An Explanation of Luther's Small Catechism · Martin Luther
II. IN THE NEXT WORLD.
In this world we shall have to endure some evils as long as we live. [John 16:33] But if we are faithful, God will not only overrule them all for our good, [Gen. 50:20] but will finally, at death, deliver us from all evil. [II Tim. 4:18] AND AT LAST, WHEN THE HOUR OF DEATH SHALL ARRIVE, GRANT US A HAPPY END. An unhappy death is the worst of all evils. But a happy death will more than compensate for all the evils endured in this world. [Rom. 8:18+] A happy death will be ours, if we persevere in the faith and die in Christ. [Rev. 14:13+] For then God will pardon all our sins for Jesus' sake, AND GRACIOUSLY TAKE US FROM THIS WORLD OF SORROW TO HIMSELF IN HEAVEN. [Rev. 7:14-15] There all evils shall cease for ever. [Rev. 21:4+] For sin, and all that follows upon sin, shall be no more. In this entrance into heaven at last, all our highest hopes and prayers shall find their complete and eternal fulfilment. QUESTIONS.--1. What do we pray for in this petition? 2. What connection exists between the sixth and seventh petitions? 3. Why is this petition called a summary? 4. From what kind of evils do we suffer in this world? 5. How do we pray for deliverance from evil in this world? 6. When shall we be completely delivered from all evil? 7. What is to be said about a happy end? 8. Why shall we suffer from no evil in heaven?
SCRIPTURE VERSES.--Isa. 48:10. Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver: I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction. Rev. 3:19. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. II Cor. 12:9. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Rom. 8:18. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be repealed in us. Rev. 14:13. Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth; Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. Rev. 21:4. These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them, white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. READING.--The Rich Man and Lazarus, Luke 16:19-31. For Thine Is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory for ever and ever. Amen. _What is meant by the word "Amen"_? That I should be assured that such petitions are acceptable to our heavenly Father, and are heard by Him; for He Himself has commanded us to pray in this manner, and has promised that He will hear us. Amen, amen, that is, yea, yea, it shall be so.
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