SCRIPTURE VERSES.—Prov. 30:17. The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.

Deut. 27:16. Cursed be he that setteth light by his father or his mother: and all the people shall say, Amen.

Exod. 21:15. And he that smiteth his father, or his mother, shall be surely put to death.

Eph. 6:2, 3. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

Col. 3:20. Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

Rom. 13:7. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

Heb. 13:17. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

Matt. 22:21. Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.

Rom. 13:1. Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

Lev. 19:32. Thou shall rise up before the hoary head, and honor the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD.

READING.—Joseph and his Father, Gen. 47:1-12.

ILLUSTRATIONS.—Despising and displeasing parents: Jacob's sons, Gen. 37; Eli's sons, I Sam. 2:22-25; Absalom, II Sam. 25. Honoring them: Jesus, Luke 2:51.

* * * * *



CHAPTER IX.

THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT.

HUMAN LIFE.

Thou shall not kill.

What is meant by this Commandment?

We should so fear and love God as not to do our neighbor any bodily harm or injury, but rather assist and comfort him in danger and want.

* * * * *

Human life is sacred. It is man's most precious earthly possession; for without it he cannot enjoy any other. This commandment is meant to guard it. We dare not shorten another person's life, nor our own. God gives life, and He alone has the right to take it away.

This commandment forbids us to kill or injure other persons or ourselves. It commands us to assist and comfort our neighbor in danger and want.

I. WHAT is FORBIDDEN.

We must not

1. KILL OR INJURE OTHER PERSONS.

Murder. To destroy any human life, even if it be very young or yet unborn, is a great crime. He who commits murder is to be punished with death. [Gen. 9:6+] Among the motives which prompt to murder are anger, hatred, [Gen. 4:1-8] envy, [Gen. 37] jealousy, revenge, [Matt. 14:3-11, Rom. 12:19+] frivolity, avarice, robbery, and a desire to hide past sin. [II Sam. 11] We must be on our guard against all that would ever tempt us to this great crime.

Duels. It is foolish as well as sinful to pretend to establish the right or wrong of a question by a duel.

Unjust Wars are wholesale murder. Rulers must do all that they honorably can to prevent war. Yet as a last resort to maintain the right, war is justifiable.

Hatred is murder in the heart. "He that hateth his brother is a murderer." [I John 3:15, Matt. 5:21, 22+, Eph. 4:31, 32+]

Tempting Others to useless risks in which they may perish or be injured, or to drunkenness, dissipation, etc. which will shorten their life, is a transgression of this commandment.

Causing Accidents by neglect, carelessness or bad workmanship, or

Shortening Other People's Lives [Gen. 37:31-35] by maltreatment, overwork, worriment, etc. makes men guilty of sin against this commandment.

Neglect to Warn others of impending danger or neglect to assist them in need may result in their injury or death.

The law recognizes our right to defend our life when it is unjustly assailed. But killing others in self-defense must he our last resort. Many persons act hastily. The official who inflicts the death penalty on condemned criminals is not guilty of wrong, but is doing his duty as an officer of the State. [Rom 13:4]

It is a sin to kill our neighbor's soul by tempting him to sin, or enticing him to wrong-doing by our evil example.

We must not

2.—KILL OR INJURE OURSELVES.

Suicide is often prompted by despair, remorse, [Matt. 27:35] cowardice, recklessness, or insanity. But it is sinful as well as foolish and cowardly. He who commits it robs himself of the opportunity to repent, and leaves others to bear the burdens from which he shrank. If we are tempted to despair, we should not commit suicide, but seek comfort and strength in God's Word. If we have fallen into disgrace by sin, we should repent and lead a better life.

Duels. We not only have no right to endanger another's life by a duel, but we have no right to endanger our own. The duel, which was once a common practice, has justly fallen under the condemnation of public opinion.

A Life of Sin. Impurity, drunkenness, gluttony, or dissipation will shorten our life, and make us die before our allotted time.

Disregard of the Laws of Health, overwork, needless exposure, carelessness, violent anger, needless worry, are all forbidden by this commandment.

The voluntary sacrifice of our life for truth and right (martyrdom), or in defense of our country, or in an effort to rescue and save others, is not only justifiable but noble. [I John 3:16]

II. WHAT IS COMMANDED.

We should ASSIST AND COMFORT OUR NEIGHBOR. [Gal. 6:10+, Luke 10:30-35, Matt. 5:7+, Matt. 5:44+, Rom. 12:20, Matt. 22:39, Matt. 7:12+, Prov. 24:17]

1. IN DANGER. We should Warn him of danger. Defend and rescue him. Ward off danger from him. Save him from worry and anxiety whenever we can.

2. IN WANT. We should Aid the poor and destitute. Minister to the sick. Comfort the afflicted and distressed. Give to organized charities: orphanages, asylums, hospitals, rescue-work, etc. Give to missions in order to save souls.

QUESTIONS.—1. What is to be said about the sacredness of human life? 2. What does this fifth commandment forbid? 3. What does it command? 4. Whom are we forbidden to kill or injure? 5. Mention some ways in which this commandment is broken with respect to others. 6. What is to be said about the sin of murder and its punishment? 7. What are some of the motives which prompt men to murder? 8. What is to be said about duels? 9. Is war right? 10. What does the Bible say about hatred? 11. What is to be said about useless risks, accidents, maltreatment, etc.? 12. What is to be said about neglecting to warn or assist others? 13. What is to be said about the right of self-defense? 14. What is to be said about the official who inflicts the death-penalty on criminals? 15. Mention some ways in which this commandment is broken with respect to self. 16. What motives prompt men to suicide, and how should we guard against such a sin? 17. What is to be said about the folly and cowardice of the suicide's act? 18. What is to be said of the voluntary sacrifice of our life? 19. How are we to assist our neighbor in danger? 20. How are we to assist and comfort him in want?

SCRIPTURE VERSES.—Gen. 9:6. Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God made he man.

Rom. 12:19. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Matt. 5:21, 22. Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: but I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment; and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council; but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

Eph. 4:31, 32. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice; and be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Gal. 6:10. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Matt, 5:7. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Matt. 5:44, 45. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you: that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven.

Matt. 7:12. Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

READING.—Cain kills Abel. Gen. 4:1-16.

ILLUSTRATIONS.—Murder: Cain; Joab, II Sam. 3:22, 29; Ahab and Jezebel, I Kings 21:1-19; Herod, Matt. 2:16-18. Hatred: Joseph's Brethren, Gen. 37. Suicide: Saul, I Sam. 31:5; Judas, Matt. 27:5. Assisting and Comforting: The Good Samaritan, Luke, 10:25-37.



CHAPTER X.

THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT.

PURITY. MARRIAGE.

Thou shalt not commit adultery.

What is meant by this Commandment?

We should so fear and love God as to be chaste and pure in our words and deeds, each one also loving and honoring his wife or her husband.

* * * * *

This commandment is meant to preserve our personal purity, and to guard the holy estate of marriage. It forbids adultery and all impurity. It commands chastity and purity in thought, word, and deed.

I. PURITY.

We should be CHASTE AND PURE

In Heart. We should keep our heart free from impure thoughts and desires. [Matt. 5:8+, Prov. 4:23+, Ps. 51:10] God judges us by the state of our heart. [I Sam. 16:7] Unchaste thoughts must not be delighted in nor harbored, but subdued and stamped out. They poison the soul. They are themselves a transgression of this commandment, [Matt. 5:28+] and they lead to further transgressions of it by word and deed.

IN WORDS. We must avoid immodest conversation, unchaste words, vile stories, and shameless jests. [Eph. 5:3-4, Eph. 4:29+] Such things are not smart, as many think, but vile and despicable. We should never take part in nor listen to a conversation which we would be ashamed to have overheard by persons whom we respect.

IN DEEDS. We should carefully avoid every act which would bring the blush of shame to our cheeks if it were known to our parents or others whose opinion we cherish. Our bodies are to be God's temple, [I Cor. 6:19, 20+] and they dare not be given over to sin and impurity. [Rom. 6:13] We should remember that God sees even in secret, and knows all our actions. [Ps. 139:1-12]

Impurity of heart and life will not go unpunished. [I Cor. 3:16, 17+, Gal. 5:19-21+] It is often followed by the most dreadful consequences: a ruined body, an enfeebled mind, a poisoned soul, a tortured conscience, public shame, dreadful disease and an untimely death.

To Keep ourselves Pure we should watch and pray, [Matt. 26:41+] avoid idleness, evil company, bad books and papers, indecent songs and pictures, immoral plays, intemperance in eating and drinking, and all that would incite to impurity. We should keep our minds occupied with good thoughts and desires, so that we have no room for evil ones. [Rom. 13:14]

II. MARRIAGE.

Marriage is the union of one man and one woman for life in the bonds of love and faithfulness.

A Holy Estate. Marriage was instituted by God in Eden [Gen. 2:13] and was sanctioned by Christ, who performed His first miracle at a wedding. [John 2:1-11] It is a holy estate. Celibacy is not a holier estate than marriage, as the Roman Catholic Church maintains. [I Tim. 4:1-3]

Indissoluble. The marriage tie is binding until one of the married persons dies. [Matt. 19:6+] Except by death, the marriage relation cannot be broken or dissolved without sin against this sixth commandment. [Matt. 5:32+, Matt 19:9] If one party to the marriage is guilty of adultery, the innocent party may obtain a divorce. No other divorces are allowed by Christ.

An Important Step. Marriage is a most important step in life. It must not be entered into hastily or thoughtlessly. If a mistake is made in the choice of a partner for life, the mistake can never be remedied. Those who contemplate such a step should pray for God's guidance. Marriage should not be entered upon for money, social advantages, and the like, but for love. Parents should be consulted. While marriage by a civil magistrate is valid, Christians should seek God's blessing upon their union and be married by His ordained servant. The laws of the State must be carefully obeyed. Marriage between near relatives is forbidden by God's Word. [Lev. 18] Those who are married should, if possible, be of the same faith. Marriages between Protestants and Roman Catholics are seldom happy.

Duty of Husband [Eph. 5:25+, Col. 3:19] and Wife. [Eph. 5:22+, Col. 3:18] EACH SHOULD LOVE AND HONOR HIS WIFE OR HER HUSBAND. The man is the head of the family, but he must not be a tyrant. The wife is not his slave, but his dearest companion. They are no longer two but one, with a common love, a common life, a common property, common children, common hopes and aspirations, and a common Saviour. [I Pet. 3:7, I Pet. 3:1] They should be patient with one another's faults, just to one another's virtues, and should unselfishly seek one another's happiness. They should live together in mutual love and faithfulness till separated by death. Only when husband and wife continue to love and honor one another can they be happy. The breaking of the marriage covenant is followed by shame and misery.

QUESTIONS.—1. What is this commandment meant to preserve and guard? 2. What does it forbid and command? 3. What is it to be said about purity of heart? 4. What is to be said about purity in words? 5. What is to be said about purity in deeds? 6. Mention some of the consequences which often follow upon impurity. 7. How may we keep ourselves pure? 8. What is marriage? 9. Why is marriage a holy estate? 10. How long is the marriage tie binding? 11. When only and by whom dare a divorce be obtained? 12. Why must marriage not be entered upon hastily or thoughtlessly? 13. What care should be exercised by those who think of being married? 14. What is the duty of husband and wife?

SCRIPTURE VERSES.—Matt. 5:8. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Prov. 4:23. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

Matt. 5:28. But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

Eph. 4:29. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

I Cor. 6:19, 20. What I know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.

I Cor. 3:16, 17. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy: for the temple of God is holy; which temple ye are.

Gal. 5:19-21. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these, adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which, do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Matt. 26:41, Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Matt. 19: 6. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

Matt. 5:32. But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

Eph. 5:25, Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.

Eph. 5:22. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

READING.—The Creation of Eve, Gen. 2:18-25; or, The Marriage at Cana, John 2:1-11.



CHAPTER XI.

THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT.

PROPERTY. HONESTY.

Thou shalt not steal.

What is meant by this commandment?

We should so fear and love God as not to rob our neighbor of his money or property, nor bring it into our possession by unfair dealing or fraudulent means, but rather assist him to improve and protect it.

* * * * *

The object of this commandment is to protect every man in the possession of that which is lawfully his own. Without such protection the individual could not support his life, and society could not exist. The industrious and thrifty would be at the mercy of the lazy and wicked. This commandment forbids us to use dishonest means of acquiring property. It commands us to assist our neighbor to improve and protect his own.

PROPERTY consists of whatever each person lawfully acquires of the earth's lands, forests, water, mines, houses, goods or money. It may be rightfully acquired by original claim, inheritance, gift, or labor of body or mind. Honest labor united with economy is the best way to acquire it.

UNEQUAL DIVISION. God, who is the absolute owner of all things, [I Cor. 10:26] divides to each as He will. [Jer. 27:5] He "maketh poor and maketh rich." [I Sam. 2:7, Prov. 22:2+] Much poverty, however, is due to men's own laziness, idleness, [II Thess. 3:10+] carelessness or extravagance; and much wealth has been wrongfully gained contrary to God's will as expressed in this commandment. Communism, or the equal division of property among all men, is not practicable. It failed in the apostolic Church. [Acts 5:1-10] If all things were equally divided, some would soon clamor for another division.

POVERTY AND RICHES. The happiest person is he who is neither rich nor poor, but has sufficient for his needs. [Prov. 30:7-9+, Prov. 15:16-17+] Poverty may tempt a man to dishonesty; and riches may lead him to avarice, hardness of heart, worldliness and extravagance. [I Tim. 6:9, 10, I Tim. 6:17+] Riches make it hard for a man to enter into the kingdom of God. [Matt. 19:24+, Matt. 13:22] We should respect men for what they are, and not for what they have. We should not flatter the rich nor despise the poor. [Jas. 2:1-4]

USE OF PROPERTY. God entrusts earthly property to us as His stewards. [Luke 19:12-27, Matt. 25:14-30, Luke 16:1-8] Whether we are rich or poor, we should so use our property as to be able to give an account to God. For ourselves and those dependent on us [I Tim. 5:8+] we should use it for the supply of our bodily needs (food, clothing, shelter, a reasonable amount of pleasure) and of our spiritual needs [Luke 12:15+, Matt. 6:33, I Cor. 9:14] (the Church and the Gospel). For our fellow-men we should, when necessary, use it according to our ability for their bodily needs (the poor) and their spiritual needs (Home and Foreign Missions). [Matt. 22:39]

I. WHAT IS FORBIDDEN.

1. ROBBING OUR NEIGHBOR. The grossest forms of dishonesty are Robbery, Theft, Burglary, Embezzlement, and Forgery. These are recognized by all as wrong. But it is also wrong to bring our neighbor's property into our possession, by

2. UNFAIR DEALING AND FRAUDULENT MEANS, [Prov. 29:24, Lev. 6:2, 3, Ps. 37:21, Jer. 22:13, Lev. 19:35, 36, Hab. 2:6, Prov. 15:6, Deut. 24:14, Jas. 5:4, Prov. 11:1] such as Concealing stolen property, Withholding lost or borrowed property, Evading taxes, Refusing to pay debts, Wilful idleness and beggary, Betting and gambling, Lotteries and chancing, Bribery, Useless lawsuits, Negligent management of another's property, Stealing car-rides, Unfaithful labor, Insufficient wages, Cornering the market, Overcharging, Usury, Adulterating goods, Giving short weight or measure, and Cheating of any kind.

3. Dishonesty in the Heart. Dishonesty has its source in the covetousness and greed of the human heart. [Mic. 2:2] Men first covet, and then steal or defraud. We must beware of covetousness. [Luke 12:15+] The love of money is a root of all evil. [I Tim. 6:10+] We must be honest even in small matters. He who is dishonest in little will be dishonest in much. [Luke 16:10] We must avoid all that would tempt us to dishonesty; namely, evil companions, idleness, speculation, extravagance, etc.

II. WHAT IS COMMANDED.

We should

1. ASSIST OUR NEIGHBOR TO IMPROVE AND PROTECT HIS PROPERTY. [Exod. 23:4, 5, Matt. 7:12] We should help him to get along well in the world, and do what we can to prevent him from being deprived of his possessions.

2. Restore to the real owner whatever has been dishonestly gotten. [Luke 19:8]

3. Be Ready to use our money and property in order to help and benefit our neighbor. [Eph. 4:28+, Heb. 13.18+, I Pet. 4:10] We must be helpful and charitable toward our fellow-men.

QUESTIONS.—1. What is the object of the seventh commandment? 2. What does this commandment forbid? 3. What does it command? 4. How may property be rightfully acquired? 5. Explain why property is unequally divided among men? 6. What is to be said about communism? 7. Why is he who is neither rich nor poor the happiest man? 8. What is the right use of property? 9. Mention some gross forms of dishonesty? 10. Mention some other ways in which this commandment is broken? 11. Where does dishonesty have its source? 12. If we would be honest, what must we guard against? 13. In what ways does this commandment require us to assist our neighbor?

SCRIPTURE VERSES—Prov. 22:2. The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.

II Thess. 3:10. This we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

Prov. 30:7-9. Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die: Remove far from me vanity and lies; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.

Prov. 15:16-17. Better is little with the fear of the LORD, than great treasure and trouble therewith. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.

I Tim. 6:17. Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.

Matt. 19:24. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

I Tim. 5:8. But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

Luke 12:15. And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

I Tim. 6:10. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Eph. 4:28. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

Heb. 13:16. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

READING.—The Unjust Steward, Luke 16:1-7; or, Matt. 25: 31-46.

ILLUSTRATIONS.—Poverty and Riches: The Rich Man and Lazarus, Luke 16:19-31; The Rich Fool, Luke 12:15-21; The Prodigal Son, Luke 15:11 seq. Dishonesty: Achan, Josh. 7. Gehazi, II Kings 5. Judas, Luke 12:6, Ananias and Sapphira, Acts 5. Benevolence: The Good Samaritan, Luke 10:30-37; Dorcas, Acts 9:36; Cornelius, Acts 10:2.



CHAPTER XII.

THE EIGHTH COMMANDMENT.

TRUTHFULNESS.

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.

What is meant by this commandment?

We should so fear and love God as not deceitfully to belie, betray, slander, nor raise injurious reports against our neighbor, but apologize for him, speak well of him, and put the most charitable construction on all his actions.

* * * * *

THE OBJECT of this commandment is to secure truthfulness, [Eph. 4:25+] and to guard our good name. [Prov. 22:1+] Without truthfulness we could not believe anything we heard, and the utmost confusion would prevail in the affairs of men. A good name is one of our most precious earthly possessions.

This commandment forbids all lying. It commands perfect truthfulness and a charitable judgment of others.

I. WHAT IS FORBIDDEN.

ALL LYING is forbidden. [Ps. 34:13+] False witness against other persons is the worst form of lying. All lesser forms of lying are forbidden along with the greater.

1. False Witness against our Neighbor. We must not tell a falsehood about another person either in court or in every-day life. We must not

BELIE him, that is, tell an untruth about him.

BETRAY. [Prov. 11:13+, Prov. 24:28] We must not abuse our neighbor's confidence by revealing his innocent secrets, and thus annoying or harming him. One who pretends to be another's friend, and yet betrays him, is acting a lie. We dare not, however, hide crime; and we must tell what we know about others if the court, or parents, or persons who have a right to know, inquire of us.

SLANDER NOR RAISE INJURIOUS REPORTS. [Exod. 23:1+, Lev. 19:16, Ps. 15:1-3] We must not invent nor repeat false reports concerning our neighbor. We must not say behind his back what we fear to say to his face. We must not magnify his faults, [Matt. 7:3-5] nor impute evil motives to him, nor make his words and conduct look as bad as possible. The slanderer is worse than a thief and causes incalculable suffering and misery. [Prov. 25:18+, Jas. 3:5-8] We should remember that words once spoken live on for good or evil, and cannot be unsaid; and that we must give an account to God for every word we speak. [Matt. 12:36]

2. Lying of Any Kind. A lie is a conscious falsehood uttered with the purpose of deceiving. It may be acted as well as spoken. [Prov. 6:13] We must not deceive nor try to deceive others by telling an untruth, by hiding the truth or a part of it, by hypocrisy, flattery, boasting, broken promises, conventional lies, "white lies," "lies of necessity," guesses given as facts, etc.

II. WHAT IS COMMANDED.

1. Truthfulness. Truth is of God; [Deut. 32:4] lying is of the devil. [John 8:44] As children of God we must be truthful. [Col. 3:9+] A liar is an abomination in God's sight. [Prov. 12:22, Prov. 17:15] If necessary, we should be ready to suffer and die for the truth.

2. A Charitable Judgment of Others. We should

APOLOGIZE FOR OUR NEIGHBOR, and defend him when his character is unjustly assailed. [Matt. 7:12, Prov. 31:8, 9] We must be careful, however, not to excuse or make light of sin. [Isa. 5:20+] We should

SPEAK WELL OF HIM whenever we can do so truthfully. We should speak of his virtues rather than of his faults. [Matt. 7:1, 2+, Jas. 4:11] If we cannot speak well of him, then, unless it is absolutely necessary, we had better not speak of him at all. We should

PUT THE MOST CHARITABLE CONSTRUCTION ON ALL HIS ACTIONS. [I Pet. 4:8+, I Cor. 13:4-7, Gal. 6:1] We should, as far as possible, make the best and not the worst of what our neighbor says and does. We should think and speak of him only in kindness.

QUESTIONS.—1. What a the object of this commandment? 2. What does it forbid? 3. What does it command? 4. What is the worst form of lying? 5. What is included under false witness? 6. What is meant by belying our neighbor? 7. What is to be said about betraying him? 8. What is to be said about slander and the slanderer? 9. Define a lie. 10. In what ways do men speak and act lies? 11. Why should we be truthful? 12. What is to be said about apologizing for our neighbor? 13. What rule should we follow in speaking of others? 14. How should we think and speak of our neighbor?

SCRIPTURE VERSES.—Eph. 4:25. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

Prov. 22:1. A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

Ps. 34:13. Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.

Prov. 11:13. A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

Exod. 23:1. Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.

Matt. 7:3-5. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

Prov. 25:18. A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.

Col. 3:9. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds.

Is. 5:20. Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

Matt. 7:1, 2. Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

I Pet. 4:8. And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

READING.—The False Witnesses against Stephen, Acts 6:8-15.

ILLUSTRATIONS.—False Witness: Against Christ, Matt. 26:60; against Naboth, I Kings 21:10; against Paul, Acts 25:7. Slander: Absalom against David, II Sam. 15:1 seq.; Lying: Jacob, Gen. 27:19; Jacob's Sons, Gen. 37:32. Betrayal: Judas. Speaking well: Jonathan, I Sam. 19:4.



CHAPTER XIII.

THE NINTH AND TENTH COMMANDMENTS.

A RIGHT HEART.

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house.

What is meant by this Commandment?

We should so fear and love God as not to desire by craftiness to gain possession of our neighbor's inheritance or home, or to obtain it under the pretext of a legal right; but be ready to assist and serve him in the preservation of his own.

* * * * *

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbor's.

What is meant by this Commandment?

We should so fear and love God as not to alienate our neighbor's wife from him, entice away his servants, nor let loose his cattle, but use our endeavors that they may remain and discharge their duty to him.

* * * * *

Both these commandments forbid coveting; hence, we may consider them together. They deal with the root and source of all sin; namely, the evil lusts and desires of the heart. [Matt. 15:19+, Jas. 1:14, 15]

THE OBJECT of these two commandments is to emphasize the necessity of a right state of heart. [I Sam. 16:7+, Matt. 5:5] All the commandments must, indeed, be kept in thought as well as in word and deed. But by adding these two special commandments against coveting, God desires to impress upon us most strongly that wrong thoughts and desires make us guilty before Him. We are not keeping God's commandments unless we are free from the desire to transgress them. As a man "thinketh in his heart, so is he." [Prov. 23:7]

THE HEART BY NATURE SINFUL. We are born with a sinful nature and a natural inclination to evil (Original sin), which we have inherited from our ancestors as a result of the fall into sin. [John 3:6+, Jer. 17:9] This natural inclination to evil manifests itself in wrong thoughts and desires which arise in the heart. [Rom. 7:18, 19+] These wrong desires or lusts are in themselves sinful: and if they are not subdued, they lead to sins of words and deeds. [Jas. 1:14, 15+]

These commandments forbid us to covet anything that is our neighbor's. They command us to assist and serve him in retaining his own.

I. WHAT IS FORBIDDEN.

COVETING, To covet means to desire what we have no right to have. To wish to obtain something in a lawful way is not coveting. But we must not have

1. An Unlawful Desire [Gal. 5:24+] for our neighbor's possessions, whether it be his property, wife, servants, cattle, or anything that is his. We must not envy him on account of them, nor begrudge them to him, nor wish that we had them in his stead. We must not make

2. Any Attempt to Gratify such Unlawful Desires and TO GAIN POSSESSION OF OUR NEIGHBOR'S INHERITANCE OR HOME

BY CRAFTINESS, shrewdness, cunning, deceit and the like. [Prov. 15:6] Nor dare we seek TO OBTAIN IT

UNDER THE PRETEXT OF A LEGAL RIGHT; that is, by ways which human laws allow and appear to sanction, but which are not right before God. [Matt. 23:14+] Nor dare we attempt to

ALIENATE (estrange), ENTICE or drive away from him his wife, servants, or cattle, by persuasion, flattery, falsehood, promises, threats, or force.

II. WHAT is COMMANDED.

ASSISTANCE AND SERVICE. We should

1. ASSIST AND SERVE HIM IN THE PRESERVATION OF HIS OWN. [Phil. 2:4+, Gal. 5:12] Instead of wishing to get his property away from him, we should most heartily wish that he may be able to keep it, and should help him to retain it. We should

2. USE OUR ENDEAVORS THAT THEY who belong to him MAY REMAIN AND DISCHARGE THEIR DUTY TO HIM. We should help him to retain their affection and faithfulness. We should heartily wish them to remain, and persuade them to do so.

QUESTIONS.—1. Why may these two commandments be considered together? 2. With what do they deal? 3. What is the object of these two commandments? 4. When only are we keeping God's commandments? 5. What is to be said about the natural state of the heart. 6. What do these commandments forbid? 7. What do they command? 8. Define coveting. 9. If we would avoid breaking this commandment, what must we not do? 10. How should we be of assistance and service to our neighbor?

* * * * *

SCRIPTURE VERSES.—Matt. 15:19. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.

I Sam. 16:7. The LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

John 3:6. That which is born of the flesh, is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Rom. 7:18, 19. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would, I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

Jas. 1:14, 15. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin; and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Gal. 5:24. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

Matt. 23:14. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore, ye shall receive the greater damnation.

Phil. 2:4. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

READING.—Naboth's Vineyard, I Kings 21:1-19.

ILLUSTRATIONS.—Coveting: Ahab; David, II Sam. 12; Absalom, II Sam. 15. Assistance and Service: Paul, Philemon 10-17.



CHAPTER XIV.

THE CONCLUSION OF THE COMMANDMENTS.

PUNISHMENT OR BLESSING.

What does God declare concerning these Commandments?

He says: "I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me, and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments."

What in meant by this Declaration?

God threatens to punish all those who transgress these commandments; we should therefore dread His displeasure and not act contrarily to these commandments. But He promises grace and every blessing to all who keep them; we should therefore love and trust in him, and cheerfully do what he has commanded us.

* * * * *

A JEALOUS GOD. God claims our highest love, and is grieved and offended if we turn our affections away from Him and disobey His law. He will punish or bless men according as they hate or love Him: [Rom. 2:6-10, Deut. 11:26-28, Gal. 6:7-8] "to the third and fourth generation of them that hate him," and "unto thousands of them that love Him and keep His commandments."

I. PUNISHMENT.

GOD THREATENS TO PUNISH

1. Whom? ALL THOSE WHO TRANSGRESS THESE COMMANDMENTS [Rom: 1:18+, Lev 26:14-15, Isa 59:2, Ezek. 18:4+, Rom. 6:23+] by commission, (doing what is forbidden) or omission (not doing what is commanded), whether it be transgression by deed or word or thought. Every transgression, great or small, is sin, and makes men guilty and punishable. [Gal. 3:10]

2. Why? Because justice demands it. [Gal. 6:7+] God cannot be unjust. He cannot overlook or excuse sin. [Eccl. 11:9] Earthly governments must and do punish offenders, or they would be unjust to those persons who obey the law. A law without a penalty would amount to nothing. God, who governs the universe, is and must be just. [Gen. 18:25+]

3. How?

In this World God punishes sin by Pangs of Conscience; [Matt. 26:75, Matt. 27:3-4] Pains and Sufferings which are the results of wrong-doing, [Jer. 17:10] e.g., the results of drunkenness and licentiousness; Legal Penalties which the State, as God's servant to punish crime, inflicts by fines, imprisonment and hanging; [Rom. 13:4] Special Judgments upon individuals [1 Cor. 10:5] in the form of sickness, accidents and reverses, though we must remember that afflictions are not always a judgment, but are often sent upon the godly as a chastening; [Heb. 12:6+] General Judgments upon wicked communities, such as that which God sent upon Sodom and Gomorrah. [Gen. 19:24]

Children are often obliged to suffer for the sins of their parents. [Jer. 31:29] If the children also are wicked, their sufferings are a punishment; [Ezek. 18:20, Prov. 3:12, Rom. 8:28] if they are godly, their sufferings are a chastening.

In the Next World God will punish by Exclusion from Heaven and from His Presence; [Matt. 22:13] and by Eternal Misery in Hell. [Rev. 21:8, Matt. 25:41]

II. BLESSING.

GOD PROMISES GRACE AND EVERY BLESSING. [Rom. 2:10+]

1. To Whom? TO ALL WHO KEEP THESE COMMANDMENTS. It is true, all men are sinners, and no one keeps these commandments perfectly. [Rom. 3:23+] But the godly try earnestly to keep them, [I Cor. 9:27] and are truly sorry for every failure to do so. [Rom. 7:24] To them, therefore, God promises grace and every blessing.

2. Why? God will bless them, not because they have earned a reward, but because He is merciful and gracious. [Ps. 103:11+, Joel 2:13] We cannot earn anything from God but punishment. His blessing is bestowed upon us solely as a gift of grace.

3. How?

In this World God blesses the godly with: Peace of Heart; [John 14:27] His Favor and Guidance; [Ps. 34:15+] True Success in Life; [Rom. 8:28] and a Blessed Hope of Salvation. [Rev. 2:10+]

Children and remote descendants share in the blessing of godly ancestors.

In the Next World God will grant them: Entrance into Heaven for Christ's Sake; [Matt. 25:34] and Eternal Glory and Blessedness. [John 14:2-3, Rev. 3:21]

A WARNING. An impenitent life will bring upon us God's punishment in time and eternity. WE SHOULD THEREFORE DREAD HIS DISPLEASURE, AND NOT ACT CONTRARILY TO THESE COMMANDMENTS.

AN ENCOURAGEMENT. A godly life will bring upon us God's blessing in time and eternity. WE SHOULD THEREFORE LOVE AND TRUST IN HIM, CHEERFULLY DO WHAT HE HAS COMMANDED US.

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS CONDEMN US; for we have broken them by thought, word, and deed. [John 1:8-10+, Rom 3:23, Eccl 7:20, Jas 2:10+]

We are not able to keep them perfectly. [Rom 7:18-19] Consequently we cannot be saved by them. [Gal 3:11] They are meant to show us our sinfulness, [Rom 3:20] to lead us to repentance, and to direct as to Christ for salvation. [Gal 3:24] We can be saved only through Him. [John 14:6+, Acts 4:12+] We are taught concerning Christ, and confess our faith in Him in the Second Part of the Catechism which now follows, namely, The Creed.

QUESTIONS.—1. What does God mean when He says that He is a jealous God? 2. Whom will God punish? 3. Why will He punish? 4. How does He punish? 5. To whom does God promise grace and blessing? 6. Why will He bless them? 7. How will He bless them? 8. What warning is contained in the Conclusion of the Commandments? 9. What encouragement is contained in it? 10. Why can we not be saved by the Ten Commandments? 11. What are the Commandments meant to do? 12. How only can we be saved? 13, Where are we taught concerning Christ?

SCRIPTURE VERSES.—Rom. 1:18. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness.

Ezek. 18:4. The soul that sinneth, it shall die.

Rom. 6:23. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Gal. 6:7. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

Gen. 18:25. Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?

Heb. 12:6. Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth.

Rom. 2:10. But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good; to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile.

Rom. 3:23. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.

Ps. 103:11. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.

Ps. 34:1-5. The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.

Rev. 2:10. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

I John 1:8-9. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Jas. 2:10. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.

John 14:6. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Acts 4:12. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

READING.—The Fall into Sin and its Punishment, Gen. 3.

ILLUSTRATIONS.—Punishment: Adam and Eve; Cain, Gen. 4:9-15; The Deluge, Gen. 6-8; Sodom and Gomorrah, Gen. 19; The Ten Plagues, Exod. 7-12; Korah, Numb. 16; Saul, I Sam. 15; The Assyrian and Babylonian Captivities, II Kings 17, II Kings 25. Blessing: Abraham, Gen. 12:2; Joseph, Gen. 45:4-8; David, II Sam. 7:16; Cornelius, Acts 4:10.



PART II.

THE CREED.



CHAPTER XV.

CREEDS OR CONFESSIONS.

THE CREED, from the Latin Credo, I believe, means that which we as Christians believe. The Creed given in our Catechism is the Apostles' Creed. It is so called, not because it was written by the apostles, but because it contains, in a brief summary, the doctrines which the apostles taught. It grew out of the words of the baptismal formula: "In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost." [Matt 28:19] It has come down to us from the early centuries of the Church's history, and is her confession of faith. It should be our confession also; we should say from the heart, "I believe in God, etc." There are

Two KINDS OF CREEDS or Confessions of Faith:—

I. Oecumenical or Universal Creeds, which are accepted by the whole Christian Church throughout the world. They are

1. The Apostles' Creed.

2. The Nicene Creed.

3. The Athanasian Creed.

II. Particular Creeds or Confessions, which are accepted by the various Churches and Denominations as their distinctive confessions.

Our Lutheran Confessions are:—

1. The Augsburg Confession.

2. The Apology (Defense) of the Augsburg Confession.

3. The Schmalcald Articles.

4. The Small Catechism.

5. The Large Catechism.

6. The Formula of Concord.

These nine confessions together form the Book of Concord.

THE APOSTLES' CREED CONTAINS, in Three Articles, a statement of what the Triune God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, has done and still does for us.

Article I. treats of God the Father and His work of Creation.

Article II. treats of God the Son and His work of Redemption.

Article III. treats of God the Holy Ghost and His work of Sanctification.

THE TRINITY. There is only one God, [Deut. 6:4] but there are three Persons, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Hence, we say that God is the Holy Trinity, or the Three in One. We cannot understand or explain how God can be three Persons and yet only one God. But we must not expect with our finite mind to comprehend the infinite God. We must accept the truth concerning God as He himself has revealed it to us in His Word. He plainly tells us that He is One; for He says, "I am the Lord thy God; thou shalt have no other gods before Me." [Exod. 20:2-3] Yet He also plainly tells us that there are three Persons. They are expressly mentioned in Christ's command to His disciples, "Go ye, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost." [Matt. 28:19] And they were all revealed at the baptism of Jesus, when the Father spoke from heaven and said, "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased," and the Holy Ghost descended on Jesus in the form of a dove. [Matt. 3:16-17] Each Person of the Holy Trinity has a share in the work of our salvation. The Father sent His Son to save us; [John 3:16] the Son became man and died for us; [Rom. 5:8] and the Holy Spirit applies redemption to our souls [I Cor. 12:3] through the Word of God and the Sacraments.

QUESTIONS.—1. Define the word Creed. 2. Why is the Apostles' Creed so called? 3. How did it originate? 4. What two kinds of creeds are there? 5. Name the oecumenical creeds. 6. Name the particular creeds or confessions of the Lutheran Church? 7. What does the Apostles' Creed contain? 8. Of what do the three articles of the Apostles' Creed treat? 9. What is meant by the Holy Trinity? 10. How do we know that God is only one God? 11. How do we know there are three Persons? 12. How do the three Persons of the Trinity share in the work of our salvation?



CHAPTER XVI.

THE FIRST ARTICLE.

OF GOD THE FATHER, OR CREATION.

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.

What is meant by this Article?

I believe that God has created me and all that exists; that He has given and still preserves to me my body and soul, with all my limbs and senses, my reason and all the faculties of my mind, together with my raiment, food, home and family, and all my property: that He daily provides me abundantly with all the necessaries of life, protects me from all danger, and preserves me and guards me against all evil; all which He does out of pure, paternal and divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me; for all which I am in duty bound to thank, praise, serve and obey Him. This is most certainly true.

I BELIEVE IN, that is, I trust in, I rely upon.

GOD THE FATHER, He is the Father of my Lord Jesus Christ, [Matt. 11:25] and the first Person of the Holy Trinity. Through Christ He is also my Father. [John 20:17, Eph. 1:3+]

ALMIGHTY, He is able to do all things, and to help me in every time of need.

MAKER OF HEAVEN AND EARTH. [Ps. 102:25] He has made all things,—the universe and all that it contains. The world did not come into being of itself or by chance, nor did it exist from eternity. God made it out of nothing. In the beginning He created the heaven and the earth. [Gen. 1:1+, Ps 33:6, 9] They were at first a formless mass; [Gen. 1:2] but in six days God fashioned the formless mass into the world as it now exists. On these six days He created, 1. Light, 2. The Firmament, 3. Land and Sea, 4. Sun, moon and stars, 5. Fishes and birds, 6. Beasts and man. [Gen 1:3-31]

God's Chief Creatures are the angels in heaven and men on earth. All His creatures, as they came from His hands, were very good. [Gen. 3:31] But some of the angels sinned, and became bad angels or devils. [II Pet. 2:4] And man also, though created in the image of God, fell into sin, and lost his original righteousness and holiness. [Gen. 3, Gen. 8:21, Eph. 4:24]

Luther's explanation of this Article in the catechism tells us:

I. What God has done and still does for me,

II. Why God does all this for me,

III. What I owe to God in return.

I. WHAT GOD HAS DONE AND STILL DOES FOR ME.

I BELIEVE THAT GOD HAS

1. CREATED ME [Job. 33:4+] AND ALL THAT EXISTS; [Neh. 9:6, Col. 1:16+] THAT HE HAS GIVEN TO ME

MY BODY,—WITH ALL MY LIMBS AND SENSES. Though my body, like that of the beasts, is made of the dust of the ground, [Gen. 2:7+] it is vastly superior to their bodies, and is a marvelous piece of divine workmanship, [Ps. 139:14] exquisitely adapted to be the earthly tabernacle of the soul which inhabits it.

MY SOUL, [Gen. 2:7+]—MY REASON AND ALL THE FACULTIES OF MY MIND, by which I am placed so far above the brute creation. God made the human soul to be a likeness of Himself; [Gen. 1:27, Gen. 9:6] that is, He gave to man in a limited measure those powers and faculties which He Himself possesses in unlimited and infinite measure. And while the human mind has become dimmed by the fall, its powers and faculties are still most wonderful.

2. PRESERVES ME. [Neh. 9:6] All that has helped to support my life has been God's gift; namely, MY RAIMENT, FOOD, HOME AND FAMILY, AND ALL MY PROPERTY. I continue to live because He sustains me. [Jas. 1:17+, Acts 17:28+]

HE DAILY PROVIDES ME ABUNDANTLY WITH ALL THE NECESSARIES OF LIFE. [Ps. 115:15-16+] His care for me is a constant, daily care. His mercies are new every morning. [Matt. 6:31-32+, Lam. 3:22-23+]

HE PROTECTS ME FROM ALL DANGER, SEEN AND UNSEEN. [Ps. 34:7, Matt. 10:30] I am beset with perils on every hand. If God withdrew His protecting hand, I should perish immediately.

HE PRESERVES ME AND GUARDS ME AGAINST ALL EVIL. [Ps 121:5, 8+] No real evil can come upon God's children. What seems an evil is meant for a good purpose, and is a blessing in disguise. [Rom. 8:28+, Isa. 55:8-9, Jer. 29:11, Ps. 23:4+]

II. WHY GOD DOES ALL THIS FOR ME.

He does it purely

1. OUT OF PATERNAL AND DIVINE GOODNESS AND MERCY. [Ps. 103:13+] It is

PATERNAL or fatherly [Ps 103:13+] goodness and mercy, because He is my Father through Jesus Christ, and loves me as His child. It is

DIVINE goodness and mercy, because God is love, [I John 4:16+] and only His unspeakable love could move Him to bestow His great benefits upon sinful men, even upon the wicked and unthankful. [Matt. 5:45+]

2. WITHOUT ANY MERIT OR WORTHINESS IN ME. [Gen. 32:10+] I have merited (deserved) nothing and I am worthy of nothing but punishment; for I am a sinful being, [Ps. 51:5] and I have broken God's law many times by thoughts and words and deeds. [Jer. 14:7]

III. WHAT I OWE TO GOD IN RETURN.

For all His goodness and mercy

I AM IN DUTY BOUND [Ps. 116:12+, Ps. 50:14]

1. TO THANK AND PRAISE HIM. I must not receive God's benefits as a matter of course, but must recognize them as gifts of His grace, and daily thank and praise Him in my heart and with my lips. [Ps. 103:1+]

2. TO SERVE AND OBEY HIM. I must show my gratitude in my life by obeying God's commandments and giving myself with all my heart to His service. [Rom. 12:1+]

THIS IS MOST CERTAINLY TRUE; namely, 1. That all the blessings I enjoy come from God, 2. That they are the gifts of His grace and that I am unworthy of them, 3. That I owe to God the fullest gratitude of heart and life.

QUESTIONS.—1. What does "I believe" mean? 2. Why do we say "God the Father"? 3. What does "Almighty" mean? 4. What has God made? 5. Name His chief creatures. 6. What three things does Luther's explanation of this article tell us? 7. What has God done and what does He still do for us? 8. In creating us, what has God given us? 9. How does He preserve us? 10. Why does God do all this for us? 11. Why are we not worthy of it? 12. What do we owe to God in return? 13. What is meant by thanking and praising Him? 14. What is meant by serving and obeying Him? 15. What is most certainly true according to this article?

SCRIPTURE VERSES.—Eph. 1:3. Blessed be the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.

Gen. 1:1. In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

Job 33:4. The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.

Col. 1:16. For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him.

Gen. 2:7. And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

Jas. 1:17. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Acts 17:28. For in him we live, and move, and have our being.

Ps. 145:15, 16. The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.

Matt. 6:31, 32 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink, or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

Lam 3:22, 23. It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning.

Ps. 34:7. The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

Ps. 121:5, 8. The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

Rom. 8:28. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Ps. 23:4. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Ps. 103:13. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.

I John 4:16. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

Matt. 5:45. He maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Gen. 32:10. I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant.

Ps. 116:12. What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?

Ps. 103:1. Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.

Rom. 12:1. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

READING.—The Creation of the World, Gen. 1.

ILLUSTRATIONS.—Provides: Manna, Exod. 16:14; Elijah, I Kings 17:6, 14; Feeding the Five Thousand, Matt. 14:15-21. Protects: The Israelites, Exod. 14:19 seq.; Daniel, Dan. 6:22; Paul, Acts 22:12-33; Acts 27: 42-44. Guards from evil: Joseph; Job. Thankfulness: Noah, Gen. 8:20; The Samaritan, Luke 17:15,16.



CHAPTER XVII.

THE SECOND ARTICLE

OF GOD THE SON, OR REDEMPTION.

And in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead: He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

What is meant by this Article?

I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary, is my Lord; who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature, secured and delivered me from all sins, from death and from the power of the devil, not with silver and gold, but with His holy and precious blood, and with His innocent sufferings and death, in order that I might be His, live under Him in His kingdom, and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, even as He is risen from the dead, and lives and reigns to all eternity. This is most certainly true.

* * * * *

The Second Article treats of Jesus Christ, THE SON OF GOD, and his work of REDEMPTION. Prompted by His infinite love, God pitied our lost race, and determined to save us by sending a Redeemer in the person of His only Son. [John 3:16+, I Tim. 1:15+] Throughout the centuries of Old Testament history He repeatedly gave the promise of redemption: In Eden, [Gen. 3:15] to the patriarchs, [Gen. 12:3, Gen. 26:4] to David, [II Sam. 7:12-13] and through the prophets. [Isa. 9:2-7, Mic. 5:2] In the fulness of time God seat His Son into the world. [Gal. 4:4]

Article II. and its Explanation may be analyzed as follows:—

I. OUR LORD.

1. His Names: Jesus, Christ.

2. His Person and Nature: True God and True Man.

3. His Life: His Humiliation and His Exaltation.

II. HIS WORK OF REDEMPTION.

1. Whom He has redeemed.

2. From what He has redeemed me.

3. How He has redeemed me.

4. Why He has redeemed me.

OUR LORD.

I. HIS NAMES.

I BELIEVE THAT

JESUS. This was our Lord's personal name, given to Him by the angel. [Matt. 1:21] It signified, "He shall save."

CHRIST. This was His official name, corresponding with the Old Testament name "Messiah," [John 1:41] and signified "The Anointed One." God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit for the work of redemption, [Luke 4:18-21] to a threefold office:—

1. As Prophet, to teach us God's will. [Acts 3:22]

2. As Priest, to atone for our sins, and to intercede for us. [Heb. 4:14]

3. As King, [Matt. 21:5, Rev. 17:14] to reign over us in the Kingdom of Power, of Grace, and of Glory.

II. HIS PERSON AND NATURE.

He is

TRUE GOD, BEGOTTEN OF THE FATHER FROM ETERNITY. Christ is true God, [Rom. 9:5+] just as the Father is God. [John 5:23+, John 20:28+, John 8:58+, Mat. 16:16] He is the Son of God, not as a good or great man who has been received or adopted as God's son, but He is in His very nature the Son of God, begotten by His Father [John 3:16+] from all eternity. [John 1:1, John 17:5] He is "God of God, Light of Light, Very God of Very God, Begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father." [John 10:30+] The Scriptures show this by ascribing to Him divine names, attributes, power, honor, and works. At His baptism and at His transfiguration the Father spoke from heaven, and said, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." [Matt. 3:17, Matt. 17:5] His divine nature is proved by His teaching, His miracles, His holy life, and especially by His resurrection from the dead.

ALSO TRUE MAN, BORN OF THE VIRGIN MARY. Christ was in all respects a human being such as we are, except that He was without sin. [I Pet. 2:22+] He was "conceived by the Holy Ghost," and thus had God alone for His Father. [Luke 1:35] But He was "born of the Virgin Mary," [Luke 2:7] with a human body [Heb. 2:14] and soul. [Matt. 26:38] He grew, increased in wisdom and stature, [Luke 2:52] and reached the age of manhood. He suffered our human wants, [Matt. 4:2, John 4:6-7] such as hunger, thirst, weariness, and pain. He was moved by human emotions, [Luke 10:21, Matt. 26:38, Matt. 21:12] such as joy, sorrow, and indignation. He wept, [John 11:35] prayed, [Matt. 26:39] suffered, and died. [I Pet. 2:23-24] He could not have done these things if He had not been true man.

Christ is therefore both God and man in one Person. [Rom. 1:3-4, John 1:14+] Consequently He is the God-Man. It was necessary that the Redeemer should be both God and man. [I Tim. 1:15+] If He had not been God, but only man, He could not have paid a sufficient ransom for our deliverance from sin, nor have acquired any merit to bestow upon us. Even a sinless man could have saved no one but himself. On the other hand, if Christ had not become man, but remained God only, He could not have put Himself in our place under the law, nor have suffered and died in our stead. But as the God-man, Christ was able to accomplish, and did perfectly accomplish, our redemption. [Rom. 3:24+] Thus He became and

IS MY LORD, WHO HAS REDEEMED ME, and in whom I trust for salvation. [Rom. 8:38-39, Rom. 5:1+]

QUESTIONS.—1. Of what does the Second Article treat? 2. How did God plan to save man? 3. Analyze the Second Article and its Explanation. 4. Give the meaning of the names of our Lord. 5. What was Christ's threefold office? 6. What is to be said about the person and nature of Christ? 7. In what sense is Christ the Son of God, and how do we know it? 8. How do you know that Christ was true man? 9. Why was it necessary that the Redeemer should be both God and man? 10. What name do we give to Christ in view of His two-fold nature?

SCRIPTURE VERSES.—John 3:16. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

I Tim. 1:15. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

Rom. 9:5. Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever.

John 5:23. That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.

John 20:28. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

John 8:58. Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

John 10:30. I and my Father are one.

I Pet. 2:22. Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth.

John 1:14. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Rom. 3:24. Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.

Rom. 5:1. Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

READING.—The Birth of Jesus, Luke 2:1-20; or, The Eternal Word, John 1:1-18.



CHAPTER XVIII.

OUR LORD.

III. HIS LIFE.

The Saviour's life includes two states; namely, His Humiliation and His Exaltation.

HIS HUMILIATION.

Christ's state of humiliation comprises His life on earth, during which He laid aside the full use of His divine glory and was content to appear among men in the form of a servant. He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross, [Phil. 2:8+] in order that He might redeem us. He gave men glimpses of His divine glory: in the authority with which He taught, [Matt. 7:28-29] in the holy life which He led, [John 8:46] and in the miracles which He performed. [John 2:11] But in general He appeared like other men.

This state of humiliation includes five stages:—He was

1. CONCEIVED BY THE HOLY GHOST, BORN OF THE VIRGIN MARY. Christ might have appeared among men in the full splendor of His divine glory and majesty. But, in order to redeem us, He was content to be born in poverty, [Luke 2:7, II Cor. 8:9+, Matt. 8:20+] to grow up in obscurity, [Matt. 2:23] and to appear to most men as if He were simply a man.

2. SUFFERED UNDER PONTIUS PILATE. The whole life of Jesus on earth was a life of suffering endured for our sakes. He bore all the trials and hardships which have come upon our race as a result of its sinfulness. He also suffered constant persecution at the hands of his enemies. [Heb. 12:3; John 1:11] But His greatest sufferings came at the end of His life, in the agony of Gethsemane, [Matt. 26:36-46] in the mock-trial before the Jewish Council, [Matt. 26:57-75] and in His sufferings under Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. [Matt. 27:1-30] He was mocked, spitefully entreated, spitted on, crowned with thorns, and scourged; and then He

3. WAS CRUCIFIED. [Luke 23:33] Though innocent and holy, He was treated as though He were a malefactor, and was put to a cruel and shameful death. He was nailed to a cross, and left suspended there till He died. So great was His agony, that He cried out, "My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?" [Mark 15:34]

4. DEAD. After unspeakable sufferings, Jesus died on the cross. [Mark 15:37] He was really, and not seemingly, dead. [John 19:33-34] He voluntarily gave up His life for ours. [John 10:18-19+] His death was vicarious. He suffered the penalty for our sins. [I Pet. 3:18, Isa. 53:5+]

5. BURIED. His body was laid away in the grave, where our bodies shall decay. But since Christ was "the Holy One of God," His body could not "see corruption." [Ps. 16:10]

HIS EXALTATION.

After the work of redemption was completed, Christ assumed the full use of the glory and majesty which had belonged to Him as the Son of God from eternity; His human nature was exalted to a full share in the glory of His divine nature. [Phil. 2:9-11+] He had humbled Himself as a man; and He was exalted as a man. His divine nature, being unchangeable, can neither be humbled nor exalted. [Heb. 13:8]

Christ's exaltation, like His humiliation, includes five stages:—

1. HE DESCENDED INTO HELL. Immediately before His resurrection He descended into the place of the departed spirits and proclaimed His victory. [I Pet. 3:19]

2. THE THIRD DAY HE ROSE AGAIN FROM THE DEAD. Having paid in full the penalty for our sins, He rose again from the dead, triumphant, on the third day (Easter). He had power to lay down His life, and power to take it again. [John 10:19] As His death had been a real death, so His resurrection was a real resurrection. He re-appeared to His disciples, not as a spirit, but with the same body that was crucified, the prints of the nails and of the spear being plain in His hands and side. [Luke 24:36-40] But His body was a transformed and glorified body, with new properties and powers. [John 20:19]

The Resurrection a Fact. The reality of the resurrection is established beyond all doubt. The strongest proof of its reality is found in the fact that the disciples themselves were so unwilling to believe it, but were obliged to do so by the evidence of their own senses. Even the doubting Thomas exclaimed, "My Lord, and my God." [John 20:28] During the forty days between His resurrection and His ascension the Lord gave His disciples so many proofs of His resurrection that all their doubts were removed. [Acts 1:3] The women on Easter morn found the grave empty and were told by an angel that He had risen. [Mark 16:6] He was seen by Mary in the Garden, [John 20:14-16] by Peter, [Luke 24:34] by the two disciples at Emmaus, [Luke 24:15] twice by the eleven as they were gathered together, [John 20:19-29] by seven disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, [John 21:1] by more than five hundred brethren at once, [I Cor. 15:6] by James, [I Cor. 15:7] and by the eleven when He accompanied them to Mount Olivet and ascended before their eyes to heaven. [Acts 1:9-12] The wonderful change which took place in the apostles when the risen and ascended Christ had sent the Holy Spirit upon them, [Acts 2] and the wonderful change which took place in Paul, [Acts 9:1-29] are further proofs of the reality of the resurrection of Christ.

The Resurrection proves 1. That Jesus is the Son of God. [John 20:28, Rom. 1:4+, Acts 2:36] 2. That the sacrifice which He made for sin was sufficient and accepted. [Rom. 8:34, I Thess. 1:10] 3. That we also shall rise from the dead. [Rom. 4:25+, I Cor. 15:19-20+, I Cor. 6:14]

3. HE ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN from Mount Olivet forty days after His resurrection. [Acts 1:9] Having finished His work on earth, He returned to the heaven from which He had come. He has gone to prepare a place for us. [Acts 14:2]

4. AND SITTETH ON THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD THE FATHER ALMIGHTY; that is, on the right hand of God's power. As the God-man He now wields all power in heaven and earth. [Matt. 28:18+, Eph. 1:20-22+] He rules over all creatures in the realm of Power; over the believers in the realm of Grace (the Church on earth); and over angels and saints in the realm of Glory in heaven. He continues His office of High-priest, and intercedes for us with the Father. [Rom. 8:34+, Heb. 4:14-16]

5. FROM THENCE HE SHALL COME TO JUDGE THE QUICK AND THE DEAD. At the end of the world Christ will come again visibly, [Mark 13:26+] suddenly, and unexpectedly, [Matt. 24:36-42, Luke 21:27] with power and great glory, to judge both the quick (living) and the dead. [II Cor. 5:10+, Matt. 25:31-46] He will separate the believing from the unbelieving; receive the believers unto Himself; and cast the impenitent and unbelieving into outer darkness and torment. His coming will fill the believers with joy, [Luke 21:28] and the unbelievers with dismay. [Rev. 6:15-17] No one knows or can compute the exact time of His coming. We should be always ready. [Matt. 24:42, 44+] His coming will be preceded by signs. [Luke 21:25-26] The present order of the world shall pass away; [II Pet. 5:10] and there shall be new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. [II Pet. 3:13+]

QUESTIONS.—1. What two states does Christ's life include? 2. What is meant by His state of humiliation? 3. How many stages were there in His humiliation? 4. Name them. 5. Was Christ's glory entirely hidden during his state of humiliation? 6. How might Christ have appeared, and how did He appear among men? 7. Describe the sufferings of Christ? 8. What is to be said of Christ's crucifixion? 9. What is to be said of Christ's death? 10. What is to be said of His burial? 11. What is meant by Christ's exaltation? 12. How many stages were there in His exaltation? 13. Name them. 14. What is meant by the descent into hell? 15. How did Christ re-appear to His disciples? 16. Prove that the resurrection was a fact. 17. What does the resurrection of Christ prove? 18. When and why did Christ ascend into heaven? 19. What is meant by His sitting at the right hand of the Father? 20. What can you tell about Christ's second coming?

SCRIPTURE VERSES.—Phil. 2:8. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

II Cor. 8:9. For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

John 10:18, 19. Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself.

Isa. 53:5. He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Phil. 2:9-11. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Heb. 13:8. Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever.

Rom. 1:4. Declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.

Rom. 4:25. Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

I Cor. 15:19, 20. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

Matt 28:18. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

Eph. 1:22. And hath put all things under his feet.

Rom. 8:34. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

Mark 13:26. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.

II Cor. 5:10. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

Matt. 24:44. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

II Pet. 3:13. Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

READING.—The Death and Resurrection of Christ, Luke 23-24:9; and The Ascension of Christ, Acts 1:1-11.



CHAPTER XIX.

CHRIST'S WORK OF REDEMPTION.

I. WHOM HE HAS REDEEMED.

He HAS REDEEMED

ME. Christ died for all; [I Pet. 2:24+, I John 2:2+, John 1:29+] and consequently for me also. [Gal. 2:20+] Believing on Him, all the blessings of His redemption belong to me In time and in eternity. He is my Saviour, my Redeemer.

A LOST AND CONDEMNED CREATURE. I was lost, [Isa. 53:6+, I Pet. 2:25] because my sin had separated me from God, and I could not have found my way back to Him, if Christ had not sought and found me. I was condemned, [Eph. 2:3] because I had broken God's commandments and deserved eternal punishment.

II. FROM WHAT HE HAS REDEEMED ME.

He has SECURED AND DELIVERED ME

FROM ALL SINS; namely, from the guilt of sin by paying its penalty for me on the cross; [I John 1:7, II Cor. 5:21+] and from the dominion of sin by giving me grace to fight against it and overcome it. [Rom 6:14, Rom. 8:2-4]

FROM DEATH: not from bodily death, for even the Christian must die; but from the fear of bodily death; [Phil. 1:23, I Cor. 15:55, 57] from spiritual death; [Eph. 2:6] and from everlasting death. [John 3:16]

AND FROM THE POWER OF THE DEVIL. [I John 3:8+] On account of my sins, I was in Satan's power. But Christ has freed me. Since He has paid the penalty for my sins, Satan no longer has any claim upon me, and can no longer harm me. [John 10:27-28] He still tempts me to sin; but Christ gives me grace to resist. He still accuses me before God on account of my sins; but Christ shields me against Satan's accusations by the satisfaction which He, my Saviour, has made for all my sins. [I John 2:1]

III. HOW HE HAS REDEEMED ME.

NOT WITH SILVER AND GOLD; [I Pet. 1:18, 19+] for no material wealth could purchase freedom from spiritual slavery and death. Nor has He redeemed me merely by becoming my great teacher and example; for this would not take away my guilt;

BUT WITH HIS HOLY AND PRECIOUS BLOOD. [I John 1:7+] His blood was the price which Christ paid for my ransom. It was holy, because He was holy; and precious, because He was the Son of God. The shedding of Christ's blood for my sins was the only way in which I could be redeemed; for without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sins. [Heb. 9:22]

AND WITH HIS INNOCENT SUFFERINGS [I Pet. 3:18+] AND DEATH. [Rom. 5:7-8+] Christ suffered and died, not for any sins of His own, but for my sins. He was innocent and had no sin at all. But He voluntarily bore the punishment which I deserved, and thus satisfied all the demands of divine justice for me. Since He has borne the punishment for me, I, believing on Him, need no longer be punished.

Christ was my Substitute. By His holy life He perfectly fulfilled God's law in my place; [Rom 5:19] and by His innocent sufferings and death He bore the punishment for my sins in my place. [II Cor. 5:21+] All that Christ has done is imputed to me by faith; [Rom. 4:24] that is, it is all counted as if I myself had done it. [Rom. 4:5] His death, therefore, frees me from guilt and condemnation; and His holy life makes me appear righteous In God's sight and fit to enter into heaven. My entire hope of salvation rests on Christ and what He has done for me. [II Cor. 5:19]

IV. WHY HE HAS REDEEMED ME.

IN ORDER THAT

I MIGHT BE HIS. He desired me for His own, and therefore purchased me with His precious blood. [II Cor. 5:15+] Hence I now belong to Him, and not to Satan or to myself. He wishes me to yield myself fully to Him in heart and life. [Gal. 2:20+] If I refuse to do so, I am withholding what belongs to Him.

LIVE UNDER HIM IN HIS KINGDOM; namely, in His kingdom of Grace on earth by a life of faith, and in His kingdom of Glory in heaven. [Col. 1:12-14]

AND SERVE HIM IN EVERLASTING RIGHTEOUSNESS, INNOCENCE AND BLESSEDNESS. [I Pet. 2:9+] I am to serve Him and do His will, not as a slave by compulsion, but willingly, gladly, and out of love. [Mat. 16:24+] With my best efforts I only partially succeed in doing His will on earth, for I am still imperfect. [Rom. 7:21-24] But in the next world I shall be freed from all sin, and be transformed and glorified in body and soul. Then I shall serve Him in perfect holiness and happiness for ever. [Rev. 7:15]

EVEN AS HE IS RISEN FROM THE DEAD, AND LIVES AND REIGNS TO ALL ETERNITY. As Christ rose from the dead, so I am to rise from the death of sin to newness of life in Him. [Rom. 6:4] As He lives and dies no more, so I am to live in righteousness and no more become a servant of sin. [Rom. 6:9,10] As He reigns to all eternity, so I am to live and reign with Him for ever. [Rev. 3:21]

THIS IS MOST CERTAINLY TRUE: 1. That Jesus Christ, true God and true Man, is my Lord, who has redeemed me. 2. That He has paid the penalty for my sins with His holy and precious blood and His innocent sufferings and death. 3. That consequently I belong to Him, and should serve Him now and for ever.

QUESTIONS.—1. What four things does the explanation of the second article tell us about Christ's redemption? 2. Whom has Christ redeemed? 3. What was I before Christ redeemed me, and why? 4. From what has Christ redeemed me? 5. What is meant by redemption from sin? from death? and from the devil? 6. How has Christ redeemed me? 7. Why was the shedding of Christ's blood necessary? 8. Why did Christ suffer and die if He was innocent? 9. What is meant when we say that Christ was our substitute? 10. Why has Christ redeemed me? 11. To whom do I now belong, and what is my duty therefore? 12. What is meant by living under Christ in His kingdom? 13. In what spirit am I to serve Him? 14. What hope has Christ secured for me? 15. What three things are most certainly true according to this second article?

* * * * *

SCRIPTURE VERSES.—I Pet. 2:24. Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

I John 2:2. And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

John 1:29. Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

Gal. 2:20. I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Isa. 53:6. All we like sheep have gone astray.

II Cor. 5:21. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

I John 3:8. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

I Pet. 1:18, 19. Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.

I John 1:7. The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

I Pet. 3:18. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God.

Rom. 5:7, 8. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

II Cor. 5:15. He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

Gal. 2:20. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

I Pet. 2:9. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.

Matt. 16:24. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

READING.—Jesus our High Priest, Heb. 9:11-15.



CHAPTER XX.

THE THIRD ARTICLE

OF GOD THE HOLY GHOST, OR 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?

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.

* * * * *

THE THIRD ARTICLE treats of GOD THE HOLY GHOST and His work of SANCTIFICATION. It tells us how we become partakers of the Redemption which is described in the Second Article. Christ has accomplished our redemption, and the Holy Ghost applies that redemption to our souls. The work of the Holy Ghost in us is as necessary for our salvation as the [Cor. 2:14] work of Christ for us. We must believe in Christ, if we would be saved; [Mark 16:16] and it is the Holy Ghost who causes us to believe. [1 Cor. 12:3]

Article. III, and its Explanation may be analyzed as follows:—

THE HOLY GHOST,

I. His Person and Nature: He is True God.

II. His Work: He Calls, Enlightens, Sanctifies, and Preserves me in the true Faith.

III. His Workmanship: The Holy Christian Church.

IV. The Fruits of His Work: 1. The Forgiveness of Sins. 2. The Resurrection of the Body, and the Life Everlasting.

THE HOLY GHOST.

I. HIS PERSON AND NATURE.

I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY GHOST. The Holy Ghost is true God. He is not simply a power or energy of God, but a Person. [Acts 5:3-4] "He proceedeth from the Father and the Son, and with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified." [John 14:26, John 15:26] The Scriptures ascribe to Him divine names, attributes, power, honor, and works. Christ commanded His disciples to baptize men in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. [Matt. 28:19]

The Holy Spirit instructed the prophets and teachers of Old Testament times, [II Peter 1:21] and was poured out upon the apostles on the day of Pentecost. [Acts 2] He inspired the Holy Scriptures. [II Tim. 3:16] He comes into our hearts through the Word of God and the Sacraments.

II. HIS WORK.

The work of the Holy Ghost is Sanctification. This word is used here, at the head of the Third Article, in the wide sense, and includes the Holy Spirit's entire work upon our souls; namely, Calling, Enlightening, Sanctification in the narrower sense, and Preservation in the Faith.

1. ITS NECESSITY. If the Holy Spirit does not work in us, we cannot be saved. Hence, we say in the catechism,

I BELIEVE THAT I CANNOT BY MY OWN REASON OR STRENGTH BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST MY LORD, OR COME TO HIM. For as I am by nature, my reason is so darkened by sin, [I Cor. 2:14+] that I do not see my need of the Saviour; and I am so lacking in spiritual strength (being dead in trespasses and sins), [Eph. 2:1] that I am unable to believe in Christ. Consequently it is necessary that the Holy Spirit should teach me to see in Christ my only Saviour, and give me strength to believe in Him.

2. ITS NATURE. BUT THE HOLY GHOST HAS

CALLED ME THROUGH THE GOSPEL. [II Tim. 1:9] He has caused His Word to be written [II Thess. 2:14, II Tim. 3:16] and causes it to be continually proclaimed [John 20:31+, II Cor. 5:20, I Cor. 1:21] for the purpose of making God's grace known to me, and inviting me to share in it. He calls all men, and means His call earnestly. He does not merely seem to call some, but actually calls all who hear or read His Word. [I Tim. 2:4+, I Pet. 3:9] And along with the call, He gives us the strength which we need in order to believe. [Eph. 2:4-6] Those who obey the call are the Elect or Chosen [Matt. 20:16] ones, and obtain salvation. Those who refuse to obey the call are lost. [Mark 16:16]

ENLIGHTENED ME BY HIS GIFTS. The Holy Ghost shows me my lost condition and God's saving mercy, and thus leads me to Repentance through the Law, [John 16:8, Rom. 3:20] and to Faith through the Gospel. [John 15:26, John 1:17]

Repentance includes

1. An Acknowledgment and Confession of Sin. [Ps. 51:3, 4]

2. Sincere Sorrow for Sin. [Luke 22:62] It must be sorrow for the sin itself, and not merely for the consequences of sin.

3. The Hating and Forsaking of Sin. [Ps. 51:10]

4. An Earnest Desire for Forgiveness. [Ps. 51:2, 9]

True repentance always leads to faith. [II Cor. 7:10] Sorrow for sin which does not lead to faith, is not repentance but remorse, and often drives men to despair. [Matt. 27:3-5]

Faith includes

1. A Knowledge of the Facts of the Gospel. [Rom. 10:14]

2. A Belief of the Facts. [Rom. 4:20, 21]

3. Trust or Confidence in Christ our Saviour. [II Tim. 1:12+] This trust is the chief part of faith.

True faith is not a mere matter of the head, but of the heart. It is not a mere intellectual belief that God exists or that Christ lived and died; but it is a firm confidence that Christ is actually our Saviour, and that all our sins are washed away by His precious blood. Faith says, "The Son of God loved [I John 1:7] me, and gave Himself for me." [Gal. 2:20]

True faith is always preceded by repentance. The impenitent have no promise of forgiveness, and therefore cannot have faith. They cannot believe a promise which has not been given to them.

Regeneration and Conversion. Those whom the Holy Spirit has brought to repentance and faith are in a state of regeneration and conversion. The change which has taken place in them is called a new birth or regeneration, [John 3:5, 6] because a new life has been planted in them. [II Cor. 5:17+] It is called conversion, [Acts 3:19] because they have been converted or turned from sin to righteousness, from self to God.

It is not necessary that a Christian should be able to point to the exact time of his conversion. The important question is not, "When were we converted?" but, "Are we now in a converted state?" that is, "Are we now penitent and believing?"

Justification. All those who have true faith are justified: [Rom. 5:1+, Rom. 4:5] their sins are forgiven, and the righteousness of Christ is imputed (counted as belonging) to them. [Phil. 3:9] When we believe in Christ, all that He has done and suffered for us is regarded by God as if we had done and suffered it ourselves; [II Cor. 5:21, Rom. 8:1+] for Christ was our substitute. Consequently, those who believe in Christ are justified for His sake; that is, they are pronounced by God to be righteous and fit to enter into heaven.

By Faith Alone. We are justified and saved by faith alone, without works. [Rom. 3:28+] We shall enter heaven, not because we deserve to enter, [Gal. 2:16+] but only because we believe in Christ. Salvation is a Gift: acquired for us by Christ's holy life and innocent death; bestowed upon us freely by God's grace; and accepted by faith. [Eph. 2:8, 9+] Our faith is not a merit on account of which we are forgiven, but it is the hand with which we reach out and accept the free gift of forgiveness which God offers for Christ's sake.

Our own works have nothing to do with our justification. [Rom. 3:20+] If God took them into consideration at all, they would condemn us; for at best we are imperfect and sinful creatures. [Rom. 7:18-23, Gal. 3:10+] In order to be saved, we need a perfect righteousness, Christ's righteousness alone is perfect. It becomes ours by faith.

AND SANCTIFIED. Those who have true faith are sanctified by the Holy Spirit; that is, they are made holy in heart and life. [Rom. 8:5+, Rom. 6:22] While good works do not save us, they do and must follow faith as its fruit. [Matt. 7:18] Believers do good works out of love to God and gratitude for His mercy. Faith that does not result in a holy life is a dead faith, [Jas. 2:26+] and cannot save. The Christian dare not live in sin. [Rom. 6:2+] He has become a new creature; for he is born again: and consequently he leads a new life. We shall, indeed, never become sinless in this world, but we must honestly and earnestly try to do God's will in all things. [Phil. 3:12-14, Matt. 5:16+] We should grow more and more holy every day. [Eph. 4:22-24, Rom. 12:2, I Thess. 4:1] We cannot do this by our own power, but we can by the help of God. We should, therefore, be diligent and faithful in the use of the Word of God and the Sacraments; for these are the means which the Holy Ghost uses for our sanctification.[4]

[Footnote 4: Faith in Christ does not at once make us perfectly holy and sinless, as some persons maintain; but it takes away the guilt of our sin. We are completely justified and forgiven as soon as we believe; but we are not completely sanctified. Sanctification is a gradual process, which will be completed only when we are transformed and glorified in heaven.]

PRESERVED ME IN THE TRUE FAITH. As it is the Holy Ghost who brings us to faith, so it is He who preserves us in it. [Phil. 1:6+] The world, the flesh, and the devil are enemies who seek to destroy our faith and to rob us of our salvation. We should constantly pray for strength to resist these enemies, [Matt. 26:41+, Rev. 2:10] and should obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit. We must avoid wilful, intentional sin, [Eph. 4:30+] and live a life of daily repentance. If we sin wilfully, we fall from grace and are lost, unless we come to true and lasting repentance. If we faithfully use the Means of Grace, and earnestly strive to lead a Christian life, the Holy Spirit will preserve us in the faith to the end. [Phil. 2:12, 13+]

QUESTIONS.—1. Of what does the Third Article treat? 2. What is to be said about the importance of the Holy Spirit's work? 3. Analyze the Third Article and its Explanation. 4. What is to be said about the person and nature of the Holy Ghost? 5. How does the Holy Ghost come into our hearts? 6. Describe the Work of the Holy Ghost. 7. Why can we not be saved if the Holy Spirit does not work in us? 8. How has the Holy Spirit called me? 9. How has He enlightened me? 10. How does the Holy Ghost bring me to repentance? 11. What does repentance include? 12. How does the Holy Ghost bring me to faith? 13. What does faith include? 14. What is true faith? 15. What is meant by regeneration? 16. What is meant by conversion? 17. Must a Christian know the exact time of his conversion? 18. What is meant by justification? 19. What is the relation of faith and works in salvation? 20. What is meant by sanctification? 21. What is the relation between faith and good works? 22. How are we preserved in the faith?

SCRIPTURE VERSES.—I Cor. 2:14. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

John 20:31. But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

I Tim. 2:4. Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

Matt. 20:16. So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

II Tim. 1:12. For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

II Cor. 5:17. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Rom. 5:1. Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Rom. 8:1. There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.

Rom. 3:28. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

Gal. 2:16. Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ.

Eph. 2:8, 9. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.

Rom. 3:20. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

Gal. 3:10. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

Rom. 8:5. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.

Jas. 2:26. For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Rom. 6:2. God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

Matt. 5:16. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Phil. 1:6. Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

Matt. 26:41. Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Eph. 4:30. And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

Phil. 2:12, 13. Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

READING.—The Outpouring of the Holy Ghost, Acts, 2:1-41.

ILLUSTRATIONS.—Calling: The Great Supper, Luke 14:16-24; The Marriage of the King's Son, Matt. 22; Matthew, Matt. 9:9; Peter and Andrew, Matt. 4:19; Nathanael, John 1:45. Repentance: David, Ps. 51; Peter, Luke 22:62; Zaccheus, Luke 19; The Prodigal Son, Luke 15:11-24; The Publican, Luke 18:13. Impenitence: Cain, Gen. 4:13; Judas, Matt. 27:4, 5; The Pharisee, Luke 18:10-12, Faith: The Centurion, Matt. 8:5-13; The Woman of Cana, Matt. 15:22-28; Peter, John 6:68, 69. Doubt: Thomas, John 20:22-28. Conversion: The Twelve Disciples; The Three Thousand, Acts 2; The Thief on the Cross, Luke 23:39-43; The Philippian Jailor, Acts 16:25-34. Faithfulness: Paul, II Cor. 11:23-33; II Tim. 4:7. Apostasy: Ananias, Acts 4:5; Demas, II Tim. 4:10.



CHAPTER XXI.

THE HOLY GHOST.

III. HIS WORKMANSHIP.

The Holy Christian Church, the Communion of Saints.

* * * * *

WHAT THE CHURCH IS. The Church is "The Communion of Saints" or fellowship of believers. It consists of all those persons who truly believe in Christ. [Matt. 16:16, 18] We call it the Workmanship of the Holy Ghost, because He brings men to faith and thus produces the Church. HE CALLS, GATHERS, ENLIGHTENS AND SANCTIFIES THE WHOLE CHRISTIAN CHURCH ON EARTH, AND PRESERVES IT IN UNION WITH JESUS CHRIST IN THE TRUE FAITH. [Eph. 3:25-27]

The Church may also be called the Holy Spirit's Workshop, because He abides and works in it through the Means of Grace,—the Word of God and the Sacraments.

WHEN FOUNDED. The Holy Christian Church was founded on the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Ghost was poured out upon the disciples. [Acts 2:1-41] On that day the Gospel of the crucified and risen Saviour was first preached by the apostles, the first converts were made, and the first Christian baptisms were administered.

VISIBLE OR INVISIBLE. The Church is invisible, because we cannot read men's hearts nor tell who are real believers. But if we regard the Church as an external organization which includes all who profess to believe, it is visible. In this outward visible Church there are many persons who are not real believers. But Christ knows His own. [II Tim 2:19+, John 10:14+] The angels on the day of judgment will separate the hypocrites from the true Christians. [Matt. 13:41, 42]

THE MARKS OF THE CHURCH. The Church is found wherever the Gospel is rightly taught and the Sacraments are rightly administered. For wherever God's Word is preached, some persons believe it, [Isa. 55:10, 11] and where believers are, there is the Church.

THE CHURCH IS ONE. It consists of the true believers out of all the different churches, denominations, and sects. There is one Flock, with one Shepherd. [John 10:16] The Church is the Body of which Christ is the Head. [Col. 1:18, Eph 1:22, 23]

ITS NAMES. The Church is called Holy, because the Holy Spirit works in it and through it, and because its members, though not perfect, lead holy lives. It is called Christian, because it consists of those who believe in Christ. It is called Catholic or Universal, because it is meant to include all men everywhere. Catholic does not mean Roman Catholic.

MILITANT AND TRIUMPHANT. The Church, consisting of true believers, is one and the same Church on earth and in heaven. On earth it is the Church Militant, because its members are still fighting the good fight of faith. [I Tim. 6:12+] In heaven it is the Church Triumphant, because its members have won the victory of faith. [Rev. 7:9-14, Rev. 2:18, Rev. 3:21] The only way into the Church Triumphant is through the Church Militant.

THE CHURCH'S WORK.

The Church is the agency or instrument which the Holy Spirit uses for the evangelization of the world. [Matt. 28:19, Mark 16:15] It is the institution through which He does His work of applying redemption to the souls of men. The Church, therefore, has a work to do: namely, to make disciples of all men.