In 1897 the present publishers issued in Norwegian an Explanation of Luther's Small Catechism by Pastor H. U. Sverdrup, being an abridged edition of a larger work by the same author, based on Dr. Pontoppidan's Explanation of the Catechism. Some alterations were made in the answers to questions 244–252. The present work is a translation of this abridged and slightly altered edition. A literal translation has been avoided rather than sought; an attempt has been made to render the original in the s

Thou shalt have no other gods before me. That is , We should fear, love, and trust in God above all things. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. We should fear and love God, and not curse, swear, conjure, lie, or deceive by His name, but call upon His name in every time of need, and worship Him with prayer, praise, and thanksgiving. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. We should fear and love God, an

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. That is , I believe that God has made me and all other creatures; that He has given me body and soul, eyes, ears, and all other members, my reason, and all my senses. I also believe that He preserves all He has made, and that He daily provides me with all I need, giving me clothing and food, home and family, and every good thing. I further believe that He protects me from all danger, and keeps me from all evil; not because I have d

Our Father who art in heaven. That is , God would hereby tenderly invite us to believe that He is truly our Father, and we are truly His children, so that we may ask of Him with all cheerfulness and confidence, as dear children ask of their dear father. Hallowed be Thy name. The name of God is indeed holy in itself; but we pray in this petition that it may be hallowed also among us. This is done when the Word of God is rightly taught, and when we as the children of God live holy lives in obedien

What is Baptism? Baptism is not water alone, but it is water comprehended in God's command, and united with His Word. How can water do such great things? It is not water indeed that does it, but the Word of God, which is in and with the water, and faith which trusts this Word of God in the water. For without the Word of God, the water is water alone, and no Baptism. But with the Word of God it is a Baptism, that is, a gracious water of life and a washing of regeneration in the Holy Ghost; as Pau

What is the Lord's Supper? It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, under bread and wine, instituted by Christ Himself for Christians to eat and to drink. How can bodily eating and drinking do such great things? It is not the eating and drinking, indeed, that does it, but the words which stand here: "Given and shed for you, for the remission of sins." These words, together with the bodily eating and drinking, are the chief thing in the sacrament; and He that believes these words,

1. What is God's will concerning man? God willeth that all men should be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Tim. 2:4. 9. What is the substance of all the books of the Bible? The great truth that Jesus is the way to salvation for all who believe. 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. 10. How is the Bible divided in regard to its teaching? It is divided into Law and Go

13. How has God given His law to us? 1. In the creation God wrote His Law in the heart of man. (Conscience.) Rom. 2:15. 2. At Mount Sinai He gave His Law in the Ten Commandments, written on two tables of stone. Ex. 20:1–17. 117. What parts of the catechism treat about the gospel? The four last parts....

118. Of what do the three articles treat? Of the nature, will, and works of the triune God. 119. How do you know there is a God? 1. From the world's creation, its preservation and government. Rom. 1:19, 20. That which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them. For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and divinity; so that they are without excuse. 2. From m

265. What is prayer? Prayer is the child-like communion of our hearts with God, in which we tell Him all our needs, and earnestly seek some gift from Him. 331. Does God answer our prayer at once? Sometimes; but He often delays His answer in order to strengthen our faith and our hope. 332. In speaking with God, should we only ask for the good things which we like to get? No; we must also return Him thanks for the blessings which we have received. Eph. 5: 20. Giving thanks always for all things un

333. What is a sacrament? A sacrament is a holy ordinance made by God Himself, in which He gives and confirms His invisible grace through outward and visible means. 334. Which are the sacraments of the Christian church? They are Baptism and the Lord's Supper....

335. What is Baptism? Baptism is not water alone, but it is water comprehended in God's command, and united with His Word. 336. What is God's command concerning Baptism? It is given in the words of Christ in the last chapter of Matthew: " All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with y

358. What is the Lord's Supper? It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, under bread and wine, instituted by Christ Himself for Christians to eat and to drink....