An Explanation of Luther's Small Catechism · Martin Luther
THIRD ARTICLE.--OF SANCTIFICATION.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy Christian Church, the Communion of Saints; the Forgiveness of sins; the Resurrection of the body; and the Life everlasting. Amen. _What is meant by this Article?_ _Ans._ I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Ghost has called me through the Gospel, enlightened me by His gifts, and sanctified and preserved me in the true faith; in like manner as He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth, and preserves it in union with Jesus Christ in the true faith; in which Christian Church He daily forgives abundantly all my sins, and the sins of all believers, and will raise up me and all the dead at the last day, and will grant everlasting life to me and to all who believe in Christ. This is most certainly true. _In the plain form in which it is to be taught by the head of a family._ Our Father Who art in heaven. _What is meant by this Introduction?_ _Ans._ God would thereby affectionately encourage us to believe that He is truly our Father, and that we are His children indeed, so that we may call upon Him with all cheerfulness and confidence, even as beloved children entreat their affectionate parent.
Hallowed be Thy Name. _What is meant by this Petition?_ _Ans._ The Name of God is indeed holy in itself; but we pray in this petition that it may be hallowed also by us. _How is this effected?_ _Ans._ When the Word of God is taught in its truth and purity, and we, as the children of God, lead holy lives, in accordance with it; to this may our blessed Father in heaven help us! But whoever teaches and lives otherwise than as God's Word prescribes, profanes the Name of God among us; from this preserve us, Heavenly Father! Thy kingdom come. _What is meant by this Petition?_ _Ans._ The kingdom of God comes indeed of itself, without our prayer; but we pray in this petition that it may come unto us also. _When is this effected?_ _Ans._ When our Heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit, so that by His grace we believe His holy Word, and live a godly life here on earth, and in heaven for ever.
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