The Origin of the Small and Large Catechisms

In Luther’s day, there were any number of catechisms and catechetical materials. They were often extremely extensive and required the young people to memorize not only the Ten Commandments, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Creed, but also a list of seven spiritual gifts, seven cardinal virtues, the seven Sacraments, seven words of mercy, the eight beatitudes of God, and on and on and on. Luther cleared away the medieval clutter with his Small and Large Catechisms.

Doctrine of Justification: Its Use and Definition according to Gerhard

This post is adapted from the latest edition in Gerhard’s Theological Commonplaces series, On Justification through Faith.

6 Bible Verses Gerhard Used to Tie Justification to Righteousness

Works-righteousness was as big of a theological issue in Gerhard’s time as it is in ours. So Gerhard went back to the primary source—the Bible—to see what God has to say about the topic. Here’s what he found.

C. F. W. Walther’s Sermon on Predestination

On Christmas Day, 1881, C. F. W. Walther was invited to preach on predestination at a church in Macoupin County, Illinois. This day also coincided with the church’s anniversary, and Walther took the opportunity to address the intimidating topic in light of Ephesians 1:3–6. This sermon is featured in the newest volume in the Walther’s Works series, Predestination.

What Luther Says about the Promises of God

“But it is the chief subject of all Holy Scripture to know and understand God when He makes a promise. For He helps and brings support even with the actual realization of His promise and when it is fulfilled; but before this He disciplines faith in the promise by means of a lack of the things of which we are in need. He does this in order that we may learn to trust Him and not to tempt Him” (LW 8:201).

What Luther Says about Debating with Satan when Alone

Read what Martin Luther says about debating with Satan when alone from volume 54 of Luther's works.

What Luther Says about the Spiritual Estate

Read what Martin Luther said about the Spiritual Estate in Luther's Works, volume 46.

What Luther Says about the Death of God

Read what Martin Luther said about the death of God in Luther's Works, volume 41.

What Luther Says about How Sins Are Forgiven

Read what Martin Luther says about how sins are forgiven in Luther's Works, volume 30.

What Luther Says About True Worship

Read what Martin Luther said about true worship in volume 12 of Luther's Works.

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