An Explanation Of The Small Catechism_Introduction

Front 1

1. What is Christianity?

Back 1

Christianity is the life and salvation God has given in and through Jesus Christ.
John 14:6; John 17:3; Acts 4:12; Acts 11:26; 1 John 5:11-12

Front 2

2. Where is God's truth about our Savior Jesus Christ made known?

Back 2

This truth is made known in the Bible, the Old Testament, which promises the
coming Savior, and the New Testament, which tells of the Savior who has come.
Heb. 1:1-2; Luke 24:27; John 20:31; Eph. 2:20; 1 John 1:1;

Front 3

3. Why do we call the Bible the "Holy Scripture"?

Back 3

The Bible is the "Holy Scripture" because God the Holy Spirit gave to His chosen
writers the thoughts that they expressed and the words that they wrote (verbal inspiration). Therefore, the Bible is God's own Word and truth, without error (inerrancy). John 10:35;
Mark 8:38; John 14:26; Acts 24:14; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:21
Note: God gave the Old Testament in Hebrew and Aramaic and the New Testament in Greek. Errors in copying or translations are not part of the God-breathed (inspired) Scripture.

Front 4

4. What is the key to the correct understanding of the Bible?

Back 4

Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, is the heart and center of the Scripture and
therefore the key to its true meaning. John 5:39; Acts 10:43; John 1:18; 2 Tim. 3:15

Front 5

5. How is human reason to be used in understanding Holy Scripture?

Back 5

A. Holy Scripture is given in human language. To determine what it says we need
to apply the rules of language, such as grammar and logic. It is right to use
reason as a servant of the text, but the guidance of the Holy Spirit is essential
for its proper understanding.
B. Unlike all other books, Holy Scripture is God's Word and truth. It is wrong to
question or deny the truthfulness of the sacred text (as happens, for example,
with historical criticism).

Front 6

6. What basic distinction must we keep in mind in order to understand the
Bible?

Back 6

We must sharply distinguish between the Law and the Gospel in the Bible.
John 1:17; 2 Cor. 3:6

Front 7

7. What does God teach and do in the Law?

Back 7

In the Law God commands good works of thought, word, and deed and condemns
and punishes sin.
Mark 12:30-31; John 5:45; Rom. 3:20

Front 8

8. What does God teach and do in the Gospel?

Back 8

In the Gospel, the good news of our salvation in Jesus Christ, God gives forgiveness, faith, life, and the power to please Him with good works.
John 3:16; John 6:63; Rom. 1:16; Col. 1:6

Front 9

9. How does the Small Catechism sum up Christian doctrine?

Back 9

The Small Catechism sums up Christian doctrine by dividing it into six chief parts:
the Ten Commandments, the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, Confession, and the Sacrament of the Altar.

Front 10

10. What is a catechism?

Back 10

A catechism in a book of instruction, usually in the form of questions and answers.
Note: A related word is catechumen (learner).

Front 11

11. Who wrote our Small Catechism?

Back 11

Martin Luther, the Reformer of the church, wrote the Small Catechism in 1529.

Front 12

12. Why are all six chief parts of the Small Catechism taken from the Bible
alone?

Back 12

All the chief parts of the Small Catechism are taken from the Bible, because as
God's written Word the Bible is the only final authority for Christian faith and life.
Matt. 15:9; Gal. 1:8
(Formula of Concord SD Rule and Norm 3, 10)