The Small Catechism

Luther's Little Instruction Book

Martin Luther

• Publisher: Books on Demand
• Year: 2022
• Print ISBN:
  9782322413904
• eBook ISBN:
  9782322446469
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Theologie & Religion
• Subtopic: Christentum

This annotated edition of "Martin Luther's Small Catechism" includes an extra appendix (in addition to the two already included in the original book) which provides an interesting overview of: Martin Luther's peasant roots, his education in pre-law, and how he was diverted from a law career to that of a monk-turned-professor and eventually, Protestant reformer, The role of the printing press in spreading the "95 Theses" quickly over Europe, catapulting Martin Luther to near-instant prominence in the religious dialogue of his day, The story of how Martin Luther colluded with a fishmonger to smuggle his future wife and her friends away from a convent, and Martin Luther's impact on the Protestant Reformation as well as modern religious thought.Martin Luther wrote the small catechism as an easy teaching tool for both individuals and families. Though penned close to five centuries ago, Luther's brief, clear summary of the essentials of Christian faith still ring true today.Topics covered include the Ten Commandments, the "Creed", the Lord's Prayer, and the sacraments of baptism and the altar. Ideas and instructions are also included for morning and evening devotions and giving thanks at mealtime. This little catechism, still widely used within the Lutheran Church, has gems of truth that many Christians will find to be both instructive and inspirational--regardless of denomination. Though few in words, it provides a wonderful explanation that has helped many to both learn the basics of Christian doctrine and apply them in a practical way to their lives.

VI. The Sacrament of the Altar

The Simple Way a Father Should Present it to his Household

What is the Sacrament of the Altar?

It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under bread and wine for us Christians to eat and to drink, established by Christ Himself.

Where is that written?

The holy apostles Matthew, Mark and Luke and St. Paul write this: "Our Lord Jesus Christ, in the night on which He was betrayed, took bread, gave thanks, broke it, gave it to His disciples and said: 'Take! Eat! This is My body, which is given for you. Do this to remember Me!' In the same way He also took the cup after supper, gave thanks, gave it to them, and said: 'Take and drink from it, all of you! This cup is the New Testament in my blood, which is shed for you to forgive sins. This do, as often as you drink it, to remember Me!"'

What good does this eating and drinking do?

These words tell us: "Given for you" and "Shed for you to forgive sins." Namely, that the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation are given to us through these words in the sacrament. Because, where sins are forgiven, there is life and salvation as well.

How can physical eating and drinking do such great things?

Of course, eating and drinking do not do these things. These words, written here, do them: "given for you" and "shed for you to forgive sins." These words, along with physical eating and drinking are the important part of the sacrament. Anyone who believes these words has what they say and what they record, namely, the forgiveness of sins.

Who, then, receives such a sacrament in a worthy way?

Of course, fasting and other physical preparations are excellent disciplines for the body. But anyone who believes these words, "Given for you," and "Shed for you to forgive sins," is really worthy and well prepared. But whoever doubts or does not believe these words is not worthy and is unprepared, because the words, "for you" demand a heart that fully believes.

Appendix I How a Father Should Teach His Household to Conduct Morning and Evening Devotions.

Morning Devotions

As soon as you get out of bed in the morning, you should bless yourself with the sign of the Holy Cross and say:

May the will of God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit be done! Amen. Then, kneeling or standing, say the...

Table of contents

• Contents
• I. The Ten Commandments
• II. The Creed
• III. The Our Father
• IV. The Sacrament of Holy Baptism
• V. How You Should Teach the Uneducated to Confess
• VI. The Sacrament of the Altar
• Notes
• Copyright