Luther's Small Catechism Part 15

He was anointed with the Holy Ghost and with power. Acts 10:38.

_161. For what offices was Jesus anointed and consecrated?_

The offices of High Priest, Prophet, and King.

_162. What is Christ's work as High Priest?_

He offered up Himself a sacrifice for our sins, and ever prays for us.

=Heb. 7:26, 27. [R. V.] For such a high priest became us,--who needeth not daily as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people: for this He did once for all, when he offered up himself.=

=Rom. 8:34. Jesus Christ, who also maketh intercession for us.=

_163. What is Christ's work as Prophet?_

He teaches us the will of G.o.d concerning our salvation.

=Luke 24: 19. Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before G.o.d and all the people.=

_164. What is Christ's work as King?_

He governs and keeps His children, and defends them against their enemies.

=Luke 1:33. And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.=

=Rev. 17:14. He is the Lord of lords, and the King of kings.=

_165. How are the believers named after Christ?_

They are called Christians; meaning, "the anointed".

=1 John 2:20. Ye have an anointing from the Holy One, and ye know all things.=

_166. With what means has Christ redeemed us?_

He has paid for our sins with His holy and precious blood and His innocent death, and He has fulfilled the law in our stead with His holy life and His perfect obedience.

=1 Pet. 1:18, 19. [R. V.] Ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain manner of life; but with precious blood, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot, even the blood of Christ.=

_167. Whom has Christ redeemed?_

He has redeemed me, a lost and condemned sinner.

_168. Has not Christ redeemed all mankind?_

Yes, He has; He gave Himself a ransom for all. 1 Tim. 2:6.

=1 John 2:2. He is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.=

_169. But are not many, thus redeemed, yet lost?_

Yes, indeed; many reject Him because of their unbelief and love of sin.

=2 Pet. 2:1. Denying the Lord who bought them.=

=John 3:18. He that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of G.o.d.=

_170. Who get a share in the redemption of Christ?_

Those who repent their sins and believe in Him.

_171. What benefit does the believer have from the redemption of Christ?_

By this redemption he is freed from sin, from death, and from the power of Satan.

_172. In what way is the believer freed from sin by the redemption of Christ?_

1. The guilt and punishment of sin are removed from him.

=Col. 1:14. We have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins.=

2. Sin rules over him no longer.

=Rom. 6:14. Sin shall not have dominion over you.=

3. When he dies, sin is entirely rooted out from him.

_173. In what way is the believer freed from death by the redemption of Christ?_

Spiritual death has lost its power over him, temporal death is but an entrance into perfect life, and eternal death he no longer fears.

=John 11:25, 26. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.=

_174. In what way is the believer freed from the power of Satan by the redemption of Christ?_

Satan has no power over the believer, unless the believer yield himself into his service.

=Heb. 2:14. [R. V.] Since then the children are sharers in flesh and blood, he also himself in like manner partook of the same; that through death he might bring to nought him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.=

_175. For what purpose has Christ redeemed you?_

He has redeemed me in order that I might be His own, live with Him in His kingdom, and serve Him in righteousness, innocence, and happiness.

=1 Cor. 6:20. [R. V.] Ye are not your own, for ye were bought with a price; glorify G.o.d therefore in your body.=

=t.i.tus 2:14. [R. V.] He gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people for his own possession, zealous of good works.=

_176. What did Christ do in order to become our Savior and Redeemer?_