Martin Luther's Large Catechism, translated by Bente and DauLuther, Martin
ReligionChristian
Martin Luther's Large Catechism, translated by Bente and Dau
Luther, Martin
Lutheran Church -- Catechisms -- English
Thus we must regard Baptism and make it profitable to ourselves, that
when our sins and conscience oppress us, we strengthen ourselves and
take comfort and say: Nevertheless I am baptized; but if I am baptized,
it is promised me that I shall be saved and have eternal life, both in
soul and body. For that is the reason why these two things are done in
Baptism namely, that the body, which can apprehend nothing but the
water, is sprinkled, and, in addition, the word is spoken for the soul
to apprehend. Now, since both, the water and the Word, are one Baptism,
therefore body and soul must be saved and live forever: the soul
through the Word which it believes, but the body because it is united
with the soul and also apprehends Baptism as it is able to apprehend
it. We have, therefore, no greater jewel in body and soul, for by it we
are made holy and are saved, which no other kind of life, no work upon
earth, can attain.
Let this suffice respecting the nature, blessing, and use of Baptism,
for it answers the present purpose.
[Part Fifth.]
OF THE SACRAMENT OF THE ALTAR.
In the same manner as we have heard regarding Holy Baptism, we must
speak also concerning the other Sacrament, namely, these three points:
What is it? What are its benefits? and, Who is to receive it? And all
these are established by the words by which Christ has instituted it,
and which every one who desires to be a Christian and go to the
Sacrament should know. For it is not our intention to admit to it and
to administer it to those who know not what they seek, or why they
come. The words, however, are these:
Our Lord Jesus Christ, the same night in which He was betrayed, took
bread; and when He had given thanks, He brake it, and gave it to His
disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is My body, which is given for
you:
this do in remembrance of Me.
After the same manner also He took the cup when He had supped, gave
thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; this cup is
the new testament in My blood, which is shed for you for the remission
of sins: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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