An Explanation of Luther's Small Catechism · Martin Luther
IV. THE FRUITS OF HIS WORK.
The Forgiveness of Sins; the Resurrection of the Body; and the Life Everlasting. The fruits of the Holy Spirit's work in us are: 1. The Forgiveness of Sins. 2. The Resurrection of the Body and the Life Everlasting. 1. _THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS_ has been acquired for me by my Saviour Jesus Christ; [I John 1:7+] but it is made mine by the Holy Ghost, who has brought me to faith and preserved me in it. For it is through faith that I obtain forgiveness. [Rom 5:1] IN WHICH CHRISTIAN CHURCH. The forgiveness of sins is made mine _in the Church_ through the Word of God and the Sacraments. Faith takes hold of and clings to the promises therein given. Special assurance of forgiveness is also given in Confession and Absolution. HE DAILY FORGIVES ABUNDANTLY ALL MY SINS. Even if I am a sincere Christian, I am an imperfect and sinful creature, and I need God's forgiveness every day. [I John 1:8, 9, Rom. 7:18-25] By keeping me in a state of repentance and faith, the Holy Spirit secures to me the continuous forgiveness of all my sins. The Christian's life is a daily repentance and a daily believing that God for Christ's sake graciously pardons all our transgressions and shortcomings. [Luke 11:3, 4, Rom 8:32+] AND THE SINS OF ALL BELIEVERS. All who lead a life of daily repentance and faith are daily and abundantly forgiven.
QUESTIONS.--1. What are the fruits of the Holy Spirit's work in us? 2. How does the forgiveness of sins become yours? 3. Where is the forgiveness of sins made yours? 4. How do we obtain daily forgiveness? 5. When will the Holy Spirit's work in you be completed? 6. Describe the resurrection of the dead. 7. What is to be said about everlasting life? 8. Why will the impenitent and unbelieving be cast into hell? SCRIPTURE VERSES.--I John 1:7. The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. Rom. 8:32. 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? John 5:28, 29. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. Acts 24:15. There shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. Phil. 3:21. Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. I Pet. 1:4. To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you. Rev. 21:4. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. READING.--Christ Judging the World, Matt. 25:31-46.
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