Evangelical Catechism

"Lord Jesus, for Thee I live, for Thee I suffer, for Thee I die! Lord Jesus, Thine will I be in life and death! Grant me, O Lord, eternal salvation! Amen."

The Evangelical Catechism is a part of our heritage from the German Evangelical Synod of North America. It was written for frontier Christians of the denomination to teach their children and unify their theology, finding their footing from both Lutheran and Reformed backgrounds.

Our church has traditionally used these questions and answers as a foundation for confirmation. Confirmands participate in classes led by the pastor where they spend several months learning about core Christian beliefs. The catechism concludes with a focus on the Lord's Supper. Once the confirmands have mastered this material, they are eligible to receive their first communion on Confirmation Sunday.

Introduction.

1. What should be the chief concern of man?

Man's chief concern should be the eternal salvation of his soul.

2. How can you secure the eternal salvation of your soul?

We secure the eternal salvation of our soul through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

3. Wherein is that which is essential to faith revealed unto us?

All that is essential to faith God has revealed unto us in His word, the Holy Scriptures, which were written by inspiration of the Holy Ghost.

4. What are the contents of the Holy Scriptures?

The contents of the Holy Scriptures are the law and the gospel.

5. Where do we find the law of God in a concise form?

We find the law of God concisely expressed in the Ten Commandments.

Part 1: The Ten Commandments.

6. Rehearse the First Commandment.

I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other Gods before me.

7. What does God require in the First Commandment?

God requires that we fear and love Him, and trust in Him above all things.

8. What does God forbid in this Commandment?

God forbids all idolatry.

9. Rehearse the Second Commandment.

Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them. For I, The Lord thy God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me, and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

10. What does God say in the Second Commandment?

God says that we shall not worship Him in any image, but as He has taught in His word and revealed Himself unto us in His Son Jesus Christ.

11. Rehearse the Third Commandment.

Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh His name in vain.

12. What does God forbid in this Commandment?

God says that we shall not by His name curse, swear, use witchcraft, lie or deceive, neither maliciously nor thoughtlessly.

13. What does God require in this Commandment?

God requires that we call upon His holy name in all our needs, and worship Him with prayer, praise and thanksgiving.

14. Rehearse the Fourth Commandment.

Remember the Sabbath-day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work. But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, or thy daughter, nor thy man-servant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor the stranger that is within thy gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath-day and hallowed it.

15. How is the Sabbath hallowed?

We hallow the Sabbath by resting from worldly employment, by devoutly using God's word in church and at home and by devoting the whole Sabbath to our own and our neighbor's salvation, and thereby to the honor of God.

16. How is the Sabbath profaned?

The Sabbath is profaned by worldly employment, spiritual indolence, and sinful pleasures.

17. Rehearse the Fifth Commandment.

Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

18. What does God require in this Commandment?

God requires that I always honor father and mother by truly loving, cheerfully obeying and filially serving them, and that I likewise honor all who by God's order are my superiors.

19. Rehearse the Sixth Commandment.

Thou shalt not kill.

20. What does God forbid in this Commandment?

God forbids murder, also every deed, word and thought, whereby my own life or the life of my neighbor is shortened or embittered.

21. Whereby is this Commandment furthermore seriously transgressed?

This commandment is seriously transgressed when we injure the soul of our neighbor, or our own soul by enticement or negligence.

22. What does God require in this Commandment?

God requires that we assist our neighbor in every need and aid him in his temporal and eternal welfare on all occasions.

23. Rehearse the Seventh Commandment.

Thou shalt not commit adultery.

24. What does God forbid in this Commandment?

God forbids adultery and fornication, likewise all unchaste thoughts, words and deeds.

25. What does God require in this Commandment?

God requires that we lead a chaste and discreet life in body and soul, and that in wedlock husband and wife faithfully love and honor each other.

26. Rehearse the Eighth Commandment.

Thou shalt not steal.

27. What does God forbid in this Commandment?

God forbids robbery and theft, likewise trickery and fraud in business and conduct, also covetousness, avarice, envy, extravagance, idleness, etc.

28. What does God require in this Commandment?

God requires that we assist in protecting and improving our neighbor's possessions and livelihood, and that we be content with that which He gives us.

29. Rehearse the Ninth Commandment.

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.

30. What does God forbid in this Commandment?

God forbids perjury and all manner of falsehood in speech and action, likewise treachery, slander, and deceit of every kind.

31. What does God require in this Commandment?

God requires that we promote and maintain the honor and good name of our neighbor, also to be true and sincere throughout our life.

32. Rehearse the Tenth Commandment.

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house; thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his man-servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is thy neighbor's.

33. What does God forbid in this Commandment?

God forbids all evil lusts and desires, which cause a longing for unrighteous acquisition or enjoyment.

34. What does God require in this Commandment?

God requires that we delight in Him and in His holy providence.

35. What is the summary of the Ten Commandments?

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

36. What does God declare concerning these Commandments?

God says:"Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them."Deut. 27: 26. (Gal. 3:10).

"Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the Lord."Levit. 18:5. (Luke 10:28).

37. What is meant by this declaration?

God threatens to punish all who transgress these commandments; therefore, we should fear His anger and not act contrary to His will. But He promises abundant grace and every blessing to all who keep His commandments. We should, therefore, love Him, trust in Him, and cheerfully do according to His will.

38. Have you or has anyone ever perfectly kept the law of God?

No man has ever perfectly kept the law of God. By nature we are evil and have in manifold ways transgressed God's commandments and well deserve the curse of the law.

39. Can we in any way escape the curse of the law and be saved?

We can escape the curse, and be saved through the Grace of God, by which the gospel of Jesus Christ is given to us and faith in the same worked in us.

Part 2: The Christian Faith.

40. What do the Holy Scriptures teach concerning God?

The scriptures teach us that God is one God, Spirit: that is, He is Life, Light, and Love; and therefore eternal, unchangeable, omnipresent; true, omniscient, all-wise, holy, omnipotent, just; blessed, good, gracious and merciful.

41. What is the meaning of: God is eternal?

God is independent of everything, therefore he had no beginning and will have no end.

42. What is the meaning of: God is unchangeable?

In His being and in His will God is always the same.

43. What is the meaning of: God is omnipresent?

God fills heaven and earth and works everywhere at the same time.

44. What is the meaning of: God is true?

God is truth itself, and certainly does fulfill all His promises and threats.

45. What is the meaning of: God is omniscient?

God sees all, hears all, knows all, -the past, the present and the future: He discerns everything as it is.

46. What is the meaning of: God is all-wise?

God ordains and directs all things to His own glory and to the salvation of man.

47. What is the meaning of: God is holy?

In His being and in His will God is good and pure; therefore He loves only that which is good. and pure; but judges and condemns that which is evil.

48. What is the meaning of: God is omnipotent?

All things are made and sustained by God; He can do and create whatsoever He will.

49. What is the meaning of: God is just?

God is just in all His ways; He deals with every one according to his needs; He rewards the good and punishes the evil.

50. What is the meaning of: God is blessed?

God has complete peace in Himself, and is eternally self sufficient.

51. What is the meaning of: God is good?

God does only good to all His creatures.

52. What is the meaning of: God is gracious and merciful?

God in His mercy and compassion condescends to forgive us all our sins for Jesus' sake; to bear with us in patience and long- suffering, although we daily sin greatly, and He is always willing to hear us when we come to Him with believing heart.

53. What mystery concerning the Divine Being do the Holy Scriptures especially reveal unto us?

They teach us that in the one God there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, and that these three are One.

54. With what creed does the whole Christian church confess its faith in the Triune God?

The whole Christian church confesses its faith in the Triune God with the Apostles’ Creed, which is as follows:

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost; born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the one Holy Universal, Christian Church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting. Amen.

The First Article of the Christian Faith

55. Of what does the first article of the Christian faith treat?

The first article of the Christian faith treats of God the Father and of the work of creation.

56. What is the meaning of: God is the Almighty Maker?

God created heaven and earth by the power of His almighty word.

57. Whereby does God continually prove Himself to be the Creator?

God continually proves Himself to be the Creator by His paternal providence, whereby He preserves and governs all things.

58. What is the substance of your faith in God, the Almighty Creator?

I believe that God has made me and all creatures; that He has given me and still preserves my body and soul, eyes, ears and all my members, my reason and all my senses, also food and raiment, home and family, and all my possessions; that He daily and abundantly provides me with all the necessaries of life, protects and preserves me from all danger; and all this he does purely out of paternal and divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness on my part. For all this I am in duty bound to thank, praise, serve and obey Him. This is most certainly true.

59. Which are the principle creatures in heaven?

The principal creatures in heaven are the angels.

60. What are the angels?

The angels are holy and blessed spirits, who always do the will of the Father in heaven.

61. Did all angels remain as they were created?

No; many angels sinned against God and are banished to hell as enemies of God and man. Their chief is called devil, or Satan.

62. Which is the principal creature on earth?

The principal creature on earth is man, created in the image of God, so that he might know God and live in blessed communion with Him.

63. Did man remain in this blessed state?

No; our first parents were by Satan led astray from God.

64. What were the sad consequences of this fall of man?

Man lost the image of God, came under the power of Satan, sin and death, and this corruption is transmitted from Adam upon all mankind.

65. What is now the natural state of man?

Since the fall man is corrupt, therefore unfit for anything good, but prepared for and inclined to evil. This inherited corruption is called original sin.

66. What grows out of original sin?

Out of original sin grows actual sin; that is, all thoughts and desires, words and deeds, whereby evil is done or good is neglected. The most grievous sins are those committed with malice aforethought.

67. What is the punishment of sin?

The punishment of sin is death, as it is written – Rom. 6:23: The wages of sin is death.

68. How manifold is this death?

This death is threefold; physical, spiritual and eternal.

69. Did God leave mankind to perish in this state of sin and misery?

No; God in His mercy resolved from all eternity to redeem fallen mankind by His only begotten Son.

70. How did God prepare mankind for this redemption?

God prepared mankind for redemption by the promise given in paradise, by the preaching of the prophets, and by various typical institutions in the old covenant.

71. How did God accomplish man's redemption?

John 3. 16:"God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life ."

Gal. 4:4-5:"But when the fullness of time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, that He might redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons."

The Second Article of the Christian Faith

72. Of what does the second article of the Christian faith treat?

The second article of the Christian faith treats of Jesus Christ, the son of God, and of the work of redemption.

73. Who is Jesus Christ?

He is true God and true man in one person; my Savior, Redeemer and Lord.

74. How do the Holy Scriptures expressly testify that Jesus Christ is true God?

In the Holy Scriptures Jesus Christ is expressly called God; furthermore divine attributes and works are ascribed to Him, and divine honor is demanded for Him.

75. How do we know that Jesus Christ became true man?

Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Ghost and born of the Virgin Mary; He thereby entered into human nature and became in all things as we are, yet without sin.

76. Whereby did Christ reveal Himself as the Redeemer, even before his death?

Christ revealed Himself as the Redeemer, even before His death, by His holy life, in which He perfectly fulfilled the law of God in our stead; by His preaching the forgiveness of sins through faith in His name; by His miracles, which are all works of life, to abolish misery and death.

77. Whereby did Christ accomplish our redemption?

Christ accomplished our redemption by His sufferings and death, in which He endured, in our stead, the wrath of God against sin, thereby redeeming us from sin, Satan and death.

78. Why is the death of Christ the most important fact in redemption?

The death of Christ is the most important fact in redemption, because we, lost sinners, could be redeemed neither by precept nor example, but only by the all -sufficient offering in the suffering and dying of our Lord Jesus Christ.

79. Of what importance is Christ's burial?

Christ's burial is a testimony that he had really died.

80. Why did Christ descend into hell?

Christ descended into hell to triumph over the dominion of darkness, and there to reveal Himself as the Redeemer of mankind.

81. Of what importance is the resurrection of Christ?

The resurrection of Christ clearly establishes the redemption as all-sufficient for all eternity. It is, therefore, the foundation of all faith, the source of all new life, and a positive pledge for our future resurrection and perfection.

82. What is the meaning of the words: He ascended into heaven?

Forty days after His resurrection Christ was visibly taken up into heaven. All gifts of faith are thereby declared celestial and eternal, and our faith and hope directed heavenward.

83. What do you mean by the words: He sitteth at the right hand of God, the Almighty Father?

Christ is in heaven in the perfection of His divine nature, and to Him, as the glorified Son of man, the Almighty Father has given all power in heaven and on earth, and as eternal Prophet, eternal Priest and eternal King, He enlightens, intercedes for, and governs His church.

84. What do we confess with the words: From thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead?

Christ will come again on the last day with great power and glory to take the righteous into eternal glory, and to deliver the wicked over to eternal punishment.

85. In which passage of the Holy Scripture do we find the humiliation and the exaltation of Christ briefly described?

We find the humiliation and the exaltation of Christ briefly described in the passage Phil. 2:5-11, which is as follows:

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross . Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a ame which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God, the Father.

86. What is the substance of your faith in Jesus Christ?

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, purchased and delivered me, a lost and condemned creature, from all sins, from death and from the power of Satan, not with silver or gold, but with His holy, precious blood, and with His innocent suffering and death; that I might be His own, live under Him in His kingdom, and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence and blessedness; even as he is risen from the dead, lives and reigns in all eternity.

The Third Article of the Christian Faith

87. Of what does the third article of the Christian faith treat?

The third article of the Christian faith treats of God, the Holy Ghost, and of the work of sanctification.

88. What do we believe concerning the Holy Ghost?

We believe that the Holy Ghost is the third person in the Holy Trinity, with the Father and the Son, true and eternal God, a Lord and distributor of all gifts, who enables us to come to Christ, our Lord, and to remain with Him forever.

89. What offices are ascribed to the Holy Ghost?

Three offices are ascribed to the Holy Ghost; the office of punishment, in which He reproves man for his sins; the office of comforting, in which He assures the sinner of the grace of God; the office of teaching, in which He guides believers into all truth, and impels them to do all that is good.

90. By what means does the Holy Ghost accomplish this work?

The Holy Ghost works by the word of God and the holy sacraments, which are the means of grace instituted by God.

91. In what order and in what manner does the Holy Ghost impart salvation to the individual?

The order and manner observed by the Holy Ghost in imparting salvation to the individual is as follows:

Calling and enlightenment, repentance and faith, justification and sanctification.

92. What is meant by the calling of the Holy Ghost?

We distinguish between a general and a special calling. In the general calling the Holy Ghost invites all mankind to enter into the Kingdom of God. In the special calling the Holy Ghost brings the general calling so effectually to the individual person, that he is compelled to either accept or reject it.

93. What is meant by the enlightenment of the Holy Ghost?

Enlightenment is the work of the Holy Ghost, by which He convinces the sinner of his lost state, and shows him how he can be saved.

94. What is repentance?

True repentance consists in conviction of sin, contrition for sin, confession and renunciation of sin, and longing for grace.

95. What is faith?

Faith is the firm confidence with which the sinner accepts and retains the grace of God in Christ.

96. What is justification?

Justification is the forgiveness of sins for Christ's sake, the imputation of the righteousness of Christ, and the adoption as children of God, and all this purely by paternal grace.

97. What other terms are used to denote this state of justification?

The terms regeneration and conversion are often used to denote the state of justification.

98. What is regeneration?

Regeneration is the beginning of the new life in man, as wrought by the triune God through baptism of water and the Spirit.

99. What is conversion?

Conversion is the faithful acceptance of the new life, wrought by God, hence a turning from the broad way and entrance upon the straitened way.

100. Whereby are we assured of our justification?

We are assured of this state of grace by the testimony of the Holy Ghost, as it is written Rom. 8:15-16: For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but ye have received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit Himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.

101. What is sanctification?

Sanctification is that work of the Holy Ghost, by which the whole man is transformed and daily renewed in all his actions, and made acceptable to God.

102. What name is given in the Apostles’ creed to the entire body of Christians?

The entire body of Christians is called the one, Holy, Catholic Church.

103. Why do we speak of the Christian church as being one church?

The Christian church is called the one church because it has one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, as it is written Ephes. 4:3-6:

Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

104. Why is the Christian church called a Holy Church?

The Christian church is called holy, because the Holy Ghost works mightily in it by word and sacrament; and because every one of its members shall thereby be sanctified and made perfect.

105. Why is the Christian church called a Catholic Church?

The Christian church is called a catholic, or universal, church, because every sinner of all nations and times can and

shall be admitted into it, according to the will of God, and because every one finds there what he needs.

106. Why is the church called the Christian church?

The church is a Christian church, because Christ alone is its foundation, its head and the object to which all its efforts are directed.

107. Has the church already become all that we confess concerning it?

The church has indeed existed at all times as the true church; but has frequently erred and been corrupted; its future perfection, however, is certain, according to God's promise.

108. What is understood by the"communion of saints?”

By the communion of saints we understand that all Christians, as members of one body, be united in love, and aid one another in their temporal and eternal welfare.

109. What do we confess with the words:"I believe in the forgiveness of sins?”

The forgiveness of sins is offered in Christ to all mankind, so that through the Holy Ghost every person of every time can and may have part therein, according to the will of God.

110. What do we understand by"the resurrection of the body?"

On the last day Christ will raise up all the dead; the righteous to eternal life, the unrighteous to everlasting punishment.

111. What is meant by"life everlasting?"

They, who are justified and perfected in Christ, after receiving in the resurrection the glory of Christ, in body and soul, shall enter into eternal bliss and glory.

112. What is the substance of your faith in the Holy Ghost?

I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength, believe in my Lord Jesus Christ, or come to Him; but the Holy Ghost has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and preserved me in the true faith; as He calls, gathers, enlightens and preserves the whole Christian church on earth and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith; in which Christian church He daily and abundantly forgives me and all believers all sins, and on the last day will raise up me and all the dead, and will give unto me and all believers in Christ everlasting life. This is most certainly true.

Part 3: Prayer.

113. What is prayer?

Prayer is the conversation of the heart, addressed to God in making supplications, in giving thanks and in offering praise.

114. In what prayer has the Lord Jesus taught us how to pray and what we shall pray for?

In the"Lord's Prayer,"which is as follows:

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

115. What is the meaning of:"Our Father who art in heaven?"

God desires us and all His children to call upon Him with cheerful confidence, as beloved children entreat a kind and affectionate father, knowing that he is both willing and able to help us.

116. What do we pray for in the petition:"Hallowed be thy name?"

God's name is indeed holy in itself, but we pray in this petition that it may be holy among us also. This is done when the Word of God is taught in its truth and purity, and we as the children of God also lead a holy life in accordance with it. To this help us dear Father in heaven!

117. What do we pray for in the petition:"Thy kingdom come?"

The kingdom of God is indeed established by the redemption; but we pray in this petition that we and all others may participate in this kingdom, and that the same may be completed in every respect.

118. What do we pray for in the petition:"Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven?"

God's good and gracious will is indeed done without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may also be done among us, and everywhere, and that every one on the earth may do His will as cheerfully as the angels in heaven.

119. What do we pray for in the petition:"Give us this day our daily bread?"

God indeed gives daily bread without our prayer, even to all the wicked, but we pray in this petition that he would lead us to know this, and enable us to receive with thanksgiving what we daily need for body and soul.

120. What is meant by the petition:"Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors?"

We pray in this petition that our Father in heaven would not regard our sins, nor on their account refuse us the forgiveness of all our sins; for we are worthy of none of the things for which we pray, either have we deserved them; but that He would grant them all to us by grace, for we daily sin much and deserve nothing but punishment. We promise also, on our part, heartily to forgive and willingly to do good to those who sin against us.

121. What do we pray for in the petition:"Lead us not into temptation?"

God indeed tempts no one, but we pray in this petition that God would protect and keep us, that Satan, the world and our own flesh may not deceive us, nor lead us into sin, infamy and vice; mistrust, unbelief and despair; and though we be assailed by them, we may nevertheless conquer and finally obtain the victory over them.

122. What do we pray for in the petition:"But deliver us from evil?"

We pray in this petition as in a summary that the Father in heaven would deliver us from every evil of body and soul; and, finally, when our last hour has come, grant us a happy end, and graciously take us from this world of sorrow to Himself in heaven.

123. What is meant by the conclusion:"For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen?"

With these words we express a confident assurance that such petitions are agreeable to our Father in heaven and heard of Him; for He Himself has commanded us thus to pray and promised that we shall be heard."Amen."Amen, that is, yea, yea, it shall be so.

Part 4: The Sacrament of Holy Baptism.

124. What is a Sacrament?

A sacrament is a holy ordinance instituted by Christ Himself, in which by visible signs and means He imparts and maintains the new life.

125. How many sacraments has Christ instituted?

Christ has instituted two Sacraments, the Holy Baptism and the Lord's Supper.

126. What is Holy Baptism?

Holy Baptism is the sacrament by which the triune God imparts the new life unto man. Thereby man is admitted into the communion of God and the whole Christian church.

127. What is the visible sign in Baptism?

The visible sign in Baptism is water, in which the candidate for Baptism is immersed or with which he is sprinkled in the name of the triune God; as it is written Matt 28:18-20:"All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth. Go ye, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations; baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever 1 Commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.'

128. What does Holy Baptism require of us?

Holy Baptism requires of us that we, by daily contrition and repentance, renounce all sinful longings and desires, and by faith arise to a new life.

129. Why should infants be baptized?

Infants should be baptized because the new life is a divine gift of grace, which the infants are as needy and capable of receiving as adults; hence the Lord has explicitly promised His kingdom unto them.

130. What does baptism of the children daily require of the parents?

Parents shall, by education and instruction, by prayer and example promote the growth of the new life in their baptized children.

131. What is confirmation?

Confirmation is the renewal of the baptismal covenant, that is, the baptized children, having been instructed in the Christian faith, publicly confess their faith and promise unto their Lord obedience until death.

Part 5: The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.

132. What is the Lord's Supper?

The Lord's Supper is that sacrament by which we receive the body and the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ as the nourishment of our new life, sustain and confirm the communion with Christ and all believers, and proclaim that the Lord has died for us.

133. What are the visible signs and means of this Sacrament?

The visible signs and means of this sacrament are bread and wine, the worthy partaking of which is the eating and drinking of the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ; as it is stated in the words instituting this Holy Supper.

134. With what words did Christ institute the Holy Supper?

"Our Lord Jesus Christ, the same night in which He was betrayed, took bread; and when He had given thanks, He brake 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."

"After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it: this cup is the New Testament in My blood, which is shed for you, for the remission of sins; this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me."

135. What do we receive by thus eating and drinking?

By thus eating and drinking we receive the remission of sins, life and salvation; as it is stated in the words: "broken and shed for you for the remission of sins."

136. Who, then, receives such Sacrament worthily?

He, who eats and drinks with heartfelt repentance and with true faith; for he alone is truly worthy and well prepared, who has faith in these words: "Given and shed for you for the remission of sins." But he that does not believe these words, or doubts, is unworthy and unprepared; for the words: "for you" require truly believing hearts.

137. What does our communion daily require of us?

Our communion requires that we daily keep in remembrance the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus, and that we consider well how hard it was for our Savior to bear our sins and the sins of the whole world, and to gain eternal salvation for us by offering up His life and shedding His blood. And since our sins caused the Lord Jesus the greatest sufferings, yea bitter death, we should have no pleasure in sin, but earnestly flee and avoid it; and being reclaimed by our Savior and Redeemer we should live, suffer and die to His honor, so that at all times and especially in the hour of death we may cheerfully and confidently say:

Lord Jesus, for Thee I live, for Thee I suffer, for Thee I die! Lord Jesus, Thine will I be in life and death! Grant me, O Lord, eternal salvation! Amen.