In 1529, Martin Luther published a series of articles explaining the statements that define the Christian faith. In his conversation with people in the towns around his home, he learned that the storms of life had left them "in the dark." They needed some guidance to navigate daily living. This series of articles was soon gathered into a booklet and given the name "Luther's Small Catechism." It was designed to help families learn and understand the life-giving truths found in the Ten Commandments, the Apostles Creed, the Lord's Prayer and the Sacraments.

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Luther’s Small Catechism [Extract]

The Apostles’ Creed

THE FIRST ARTICLE

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

What does this mean?

I believe that God has created me and all that exists.

He has given me and still preserves my body and soul with all their powers.

He provides me with food and clothing, home and family, daily work, and all I need from day to day.

God also protects me in time of danger and guards me from every evil.

All this He does out of fatherly and divine goodness and mercy, though I do not deserve it.

Therefore I surely ought to thank and praise, serve and obey Him.

This is most certainly true.

THE SECOND ARTICLE

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.

He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary.

He suffered under Pontius Pilate was crucified, died, and was buried.

He descended into hell. (Or, He descended to the dead.)

On the third day He rose again.

He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

What does this mean?

I believe that Jesus Christ - true God, Son of the Father from eternity, and true man, born of the Virgin Mary-- is my Lord.

At great cost He has saved and redeemed me, a lost and condemned person.

He has freed me from sin, death, and the power of the devil-- not with silver or gold, but with his holy and precious blood and his innocent suffering and death.

All this He has done that I may be his own, live under Him in his kingdom, and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, just as He is risen from the dead and lives and rules eternally.

This is most certainly true.

THE THIRD ARTICLE

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

What does this mean?

I believe that I cannot by my own understanding or effort believe in Jesus Christ my Lord, or come to Him.

But the Holy Spirit has called me through the Gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, and sanctified and kept me in true faith.

In the same way He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it united with Jesus Christ in the one true faith.

In this Christian church day after day He fully forgives my sins and the sins of all believers.

On the last day He will raise me and all the dead and give me and all believers in Christ eternal life.

This is most certainly true.