Catechisma
All Catechisms

Reformed / Continental · 1563

Heidelberg Catechism (Modern English)

The Heidelberg Catechism rendered in clear, modern English. All 129 questions and answers faithfully preserve the original meaning while using contemporary language accessible to today's readers.

OriginalModernizedFor Kids
Quiz Mode
1

What is your only comfort in life and in death?

That I am not my own, but belong—body and soul, in life and in death—to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without…

1 Corinthians 6:19–20Romans 14:7–91 Peter 1:18–191 John 1:71 John 2:2John 8:34–36Hebrews 2:14–151 John 3:8Matthew 10:29–31Luke 21:16–18Romans 8:282 Corinthians 1:21–222 Corinthians 5:5Ephesians 1:13–14Romans 8:15–16Romans 8:1–17
Scripture proofs & commentary
4

What does God's law require of us?

Christ teaches us this in summary in Matthew 22:37–40: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend…

Deuteronomy 6:5Leviticus 19:18
Scripture proofs & commentary
6

Did God create us wicked and perverse?

No, on the contrary, God created us good and in his image, that is, in true righteousness and holiness, so that we might truly know God our Creator, heartily love him, and live with him in eternal blessedness, praising and glorifying him.

Genesis 1:31Genesis 1:26–27Ephesians 4:24Colossians 3:10
Scripture proofs & commentary
11

But is God not also merciful?

God is indeed merciful, but he is also just. His justice requires that sin committed against the most high majesty of God be punished with the most severe—that is, with everlasting—punishment of body and soul.

Exodus 34:6–7Psalm 103:8–9Exodus 20:5Psalm 5:4–6Matthew 25:45–462 Thessalonians 1:8–9
Scripture proofs & commentary
16

Why must he be a true and righteous human being?

He must be a true human being because the justice of God requires that the same human nature which sinned should pay for sin. He must be a righteous human being because one who is himself a sinner cannot pay for others.

Romans 5:12, 151 Corinthians 15:21Hebrews 2:14–16Isaiah 53:3–5Hebrews 7:26–271 Peter 3:18
Scripture proofs & commentary
19

How do you know this?

From the holy gospel, which God himself first revealed in Paradise. Later, he had it proclaimed by the patriarchs and prophets, and foreshadowed by the sacrifices and other ceremonies of the law. Finally, he had it fulfilled through his only-begotten Son.

Genesis 3:15Genesis 12:3Genesis 22:18Genesis 49:10Isaiah 53Jeremiah 23:5–6Micah 7:18–20Acts 10:43Hebrews 1:1–2Hebrews 10:1, 7Romans 10:4Galatians 4:4–5Colossians 2:17
Scripture proofs & commentary
21

What is true faith?

True faith is a sure knowledge by which I accept as true all that God has revealed to us in his Word. At the same time it is a firm confidence that not only to others, but also to me, God has granted forgiveness of sins, everlasting righteousness, and salvation, out of sheer grace, only for the…

John 17:3, 17Hebrews 11:1–3James 2:19Romans 4:18–21Romans 5:1Romans 10:10Hebrews 4:16Galatians 2:20Romans 1:17Hebrews 10:10Acts 16:14Romans 1:16Romans 10:171 Corinthians 1:21
Scripture proofs & commentary
23

What are these articles?

I believe in God the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only-begotten Son, our Lord; he was conceived 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…

Scripture proofs & commentary
26

What do you believe when you say: I believe in God the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth?

That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who out of nothing created heaven and earth and everything in them, who still upholds and rules them by his eternal counsel and providence, is my God and Father because of Christ his Son. I trust him so much that I do not doubt he will provide…

Genesis 1:1Genesis 2:3Psalm 33:6Isaiah 44:24Acts 4:24Acts 14:15Psalm 104:27–30Hebrews 1:3John 1:12–13Romans 8:15–16Galatians 4:4–7Ephesians 1:5Psalm 55:22Matthew 6:25–26Luke 12:22–31Romans 8:28Genesis 18:14Romans 8:31–33Matthew 6:32–33Matthew 7:9–11
Scripture proofs & commentary
27

What do you understand by the providence of God?

Providence is the almighty and ever-present power of God by which he upholds, as with his hand, heaven and earth and all creatures, and so rules them that leaf and blade, rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, food and drink, health and sickness, prosperity and poverty—all things, in fact,…

Jeremiah 23:23–24Acts 17:24–28Hebrews 1:3Jeremiah 5:24Acts 14:15–17John 9:3Proverbs 22:2Matthew 10:29Ephesians 1:11
Scripture proofs & commentary
28

What good does it do us to know that God created all things and still upholds them by his providence?

We can be patient when things go against us, thankful when things go well, and for the future we can have good confidence in our faithful God and Father that nothing will separate us from his love. All creatures are so completely in his hand that without his will they can neither move nor be moved.

Job 1:21–22Romans 5:3–5James 1:3Deuteronomy 8:101 Thessalonians 5:18Psalm 55:22Romans 8:38–39Job 1:12Job 2:6Proverbs 21:1Acts 17:24–28
Scripture proofs & commentary
31

Why is he called Christ, meaning Anointed?

Because he has been ordained by God the Father and has been anointed with the Holy Spirit to be our chief prophet and teacher who fully reveals to us the secret counsel and will of God for our deliverance; our only high priest who has set us free by the one sacrifice of his body, and who…

Luke 3:21–22Luke 4:14–19Hebrews 1:9Acts 3:22Deuteronomy 18:15John 1:18John 15:15Hebrews 7:17Hebrews 9:12Hebrews 10:11–14Romans 8:34Hebrews 9:24Matthew 21:5Luke 1:33Matthew 28:18–20John 10:28Revelation 12:10–11
Scripture proofs & commentary
32

But why are you called a Christian?

Because by faith I am a member of Christ and so I share in his anointing. I am anointed to confess his name, to present myself to him as a living sacrifice of thanks, to strive with a good conscience against sin and the devil in this life, and afterward to reign with Christ over all creation for…

1 Corinthians 12:27Acts 2:171 John 2:27Matthew 10:32Romans 10:9–10Romans 12:11 Peter 2:5, 9Galatians 5:16–17Ephesians 6:111 Timothy 1:18–19Matthew 25:342 Timothy 2:12
Scripture proofs & commentary
34

Why do you call him our Lord?

Because—not with gold or silver, but with his precious blood—he has set us free from sin and from the tyranny of the devil, and has bought us, body and soul, to be his very own.

1 Peter 1:18–19Colossians 1:13–14Hebrews 2:14–151 Corinthians 6:201 Timothy 2:5–6
Scripture proofs & commentary
35

What does it mean that he was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary?

That the eternal Son of God, who is and remains true and eternal God, took to himself, through the working of the Holy Spirit, from the flesh and blood of the virgin Mary, a truly human nature so that he might become David's true descendant, like his brothers and sisters in every way except for sin.

John 1:1John 10:30–36Romans 1:3Romans 9:5Colossians 2:9Luke 1:35Matthew 1:18–23John 1:14Galatians 4:4Hebrews 2:142 Samuel 7:12–16Psalm 132:11Luke 1:32Romans 1:3Philippians 2:7Hebrews 2:17Hebrews 4:15Hebrews 7:26–27
Scripture proofs & commentary
37

What do you understand by the word suffered?

That during his whole life on earth, but especially at the end, Christ bore in body and soul the wrath of God against the sin of the whole human race. This he did in order that, by his suffering as the only atoning sacrifice, he might set us free, body and soul, from eternal condemnation, and gain…

Isaiah 53:4–51 Peter 2:241 Peter 3:18Romans 3:25Hebrews 10:141 John 2:2Romans 8:1–4Galatians 3:13John 3:16Romans 3:24–26
Scripture proofs & commentary
44

Why does the creed add, he descended into hell?

To assure me in times of personal crisis and temptation that Christ my Lord, by suffering unspeakable anguish, pain, and terror of soul, especially on the cross but also earlier, has delivered me from the anguish and torment of hell.

Isaiah 53:5Psalm 18:5–6Psalm 116:3Matthew 26:36–46Matthew 27:45–46Hebrews 5:7–10
Scripture proofs & commentary
45

How does Christ's resurrection benefit us?

First, by his resurrection he has overcome death, so that he might make us share in the righteousness he won for us by his death. Second, by his power we too are already raised to a new life. Third, Christ's resurrection is a guarantee of our glorious resurrection.

Romans 4:251 Corinthians 15:16–201 Peter 1:3–5Romans 6:5–11Ephesians 2:4–6Colossians 3:1–4Romans 8:111 Corinthians 15:12–23Philippians 3:20–21
Scripture proofs & commentary
49

How does Christ's ascension to heaven benefit us?

First, he pleads our cause in heaven in the presence of his Father. Second, we have our own flesh in heaven—a sure guarantee that Christ our head will take us, his members, to himself in heaven. Third, he sends his Spirit to us on earth as a further guarantee. By the Spirit's power we make the goal…

Romans 8:341 John 2:1John 14:2John 17:24Ephesians 2:4–6John 14:16Acts 2:332 Corinthians 1:21–222 Corinthians 5:5Colossians 3:1–4Philippians 3:14, 20
Scripture proofs & commentary
52

How does Christ's return to judge the living and the dead comfort you?

In all my distress and persecution I turn my eyes to the heavens and confidently await as judge the very one who has already stood trial in my place before God and so has removed the whole curse from me. He will condemn all his and my enemies to everlasting punishment, but me and all his chosen…

Luke 21:28Romans 8:22–25Philippians 3:20–21Titus 2:13–14Matthew 25:31–462 Thessalonians 1:6–10
Scripture proofs & commentary
53

What do you believe concerning the Holy Spirit?

First, he, together with the Father and the Son, is eternal God. Second, he has been given to me personally, so that, by true faith, he makes me share in Christ and all his blessings, comforts me, and will remain with me forever.

Genesis 1:1–2Matthew 28:19Acts 5:3–41 Corinthians 6:192 Corinthians 1:21–22Galatians 4:6Galatians 3:14John 15:26Acts 9:31John 14:16–171 Peter 4:14
Scripture proofs & commentary
54

What do you believe concerning the holy catholic church?

I believe that the Son of God through his Spirit and Word, out of the entire human race, from the beginning of the world to its end, gathers, protects, and preserves for himself a community chosen for eternal life and united in true faith. And of this community I am and always will be a living…

John 10:11Acts 20:28Ephesians 4:11–14Colossians 1:18Romans 1:16Romans 10:14–17Isaiah 59:21Genesis 26:4Revelation 5:9Isaiah 59:211 Corinthians 11:26Romans 8:29–30Ephesians 1:3–14Acts 2:42–471 John 3:14, 19–21
Scripture proofs & commentary
55

What do you understand by the communion of saints?

First, that believers one and all, as members of this community, share in Christ and in all his treasures and gifts. Second, that each member should consider it their duty to use these gifts readily and cheerfully for the service and enrichment of the other members.

Romans 8:321 Corinthians 6:171 Corinthians 12:4–7, 12–131 John 1:3Romans 12:4–81 Corinthians 12:20–271 Corinthians 13:1–7Philippians 2:4–8
Scripture proofs & commentary
56

What do you believe concerning the forgiveness of sins?

I believe that God, because of Christ's atoning work, will never hold against me any of my sins nor my sinful nature which I need to struggle against all my life. Rather, in his grace God grants me the righteousness of Christ to free me forever from judgment.

Psalm 103:3–4, 10, 12Micah 7:18–192 Corinthians 5:18–211 John 1:71 John 2:2Romans 7:21–25John 3:17–18Romans 8:1–2
Scripture proofs & commentary
60

How are you right with God?

Only by true faith in Jesus Christ. Even though my conscience accuses me of having grievously sinned against all God's commandments and of never having kept any of them, and even though I am still inclined toward all evil, nevertheless, without my deserving it at all, out of sheer grace, God grants…

Romans 3:21–28Galatians 2:16Ephesians 2:8–9Philippians 3:8–11Romans 3:9–10Romans 7:23Titus 3:4–5Romans 3:24Ephesians 2:8Romans 4:3–52 Corinthians 5:17–19Romans 4:24–252 Corinthians 5:21John 3:18Acts 16:30–31Romans 3:28
Scripture proofs & commentary
66

What are sacraments?

Sacraments are holy visible signs and seals, appointed by God for this purpose: to make us understand more clearly the promise of the gospel, and to put his seal on that promise. And this is God's gospel promise: to forgive our sins and give us eternal life by grace alone because of Christ's one…

Genesis 17:11Deuteronomy 30:6Romans 4:11Matthew 26:27–28Acts 2:38Hebrews 10:10
Scripture proofs & commentary
70

What does it mean to be washed with Christ's blood and Spirit?

To be washed with Christ's blood means that God, by grace, has forgiven my sins because of Christ's blood poured out for me in his sacrifice on the cross. To be washed with Christ's Spirit means that the Holy Spirit has renewed me and set me apart to be a member of Christ so that more and more I…

Hebrews 12:241 Peter 1:2Revelation 1:5Revelation 7:14Zechariah 13:1John 3:5–8Romans 6:41 Corinthians 6:11Colossians 2:11–12
Scripture proofs & commentary
73

Why then does the Holy Spirit call baptism the washing of regeneration and the washing away of sins?

God has good reason for these words. He wants to teach us that the blood and Spirit of Christ wash away our sins just as water washes away dirt from our bodies. But more important, he wants to assure us, by this divine pledge and sign, that the washing away of our sins spiritually is as real as…

1 Corinthians 6:11Revelation 1:5Revelation 7:14Acts 2:38Romans 6:3–4Galatians 3:27
Scripture proofs & commentary
74

Should infants also be baptized?

Yes. Infants as well as adults are in God's covenant and are his people. They, no less than adults, are promised the forgiveness of sin through Christ's blood and the Holy Spirit who produces faith. Therefore, by baptism, the mark of the covenant, infants should be received into the Christian…

Genesis 17:7Matthew 19:14Psalm 22:10Isaiah 44:1–3Acts 2:38–39Acts 16:31Acts 10:47Genesis 17:9–14Colossians 2:11–13
Scripture proofs & commentary
75

How does the Lord's Supper remind you and assure you that you share in Christ's one sacrifice on the cross and in all his gifts?

In this way: Christ has commanded me and all believers to eat this broken bread and to drink this cup. With this command he gave this promise: First, as surely as I see with my eyes the bread of the Lord broken for me and the cup shared with me, so surely his body was offered and broken for me and…

Matthew 26:26–28Mark 14:22–24Luke 22:19–201 Corinthians 11:23–25
Scripture proofs & commentary
76

What does it mean to eat the crucified body of Christ and to drink his poured-out blood?

It means to accept with a believing heart the entire suffering and death of Christ and by doing so to receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life. But it means more. Through the Holy Spirit, who lives both in Christ and in us, we are united more and more to Christ's blessed body. And so, although…

John 6:35, 40, 50–54John 6:55–561 Corinthians 12:13Ephesians 5:29–321 John 4:13John 6:56–58John 15:1–6Ephesians 4:15–16
Scripture proofs & commentary
77

Where does Christ promise to nourish and refresh believers with his body and blood as surely as they eat this broken bread and drink this cup?

In the institution of the Lord's Supper: "The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, 'This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new…

1 Corinthians 11:23–261 Corinthians 10:16–17
Scripture proofs & commentary
78

Are the bread and wine changed into the actual body and blood of Christ?

No. Just as the water of baptism is not changed into Christ's blood and does not itself wash away sins but is simply God's sign and assurance, so too the bread of the Lord's Supper is not changed into the actual body of Christ, even though it is called the body of Christ in keeping with the nature…

Ephesians 5:26Titus 3:5Matthew 26:26–29Genesis 17:10–11Exodus 12:11, 131 Corinthians 10:1–4
Scripture proofs & commentary
79

Why then does Christ call the bread his body and the cup his blood, or the new covenant in his blood?

Christ has good reason for these words. He wants to teach us that as bread and wine nourish our temporal life, so too his crucified body and poured-out blood truly nourish our souls for eternal life. But more important, he wants to assure us, by this visible sign and pledge, that we, through the…

John 6:51, 551 Corinthians 10:16–171 Corinthians 11:26Romans 6:5–11
Scripture proofs & commentary
80

How does the Lord's Supper differ from the Roman Catholic Mass?

The Lord's Supper declares to us that our sins have been completely forgiven through the one sacrifice of Jesus Christ which he himself accomplished on the cross once for all. It also declares to us that the Holy Spirit grafts us into Christ, who with his very body is now in heaven at the right…

Hebrews 7:27Hebrews 9:12, 25–28Hebrews 10:10–18John 19:301 Corinthians 6:171 Corinthians 10:16–17Acts 7:55–56Hebrews 1:3Hebrews 8:1Matthew 6:20–21John 4:21–24Philippians 3:20Colossians 3:1–3
Scripture proofs & commentary
81

Who should come to the Lord's table?

Those who are displeased with themselves because of their sins, but who nevertheless trust that their sins are pardoned and that their remaining weakness is covered by the suffering and death of Christ, and who also desire more and more to strengthen their faith and to lead a better life.…

1 Corinthians 10:19–221 Corinthians 11:26–32
Scripture proofs & commentary
82

Should those who show by what they say and do that they are unbelieving and ungodly be admitted to the Lord's Supper?

No, that would dishonor God's covenant and bring down God's anger upon the entire congregation. Therefore, according to the instruction of Christ and his apostles, the Christian church is duty-bound to exclude such people, by the official use of the keys of the kingdom, until they reform their…

1 Corinthians 11:17–34Psalm 50:14–16Isaiah 1:11–17
Scripture proofs & commentary
86

Since we have been delivered from our misery by grace through Christ without any merit of our own, why then should we do good works?

Because Christ, having redeemed us by his blood, is also restoring us by his Spirit into his image, so that with our whole lives we may show that we are thankful to God for his benefits, so that he may be praised through us, so that we may be assured of our faith by its fruits, and so that by our…

Romans 6:13Romans 12:1–21 Peter 2:5–10Matthew 5:161 Corinthians 6:19–20Matthew 7:17–18Galatians 5:22–242 Peter 1:10–11Matthew 5:14–16Romans 14:17–191 Peter 2:121 Peter 3:1–2
Scripture proofs & commentary
91

What do we do that is good?

Only that which arises out of true faith, conforms to God's law, and is done for his glory; and not that which is based on what we think is right or on established human tradition.

John 15:5Romans 14:23Hebrews 11:6Leviticus 18:41 Samuel 15:22Ephesians 2:101 Corinthians 10:31Deuteronomy 12:32Isaiah 29:13Ezekiel 20:18–19Matthew 15:7–9
Scripture proofs & commentary
92

What does the Lord say in his law?

God spoke all these words: "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image. You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain. Remember the Sabbath day, to…

Exodus 20:1–17Deuteronomy 5:6–21
Scripture proofs & commentary
94

What does the Lord require in the first commandment?

That I, not wanting to endanger my very salvation, avoid and shun all idolatry, sorcery, superstitious practices, and prayer to saints or to other creatures. That I sincerely acknowledge the only true God, trust him alone, look to him for every good thing humbly and patiently, love him, fear him,…

1 Corinthians 6:9–101 Corinthians 10:5–141 John 5:21Leviticus 19:31Deuteronomy 18:9–12Matthew 4:10Revelation 19:10Revelation 22:8–9John 17:3Jeremiah 17:5, 7Psalm 104:27–28James 1:171 Peter 5:5–6Deuteronomy 6:5Matthew 22:37Deuteronomy 6:2Psalm 111:10Proverbs 9:10Matthew 10:28Deuteronomy 6:13Matthew 4:10Matthew 5:29–30Matthew 10:37–39
Scripture proofs & commentary
95

What is idolatry?

Idolatry is having or inventing something in which you trust in place of or alongside of the only true God, who has revealed himself in his Word.

1 Chronicles 16:26Galatians 4:8–9Ephesians 5:5Philippians 3:19
Scripture proofs & commentary
97

May we not make any image at all?

God cannot and may not be visually portrayed in any way. Although creatures may be portrayed, God forbids making or having such images if one's purpose is to worship them or to serve God through them.

Exodus 34:13–14, 17Numbers 33:522 Kings 18:4–5
Scripture proofs & commentary
99

What does God require in the third commandment?

That we neither blaspheme nor misuse the name of God by cursing, perjury, or unnecessary oaths, nor share in such terrible sins by being silent bystanders. In short, that we use the holy name of God only with reverence and awe, so that we may rightly confess him, pray to him, and praise him in…

Leviticus 24:10–17Leviticus 19:12Matthew 5:37James 5:12Leviticus 5:1Proverbs 29:24Psalm 99:1–5Isaiah 45:23Jeremiah 4:2Matthew 10:32–33Romans 10:9–10Psalm 50:14–151 Timothy 2:8Colossians 3:17Romans 2:24
Scripture proofs & commentary
101

But may we swear an oath in God's name if we do it reverently?

Yes, when the government demands it, or when necessity requires it, in order to maintain and promote truth and trustworthiness for the glory of God and our neighbor's good. Such oaths are approved in God's Word and were rightly used by believers in the Old and New Testaments.

Deuteronomy 6:13Deuteronomy 10:20Jeremiah 4:1–2Hebrews 6:16Genesis 21:24Joshua 9:15, 192 Samuel 3:35Romans 1:92 Corinthians 1:23
Scripture proofs & commentary
103

What does God require in the fourth commandment?

First, that the gospel ministry and education for it be maintained, and that, especially on the festive day of rest, I regularly attend the assembly of God's people to learn what God's Word teaches, to participate in the sacraments, to pray to God publicly, and to bring Christian offerings for the…

Deuteronomy 6:4–9, 20–251 Corinthians 9:13–142 Timothy 2:22 Timothy 3:13–17Titus 1:5Deuteronomy 12:5–12Psalm 40:9–10Psalm 68:26Acts 2:42–47Hebrews 10:23–25Romans 10:14–171 Corinthians 14:31–321 Timothy 4:131 Corinthians 11:23–25Colossians 3:161 Timothy 2:1Psalm 50:141 Corinthians 16:22 Corinthians 8–9Isaiah 66:23Hebrews 4:9–11
Scripture proofs & commentary
104

What does God require in the fifth commandment?

That I honor, love, and be loyal to my father and mother and all those in authority over me; that I obey and submit to them, as is proper, when they correct and discipline me; and also that I be patient with their failings—for through them God chooses to rule us.

Exodus 21:17Proverbs 1:8Proverbs 4:1Romans 13:1–2Ephesians 5:21–22Ephesians 6:1–9Colossians 3:18–4:1Proverbs 20:20Proverbs 23:221 Peter 2:18Matthew 22:21Romans 13:1–8Ephesians 6:1–9Colossians 3:18–21
Scripture proofs & commentary
105

What does God require in the sixth commandment?

I am not to belittle, insult, hate, or kill my neighbor—not by my thoughts, my words, my look or gesture, and certainly not by actual deeds—and I am not to be party to this in others; rather, I am to put away all desire for revenge. I am not to harm or recklessly endanger myself either. Prevention…

Genesis 9:6Leviticus 19:17–18Matthew 5:21–22Matthew 26:52Proverbs 25:21–22Matthew 18:35Romans 12:19Ephesians 4:26Matthew 4:7Matthew 26:52Romans 13:11–14Genesis 9:6Exodus 21:14Romans 13:4
Scripture proofs & commentary
107

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

No. By condemning envy, hatred, and anger God tells us to love our neighbors as ourselves, to be patient, peace-loving, gentle, merciful, and friendly toward them, to protect them from harm as much as we can, and to do good even to our enemies.

Matthew 7:12Matthew 22:39Romans 12:10Ephesians 4:1–2Galatians 6:1–2Matthew 5:5, 7, 9Romans 12:18Luke 6:361 Peter 3:8Exodus 23:4–5Matthew 5:44–45Romans 12:20–21
Scripture proofs & commentary
110

What does God forbid in the eighth commandment?

He forbids not only outright theft and robbery, punishable by law. But in God's sight theft also includes cheating and swindling our neighbor by schemes made to appear legitimate, such as: inaccurate measurements of weight, size, or volume; fraudulent merchandising; counterfeit money; excessive…

Exodus 22:11 Corinthians 5:9–101 Corinthians 6:9–10Luke 3:141 Thessalonians 4:6Deuteronomy 25:13–16Psalm 15:5Proverbs 11:1Proverbs 12:22Ezekiel 45:9–12Luke 6:35Luke 12:15Ephesians 5:5Proverbs 21:20Proverbs 23:20–21Luke 16:10–13
Scripture proofs & commentary
112

What is the aim of the ninth commandment?

That I never give false testimony against anyone, twist no one's words, not gossip or slander, nor join in condemning anyone without a hearing or without just cause. Rather, in court and everywhere else, I should avoid lying and deceit of every kind; these are devices the devil himself uses, and…

Psalm 15Proverbs 19:5, 9Proverbs 21:28Leviticus 19:11–12Proverbs 12:22Proverbs 13:5John 8:44Revelation 21:81 Corinthians 13:6Ephesians 4:251 Peter 3:8–91 Peter 4:8
Scripture proofs & commentary
115

Since no one in this life can obey the Ten Commandments perfectly, why does God want them preached so pointedly?

First, so that the longer we live the more we may come to know our sinfulness and the more eagerly look to Christ for forgiveness of sins and righteousness. Second, so that, while praying to God for the grace of the Holy Spirit, we may never stop striving to be renewed more and more after God's…

Psalm 32:5Romans 3:19–26Romans 7:7, 24–251 John 1:91 Corinthians 9:24Philippians 3:12–141 John 3:1–3
Scripture proofs & commentary
116

Why do Christians need to pray?

Because prayer is the most important part of the thankfulness God requires of us. And also because God gives his grace and Holy Spirit only to those who pray continually and groan inwardly, asking God for these gifts and thanking him for them.

Psalm 50:14–15Psalm 116:12–191 Thessalonians 5:16–18Matthew 7:7–8Luke 11:9–13
Scripture proofs & commentary
117

How does God want us to pray so that he will listen to us?

First, we must pray from the heart to no other than the one true God, who has revealed himself in his Word, asking for everything he has commanded us to ask for. Second, we must acknowledge our need and misery, hiding nothing, and humble ourselves in his majestic presence. Third, we must rest on…

Psalm 145:18–20John 4:22–24Romans 8:26–27James 1:51 John 5:14–152 Chronicles 7:14Psalm 2:11Psalm 34:18Psalm 62:8Isaiah 66:2Revelation 4Daniel 9:17–18Matthew 7:8John 14:13–14John 16:23Romans 10:13James 1:6
Scripture proofs & commentary
119

What is this prayer?

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the kingdom and the…

Matthew 6:9–13Luke 11:2–4
Scripture proofs & commentary
120

Why did Christ command us to call God our Father?

At the very beginning of our prayer Christ wants to kindle in us what is basic to our prayer—the childlike reverence and trust that God through Christ has become our Father, and that just as our parents do not refuse us the things of this life, even less will God our Father refuse to give us what…

Matthew 7:9–11Luke 11:11–13
Scripture proofs & commentary
121

Why the words in heaven?

These words teach us not to think of God's heavenly majesty as something earthly, and to expect everything for body and soul from his almighty power.

Jeremiah 23:23–24Acts 17:24–25Matthew 6:25–34Romans 8:31–32
Scripture proofs & commentary
122

What does the first petition mean?

Hallowed be your name means: help us to truly know you, to bless, worship, and praise you for all your works and for all that shines forth from them: your almighty power, wisdom, kindness, justice, mercy, and truth. And it means: help us to direct all our living—what we think, say, and do—so that…

John 17:3Jeremiah 9:24Jeremiah 31:33–34Matthew 16:17Exodus 34:5–8Psalm 145Jeremiah 32:16–20Luke 1:46–55, 68–75Romans 11:33–36Psalm 115:1Matthew 5:16
Scripture proofs & commentary
123

What does the second petition mean?

Your kingdom come means: rule us by your Word and Spirit in such a way that more and more we submit to you. Keep your church strong, and add to it. Destroy the devil's work; destroy every force which revolts against you and every conspiracy against your holy Word; do this until your kingdom is so…

Psalm 119:5, 105Psalm 143:10Matthew 6:33Psalm 122:6–9Matthew 24:14Acts 2:42–471 Corinthians 12:22–31Romans 16:201 John 3:8Romans 8:22–231 Corinthians 15:28Revelation 22:17, 20
Scripture proofs & commentary
124

What does the third petition mean?

Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven means: help us and all people to reject our own wills and to obey your will without any back talk. Your will alone is good. Help us one and all to carry out the work we are called to, as willingly and faithfully as the angels in heaven.

Matthew 7:21Matthew 16:24–26Luke 22:42Romans 12:1–2Titus 2:11–121 Corinthians 7:17–24Ephesians 6:5–9Psalm 103:20–21
Scripture proofs & commentary
125

What does the fourth petition mean?

Give us this day our daily bread means: provide for all our physical needs so that we come to know that you are the only source of everything good, and that neither our work and worry nor your gifts can do us any good without your blessing. And so help us to give up our trust in created things and…

Psalm 104:27–28Psalm 145:15–16Matthew 6:25–34Acts 14:17Acts 17:25James 1:17Deuteronomy 8:3Psalm 37:16Psalm 127:1–21 Corinthians 15:58Psalm 55:22Psalm 62Psalm 146Jeremiah 17:5–8Hebrews 13:5–6
Scripture proofs & commentary
126

What does the fifth petition mean?

Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors means: because of Christ's blood, do not hold against us, poor sinners that we are, any of the sins we do or the evil that constantly clings to us. Forgive us just as we are fully determined, as evidence of your grace in us, to forgive our…

Psalm 51:1–7Psalm 143:2Romans 8:11 John 2:1Matthew 6:14–15Matthew 18:21–35
Scripture proofs & commentary
127

What does the sixth petition mean?

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one means: by ourselves we are too weak to hold our own even for a moment. And our sworn enemies—the devil, the world, and our own flesh—never stop attacking us. And so, Lord, uphold us and make us strong with the strength of your Holy…

Psalm 103:14–16John 15:1–52 Corinthians 11:14Ephesians 6:10–131 Peter 5:8John 15:18–21Romans 7:23Galatians 5:17Matthew 10:19–20Matthew 26:41Mark 13:33Romans 5:3–51 Corinthians 10:131 Thessalonians 3:131 Thessalonians 5:23
Scripture proofs & commentary
128

What does your conclusion to this prayer mean?

For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever means: we have made all these requests of you because, as our all-powerful king, you not only want to, but are able to give us all that is good; and because your holy name, and not we ourselves, should receive all the praise, forever.

Romans 10:11–132 Peter 2:9Psalm 115:1John 14:13
Scripture proofs & commentary