The Creed
Q26. What does this mean?
I believe that Jesus Christ is true God, born of the Father before time began, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary. He is my Lord. He has rescued me, a lost and condemned person. He bought me and set me free from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil — not with gold or silver, but with his own holy and precious blood, and with his suffering and death. He did this so that I could belong to him, live with him in his kingdom, and serve him in righteousness, innocence, and blessedness forever, just as he rose from the dead and lives and rules forever. This is most certainly true.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
1 Peter 1:18–19
“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”
1 John 1:7
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”
Galatians 4:4–5
“But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.”
Romans 8:32–34
“He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.”
1 Corinthians 15:3–5
“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve.”
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
What does Luther say Jesus rescued you from?
- 2
What did Jesus use to buy your freedom, and why does that matter?
- 3
What does it mean to you personally that Jesus says you "belong to him"?
Illustration
A boy falls through ice into freezing water. He cannot swim. He cannot save himself. A man jumps in after him, grabs him, and pulls him out. The man's coat is soaked, his hands are cut from the ice, and he is shivering. The rescue cost him something. Jesus did not save you from a safe distance. He gave his own blood. He went through death itself. The cost was everything he had.
Application
Luther says Jesus did this so you could "belong to him." This week, when you feel afraid or alone, remind yourself that you belong to someone who gave everything to have you. Pray: "Lord Jesus, I am yours. Help me live like it."
Read Luther’s expanded teaching
From the Large Catechism (1529)