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Lutheran · 1529

Luther's Small Catechism

Written by Martin Luther in 1529, the Small Catechism was designed as a simple guide for ordinary people and heads of households to teach the faith. Organized around the Ten Commandments, the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and the Sacraments, it remains the most widely used catechism in the Lutheran tradition.

Quiz Mode

The Ten Commandments

4

What does this mean?

We should fear and love God so that we do not curse, swear, use satanic arts, lie, or deceive by his name, but call upon it in every trouble, pray, praise, and give thanks.

Leviticus 19:12James 5:12Psalm 50:15Psalm 107:1
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8

What does this mean?

We should fear and love God so that we do not despise or anger our parents and other authorities, but honor them, serve and obey them, love and cherish them.

Ephesians 6:1–3Proverbs 23:22Colossians 3:20
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12

What does this mean?

We should fear and love God so that we lead a sexually pure and decent life in what we say and do, and husband and wife love and honor each other.

Matthew 5:27–281 Corinthians 6:18–20Hebrews 13:4Ephesians 5:25
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14

What does this mean?

We should fear and love God so that we do not take our neighbor's money or possessions, or get them in any dishonest way, but help him to improve and protect his possessions and income.

Ephesians 4:28Philippians 4:11Luke 12:15
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16

What does this mean?

We should fear and love God so that we do not tell lies about our neighbor, betray him, slander him, or hurt his reputation, but defend him, speak well of him, and explain everything in the kindest way.

Proverbs 19:5James 4:111 Peter 4:8Ephesians 4:25
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18

What does this mean?

We should fear and love God so that we do not scheme to get our neighbor's inheritance or house, or get it in a way which only appears right, but help and be of service to him in keeping it.

Micah 2:1–2Romans 7:7–8
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20

What does this mean?

We should fear and love God so that we do not entice or force away our neighbor's wife, workers, or animals, or turn them against him, but urge them to stay and do their duty.

Proverbs 1:102 Samuel 11:2–4
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22

What does this mean?

God threatens to punish all who break these commandments. Therefore, we should fear his wrath and not do anything against them. But he promises grace and every blessing to all who keep these commandments. Therefore, we should also love and trust in him and gladly do what he commands.

Psalm 103:17–18Deuteronomy 11:26–28
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The Creed

24

What does this mean?

I believe that God has made me and all creatures; that he has given me my body and soul, eyes, ears, and all my members, my reason and all my senses, and still takes care of them. He also gives me clothing and shoes, food and drink, house and home, wife and children, land, animals, and all I have. He richly and daily provides me with all that I need to support this body and life. He defends me against all danger and guards and protects me from all evil. All this he does only out of fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me. For all this it is my duty to thank and praise, serve and obey him. This is most certainly true.

Psalm 145:15–16Psalm 139:13–16Acts 17:25, 28James 1:17Matthew 6:25–34Psalm 91
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25

What is the Second Article of the Creed?

And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty. From thence he will come to judge the living and the dead.

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26

What does this mean?

I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary, is my Lord, who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person, purchased and won me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil; not with gold or silver, but with his holy, precious blood and with his innocent suffering and death, that I may be his own and live under him in his kingdom and serve him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, just as he is risen from the dead, lives and reigns to all eternity. This is most certainly true.

1 Peter 1:18–191 John 1:7Galatians 4:4–5Romans 8:32–341 Corinthians 15:3–5
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28

What does this mean?

I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith. In the same way he calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. In this Christian church he daily and richly forgives all my sins and the sins of all believers. On the Last Day he will raise me and all the dead, and give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ. This is most certainly true.

1 Corinthians 12:3Romans 8:14–172 Thessalonians 2:13–141 Peter 5:101 Corinthians 15:51–57
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The Lord's Prayer

30

What does this mean?

With these words God tenderly invites us to believe that he is our true Father and that we are his true children, so that with all boldness and confidence we may ask him as dear children ask their dear father.

Romans 8:15Galatians 4:6Matthew 7:7–11
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32

What does this mean?

God's name is certainly holy in itself, but we pray in this petition that it may be kept holy among us also. How is God's name kept holy? God's name is kept holy when the Word of God is taught in its truth and purity, and we, as the children of God, also lead holy lives according to it. Help us to do this, dear Father in heaven! But anyone who teaches or lives contrary to God's Word profanes the name of God among us. Protect us from this, heavenly Father!

Ezekiel 36:23John 17:17Psalm 119:105
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34

What does this mean?

The kingdom of God certainly comes by itself without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may come to us also. How does God's kingdom come? God's kingdom comes when our heavenly Father gives us his Holy Spirit, so that by his grace we believe his holy Word and lead godly lives here in time and there in eternity.

Romans 14:17Luke 17:20–21John 3:5–7
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36

What does this mean?

The good and gracious will of God is done even without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may be done among us also. How is God's will done? God's will is done when he breaks and hinders every evil plan and purpose of the devil, the world, and our sinful nature, which do not want us to hallow God's name or let his kingdom come; and when he strengthens and keeps us firm in his Word and faith until we die. This is his good and gracious will.

Matthew 26:39Ephesians 1:112 Thessalonians 3:31 John 2:15–17
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38

What does this mean?

God certainly gives daily bread to everyone without our prayers, even to all evil people, but we pray in this petition that God would lead us to realize this and to receive our daily bread with thanksgiving. What is meant by daily bread? Daily bread includes everything that has to do with the support and needs of the body, such as food, drink, clothing, shoes, house, home, land, animals, money, goods, a devout husband or wife, devout children, devout workers, devout and faithful rulers, good government, good weather, peace, health, self-control, good reputation, good friends, faithful neighbors, and the like.

Psalm 145:15–161 Timothy 6:6–8Acts 14:17James 1:17
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40

What does this mean?

We pray in this petition that our Father in heaven would not look at our sins, or deny our prayer because of them. We are neither worthy of the things for which we pray, nor have we deserved them, but we ask that he would give them all to us by grace, for we daily sin much and surely deserve nothing but punishment. So we too will sincerely forgive and gladly do good to those who sin against us.

Psalm 51:1–2Daniel 9:18Ephesians 4:32Matthew 18:21–35Colossians 3:13
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42

What does this mean?

God tempts no one. We pray in this petition that God would guard and keep us so that the devil, the world, and our sinful nature may not deceive us or mislead us into false belief, despair, and other great shame and vice. Although we are attacked by these things, we pray that we may finally overcome them and win the victory.

James 1:13–141 Peter 5:8–91 Corinthians 10:13Galatians 5:17
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44

What does this mean?

We pray in this petition, in summary, that our Father in heaven would rescue us from every evil of body and soul, possessions and reputation, and finally, when our last hour comes, give us a blessed end, and graciously take us from this valley of sorrow to himself in heaven.

2 Timothy 4:18Psalm 91:14–16Romans 8:28Revelation 21:4
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46

What does this mean?

This means that I should be certain that these petitions are pleasing to our Father in heaven, and are heard by him; for he himself has commanded us to pray in this way and has promised to hear us. Amen, amen means "yes, yes, it shall be so."

2 Corinthians 1:20Psalm 145:18–19Jeremiah 33:3
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Holy Baptism

51

How can water do such great things?

Certainly not just water, but the word of God in and with the water does these things, along with the faith which trusts this word of God in the water. For without God's word the water is plain water and no Baptism. But with the word of God it is a Baptism, that is, a life-giving water, rich in grace, and a washing of the new birth in the Holy Spirit.

Titus 3:5–7Ephesians 5:261 Peter 3:21
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52

Where is this written?

St. Paul writes in Titus, chapter three: "He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying."

Titus 3:5–8
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54

Where is this written?

St. Paul writes in Romans, chapter six: "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."

Romans 6:4
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Confession

55

What is Confession?

Confession has two parts. First, that we confess our sins, and second, that we receive absolution, that is, forgiveness, from the pastor as from God himself, not doubting, but firmly believing that by it our sins are forgiven before God in heaven.

1 John 1:9James 5:16John 20:22–23
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56

What sins should we confess?

Before God we should plead guilty of all sins, even those we are not aware of, as we do in the Lord's Prayer; but before the pastor we should confess only those sins which we know and feel in our hearts.

Psalm 19:12Psalm 32:51 John 1:8–10
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57

Which are these?

Consider your place in life according to the Ten Commandments: Are you a father, mother, son, daughter, husband, wife, or worker? Have you been disobedient, unfaithful, or lazy? Have you been hot-tempered, rude, or quarrelsome? Have you hurt someone by your words or deeds? Have you stolen, been negligent, wasted anything, or done any harm?

Lamentations 3:40Psalm 139:23–242 Corinthians 13:5
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The Sacrament of the Altar

60

Where is this written?

The holy Evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke, and St. Paul write: "Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to the disciples and said: Take, eat; this is my body, which is given for you. This do in remembrance of me." "In the same way also he took the cup after supper, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying: Drink of it, all of you; this cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me."

1 Corinthians 11:23–25Matthew 26:26–28Mark 14:22–24Luke 22:19–20
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62

How can bodily eating and drinking do such great things?

Certainly not just eating and drinking do these things, but the words written here: "Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins." These words, along with the bodily eating and drinking, are the main thing in the Sacrament. Whoever believes these words has exactly what they say: "forgiveness of sins."

Romans 10:17Luke 22:19–20Hebrews 9:22
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63

Who receives this sacrament worthily?

Fasting and bodily preparation are certainly fine outward training. But that person is truly worthy and well prepared who has faith in these words: "Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins." But anyone who does not believe these words or doubts them is unworthy and unprepared, for the words "for you" require all hearts to believe.

1 Corinthians 11:27–29Hebrews 11:62 Corinthians 13:5
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Daily Prayers

64

What is the Morning Prayer?

In the morning when you get up, make the sign of the holy cross and say: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Then, kneeling or standing, repeat the Creed and the Lord's Prayer. If you choose, you may also say this little prayer: "I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that you would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please you. For into your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen."

Psalm 5:3Psalm 143:8Lamentations 3:22–23
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65

What is the Evening Prayer?

In the evening when you go to bed, make the sign of the holy cross and say: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Then, kneeling or standing, repeat the Creed and the Lord's Prayer. If you choose, you may also say this little prayer: "I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have graciously kept me this day; and I pray that you would forgive me all my sins where I have done wrong, and graciously keep me this night. For into your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen."

Psalm 4:8Psalm 91:1–2Psalm 31:5
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Table of Duties

66

What is the duty of bishops, pastors, and preachers?

A bishop must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must not be a recent convert. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.

1 Timothy 3:2–4Titus 1:9
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67

What do the Scriptures teach hearers and the congregation?

Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you. The Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.

Hebrews 13:171 Corinthians 9:14Galatians 6:6–71 Timothy 5:17–18
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68

What do the Scriptures teach about civil government?

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's.

Romans 13:1–2Matthew 22:211 Peter 2:13–141 Timothy 2:1–2
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69

What do the Scriptures teach husbands and wives?

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect. Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord, for the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church.

Ephesians 5:25, 281 Peter 3:7Ephesians 5:22–24Colossians 3:18–19
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70

What do the Scriptures teach parents and children?

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother" — which is the first commandment with a promise — "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."

Ephesians 6:4Ephesians 6:1–3Colossians 3:20–21
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71

What do the Scriptures teach workers and employers?

Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men. And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.

Ephesians 6:5–9Colossians 3:22–25Colossians 4:1
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