Luther's Small Catechism Part 4

We must obey the Word and receive it into our hearts.

=John 7:17. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of G.o.d, or whether I speak of myself.=

_6. Is the Bible then the only safe rule of our faith and duty?_

Yes; the Bible alone contains full information of the will of G.o.d concerning our salvation.

_7. How do we rightly use the Word of G.o.d?_

We must first look to G.o.d for the light of His Spirit, and then read with devotion and an earnest purpose to live according to the Word.

=1 Cor. 2:14. [R. V.] The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of G.o.d: for they are foolishness unto him; and he cannot know them, because they are spiritually judged.=

_8. Who should read the Bible?_

It is the will of G.o.d that all should use His Word and love it as a dear gift.

_9. What is the substance of all the books of the Bible?_

The great truth that Jesus is the way to salvation for all who believe.

=John 20:31. But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of G.o.d; and that believing ye might have life through his name.=

_10. How is the Bible divided in regard to its teaching?_

It is divided into Law and Gospel.

_11. What is the Law?_

The Law is the divine Word which tells us what we must do.

_12. What is the Gospel?_

The Gospel is the glad tidings of the grace of G.o.d in Jesus Christ our Savior.

PART ONE.

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, OR THE LAW.

_13. How has G.o.d given His law to us?_

1. In the creation G.o.d wrote His Law in the heart of man.

(Conscience.) Rom. 2:15.

2. At Mount Sinai He gave His Law in the Ten Commandments, written on two tables of stone. Ex. 20:1-17.

_14. Does this Law demand outward observance only?_

No; it demands the whole man, and the willing obedience of heart and mind.

=Luk. 10:27. Thou shalt love the Lord thy G.o.d with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind.=

_15. Can we be saved through the Law?_

No; since the fall in sin no man can perfectly keep the Law.

=Rom. 8:7. The carnal mind is enmity against G.o.d: for it is not subject to the law of G.o.d, neither indeed can it be.=

_16. Of what benefit, then, is the Law?_

1. It points out to us our sins and the wrath of G.o.d toward sin.

=Rom. 3:20. [R. V.] Through the law cometh the knowledge of sin.=

2. It makes us anxious to seek Christ.

=Gal. 3:24. The law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ.=

3. It points out to the believer what fruits his faith must bear.

=Ps. 119:105. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.=

_17. What is the substance of the law?_

Love to G.o.d, ourselves, and our neighbor. Matt. 22:37-40.

=Rom. 13:10. [R. V.] Love is the fulfilment of the law.=

=1 Tim. 1:5. [R. V.] But the end of the charge is love out of a pure heart and a good conscience and faith unfeigned.=

THE FIRST TABLE OF THE LAW.

_18. What is the substance of the first table?_

Love of G.o.d.

=Luk 10:27. Thou shalt love the Lord thy G.o.d with all thy heart, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind.=

THE FIRST COMMANDMENT.

=Thou shalt have no other G.o.ds before me.=

_That is_,