecannot.27) This is one of the mysteries of our Christian religion. Just as we

cannotunderstandhowtherecanbeoneGod,andyetthreepersonsintheTrinity,andhowChrist isbothGodandmaninoneperson,sowecannotunderstandjusthowChristgivesushisbodytoeatandhisbloodtodrinkintheholycommunion.Isitnecessaryforustounderstandthismystery?

No,itisnot.28)Butwhat isnecessarywhenChrist soplainlysays: this ismybody,

thisismyblood?Thatwebelieveit.29)Sowhatdowebelieveconcerningtheholysacrament?

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ThatitisthetruebodyandbloodoftheLord.30)(400)“Howdoweprovethis?”Givethefirstproof.“1. The words of institution are clear and plain, and must therefore be

understoodintheirproper,orliteral,sense.”31)Thesewordsareasplainaswordscanbe,andwemusttaketheLord

athisword.Hecertainlywasabletospeaksothathecouldbeunderstood,and he certainly was willing to do so. How, then, should we understandthesewords?

Weshouldunderstandthemjustastheyread.32)Nowgivethesecondproof.“2.WhatChristpromises,thatHealsocanandwillgive.”33)Whydowebelieveheisabletogivewhathepromises?Becauseheisalmighty.34)Andwhydowebelieveheiswillingtodoso?Becauseheistruthful.35)ReadRom.3:3.“ForwhatIfsomedidnotbelieve?shalltheirunbeliefmakethefaithofGod

withouteffect?”36)RepeatalsoEzek.12:25.“The word that I shall speak shall come to pass; it shall be no more

prolonged: for in your days,O rebellious house,will I say theword, andwillperformit,saiththeLordGod.”

37)Givethethirdproof.“3. Paul calls the bread the communion of the body, and the cup the

communionofthebloodofChrist;henceaunionbetweenbothmustexist.”38)Repeat1Cor.10:16.“Thecupofblessingwhichwebless,isitnotthecommunionofthebloodof

Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body ofChrist.”

39)Givethefourthproof.“4. The holy supper as a sacrament of the New Testament cannot merely

typifysomething,butmustactuallygivesomething.”40)TheOldTestamentwasatimeofsignsandsymbols.Sothepaschal

lambwasatypeandfigureofChrist.Soalsowasthebrazenserpent,andsowere thevarioussacrifices.Butweareno longer in theOldTestament, inthe timeof types and figures and symbols,but in theNewTestament, thetimeoffulfillment,asChristplainlysays,Mark14:24.

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“Hesaiduntothem,thisismybloodoftheNewTestamentwhichisshedformany.”

41)AlsoLuke22:20.“ThiscupistheNewTestamentinmybloodwhichisshedforyou.”42)ReadalsoCol.2:17.“Whichareashadowofthingstocome,butthebodyisinChrist.”43)AllthesacrificesandceremoniesoftheOldTestamentwerelikethe

shadow that goes before the body. But when Christ came there was nolongerneedofshadowstorepresentHim.ReadalsoHeb.10:1.

“Thelawhavingashadowofgoodthingstocome,andnottheveryimageofthe things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by yearcontinuallymakethecomersthereuntoperfect.”

44)Nowgivethefifthproof.“5.Unbelievingcommunicantsbecomeguiltyof thebodyandbloodof the

Lord, because they do not discern these from other food; hence allcommunicantsmustactuallyreceiveChrist’sbodyandblood.”

45)Repeat1Cor.11:27-29.“Whereforewhosoever shall eat this bread, anddrink this cupof theLord,

unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let amanexaminehimself,andsolethimeatofthatbreadanddrinkofthatcup.Forhethat eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself,notdiscerningtheLord’sbody.”

46)Whatdoestheapostleheresaytheunworthycommunicantisguiltyof?

HeisguiltyofthebodyandbloodoftheLord.47)That is,he sinsnotagainstmerebreadandwine,butagainstwhat

doeshesin?HesinsagainstthebodyandbloodoftheLord.48)ButhowcouldhesinagainstthebodyandbloodoftheLordifthey

were not present? The apostle even says: “He that eateth and drinkethunworthily eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning theLord’s body.” That is when aman receives the holy communionwithoutmakingadistinctionbetweenitandordinaryfood,whenheeatsthebreadasthoughitweremerebreadanddrinksthewineasif itweremerewine,whatistheresultofsucheatinganddrinking?

Suchamaneatsanddrinksdamnationtohimself.

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49) (401) “Must we not then with the Papists accept that through theconsecration the bread andwine are changed into the body and blood ofChrist?”

“Bynomeans; forChristsaysnothingof thekind:andPaul,evenafter theconsecration,speaksofbreadandwine.”

50)ByPapistsweheremean theRomanCatholics.They teach thatbytheblessingofthepriestthebreadischangedintothebodyandthewineischangedintothebloodofChrist.Whydoweholdthistobefalse?

BecauseChristdoesnotsay:thisischangedintomybodyandblood.51)Ifhemeantthishewouldhavesaidso.AndwhatdoesSt.Paulspeak

ofafterthebreadandwineareblessed?Hecallsitbreadandwine.52)Letushearhiswords,1Cor.10:16:17.“Thecupofblessingwhichwebless,isitnotthecommunionofthebloodof

Christ? The bread which we bless, is it not the communion of the body ofChrist?Forwebeingmanyareonebread,andonebody:forweareallpartakersofthatonebread.”

53)Also1Cor.11:23-26-28.“I have received of theLord thatwhich also I delivered unto you, that the

LordJesusthesamenightinwhichhewasbetrayedtookbread...Forasoftenasyeeatofthisbread,anddrinkofthiscup,yedoshewtheLord’sdeathtillhecome.Whereforewhosoevershalleatthisbread,anddrinkthiscupoftheLordunworthily,shallbeguiltyofthebodyandbloodoftheLord.”

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Lesson102.WhatIsTheBenefitOfSuchEatingAndDrinking?

(Questions402-406).

1)ThefirstimportantquestionconcerningtheLord’sSupperis:Whatisthe sacramentof theAltar?Whatanswerdoes theCatechismgive to thisquestion?(388).

“ItisthetruebodyandbloodofourLordJesusChrist,underthebreadandwineforusChristianstoeatanddrink,institutedbyChristhimself.”

2)Thesecondimportantquestionistheonewithwhichourlessontodaybegins.Repeatthequestion.

“Whatisthebenefitofsucheatinganddrinking?”3)TheanswertothefirstquestiontellsuswhattheLord’sSupperis.and

whatdoestheanswertothesecondquestiontellus?IttellsustheblessingsoftheHolySupper.4)(402)“Whatisthebenefitofsucheatinganddrinking?”“Thatisshownusbythesewords:”Givenandshedforyoufortheremission

ofsins:"namely,thatinthesacramentforgivenessofsins,lifeandsalvationaregivenusthroughthesewords.Forwherethereisforgivenessofsinsthereisalsolifeandsalvation."

5)Bywhatwordsaretheblessingsofthesacramentshownus?Bythewords:“Givenandshedforyoufortheremissionofsins.”6)Wheredothesewordsoccur?Christhimselfusestheminthewordsoftheinstitution.7)WhenChristgavethedisciplesthebreadwhatdidhesay?Hesaid:“Take,eat,thisismybodywhichisgivenforyou.”8)HowwasChrist’sbodygivenforus?Itwasgivenforusintodeath.9)Whydidhedieforus?Thathemightmakeatonementforoursins.10) Yes, he gave His body, that is Himself, as a sacrifice for our sins.

Whatdidhesaywhenhegavethedisciplesthecup?

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Hesaid:“Drinkyeallofit;thiscupisthenewtestamentinmyblood,whichisshedfortheremissionofsins.”

11)HowdidChristshedhisblood?Heshedhisbloodwhenhewascrownedwiththorns,scourgedandnailedto

thecross,andwhenhissidewaspierced.12)Forwhomdidheshedhisbloodandthusofferhimselfasasacrifice?Heshedhisbloodforus.13)Whatobjecthadheinsheddinghisblood?HeshedHisbloodforusfortheremissionofsins.14)InwhatwordsdoesJesussaythis?Inthewords:“Givenandshedforyoufortheremissionofsins.”15) Then, according to the Catechism, what is given us through these

words?Forgivenessofsins,lifeandsalvation.16)Butthesewordsonlyspeakoftheforgivenessofsins.Howdoesthe

Catechismcometomentionalsolifeandsalvation?Wherethereisforgivenessofsinsthereisalsolifeandsalvation.17)Yes,thesethingsareintimatelyconnectedwitheachother.Wherethe

oneistheretheothersarealso.Forwhenoursinsareforgiven,thenweareGod’sdearchildren,wearisefromspiritualdeathtolife.WebegintoliveasGod’schildren.AndwhatkindoflifedoGod’schildrenbegintolive?

Theybegintoliveaholylife.18)AndforsuchholylivingtheLord’sSuppergivesbothwillingnessand

power.Whomustgiveusbothwillingnessandpowerforaholylife?Godhimself.19)SowereadinPhil.2:13.“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good

pleasure.”20)Whatistheonlythingthatcankeepusoutofheaven?Theonlythingthatcankeepusoutofheavenissin.21)When sin is forgiven, as it is in theHolyCommunion,what is the

blessedresult?Theresultiseternalsalvation.22)(403)“Howdothesewords:‘Foryou’showthisbenefit?”“They teachme thatChrist by his sufferings and deathwon forgiveness of

sinsalsoformeascertainlyasIalsointheHolySupperreceiveHisbodyandHisblood.”

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23) Christ says: “This do in remembrance ofme.” Of whom does theLord’sSuppermostforciblyremindus?

ItremindsusoftheSavior.24)OfwhatparticularactofChristdoesitremindus?Thathesufferedanddiedforus.25)Forwhatpurposedidhesufferanddie?Fortheremissionofsins.26)WhatdidChristwinorsecurebyhissufferingsanddeath?Hewontheforgivenessofsins.27)ForwhomdidChristwinforgivenessofsins?Forallmen.28) But it is very important that you include yourself when you say

Christ secured forgiveness of sins for allmen.Nowwhen you receive theverybodywhichwasgivenforyouintodeathandtheverybloodwhichwasshedforyou,ofwhatmayyoubesure?

Imaybesurethatmysinsareforgiven,becauseChristdiedformealso.29)Here is theverypurchasemoneythatwaspaidfortheremissionof

mysins.Ofwhatmayeachcommunicantthenpersonallybeassured?ThathissinsareforgivenbecauseChristalsodiedforhim.30)(404)“WhatdoesChristthereforethroughthesewordsgiveusinthe

HolySupperwithHisbodyandblood?”“Forgiveness of sins, life and salvation. ‘Forwhere there is forgiveness of

sinsthereisalsolifeandsalvation.’”31)WhatdoesChristspeakofinthewordsoftheinstitution,especially

inconnectionwiththesheddingofHisblood?Thatitwasshedfortheremissionofsin.32)Thisistheprecioustreasurewhichwepoorsinnerssomuchstandin

needofcontinually.Canyoutellmewhy?Becausewedailysinmuchanddeservenothingbutpunishment.33)Butwhatdowestillbelieveinreferencetooursins?WebelievethatGodwillforgivethem.34)Uponwhatdowebasethisfaith?UponthefactthatChristsufferedanddiedforus.35)AndnowasmostpreciouspledgesofthisfactChristgivesusinthe

Holy SupperHis body to eat and his blood to drink.And if our sins areforgiven,inwhatrelationdowestandtoGod?

WeareHisdearchildren.

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36)Andhowwillweshowthis?Bylivingaccordingtohiscommandments.37)Readthepassage,John15:4:5.“Abideinme,andIinyou.Asthebranchcannotbearfruitofitself,exceptit

abideinthevine;nomorecanye,exceptyeabideinme.Iamthevine,yearethebranches:Hethatabidethinme;andIinhim,thesamebringethforthmuchfruit:forwithoutmeyecandonothing.”

38)Christ,itistrue,haswithdrawnhisvisiblepresencefromus,butheisstillwithus,andhowdoestheLord’sSuppermostforciblyremindusofhispresence?

HegivesusintheHolySupperhisbodytoeatandhisbloodtodrink.39) Yes, the Savior is continually with His people, and this is a most

blessedcomfortinalltheirtrials.Readwhathesays.Matt.28:20.“Lo,Iamwithyoualwayevenuntotheendoftheworld.”40)Yes, we have joy and peace in his continued presencewith us.We

takepleasureindoinghiswillandwhatdowehopeforintheend?Wehopeforeternallife.41) In giving the benefits of the Sacrament the Catechism mentions

forgivenessof sins, lifeandsalvation,andwhyare these thingsmentionedtogether?

Wherethereisforgivenessofsinsthereisalsolifeandsalvation.42)(405)“Whydowebelievethissofirmly?”“BecauseChristhimselfsays: ‘Givenandshedforyoufor theremissionof

sin.’”43)ThisisChrist’sownwordand,therefore,perfectlyreliable.Hisword

isabsolutetruth.Whendidheutterthesewords?Shortlybeforehisdeath.44)Theyare,sotospeak.Hispartingwords.HespeaksofHisbloodas

thebloodofthenewtestament.Andhowshouldweregardthewordsofatestament?

Assacredandholy.45)Yes, and this testament is sealedwith thebloodof theSonofGod.

WhatprecioustreasuredoestheSaviorleaveusinhistestament?Heleavesustheforgivenessofsins.46)(406)“Whatfollowswhenwehaveforgivenessofsins?”“Lifeandsalvation.”47)RepeatIsa.33:24.

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“Theinhabitant,shallnotsay,Iamsick:thepeoplethatdwellthereinshallbeforgiventheiriniquity.”

48)Whenoursinsareforgivenwearedeliveredfromspiritualsickness.Ourspirituallifeisassuredandstrengthened.RepeatalsoRom.4:7-8.

“Blessed are those whose iniquities are forgiven, whose sins are covered.BlessedisthemantowhomtheLordimputethnotsin.”

49)St.Paultakesthisfromthe32ndPsalm,versesoneandtwo.“Blessedishewhosetransgressionisforgiven,whosesiniscovered.Blessed

isthemanuntowhomtheLordimputethnotiniquity,andinwhosespiritthereisnoguile.”

50)Uponwhatdoourhappiness in thisworldandoursalvation in theworldtocomedepend?

Italldependsontheforgivenessofsins.51)Andwherearewemostpositively,assuredofthisforgiveness?IntheLord’sSupper.

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Lesson103.HowCanBodilyEatingAndDrinkingDoSuchGreatThings?

(Questions407-411).

1)WhataretheearthlyelementsintheLord’sSupper?Theyarebreadandwine.2)Whataretheheavenlyelements?TheyarethebodyandbloodofChrist.3) Inwhatwords are the benefits of such eating and drinking pointed

out?Inthewords:“Givenandshedforyoufortheremissionofsins.”4)Andwhatarethesebenefits?Theyaretheforgivenessofsins,lifeandsalvation.5)(407)“WhydoyougototheHolySupper?”“ThatImayrefreshmyhungryandthirstysoulthroughtheenjoymentofthe

blessingsofChrist,rememberhisdeath,andstrengthenmyfaith,asalsoconfessHimbeforemen.”

6)Whatdoyousayoftheconditionofyoursoulinthesewords?Isayitishungryandthirsty.7)Hungerandthirstarepowerfuldesiresofourbodilynature.Whatdo

ourbodieshungerfor?Theyhungerforfood.8)Andwhatdotheythirstfor?Theythirstfordrink.9)And so forwhat has the soul of a penitent sinner an earnest desire,

accordingtoquestion407?IthasanearnestdesirefortheenjoymentoftheblessingsofChrist.10)AndwhataretheblessingswhichChristsecuredforus?Theforgivenessofsins,lifeandsalvation.11)HowdidChristsecuretheseblessingsforus?ThroughHissufferingsanddeath.12)Andwherearetheseblessingsofferedtous?

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TheyareofferedtousintheHolySupper.13)Andhowaretheyacceptedbyus?Theyareacceptedbyusthroughfaith.14)HereJesusinvitesustoeathisbodyanddrinkhisblood.Ofwhatare

theseheavenlygiftstobepreciouspledges?Theyaretobepledgesoftheforgivenessofsins,lifeandsalvation.15)ReadMatt. 11:28, and see how the blessed Savior invites the poor

troubledsoulstocometoHimforcomfort.“Comeuntomeallye that laborandareheavily laden,and Iwillgiveyou

rest.”16)WeeattheLord’sbodyanddrinkHisbloodreallyandtruly,butwe

aretofeeduponHimnotonlywithourmouths,butwiththisbodilyeatinganddrinkingwearealsotofeedonHimbyfaith.ThisisthespiritualeatingofHisbody,anddrinkingofHisbloodwhichisspokenofinJohn6:55.

“Myfleshismeatindeed,andmybloodisdrinkindeed.”17)Whatarewetorememberorthinkofwhenwegototheholysupper?WearetorememberHisdeath.18)Thatis,thatHediedforoursins.Andwhateffectisthistohaveon

ourfaith?Itistostrengthenourfaith.19)Justasfoodanddrinkstrengthenthebody,sothisheavenlyfoodisto

strengthenourspirituallife,thatis,ourfaith.Repeat1Cor.11:26.“Forasoftenasyeeatthisbread,anddrinkthiscup,yedoshowtheLord’s

deathtillhecome.”20) Because it reminds us of the Lord’s death, what is the sacrament

oftencalled?Itiscalledthesacramentofhisdeath.21)ReadPs.111:4.“Hehathmadehiswonderfulworkstoberemembered:theLordisgracious

andfullofcompassion.”22) Themost wonderful work of God is the work of redemption, and

wheredoesHepowerfullyremindusofthiswork?Intheholycommunion.23)Andwhatismentionedinquestion407asthelastobjectwhyyougo

totheLord’sSupper?ThatImayconfessHimbeforemen.

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24)ThenecessityandimportanceofsuchconfessionispointedouttousbytheSaviorHimselfinMatt.10:32-33.

“Whosoever therefore shallconfessmebeforemen,himwill I confessalsobeforemyFatherwhichisinheaven.Butwhosoevershalldenymebeforemen,himshallIalsodenybeforemyFatherwhichisinheaven.”

25)Theveryfactthatwegotocommunionisapublicconfession.WhatdoallthoseprofesstobewhogototheLord’stable?

TheyprofesstobeChristians.26)Whatfaithdotheyprofess?TheyprofesstheChristianfaith.27)When I go to communion with a congregation I thereby confess I

holdthesamefaiththattheydo.Icannotthereforegotocommunionwithpeople who do not believe at all or do not believe as I do. If I went tocommunion with those who hold a false faith, what impression would Imake?

ThatIbelievedastheydo.28)Read2Cor.6:14-18.“Beye not unequally yoked togetherwith unbelievers: forwhat fellowship

hathrighteousnesswithunrighteousness?andwhatcommunionhath lightwithdarkness?AndwhatconcordhathChristwithBelial?orwhatparthathhethatbelieveth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God withidols?foryearethetempleofthelivingGod;asGodhathsaid,Iwilldwellinthem,andtheyshallbemypeople.Whereforecomeoutfromamongthem,andbeye separate, saith theLord,andand touchnot theunclean thing;and Iwillreceive you. And will be a Father unto you. and ye shall be my sons anddaughters,saiththeLordAlmighty.”

29)NowletushearagainwhatarethebenefitsoftheLord’sSupper?Forgivenessofsins,lifeandsalvation.30)(408)“Howcanbodilyeatinganddrinkingdosuchgreatthings?”“Itisnottheeatinganddrinking,indeed,thatdoesthem,butthewordshere

written,”Givenandshedforyoufortheremissionofsins,"whichwords,besidethebodilyeatinganddrinking,arethechiefthingintheSacrament;andhethatbelievesthesewords,haswhattheysayandexpressevenforgivenessofsins."

31)WhatdoweeatanddrinkintheLord’sSupper?Weeatanddrinkbreadandwine.32)Andwhatdoweeatanddrinkinandwiththebreadandwine?WeeatanddrinkthebodyandbloodoftheLord.

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33)WhoeatsanddrinksthesethingsintheLord’sSupper?Allwhogotocommunion.34)Whatarethegreatthingsspokenofwhenthequestionisasked:how

canbodilyeatinganddrinkingdosuchgreatthings?Theforgivenessofsins,lifeandsalvation.35) What does the Catechism say of bodily eating and drinking in

referencetothesegreatthings?Itisnottheeatinganddrinking,indeed,thatdoesthem.36) Mere bodily eating and drinking cannot secure the forgiveness of

sins,lifeandsalvation.Itisnottheeatinganddrinkingwhichgivestheholycommunionitswonderfulpower;butwhatisit?

It is thewordsherewritten:“Givenandshedforyoufor theforgivenessofsins.”

37)Sowesawalsowithreference toHolyBaptism.Give theanswer tothequestion:Howcanwaterdosuchgreatthings?

(358).“Itisnotthewaterindeedthatdoesthem,etc.”38)Whatisit,then,thatgivesBaptismitsgreatpower?ItistheWordofGodthatisinandwiththewater.39) So also in theHolyCommunion;what is it thatmakes the Lord’s

Suppersuchablessedthing?Thewordsherewritten:“Givenandshedforyoufortheremissionofsins.”40)Andonthataccount,whatisheresaidofthesewords?They are beside the bodily eating and drinking the chief thing in the

sacrament.41)Whatdothesewordssayandexpress?Theysayandexpresstheforgivenessofsins.42)AndwhohastheforgivenessofsinsintheHolySupper?Hethatbelievesthesewords.43)What is necessary, then, on our part, in order that wemay really

enjoytheblessingsofthesacrament?Faithisnecessary.44)(409)“WhatgivestheHolySupperthiswonderfulpower?”“Eating and drinking, indeed, does not do it, but the words here written.

Givenandshedforyoufortheremissionofsins.”45) (410) “How are thesewords to be considered?” “Beside the bodily

eatinganddrinkingtheyarethechiefthingintheSacrament.”46)(411)“Whatfollowedfromit?”

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“He that believes these words has what they say and express, evenforgivenessofsins.”

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Lesson104.WhoReceivesTheSacramentWorthily?

(Questions412-420).

1)WehaveseenwhattheSacramentoftheAltaris,whatitsbenefitsare,and what gives it this wonderful power. There still remains one veryimportantquestionwithreferencetotheLord’sSupper,andwhathasthatreferenceto?

IthasreferencetotheworthyreceptionoftheHolySupper.2)This is a very important question; for, aswehave already seen, the

blessings of the Sacrament cannot be secured bymere bodily eating anddrinking. Itdependsaltogetheruponhowweeatanddrink.Weare tobeguests at the Lord’s table. As what should we be eager to appear at Histable?

Weshouldbeanxioustoappearasworthyguests.3)(412)“WhothenreceivessuchSacramentworthily?”“Fastingandbodilypreparation is indeeda fineoutward training:buthe is

trulyworthyandwellprepared,whohas faith in thesewords,”Givenandshedforyoufortheremissionofsins."Buthethatdoesnotbelievethesewords,ordoubts, is unworthy and unprepared. For the words, “For you” requires trulybelievinghearts."

4)Weareheretoldofanoutwardtraining,orpreparation.Inwhatdoesthisconsist?

Itconsistsinfastingandbodilypreparation.5)(413)“What,then,isnotsufficientuntoaworthyreceptionoftheHoly

Supper?”“Fasting and bodily preparation; or, to keep one’s self sober and temperate

beforehandandtheninabecomingmannertoappearatthealtar.”6)What,accordingtothisanswer,ismeantbyfasting?Tokeeponeselfsoberandtemperatebeforehand.7) To fast means to keep from eating. Some people keep from eating

anythingonthedayofcommunionuntilaftertheyhavebeentotheLord’sSupper. In theRomanCatholic church this ismadea law.Butwedonot

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makeitalaw.Wedonotsaypeoplemustfastbeforegoingtocommunion,because the Lord nowhere requires this. What does the Catechism, inquestion412,sayoffasting?

Itisafineoutwardtraining.8)Yes,butnotanecessity.Peoplemayfast if theyfeelthatthisaddsto

theirdevotion,butwedonotinsistonfasting,asthoughthiswerenecessary.Whatelsedoesquestion413sayastohowweshouldappearatthealtar?

Weshouldappearinabecomingmanner.9) If youwere invited tobemyguest fordinner, or supper,wouldyou

appear justasyoucome fromthe fieldor theworkshop inyoureverydayclothes?

No,Iwouldwashanddressfirst.10) Much more should we be careful even outwardly to appear in a

becomingmannerattheLord’stable.Howshouldweappearoutwardly?Cleanandtidy.11)But,children,thisoutwardpreparationisnotthemainthing.Mostof

youwill appear at theLord’s table innew clothes.Be careful not to lookupon your outward appearance as themain thing.Tellme fromquestion413(notfromtheanswer)whythisisnotthemainthing?

BecauseitisnotsufficientfortheworthyreceptionoftheHolySupper.12)(414)“Whydoesthisnotsuffice?”“Because it is merely ‘a fine outward training,’ notwithstanding which a

personmaystillnotbeaChristian.’”13)Whatmaybeaperson’sspiritualconditioninspiteofsuchoutward

training?HemaynotbeaChristian.14)Yes,children,youknowthatfastingandnewclothesdonotmakea

Christian.Thetruepreparationforaworthyreceptionoftheholysupperisnotoutward,butwhatisit?

Itisinward.15)Yes, it is thepreparationof theheart.Forwhilstmensee thatonly

whichisbeforetheeyes,whatdoesGodlookupon?Helooksupontheheart.16)(415)“Whothenisworthy?”“Heistrulyworthyandwellpreparedwhohasfaithinthesewords:‘Given

andshedforyoufortheremissionofsins.’”

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17) What then is required for a worthy reception of the HolyCommunion?

Faithisrequired.18)ReadHeb.11:6,thefirsthalf.“ButwithoutfaithitisimpossibletopleaseHim.”19)Whatmustwehavefaithin?Wemusthavefaithinthesewords:“Givenandshedforyoufortheremission

ofsins.”20)Whatwasgivenforus?Christ’sbodywasgivenforus.21)Howwashisbodygivenforus?Itwasgivenforusintodeath.22)Andwhatwasshedforus?Christ’sbloodwasshedforus.23)Forwhatpurposewashisbodygivenandhisbloodshed?Fortheremissionofsins.24)Whenwehearthesewordsintheholysupper,astheyarespokenby

thepastorwhenhedistributestheholycommunion,howshouldweregardthem?

Weshouldregardthemastrue;weshouldbelievethem.25)AndhowdoestheLordregardallthosewhobelievethesewords?Heregardsthemasworthyguestsathistable.26)(416)“Andwhoisunworthy?”“Whoeverdoesnotbelievethesewords,ordoubts.”27)(417)“Whyso?”“Becausethesewords,‘Foryou,’requiretrulybelievinghearts.”28)When theLordsays:“Foryou,”He is speaking toeach individual.

Andhowshouldeachregardthem?Eachindividualshouldregardthemasspokentohimorher.29)Whatkindofheartsarerequiredtosoregardthem?Trulybelievinghearts.30)IfamandoesnotbelievethatChristdiedforhim,andthathenow

belongs to Christ, and should live to His glory and according to Hiscommandments,whatwouldyousayofsuchaguestattheLord’stable.

Heisunworthy.31)Andwhatdoestheapostlesayoftheunworthycommunicant?

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1 Cor. 11:27 and 29. “Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, anddrinkthiscupoftheLord,unworthily,shallbeguiltyofthebodyandbloodof the Lord. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth anddrinkethdamnationtohimself,notdiscerningtheLord’sbody.”

32) (418) “Do those of weak faith and who strive against doubt, alsobelongtotheunworthy?”

“Bynomeans;forChristhasinstitutedHisHolySupperforthe.verypurposeofstrengtheningourweakfaith.”

33)When aman is troubled with doubts this is no sign that he is noChristian.Amanmay be a true human being, and still be troubledwithdiseaseandpain.Sowhenapersonfeelshisweaknessoffaith,andstrivestoovercome his doubts, he is the very one for whom the Holy Supper wasintended.For,forwhatpurposedidChristinstituteHisHolySupper?

Forthepurposeofstrengtheningourweakfaith.34)RepeatIsa.42:3.“A bruised reed shall He not break, and the smoking flax shall He not

quench.”35)ReadalsoPs.22:26.“Themeekshalleatandbesatisfied:theyshallpraisetheLordthatseekHim:

yourheartshallliveforever.”36)AlsoMatt.11:28.“Come untome all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and Iwill give you

rest.”37)AlsoJob.6:37.“AllthattheFathergivethmeshallcometome;andhimthatcomethtoMeI

willinnowisecastout.”38)AlsoRom.8:32-34.“HethatsparednothisownSon,butdeliveredhimupforusall,howshallhe

notwithhimalsofreelygiveusallthings.”WhoshalllayanythingtothechargeofGod’select?ItisGodthatjustifieth.Whoishethatcondemneth?ItisChristthatdied,yea rather, that is risenagain,who isevenat the righthandofGod,whoalsomakethintercessionforus."

39)(419)“TowhomshouldtheHolySupperbeadministered?”“TosuchChristiansonly,whocanexaminethemselves,astotheirsins,and

astotheirfaithinChrist.”40)Whatkindofpeopleshouldweadmittoholycommunion?Christianpeople.

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41)Butwhatisrequiredofallwhowouldgotocommunion?ThattheyexaminethemselvesastotheirsinsandastotheirfaithinChrist.42)Repeat1Cor.11:28.“Letamanexaminehimself,andsolethimeatofthatbreadanddrinkofthat

cup.”43)Also2Cor.13:5.“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your ownselves.

Know ye not your ownselves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye bereprobates.”

44) What do we do with children before we allow them to go tocommunion?

WeinstructthemintheCatechism.45) Yes, we teach them the fundamental principles of the Christian

religion, so that they may be able to do what, according to the apostle’sword?

Thattheymaybeabletoexaminethemselves.46)Wecannotadmiteverybodyandanybodytocommunion.Aspastors

we are stewards of the mysteries of God. We must have a reasonableassurance that those towhomwegive theHolySacramentareworthy.Ofcourse,wecannotjudgetheirhearts,butwecanjudgetheirconfession,andtheir lives. Therefore we require that all who wish to go to communioninform the pastor of their intention beforehand.What does theLord say,Matt.7:6?

“Givenotthatwhichisholyuntothedogs,neithercastyeyourpearlsbeforeswine,lesttheytramplethemundertheirfeet,andturnagainandrendyou.”

47)ReadalsoMatt.5:23-26.“Thereforeifthoubringthygifttothealtar,andthererememberestthatthy

brotherhathaughtagainstthee;leavetherethygiftbeforethealtar,andgothyway;firstbereconciledtothybrother,andthencomeandofferthygift.Agreewiththineadversaryquickly,whilstthouartinthewaywithhim;lestatanytimetheadversarydelivertheetothejudge,andthejudgedelivertheetotheofficer,andthoubecastintoprison.VerilyIsayuntothee,thoushaltbynomeanscomeoutthence,tillthouhastpaidtheuttermostfarthing.”

48)Beforegoingtocommunionweshouldbereconciledtoourenemies.Wherewehavewrongedanyoneweshouldasktheirpardon,andbereadyto forgive all who have wronged us. Only he who has on the wedding

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garment of true faith is a worthy guest at the Lord’s table. Read Matt.22:11-13.

"Whenthekingcameintoseetheguests,hesawthereamanwhichhadnotonaweddinggarment:andhesaithuntohim,Friend,howearnestthouinhither,nothavingaweddinggarment?

Andhewas speechless.Then said the king to the servants.Bindhimhandand foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall beweepingandgnashingofteeth."

49)(420)“Howoftenshouldwecommune?”“Frequently:asoftenasourdistressedconscienceandourweakfaithrequire

it.”50) How often is the Sacrament of Baptism to be administered to a

person?Onlyonce.51)ButwhatabouttheSacramentoftheAltar?Itistobeusedoften.52)WhatdoestheSaviorhimselfsayaboutthisin1Cor.,chapter11,the

latterhalfofthe25thverse?“Thisdoasoftasyedrinkitinremembranceofme.”53) Read what the apostle Paul says in the 26th verse of the same

chapter.“AsoftenasyeeatthisbreadanddrinkthiscupyedoshewtheLord’sdeath

tillhecome.”54)FromthesepassagesweseethatweshouldgototheLord’sSupper

frequently.Butcanweprescribejusthowoftenoneshouldcommune?No,wecannot.55)Eachonemustdeterminethisforhimself."WhatdoestheCatechism

sayaboutthisinquestion420?Weshouldgoasoftenasourdistressedconscienceandourweakfaithrequire

it.56)IntheearlychurchtheLord’sSupperwascelebratedeverytimethe

congregationmet for service. In some congregations Holy Communion iscelebratedonceamonthandonallspecialholidays.Inmostcongregationsitiscelebratedatleasttwiceayear.Luthersaidfourtimesayearwouldnotbetoooften.Mostpeopledonotcommuneoftenenough.Weareallweakinthefaithandneedtheblessingsofthesacrament.RepeatwhattheApostlesays.1Cor.10:12.

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“Lethimthatthinkethhestandethtakeheedlesthefall.”

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My experiences in themission field of SouthDakota during the years1892-1897byFrankAlbertKiess

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101Lehmanowsky,JohnJacob.ATaleofTwoCaptains

102Sandt,GeorgeWashington.BiographyofTheodoreSchmauk

103Gerberding,GeorgeHenry.NewTestamentConversions

104Schmauk,TheodoreEmanuel.TheConfessionalPrinciple

105Gerberding,GeorgeHenry.BiographyofWilliamPassavant

106Scriver,Christian.Gotthold’sEmblems

108Gerberding,GeorgeHenry.TheLutheranCountryChurch

109Jacobs,HenryEyster.ASummaryoftheChristianFaith

110Krauth,CharlesPorterfield.InfantBaptisminCalvinism

111Gerberding,GeorgeHenry.What’sWrongWithTheWorld

112Greenwald,Emanuel.WhyTheReformation?

114Jacobs,HenryEyster.MartinLuther:TheHerooftheReformation

116Gerberding,GeorgeHenry.ThePriesthoodofBelievers

117Jacobs,HenryEyster.TheBookofConcord:Epitome

120Luther,Martin.FirstPrinciplesoftheReformation

121White,RalphJerome.SixYearsinHammockLand

125Hosmer,JamesKendell.TheStoryoftheJews

133Greenwald,Emanuel.JustificationByFaith

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138Dolbeer,WilliamHenry.TheBenediction

139Stromme,PeerOlsen.ChurchHistory:JustTheBasics

141Fesperman,JosephHamilton.TheLifeofaSufferer

143Whitteker,JohnEdwin.GospelTruths

144Whitteker,JohnEdwin.ChurchandState

145Stump,Joseph.Melanchthon

149 Greenwald, Emanuel. Pastor Louis Harms and the Church atHermansburg

155Miller,CharlesArmand.ThePerfectPrayer

156Laird,Samuel.SelectionofSermons

158 Morris, John Gottlieb. Life Reminiscences of an Old LutheranMinister

163LutheranTreasuryofPrayers

168 Brown, James Allen. The Anti-Lutheran Theology of Dr. S. S.Schmucker

169Einspruch,Henry.TheMostNotedJewishBookintheWorld

170Lichtenstein,Isaac.AnAppealtotheJewishPeople

171Loy,Matthias.TheDoctrineofJustification

176Neve,JuergenLudwig.ChurchesandSectsofChristendom

180Loy,Matthias.TheStoryofMyLife

185Dau,WilliamHermanTheodore.LutherExaminedandReexamined

188Schuh,LewisHerman.FuneralSermonsofLutheranDivines

189Greenwald,Emanuel.TheBaptismofChildren

190Long,SimonPeter.TheWayMadePlain

196Kiess, FrankAlbert.My experiences in the mission field of SouthDakota

201Long,SimonPeter.PreparetoMeetThyGod

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207Harms,JohnHenry.TheVictoryofFaith:LutheranMeditations

209Horine,Mahlon.TheBookofRuth

212Huber,Eli.FoodFortheHeavenlyWay

213Ochsenford, Solomon Erb. The Passion Story as Recorded by theFourEvangelists

221Keyser, Leander Sylvester. The Conflict Between FundamentalismandModernism

222 Keyser, Leander Sylvester. Election and Conversion. A FrankDiscussionofDr.FranzPieper’sBook

225Young,EgertonRyerson.MyDogsintheNorthland

236Sheldon,HenryClay.TheosophyandNewThought

240Lenski&Stellhorn.WhichPredestination:ReformedorLutheran?

241Lenski,Schmidt&Gohdes.IntuituFideiElectionInViewofFaith

242Lenski,Allwardt&Tressel.ElectionandPredestination:TheBlueIslandTheses

247Krauth, Charles Porterfield. A Sermon on the Burning of the OldLutheranChurch

249Sander,John.DevotionalReadingsfromLuther’sWorks

253Mahan,Milo.Palmoni:TheNumeralsofScripture

259Morris,John.ToRomeandBackAgain

272Wells,AmosRussel.ABibleYear

s01Krauth,CharlesPorterfield.SayingsofCharlesPorterfieldKrauth

s02Greenwald,Emanuel.TheTrueChurch

s03Wolf,EdmundJacob.JohnBurns:HeroofGettysburg

“Extras”

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e10Diaz,Abby.TheCats’ArabianNights

e15Grimalkin,Tabitha.TalesfromCatland

e16Elwes,Alfred.TheAdventuresofaCat

e17Elwes,Alfred.TheAdventuresofaDog

e18Elwes,Alfred.TheAdventuresofaBear

e19Jackson,HelenHunt.LettersfromaCat

e22Jackson,Gabrielle.TheAdventuresofTommyPostOffice

e25Cowles,Julia.Crow’sLanguageLessons

e26Smith,Jeanie.Zephyr:AChristmasStory

e28Tappan,EvaMarch.DixieKitten

e32Bacon,Peggy.TheTruePhilosopherandOtherCatTales

e38Davis,RichardHarding.TheBarSinister

e41Carr,WalterE.TheStoryofFiveDogs

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Benediction

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present youfaultlessbeforethepresenceofhisglorywithexceedingjoy,

TotheonlywiseGodourSavior,begloryandmajesty,dominionandpower,bothnowandever.Amen.–Jude1:24-25

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TableofContents

CopyrightInformation 4Contents 5Preface. 11IntroductoryQuestions. 13Lesson1.Religion. 13Lesson2.TheCatechism. 18Lesson3.TheHolyScriptures. 23

Part1.TheHolyTenCommandments. 29Lesson4.TheLaw. 29Lesson5.TheFirstTableOfTheLaw. 34Lesson6.ThePrefaceToTheFirstCommandment. 39Lesson7.WhatIsForbiddenInTheFirstCommandment. 43Lesson8.WhatIsCommandedInTheFirstCommandment. 48Lesson9.WhatIsMeantByTheNameOfGod. 54Lesson10.WhatIsForbiddenInTheSecondCommandment. 58Lesson11.WhatIsRequiredInTheSecondCommandment. 65Lesson12.TheLord’sDay. 70Lesson13.KeepingTheLord’sDay. 77Lesson14.TheSecondTableOfTheLaw. 82Lesson15.WhatIsForbiddenInTheFourthCommandment. 87Lesson16.WhatIsCommandedInTheFourthCommandment. 92Lesson17WhatIsForbiddenInTheFifthCommandment. 98Lesson18.WhatIsCommandedInTheFifthCommandment. 103Lesson19.WhatIsForbiddenInTheSixthCommandment. 109Lesson20.WhatIsCommandedInTheSixthCommandment. 114Lesson21.Marriage. 119Lesson22.WhatIsForbiddenInTheSeventhCommandment. 124Lesson23.WhatIsCommandedInTheSeventhCommandment. 131Lesson24.WhatIsForbiddenInTheEighthCommandment. 136Lesson25.WhatIsCommandedInTheEighthCommandment. 142

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Lesson26.WhatIsForbiddenInTheNinthCommandment. 148Lesson27.WhatIsCommandedInTheNinthCommandment. 153Lesson28.WhatIsForbiddenInTheTenthCommandment. 158Lesson29.WhatIsCommandedInTheTenthCommandment. 163Lesson30.TheConclusion,TheEarnestThreat. 168Lesson31.TheGraciousPromise. 174Lesson32.TheUseOfTheLaw. 180Lesson33.Sin. 186Lesson34.OriginalSin. 191Lesson35.ActualSin. 197Lesson36.TheConsequenceOfSin. 203

Part2.TheThreeArticlesoftheHolyChristianFaith 208Lesson37.TheCreed. 208Lesson38.TheGospel. 213Lesson39.TheDifferenceBetweenLawAndGospel. 218Lesson40.TheBeingOfGod. 223Lesson41.TheAttributesOfGod. 228Lesson42.TheTrinity. 234Lesson43.TheWillOfGod. 240TheFirstArticle 245Lesson44.Faith. 245Lesson45.Creation. 252Lesson46.GoodAngels. 259Lesson47.BadAngels. 264Lesson48.TheCreationOfManAndTheImageOfGod. 270Lesson49.Providence. 276TheSecondArticle: 2821.ThePersonOfChrist 282Lesson50.TheNamesOfTheSavior. 282Lesson51.TheDivinityOfChrist. 288Lesson52.TheHumanityOfChrist. 295Lesson53.TheTwoNaturesOfChrist. 3002.OfTheOfficeOfChrist 306

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Lesson54.Christ,OurProphet. 306Lesson55.Christ,OurHighPriest. 313Lesson56.Christ,OurKing. 318TheTwoStatesOfChrist 3241.TheStateOfHumiliation 324Lesson57.WhereinItConsists. 324Lesson58.TheObjectOfChrist’sHumiliation. 3292.TheStateOfExaltation 335Lesson59.TheDescentIntoHell. 335Lesson60.TheResurrectionOfChrist. 340Lesson61.Christ’sAscensionIntoHeaven. 345Lesson62.Christ’sComingToJudgment. 350

TheThirdArticleOfTheCreed. 357Lesson63.ThePersonOfTheHolyGhost. 357Lesson64.Conversion. 364Lesson65.ContritionAndFaith. 370Lesson66.TheOrderOfSalvation. 376Lesson67.Sanctification. 382Lesson68.GoodWorks. 388Lesson69.PreservationInTheFaith. 394Lesson70.TheChristianChurch. 399Lesson71TheChristianChurch(Continued). 404Lesson72.TheForgivenessOfSin,OrJustification. 411Lesson73.TheResurrectionOfTheBody. 417Lesson74.EternalLife. 423Lesson75.Election. 429Lesson76.Hell. 436Lesson77.Prayer. 443Lesson78.TheIntroductionToTheLord’sPrayer. 452Lesson79.TheFirstPetition. 458Lesson80.TheSecondPetition. 463Lesson81.TheThirdPetition. 469Lesson82.TheFourthPetition. 475

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Lesson83.TheFifthPetition. 481Lesson84.TheSixthPetition. 487Lesson85.TheSeventhPetition. 494Lesson86.TheConclusion. 499Lesson87.TheSacramentsInGeneral. 505Lesson88.WhatIsBaptism? 510Lesson89.WhoShouldBeBaptized? 515Lesson90.SponsorsAndConfirmation. 520Lesson91.WhatDoesBaptismGiveOrProfit? 525Lesson92.HowCanWaterDoSuchGreatThings? 531Lesson93.WhatDoesBaptismSignify? 537

Confession 542Lesson94.OfConfession. 542Lesson95.WhatSinsShouldWeConfess? 546Lesson96.TheConfessionalPrayer. 551

TheOfficeoftheKeys 556Lesson97.WhatIsTheOfficeOfTheKeys? 556Lesson98.WhatDoYouBelieveInAccordanceWithTheseWords? 561

TheFifthChiefPartOfTheCatechism,OrLord’sSupper. 566Lesson99.WhatIsTheSacramentOfTheAltar? 566Lesson100.TheEarthlyElements. 571Lesson101.TheHeavenlyElements. 576Lesson102.WhatIsTheBenefitOfSuchEatingAndDrinking? 582Lesson103.HowCanBodilyEatingandDrinkingDoSuchGreatThings? 587

Lesson104.WhoReceivesTheSacramentWorthily? 592AbouttheLutheranLibraryPublishingMinistry 599SomeAuthorsForYouToDiscover 599GreatNarratives 599Topics 600HowCanOneFindPeaceWithGod? 600IfYouFindTypographicErrors 600

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WanttobenotifiedofFutureReleases? 601CatalogofTitles 602“Extras” 604TheLutheranLibrary 605

Benediction 606

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