Martin Luther's Small Catechism, translated by R. Smith by Martin Luther
page 17 of 22 (77%)
page 17 of 22 (77%)
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do, as often as you drink it, to remember Me!'"
What good does this eating and drinking do? These words tell us: "Given for you" and "Shed for you to forgive sins." Namely, that the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation are given to us through these words in the sacrament. Because, where sins are forgiven, there is life and salvation as well. How can physical eating and drinking do such great things? Of course, eating and drinking do not do these things. These words, written here, do them: "given for you" and "shed for you to forgive sins." These words, along with physical eating and drinking are the important part of the sacrament. Anyone who believes these words has what they say and what they record, namely, the forgiveness of sins. Who, then, receives such a sacrament in a worthy way? Of course, fasting and other physical preparations are excellent disciplines for the body. But anyone who believes these words, "Given for you," and "Shed for you to forgive sins," is really worthy and well prepared. But whoever doubts or does not believe these words is not worthy and is unprepared, because the words, "for you" demand a heart that fully believes. Appendix I How a Father Should Teach His Household to Conduct Morning and Evening Devotions. |
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