Table of Contents
    Part 1 ,  Lord's Day 2 , Lord's Day 3 ,  Lord's Day 4
        Part 2 ,  Lord's Day 5 ,  Lord's Day 6 ,  Lord's Day 7 ,  Lord's Day 8 ,  Lord's Day 9
                   Lord's Day 10 ,  Lord's Day 11 , Lord's Day 12 , Lord's Day 13 , Lord's Day 14
                   Lord's Day 15 , Lord's Day 16 , Lord's Day 17 , Lord's Day 18 ,Lord's Day 19
                   Lord's Day 20 , Lord's Day 21 , Lord's Day 22 , Lord's Day 23 , Lord's Day 24
                   Lord's Day 25 , Lord's Day 26 , Lord's Day 27 , Lord's Day 28 , Lord's Day 29
                   Lord's Day 30 , Lord's Day 31 , Lord's Day 31
         Part 3 , Lord's Day 32 , Lord's Day 33 , Lord's Day 34 , Lord's Day 35 , Lord's Day 36
                   Lord's Day 37 , Lord's Day 38 , Lord's Day 39 , Lord's Day 40 , Lord's Day41
                   Lord's Day 42 , Lord's Day 43 , Lord's Day 44 , Lord's Day 45 , Lord's Day 46
                   Lord's Day 47 , Lord's Day 48 , Lord's Day 49 , Lord's Day 50 , Lord's Day 51
                   Lord's Day 52

Lord's Day 1

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

That I, with body and soul, both 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; yea, 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 thee to know, that thou in this comfort mayest 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. Return to Table of Contents

Lord's Day 2

3. Whence knowest thou thy misery?

Out of the Law of God.

4. What does the Law of God require of us?

Christ teaches us in sum, Matthew 22: Thou shalt love the Lord, thy God with all thy heart, and
with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. This is the first and great
commandment; and the second is like unto it: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these
two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

5. Canst thou keep all this perfectly?

No: for I am by nature prone to hate God and my neighbor.
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Lord's Day 3

6. Did God create man thus wicked and perverse?

No, but God created man good, and after His own image, that is, in 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. Whence 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 wholly unapt to any good and prone to all evil?

Yes; unless we are born again by the Spirit of God.
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Lord's Day 4

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 wilful disobedience deprived himself and all his posterity of this power.

10. Will God suffer such disobedience and apostasy to go unpunished?

By no means; but He is terribly displeased with our inborn as well as our actual sins, and will
punish them in just judgment in time and eternity, as he has declared: Cursed is everyone that
continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them (Deut.
27:26).

11. Is then God not merciful?

God is indeed merciful, but He is likewise 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 both of body and soul.
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Lord's Day 5

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 therefrom.

15. What manner 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.
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Lord's Day 6

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. Whence knowest thou 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.
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Lord's Day 7

20. Are all men then saved by Christ, as they have perished in Adam?

No; only such as by true faith are ingrafted 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 hearty trust, which the Holy Ghost 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 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 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 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 holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of
sins; the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
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Lord's Day 8

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 Ghost, and our sanctification.

25. Since there is but one Divine Being, why speakest thou of three, Father, Son and
Holy Ghost?

Because God has so revealed Himself in His Word, that these three distinct Persons are the one,
true, eternal God.
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Lord's Day 9

26. What dost thou believe when thou sayest: I believe in God the Father Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth?

That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who of nothing made heaven and earth, with all
that in them is, 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 whom 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.
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Lord's Day 10

27. What dost thou 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, yea,
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.
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Lord's Day 11

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, or anywhere else?

No; although they may 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.
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Lord's Day 12

31. Why is He called Christ, that is, Anointed?

Because He is ordained of God the Father, and anointed with the Holy Ghost, to be our chief
Prophet and Teacher, who fully reveals to us the secret counsel and will of God concerning our
redemption; and our only High Priest, who by the one sacrifice of His body has redeemed us, and
ever liveth 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 art thou 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 free conscience fight against sin and the devil in this life, and hereafter, in eternity, reign with
Him over all creatures.
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Lord's Day 13

33. Why is He called God's only begotten Son, since we also are 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 callest thou 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.
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Lord's Day 14

35. What is the meaning of: Conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the virgin Mary?

That 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 Ghost; so
that He also might be the true seed of David, like unto His brethren in all things, sin excepted.

36. What benefit dost thou 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.
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Lord's Day 15

37. What dost thou 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, than 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.
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Lord's Day 16

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
otherwise 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, why must we also die?

Our death is not a satisfaction for our sin, but only a dying to sins and entering 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; that so the evil lusts of the
flesh may no more reign in us, but that we may offer ourselves unto Him 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 and before, has redeemed
me from the anguish and torment of hell.
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Lord's Day 17

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.
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Lord's Day 18

46. How dost thou 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 not, in this way, the two natures in Christ separated from one another, if the
Manhood be not 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, that 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, that He sends us His Spirit, as an earnest, by whose power we seek those things
which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God, and not things on the earth.
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Lord's Day 19

50. Why is it added: And sitteth at the right hand of God?

Because Christ ascended into heaven for this end, that 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 sheds forth heavenly gifts in us, His members; then, that by His
power He defends and preserves us against all enemies.

52. What comfort is it to thee, that Christ shall come again to judge the quick and the
dead?

That in all my sorrows and persecutions, with uplifted head, I look for the selfsame One, who has
before offered Himself for me to the judgment of God and removed from me all curse, to come
again as 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.
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Lord's Day 20

53. What dost thou believe concerning the Holy Ghost?

First, that He is co-eternal God with the Father and the Son. Secondly, that He is also given unto
me; makes me by a true faith partaker of Christ and all His benefits; comforts me; and shall abide
with me forever.
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Lord's Day 21

54. What dost thou 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 the same.

55. What dost thou understand by the Communion of Saints?

First, that believers, all and every one, 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 dost thou 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 have to struggle all my life long; but graciously imputes to me the
righteousness of Christ, that I may nevermore come into condemnation.
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Lord's Day 22

57. What comfort does the Resurrection of the Body afford thee?

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 hast thou 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 hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath entered into the heart of
man; therein to praise God for ever.
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Lord's Day 23

59. But what does it help thee now, that thou believest all this?

That I am righteous in Christ before God, and an heir of eternal life.

60. How art thou 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, and have never kept any of them, and
that I am still prone always to all 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 sayest thou, that thou art 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.
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Lord's Day 24

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 divine law; 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.
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Lord's Day 25

65. Since then we are made partakers of Christ and all his benefits by faith only, whence
comes this faith?

The Holy Ghost 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 Ghost teaches 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.
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Lord's Day 26

69. How is it signified and sealed unto thee in Holy Baptism, that thou has 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
the 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 Ghost, and
sanctified to be members of Christ, that so we may more and more die unto sin, and lead holy
and unblamable 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 ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. He that believeth
and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. This promise is
also repeated where the Scripture calls Baptism the washing of regeneration and the washing
away of sins.
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Lord's Day 27

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, doth the Holy Ghost 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 like 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 Ghost, 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 ingrafted into the Christian Church, and distinguished from the children of
unbelievers, as was done in the Old Testament by Circumcision, in place of which in the New
Testament Baptism is appointed.
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Lord's Day 28

75. How is it signified and sealed unto thee in the Holy Supper that thou dost 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 further, that, with His crucified
body and shed 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 Ghost, 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 for ever 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 brake it, and said:
Take, eat, this is My body, which is broken for you; this do in remembrance of Me. After
the same manner also He took the cup, when he had supped, saying: This cup is the New
Testament in My blood: This do ye as often as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me. For as
often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till He come.

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, being many, are one bread, and one body;
for we are all partakers of that one bread.
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Lord's Day 29

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 doth 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, like as the
bread and wine sustain this temporal life, so also His crucified body and shed blood are the true
meat and drink of our souls unto life eternal; but much more, by this visible sign and pledge to
assure us, that we are as really partakers of His true body and blood, through the working of the
Holy Ghost, 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.
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Lord's Day 30

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
Ghost we are ingrafted into Christ, who with His true body is now in heaven at the right hand of
the Father, and is to be there worshiped. 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
worshiped 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 is 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
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Lord's Day 31

83. What is the Office of the Keys?

The Preaching of the Holy Gospel and Church Discipline; by which two things 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 shut and opened 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.
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Lord's Day 32

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 blessing, 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 saith, no unchaste person, idolater, adulterer, thief, covetous
man, drunkard, slanderer, robber, or any such like, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
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Lord's Day 33

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

In two things: the dying of the old man, and the quickening 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 quickening of 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.
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Lord's Day 34

92. What is the Law of God?

God spake all these words, saying:
 
 

93. How are these commandments divided?

Into two tables: the first of which teaches us, 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.
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Lord's Day 35

96. What does God require in the second commandment?

That we in no wise 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 imaged 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.
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Lord's Day 36

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 the holy name of God no otherwise than with fear and reverence,
so that He may be rightly confessed and worshiped 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 a 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.
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Lord's Day 37

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.
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Lord's Day 38

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 upon 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.
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Lord's Day 39

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.
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Lord's Day 40

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; but lay aside all desire of revenge; moreover, that I
harm not myself, nor wilfully 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 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.
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Lord's Day 41

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 sins?

Since our body and soul are both temples of the Holy Ghost, 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.
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Lord's Day 42

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 thee 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.
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Lord's Day 43

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.
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Lord's Day 44

113. What is required in the tenth commandment?

That not even the least inclination or thought against any of God's commandments ever enter into
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 doth God so strictly enjoin upon us the ten commandments, since in this
life no 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 Ghost, so as to become more and more changed
into the image of God, till we attain finally to full perfection after this life.
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Lord's Day 45

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 which art in heaven: Hallowed by Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in
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.
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Lord's Day 46

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 toward 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.
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Lord's Day 47

122. What is the first petition?

Hallowed be Thy name. That is: Enable us rightly to know Thee, and to hallow, magnify and praise
Thee in all Thy works, in which shine forth Thy power, wisdom, goodness, justice, mercy and
truth; and likewise so to order our whole life, in thought, word and work, that Thy name may not
be blasphemed, but honored and praised on our account.
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Lord's Day 48

123. What is the second petition?

Thy kingdom come. That is: So govern us by Thy word and Spirit, that we submit ourselves unto
Thee always more and more; preserve and increase Thy Church; destroy the works of the devil,
every power that exalteth itself against Thee, and all wicked devices formed against Thy holy
word, until the full coming of Thy kingdom, wherein Thou shalt be all in all.
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Lord's Day 49

124. What is the third petition?

Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. That is: Grant that we and all men may renounce our
own will, and yield ourselves without gainsaying, to Thy 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.
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Lord's Day 50

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 Thou art the only fountain of all good, and that without Thy blessing,
neither our care and labor, nor Thy gifts can profit us; and may therefore withdraw our trust from
all creatures, and place it alone in Thee.
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Lord's Day 51

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
always cleaves to us, as we find this witness of Thy grace in us, that it is our full purpose heartily to
forgive our neighbor.
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Lord's Day 52

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 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 Thy
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, for ever. That is: All this we ask of Thee,
because as our King, having power over all things, Thou art both willing and able to give us all
good; and that thereby not we, but Thy holy Name may be glorified for ever.

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.
 
 

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