Luther’s Small Catechism with Proof Texts, Additions, and Appendices
Overview
Martin Luther’s small catechism includes sections on the Ten Commandments, the Apostles’ Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, the Office of the Keys and Confession, and the Sacrament of the Eucharist. This edition provides proof texts for each thought presented in the catechism, as well as hymns and chants. A chronological summary of biblical history is included to aid the student in reading the Bible as a continuous historical account. Although originally published in 1529, Luther’s Small Catechism remains in use in churches today.
In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.
Top Highlights
“Answer. I1 believe2 that God3 hath created4 me5 and all that exists6; that he hath given7 and still preserves to me8 my9 body10 and soul11 with all my limbs and senses12, my reason and all the faculties of my mind13, together with my raiment14, food15, home and family16, and all my property17; that he daily18 provides me abundantly19 with all the necessaries of life20, protects me from all danger21, and preserves me and guards me against all evil22; all which he does out of pure, paternal23, and divine24 goodness25 and mercy26, without27 any merit28 or worthiness29 in me30, for all which I am in duty bound31 to thank32, praise33, serve34, and obey him35. This is most certainly true36.” (Pages 12–13)
“Baptism is a holy Sacrament, and a divine sign by which God the Father, together with the Son and the Holy Ghost, testifies that he will be a gracious God to the baptized person, that he forgives all his sins through grace alone, for Christ’s sake, and that he adopts him as a child and an heir of all heavenly blessings.” (Page 72)
“No; we can again obtain the blessedness which was lost.” (Page 45)
“Inasmuch as my sins occasioned the great agony and the cruel death of the Lord Jesus Christ, I should take no pleasure in sin, but earnestly avoid and flee from it; further, as I belong to my Saviour and Redeemer, I should, to his honor alone, live, suffer, and die, in order that, in the hour of death, I may say with joy and hope: Lord Jesus! I am thine in life, I am thine in sufferings, I am thine in death; whether I live or die, I am thine; grant me, O Jesus, life everlasting. Amen.” (Page 84)
About Martin Luther
Martin Luther 1483–1546) was a key figure in the Protestant Reformation and one of the most significant figures in Western history. Over the course of his life, he was a monk, a priest, a professor of biblical literature, a Reformer, a husband, and a father.
Luther is most noted for his 95 Theses (1517), in which he argues that indulgences are not acts of penance which can replace true repentance. In 1520, Pope Leo X and Holy Roman Emperor Charles V demanded that Luther retract all of his writings. Luther refused. He was subsequently excommunicated and declared an outlaw.
Luther has been both praised and vilified for what he preached and wrote. His translation of the Christian Bible into the vernacular greatly influenced the church. His works continue to impact all Christians and animate the movement that bears his name. His works are also represented in Martin Luther’s Basic Theological Writings and the Luther’s Works collection.