An Explanation of Luther's Small Catechism · Martin Luther
THE WORD OF GOD.
THE CHIEF MEANS OF GRACE is the Word of God. [I Pet. 1:23] For through it the Holy Spirit "calls, enlightens, sanctifies, and preserves us in the true faith." Even in the Sacraments, the principal thing is the Word of God with its command and promise; and without the Word of God there would be no sacrament. ITS POWER. The Holy Spirit is always in the Word, and gives it saving power. Through the Law and the Gospel which the Word contains, He brings to repentance and faith all those persons who do not wilfully resist His grace. [Heb. 4:12] Through it He not only tells us what to do, but gives us the power to obey. [Eph 2:4, 5] Because He is in the Word, "it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth." [Rom 1:16] (Compare what is said concerning the Bible in Chapter I., and concerning the Work of the Holy Spirit in Chapter XX.)
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