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129 Cards in this Set

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1. What is your only comfort in life and death?

That I, with body and soul, in life and in death, am not my own, but belong to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ, who with his precious blood has fully satisfied for all my sins, and redeemed me from all the power of the devil; and so preserves me that without the will of my Father in heaven not a hair can fall from my head; yes, that all things must work together for my salvation. Wherefore, by His Holy Spirit, He also assures me of eternal life, and makes me heartily willing and ready henceforth to live unto Him.
2. How many things are necessary for you to know, that you in this comfort may live and die happily?
Three things: first, the greatness of my sin and misery. Second, how I am redeemed from all my sins and misery. Third, how I am to be thankful to God for such redemption.
3. From where do you know your sins and misery?

From the Law of God.
4. What does the Law of God require of us?
Christ teaches us in sum, in Matthew 22: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first and greatest commandment; and the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."
5. Can you keep this all perfectly?
No, for I am by nature inclined to hate God and my neighbor.
6. Did God create man, therefore, wicked and perverse?
No, but God created man good, and after His own image, that is, in true righteousness and true holiness; that he might rightly know God his Creator, heartily love Him, and live with Him in eternal blessedness to praise and glorify Him.
7. From where, then, comes this depraved nature of man?
From the fall and disobedience of our first parents, Adam and Eve, in Paradise, whereby our nature became so corrupt that we are all conceived and born in sin.
8. But are we so depraved, that we are totally unable to do any good and inclined to all evil?
Yes; unless we are born again by the Spirit of God.
9. Does not God, then, wrong man by requiring of him in His law that which he cannot perform?
No, for God so made man that he could perform it; but man, through the instigation of the devil, by willful disobedience deprived himself and all his posterity of this power.
10. Will God permit such disobedience and apostasy to go unpunished?
By no means; but he is terribly displeased with our inborn sin as well as our actual sins, and will punish them in just judgment in time and eternity, as He has declared: Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them." (Dr 27:26)
11. Is then God not merciful?
God is indeed merciful, but He is also just; wherefore his justice requires that sin, which is committed against the most high majesty of God, be also punished with extreme, that is, with everlasting punishment of both body and soul.
12. Since then, by the righteous judgment of God, we deserve temporal and eternal punishment, what is required that we may escape this punishment and be again received into favor?
God wills that His justice be satisfied, therefore we must make full satisfaction to the same, either by ourselves or by another.
13. Can we ourselves make this satisfaction?
By no means, on the contrary, we daily increase our guilt.
14. Can any mere creature make satisfaction for us?
None, for first, God will not punish, in any other creature, that of which man has made himself guilty; and further, no mere creature can sustain the burden of God's eternal wrath against sin, and redeem others from it.
15. What kind of mediator and redeemer then must we seek?
One who is a true and sinless man, and yet more powerful than all creatures, that is, one who is at the same time true God.
16. Why must He be a true and sinless man?
Because the justice of God requires that the same human nature which has sinned should make satisfaction for sin; but no man, being himself a sinner could satisfy for others.
17. Why must He be at the same time true God?
That by the power of His Godhead He might bear in His manhood the burden of God's wrath and so obtain for and restore to us righteousness and life.
18. But who now is that Mediator, who is at the same time true God and a true, sinless man?
Our Lord Jesus Christ, who is freely given unto us for complete redemption and righteousness.
19. From where do you know this?

From the Holy Gospel, which God Himself first revealed in Paradise; afterwards proclaimed by the holy Patriarchs and Prophets, and foreshadowed by the sacrifices and other ceremonies of the Law; and finally fulfilled by His well-beloved Son.
20. Are all men then saved by Christ, as they have perished in Adam?
No, only such as by true faith are engrafted into Him, and receive all His benefits.
21. What is true faith?
It is not only a certain knowledge, whereby I hold for truth all that God has revealed to us in His Word; but also a heart trust, which the Holy Spirit works in me by the Gospel, that not only to others, but to me also, forgiveness of sins, everlasting righteousness and salvation, are freely given by God, merely of grace, for the sake of Christ's merits.
22. What is then necessary for a Christian to believe?
All that is promised us in the Gospel, which the articles of our catholic, undoubted Christian faith teach us in the sum.
23. What are these Articles?
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only-begotten Son, our Lord; who was cenceived by the Holy Spirit, 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 sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit; a holy catholic church; the communion of saints,; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
24. How are these articles divided?
Into three parts: the first is of God the Father and our creation; the second, of God the Son and our redemption; the third, of God the Holy Spirit, and our sanctification.
25. Since there is but one Divine Being, why do you speak of three: Father, Son and Holy Spirit?
Because God has so revealed Himself in His Word, that these three distinct Persons are the one, true, eternal God.
26. What do you believe when you say "I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth?"
The the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who out of nothing made heaven and earth, with all that is in them, who likewise upholds and governs the same by His eternal counsel and providence, is for the sake of Christ His Son my God and my Father; in who I so trust, as to have no doubt that He will provide me with all things necessary for body and soul; and further, that whatever evil He sends upon me in this vale of tears He will turn to my good; for He is able to do it, being Almighty God, and willing also, being a faithful Father.
27. What do you understand by the providence of God?
The almighty everywhere present power of God, whereby, as it were by His hand, He still upholds heaven and earth, with all creatures; and so governs them, that herbs and grass, rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, meat and drink, health and sickness, riches and poverty, yes, all things, come not by chance, but by His fatherly hand.
28. What does it profit us to know that God has created, and by His providence still upholds all things?
That we may be patient in adversity, thankful in prosperity, and for what is future, have good confidence in our faithful God and Father, that no creature shall separate us from His love; since all creatures are so in His hand, that without His will they cannot so much as move.
29.Why is the Son of God called "Jesus", that is "Savior?"
Because He saves us from our sins; and no salvation is to be either sought or found in any other.
30. Do such then believe in the only Savior Jesus, who seek their salvation and welfare of saints, of themselves anywhere else?
No; although they make make their boast of Him, yet in act they deny the only Savior Jesus. For either Jesus is not a complete Savior, or they who by true faith receive this Savior, must have in Him all that is necessary to their salvation.
31. Why is He called "Christ," that is, "Anointed?"
Because He is ordained of God the Father, and anointed with the Holy Spirit to be our chief Prophet and Teacher, who fully reveals to us the secret counsel and will of God concerning our redemption; our only High Priest, who by the one sacrifice of His body has redeemed us, and ever lives to make intercession for us with the Father; and our eternal King, who governs us by His Word and Spirit and defends and preserves us in the redemption obtained for us.
32. But why are you called a Christian?
Because by faith I am a member of Christ, and thus a partaker of His anointing; in order that I also may confess His name; may present myself a living sacrifice of thankfulness to Him; and may with a free conscience fight against sin and the devil in this life, and hereafter, in eternity, reign with Him over all creatures.
33. Why is He called God's "only begotten Son," since we are also the children of God?
Because Christ alone is the eternal, natural Son of God.; but we are the children of God by adoption, through grace, for His sake.
34. Why do you call Him "our Lord?"
Because not with silver and gold, but with His precious blood, He has redeemed and purchased us, body and soul, from sin and from all the power of the devil, to be His own.
35. What is the meaning of, "conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary?"
The the eternal Son of God who is and continues true and eternal God, took upon Him the very nature of man, of the flesh and blood of the virgin Mary, by the operation of the Holy Spirit; so that he also might be the true see of David, like His brothers in all things, sin excepted.
36. What benefit do you receive from the holy conception and birth of Christ?
That He is our Mediator, and with His innocence and perfect holiness covers, in the sight of God, my sin, wherein I was conceived.
37. What do you understand by the word "suffered?"
That all the time He lived on earth, but especially at the end of His life, He bore, in body and soul, the wrath of God against the sin of the whole human race; in order that by His passion, as the only propitiatory sacrifice, He might redeem our body and soul from everlasting damnation, and obtain for us the grace of God, righteousness and eternal life.
38. Why did he suffer "under Pontius Pilate," as judge?
That He, being innocent, might be condemned by the temporal judge, and thereby deliver us from the severe judgment of God, to which we are exposed.
39. Is there anything more in His having been crucified, that if he had died some other death?
Yes, for thereby I am assured, that He took on Himself the curse which lay upon me; because the death of the cross was accursed of God.
40. Why was it necessary for Christ to suffer death?
Because, by reason of the justice and truth of God, satisfaction for our sins could be made no other way than by the death of the Son of God.
41. Why was he "buried?"
To show thereby that He was really dead.
42. Since then Christ died for us, then why must we also die?
Our death is not a satisfaction for our sin, but only a dying to sins and emerging into eternal life.
43. What further benefit do we receive from the sacrifice and death of Christ on the cross?
That by His power our old man is with Him crucified, slain and buried; so that the eveil lusts of the flesh may no more reign in us, but that we may offer ourselves unto Him as a sacrifice of thanksgiving.
44. Why is it added, "He descended into Hell?"
That in my greatest temptations I may be assured that Christ, my Lord, by His inexpressible anguish, pains and terrors, which He suffered in His soul on the cross, has redeemed me from the anguish and torment of Hell.
45. What benefit do we receive from the resurrection of Christ?
First, by His resurrection He has overcome death, that He might make us partakers of the righteousness which by His death He has obtained for us. Secondly, we also are now by His power raised up to a new life. Thirdly, the resurrection of Christ is to us a sure pledge of our blessed resurrection.
46. How do you understand the words "He ascended into heaven?"
That Christ, in sight of His disciples, was taken up from the earth into heaven; and in our behalf there continues, until He shall come again to judge the living and the dead.
47.Is not then Christ with us even unto the end of the world, as He has promised?
Christ is true man and true God; according to His human nature, He is now not on earth; but according to His Godhead, majesty, grace and Spirit, He is at no time absent from us.
48. But are no, in this way, the two natures of Christ separated from one another if the manhood not be wherever the Godhead is?
By no means; for since the Godhead is incomprehensible and everywhere present, it must follow that it is indeed beyond the bounds of the manhood, which it has assumed, but is yet nonetheless in the same also, and remains personally united to it.
49. What benefit do we receive from Christ's ascension "into heaven?"
First, that He is our Advocate in the presence of His Father in heaven. Secondly, we have our flesh in heaven as a sure pledge, that He, as the Head, will also take us, His members, up to Himself. Thirdly, He sends us His Spirit, as a down payment, by whose power we seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God, and not things on earth.
50. Why is it added, "and sits on the right hand of God?"
Because Christ ascended into heaven for this end, the He might there appear as Head of His Church, by whom the Father governs all things.
51. What benefit do we receive from this glory of our Head, Christ?
First, that by His Holy Spirit He shed forth heavenly gifts in us, His members. Second, that by His power He defends and preserves us against all enemies.
52. What comfort is it to you, that Christ "shall come again to judge the living and the dead?"
That in all my sorrows and persecutions, with uplifted head, I look for the self-same One, who has before offered Himself for me to the judgment of God and removed from me all the curse, to come again a Judge from heaven; who shall cast all His and my enemies into everlasting condemnation, but shall take me, with all His chosen ones, to Himself into heavenly joy and glory.
53. What do you believe concerning the "Holy Spirit?"
First, that He is co-eternal God with the Father and the Son. Secondly, that He is also given to me; makes me by a true faith partaker of Christ and all His benefits; comforts me; and shall abide with me forever.
54. What do you believe concerning the "holy, catholic Church?"
That, out of the whole human race, from the beginning to the end of the world, the Son of God, by His Spirit and Word, gathers, defends and preserves for Himself unto everlasting life, a chosen communion, in the unity of the true faith; and that I am, and forever shall remain, a living member of it.
55. What do you understand by the "communion of saints?"
First, that believers, all and everyone, as members of Christ have part in Him and in all His treasures and gifts; secondly, that each one must feel himself bound to use his gifts, readily and cheerfully, for the advantage and welfare of other members.
56. What do you believe concerning the "forgiveness of sins?"
That God, for the sake of Christ's satisfaction, will no more remember my sins, neither the sinful nature with which I will have to struggle all my life long; but graciously imputes to me the righteousness of Christ, that I may nevermore come into condemnation.
57. What comfort does the "resurrection of the body" give you?
That not only my soul, after this life, shall be immediately taken up to Christ its Head; but also that this my body, raised by the power of Christ, shall again be united with my soul, and made like unto the glorious body of Christ.
58. What comfort do you have from the article of the "life everlasting?"
That, inasmuch as I now feel in my heart the beginning of eternal joy, I shall after this life possess complete bliss, such as eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has entered into the heart of man; therein to praise God forever.
59. But how does it help you now that you believe all this?
That I am righteous in Christ before God, and an heir of eternal life.
60. How are you righteous before God?

Only by true faith in Jesus Christ. That is, although my conscience accuse me that I have grievously sinned against all the commandments of God, have never kept any of them, and that I am still inclined always to evil, yet God, without any merit of mine, of mere grace, grants and imputes to me the perfect satisfaction, righteousness and holiness of Christ, as if I had never committed nor had any sin, and had myself accomplished all the obedience which Christ has fulfilled for me, if only I accept such benefit with a believing heart.

61. Why do you say that you are righteous only by faith?

Not that I am acceptable to God on account of the worthiness of my faith; but because only the satisfaction, righteousness and holiness of Christ is my righteousness before God, and I can receive the same and make it my own in no other way than by faith only.

62. But why cannot our good works be the whole or part of our righteousness before God?

Because the righteousness which can stand before the judgment-seat of God must be perfect throughout and wholly conformable to the Law o God; whereas even our best works in this life are all imperfect and defiled with sin.

63. How is it that our good works merit nothing, while yet it is God's will to reward them in this life and in that which is to come?

The reward comes not of merit, but of grace.

64. But does not this doctrine make men careless and profane?

No, for it is impossible that those who are implanted into Christ by true faith should not bring forth fruits of thankfulness.

65. Since then we are made partakers of Christ and all His benefits by faith only, from where does this faith come?

The Holy Spirit works it in our hearts by the preaching of the Gospel, and confirms it by the use of the holy sacraments.

66. What are the sacraments?

The sacraments are visible, holy signs and seals, appointed by God for this end: that by the use thereof He may the more fully declare and seal to us the promise of the Gospel; namely, that He grants us out of free grace the forgiveness of sins and everlasting life, for the sake of the one sacrifice of Christ accomplished on the cross.

67. Are both these then, the Word and the sacraments, designed to direct our faith to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, as the only ground of our salvation?

Yes, truly; for the Holy Spirit teaches us in the Gospel, and by the holy sacraments assures us, that our whole salvation stands in the one sacrifice of Christ made for us on the cross.

68. How many sacraments has Christ appointed in the New Testament?

Two: holy baptism and the holy supper.

69. How is it signified and sealed unto you in holy baptism that you have a part in the one sacrifice of Christ on the cross?

Thus: that Christ has appointed this outward washing with water, and has joined therewith this promise, that I am washed with His blood and Spirit from the pollution of my soul, that is, from all my sins, as certainly as I am washed outwardly with water, whereby commonly the filthiness of body is taken away.

70. What is it to be washed with the blood and Spirit of Christ?

It is to have the forgiveness of sins from God, through grace, for the sake of Christ's blood, which He shed for us in His sacrifice on the cross; and also to be renewed by the Holy Spirit, and sanctified to be members of Christ, so that we may more and more die unto sin, and lead holy and blameless lives.

71. Where has Christ promised that we are as certainly washed with His blood and Spirit as with the water of Baptism?

In the institution of baptism, which runs thus: "Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." "He that believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be damned." This promise is also repeated where the Scripture calls baptism "the washing of regeneration" and "the washing away of sins."

72. Is then the outward washing with water itself the washing away of sins?

No; for only the blood of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit cleanse us from all sin.

73. Why, then, does the Holy Spirit call baptism "the washing of regeneration" and "the washing away of sins"?

God speaks thus not without great cause; namely, not only to teach us thereby that just as the filthiness of the body is taken away by water, so our sins also are taken away by the blood and Spirit of Christ; but much more that by this divine pledge and token He may assure us, that we are as really washed from our sins spiritually, as our bodies are washed with water.

74. Are infants also to be baptized?

Yes. For since they, as well as their parents, belong to the covenant and people of God, and both redemption from sin and the Holy Spirit, who works faith, are through the blood of Christ promised to them no less than to their parents; they are also by baptism, as a sign of the covenant, to be engrafted into the Christian Church, and distinguished from the children of unbelievers, as was done in the Old Covenant by circumcision, in place of which in the New Covenant baptism is appointed.

75. How is it signified and sealed unto you in the holy Supper that you partake of the one sacrifice of Christ on the cross and all His benefits?

Thus: that Christ has commanded me and all believers to eat of this broken bread, and to drink of this cup, and has joined therewith these promises: first, that His body was offered, and broken on the cross for me, and His blood shed for me, as certainly as I see with my eyes the bread of the Lord broken for me, and the cup communicated to me; and second, that, with His crucified body and she blood, He Himself feeds and nourishes my soul to everlasting life as certainly as I receive from the hand of the minister, and taste with my mouth, the bread and cup of the Lord, which are given me as certain tokens of the body and blood of Christ.

76. What is it to eat the crucified body and drink the shed blood of Christ?

It is not only to embrace with a believing heart all the suffering and death of Christ, and thereby to obtain the forgiveness of sins and eternal life; but moreover also, to be so united more and more to His sacred body by the Holy Spirit, who dwells both in Christ and in us, that although He is in heaven, and we on the earth, we are nevertheless flesh of His flesh and bone of His bones, and live and are governed forever by one Spirit, as members of the same body are by one soul.

77. Where has Christ promised that He will thus feed and nourish believers with His body and blood, as certainly as they eat of this broken bread and drink of this cup?

In the institution of the Supper, which runs thus: "The Lord Jesus Christ the same night in which he was betrayed, took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it, and said 'Take, eat; this is My body, which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.' In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying 'This cup is the New Covenant in My blood, This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.' For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till he comes." And this promise is repeated also by St. Paul, where he says, "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread."

78. Do then the bread and wine become the real body and blood of Christ?

No, but as the water, in baptism, is not changed into the blood of Christ, nor becomes the washing away of sins itself, being only the divine token and assurance thereof, so also, in the Lord's Supper, the sacred bread does not become the body of Christ itself, though agreeably to the nature and usage of sacraments, it is called the body of Christ.

79. Why then does Christ call the bread His body, and the cup His blood, or the New Testament in His blood; and St. Paul, the communion of the body and blood of Christ?

Christ speaks thus not without great cause; namely, not only to teach us thereby, that as bread and wine sustain this temporal life, so also His crucified body and shed blood are the true food and drink of our souls unto life eternal. But much more, by this visible sign and pledge to assure us, that we are really partakers of His true body and blood, through the working of the Holy Spirit, as we receive by the mouth of the body these holy tokens in remembrance of Him; and that all His sufferings and obedience are as certainly our own as if we had ourselves suffered and done all in our own person.

80. What difference is there between the Lord's Supper and the Popish Mass?

The Lord's Supper testifies to us, that we have full forgiveness of all our sins by the one sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which He Himself has once accomplished on the cross; and that by the Holy Spirit we are engrafted into Christ, who with His true body is now in heaven at the right hand of the Father, and is to be there worshipped. But the Mass teaches, that the living and the dead have not forgiveness of sins through the sufferings of Christ, unless Christ is still daily offered for them by the priests; and that Christ is bodily under the form of bread and wine, and is therefore to be worshipped in them. And thus the Mass at bottom is nothing else than a denial of the one sacrifice and passion of Jesus Christ, and an accursed idolatry.

81. Who are to come unto the table of the Lord?

Those who are displeased with themselves for their sins, yet trust that these are forgiven them, and that their remaining infirmity it covered by the passion and death of Christ; who also desire more and more to strengthen their faith and amend their life. But the impenitent and hypocrites eat and drink judgment to themselves.

82. Are they then also to be admitted to this Supper, who show themselves to be, by their confession and life, unbelieving and ungodly?

No, for by this the covenant of God is profaned, and His wrath provoked against the whole congregation; wherefore the Christian Church is bound, according to the order of Christ and His Apostles, by the office of the keys to exclude such persons, until they amend their life.

83. What is the office of the keys?

The preaching of the holy Gospel and Church discipline; by which two the kingdom of heaven is opened to believers and shut against unbelievers.

84. How is the kingdom of heaven opened and shut by the preaching of the holy Gospel?

In this way: that according to the command of Christ, it is proclaimed and openly witnessed to believers, one and all, that as often as they accept with true faith the promise of the Gospel, all their sins are really forgiven them of God for the sake of Christ's merits; and on the contrary, to all unbelievers and hypocrites, that the wrath of God and eternal condemnation abide on them, so long as they are not converted; according to which witness of the Gospel, will be the judgment of God both in this life and in that which is to come.

85. How is the kingdom of heaven opened and shut by Church discipline?

In this way: that according to the command of Christ, if any under the Christian name show themselves unsound either in doctrine or life, and after repeated brotherly admonition refuse to turn from their errors of evil ways, they are complained of to the Church or to its proper officers, and, if they neglect to hear them also, are by them excluded from the holy sacraments and the Christian communion, and by God Himself from the kingdom of Christ; and if they promise and show real amendment, they are again received as members of Christ and His Church.

86. Since then we are redeemed from our misery by grace through Christ, without any merit of ours, why must we do good works?

Because Christ, having redeemed us by His blood, renews us also by His Holy Spirit after His own image, that with our whole life we may show ourselves thankful to God for His blessings, and that He may be glorified through us; then also, that we ourselves may be assured of our faith by the fruits thereof, and by our godly walk may win others also to Christ.

87. Can they then be saved who do not turn to God from their unthankful, impenitent life?

By no means, for, as the Scripture says, "no unchaste person, idolater, adulterer, thief, covetous man, drunkard, slanderer, robber" or any such, "shall inherit the kingdom of God."

88. In how many things does true repentance or conversion consist?

In two things: the dying of the old man, and the coming to life of the new.

89. What is the dying of the old man?

Heartfelt sorrow for sin; causing us to hate and turn from it always more and more.

90. What is the coming to life the new man?

Heartfelt joy in God; causing us to take delight in living according to the will of God in all good works.

91. But what are good works?

Those only which are done from true faith, according to the Law of God, for His glory; and not such as rest on our own opinion, or the commandments of men.

92. What is the Law of God?

"And God spoke all these words, saying:


'I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me.


You shall not make for yourself a carved image - 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; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.


You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.


Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work; you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.


Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you.


You shall not murder.


You shall not commit adultery.


You shall not steal.


You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.


You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's. '"

93. How are these commandments divided?

Into two tables: the first of which teaches, in four commandments, what duties we owe to God; the second, in six, what duties we owe to our neighbor.

94. What does God require in the first commandment?

That, on peril of my soul's salvation, I avoid and flee all idolatry, sorcery, enchantments, invocation of saints or of other creatures; and that I rightly acknowledge the only true God, trust in Him alone, with all humility and patience, expect all good from Him only, and love, fear, and honor Him with my whole heart; so as rather to renounce all creatures than do the least thing against His will.

95. What is idolatry?

It is instead of the one true God who has revealed Himself in His Word, or along with the same, to conceive or have something else on which to place our trust.

96. What does God require in the second commandment?

That we in no way make any image of God, nor worship Him in any other way than He has commanded in His Word.

97. Must we then not make any image at all?

God may not and cannot be imagined in any way; as for creatures, though they may indeed be imaged, yet God forbids the making or keeping any likeness of them, either to worship them, or by them to serve Himself.

98. But may not pictures be tolerated in churches as "books for the laity"?

No, for we should not be wiser than God, who will not have His people taught by dumb idols, but by the lively preaching of His Word.

99. What is required in the third commandment?

That we must not by cursing, or by false swearing, nor yet by unnecessary oaths, profane or abuse the name of God; nor even by our silence and connivance be partakers of these horrible sins in others; and in sum, that we use teh holy name of God no otherwise than with fear and reverence, so that He may be rightly confessed and worshipped by us, and be glorified in all our words and works.

100. Is then the profaning of God's name by swearing and cursing so grievous an sin that His wrath is kindled against those also who seek not, as much as in them lies, to hinder and forbid the same?

Yes truly; for no sin is greater, or more provoking to God than the profaning of His name. Wherefore He even commanded it to be punished with death.

101. But may we not swear by the name of God in a religious manner?

Yes; when the magistrate requires it, or it may be needful otherwise to maintain and promote fidelity and truth, to the glory of God and our neighbor's good. For such swearing is grounded in God's Word, and therefore was rightly used by the saints in the Old and New Testaments.

102. May we swear by the saints or any other creature?

No; for a lawful oath is a calling upon God, as the only searcher of hearts, to bear witness to the truth , and to punish me if I swear falsely; which honor is due no creature.

103. What does God require in the fourth commandment?

In the first place, that the ministry of the Gospel and schools be maintained; and that I, especially on the day of rest, diligently attend Church to learn the Word of God, to use the holy sacraments, to call publicly on the name of the Lord, and to give Christian alms. In the second place, that all the days of my life I rest from my evil works, allow the Lord to work in me by His Spirit, and thus begin in this life the everlasting Sabbath.

104. What does God require in the fifth commandment?

That I show all honor, love and faithfulness to my father and mother, and to all in authority over me; submit myself with due obedience to all their good instruction and correction; and also bear patiently with their infirmities; since it is God's will to govern us by their hand.

105. What does God require in the sixth commandment?

That I neither in thought, nor in word or look, much less in deed, revile, hate, insult or kill my neighbor, whether by myself or by another; buy lay aside all desire of revenge; moreover, that I harm not myself, nor willfully run into any danger. Wherefore also, to restrain murder, the magistrate is armed with the sword.

106. But this commandment speaks only of killing?

In forbidding this, however, God means to teach us that He abhors the root of all murder, namely, envy, hatred, anger and desire of revenge; and that all these are in His sight hidden murder.

107. Is it then enough that we do not kill our neighbor in any such way?

No; for in condemning envy, hatred, and anger, God requires us to love our neighbor as ourselves, to show patience, peace, meekness, mercy and kindness towards him, and, so far as we have power, to prevent his hurt; also to do good even unto our enemies.

108. What does the seventh commandment teach us?

That all unchastity is accursed of God; and that we should therefore loathe it from the heart, and live chastely and modestly whether in holy wedlock or single life.

109. Does God in this commandment forbid nothing more than adultery and such like gross sin?

Since our body and soul are both temples of the Holy Spirit, it is His will that we keep both pure and holy; for which reason He forbids all unchaste actions, gestures, words, thoughts, desires, and whatever may entice thereto.

110. What does God forbid in the eighth commandment?

Not only such theft and robbery as are punished by the magistrate, but God views as theft all wicked tricks and devices, whereby we seek to draw to ourselves our neighbor's goods, whether by force or with show of right, such as unjust weights, ells, measures, wares, coins, usury, or any means forbidden of God; so moreover all covetousness, and all useless waste of his gifts.

111. But what does God require of you in this commandment?

That I further my neighbor's good, where I can and may; deal with him as I would have others deal with me; and labor faithfully that I may be able to help the poor in their need.

112. What is required in the ninth commandment?

That I bear false witness against no one; wrest no one's words; be no backbiter, or slanderer; join in condemning no one unheard and rashly; but that I avoid, on pain of God's heavy wrath, all lying and deceit, as being the proper works of the devil; in matters of judgment and justice and in all other affairs love, honestly speak and confess the truth; and, so far as I can, defend and promote my neighbor's good name.

113. What is required in the tenth commandment?

That not even the least inclination or thought against any of God's commandments ever enter our heart; but that, with our whole heart, we continually hate all sin, and take pleasure in all righteousness.

114. Can those who are converted to God keep these commandments perfectly?

No, but even the holiest men, while in this life, have only a small beginning of this obedience; yet so, that with earnest purpose they begin to live, not only according to some, but according to all the commandments of God.

115. Why then does God so strictly enjoin upon us the ten commandments, since in this life on one can keep them?

First, that all our life long, we may learn more and more to know our sinful nature, and so the more earnestly seek forgiveness of sins and righteousness in Christ; secondly, that we may continually strive, and beg from God the grace of the Holy Spirit, so as to become more and more changed into the image of God, till we attain finally to full perfection after this life.

116. Why is prayer necessary for Christians?

Because it is the chief part of the thankfulness which God requires of us; and because God will give His grace and Holy Spirit only to such, as earnestly and without ceasing, beg them from Him, and render thanks unto Him for them.

117. What belongs to such prayer, as God is pleased with and will hear?

First, that from the heart we call only upon the one true God, who has revealed Himself to us in His word, for all that He has commanded us to ask of Him; secondly, that we thoroughly know our need and misery, so as to humble ourselves before the face of His Divine Majesty; thirdly, that we be firmly assured, that withstanding our unworthiness He will, for the sake of Christ our Lord, certainly hear our prayer, as He has promised us in His word.

118. What has God commanded us to ask of Him?

All things necessary for soul and body, which Christ our Lord has comprised in the prayer taught us by Himself.

119. What is the Lord's Prayer?

"Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. 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, forever. Amen."

120. Why has Christ commanded us to address God thus: "Our Father?"

To awaken in us, at the very beginning of our prayer, that filial reverence and trust towards God, which are to be the ground of our prayer; namely that God has become our Father through Christ; and will much less deny us what we ask of Him in faith, than our parents refuse us earthly things.

121. Why is it added, "Who art in heaven?"

That we may have no earthly thought of the heavenly majesty of God; and may expect from His almighty power all things necessary for body and soul.

122. What is the first petition?

"Hallowed be Thy name." That is, enable us to rightly know You, and to hallow, magnify and praise You in all Your works, in which shine forth Your power, wisdom, goodness, justice, mercy and truth; and likewise so to order our whole life, in thought, word and work, that Your name may not be blasphemed, but honored and praised on our account.

123. What is the second petition?

"Thy kingdom come." That is, so govern us by Your Word and Spirit, that we submit ourselves unto You always more and more; preserve and increase your Church; destroy the works of the devil, every power that exalts itself against You, and all wicked devices formed against Your holy Word, until the full coming of your kingdom, wherein You shall be all in all.

124. What is the third petition?

"Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." That is, grant that we and all men may renounce our own will, and yield ourselves without murmuring, to Your will which alone is good; that so every one may fulfill his office and calling, as willingly and truly as the angels do in heaven.

125. What is the fourth petition?

"Give us this day our daily bread." That is, be pleased to provide for all our bodily need; that we may thereby know that You are the only fountain of all good, and that without Your blessing, neither our care and labor, nor Your gifts can profit us; and may therefore withdraw our trust from all creatures and place it alone in You.

126. What is the fifth petition?

"And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors." That is, be pleased for the sake of Christ's blood, not to impute to us, miserable sinners, our manifold transgressions, nor the evil which still cleaves to us, as we find this witness of Your grace in us, that it is our full purpose heartily to forgive our neighbor.

127. What is the sixth petition?

"And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil." That is, since we are so weak in ourselves, that we cannot stand for a moment; while our deadly enemies, the devil, the world, and our own flesh, assail us without ceasing; be pleased to preserve and strengthen us by the power of your Holy Spirit, that we may make firm stand against them, and not sink in this spiritual war, until we come off at last with complete victory.

128. How do you close this prayer?

"For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever." That is, all this we ask of You, because, as our King, having power over all things, You are both willing and able to give us all good; and that thereby not we, but Your holy Name may be glorified forever.

129. What is the meaning of the word "Amen?"

"Amen" means, "so shall it truly and surely be." For my prayer is much more certainly heard of God, than I feel in my heart that I desire these things of Him.