Unit 1 Review
The Purpose Of The Small Catechism.

Luther's Small Catechism is a handbook of Christian Faith. In it we find all the foundational teachings of Scripture necessary for Christian living.

The word "Catechism" means a "handbook." Because it's a handbook, it is a "handy" resource for confirmands and all Christians. Luther's Small Catechism is written in a format of questions and answers. This is to help parents, teachers, pastors and others teach and understand it.

This, too, is why many of Luther's catechetical explanations begin, "What does this mean?"

Luther determined that there were six key areas of Christian faith that every Christian needed to understand. These include The Ten Commandments, The Apostles' Creed, The Office of the Keys and Confession, The Lord's Prayer, the Sacrament of Holy Baptism and the Sacrament of the Altar.

Watch the following video, completing the notes below as you follow along.

What key concepts should we know about Luther's Small Catechism?

* It is a helpful handbook of Christian Faith

* It is written in simple, easy-to-understand language.

* It contains the essential teachings of Christian faith

What are it's contents:

Six Chief Parts

I. The Ten Commandments: How we are to live our lives as Children of God saved by grace.

II. Apostles' Creed: An explanation of the Holy Trinity and the specific work of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

III. Lord's Prayer: Instructions on how to pray from Jesus Himself.

IV. Sacrament of Holy Baptism: An overview of God's power and promise that He gives faith to infants and adults alike through the power of God's Word connected to simple water.

V. Sacrament of the Altar: An affirmation of the Bible's teaching that Jesus' is really present in, with and under the bread and wine

VI. Office Of The Keys And Confession: A lifestyle of receiving and giving forgiveness, using God's key to open the door to forgiveness for self and others.

The Small Catechism doesn't replace the Holy Bible. It is simply a summary of the key teachings of the Bible. It is God's word, totally inspired by the Holy Spirit, so that every word of the Bible is truly God's Word.

God reveals Himself in Law and Gospel. As the Law Shows our Sins and teaches that we can not earn our way into heaven by doing good things, etc; the Gospel Shows Our Savior, Jesus Christ, who saved us totally by grace. We did not and can never deserve God's love and forgiveness. But, because God gave us the Gospel, we know that we are forever His by grace.

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