The Third Article.
Review Lesson.
1. God the Holy Ghost has called me to Christ, sanctified and kept me in
the true faith. Besides me He has called and calls others. What does the
Holy Ghost also do in regard to all that He has brought to Christ? What
does it mean that He gathers them? What does Scripture call the whole
number of all true believers?--What is the Christian Church also
called in the Third Article? Why are the believers called saints? What
does the word _communion_ signify? Who only, therefore, belongs to the
one true Christian Church?--Why is this Church invisible? The true
Church is invisible; still we know and are convinced that it is always
here on earth. Why are we certain about this? What does our Lord say
concerning His Church Matt. 16,18? We call the Church the _holy_ Church;
why do we do this? Why is the Church called the _Christian_ Church?
Christ is the Foundation of the Church, what else?--We cannot see
the Church, still we know where we can find it. Where is it to be found?
Why can we be certain that the Church is where the Word of God, the
Gospel, is preached and used?--There is one true Church of Christ, the
congregation of all believers on earth. But Scripture also speaks of
visible churches, visible congregations. What do we mean when we speak
of visible churches? To these churches not only true believers belong,
but who also? Of these visible churches, or denominations, there is
quite a number. What difference exists among these churches? Which is
the true visible Church? What is it called? To which Church should we
belong?
2. In the Third Article we also confess the forgiveness of sins. Why do
we so sorely need forgiveness of sins? What have we deserved with our
sins? What will be our fate if we do not receive forgiveness of sins?--
Of what does God assure us in His Word concerning our sins? We daily sin
much and deserve nothing but punishment; what should we therefore do
every day? How did the publican in the Temple pray to God for
forgiveness? How do you know that God answered his prayer?--God
forgives the sins of all who come to Him in true penitence. What does
not move God to forgive us our sins? Why cannot anything He sees in us
induce Him to grant us forgiveness? What moves God to forgive us our
sins? What do we mean when we say that God forgives sin? For whose sake
does the just and holy God grant us forgiveness? In whom have we
redemption, the forgiveness of sins? What has Christ done to earn this
forgiveness?--For whom has Christ procured forgiveness? How does God
offer this forgiveness? What, however, is necessary if we wish to
receive this precious gift of God? How, therefore, are we justified in
the sight of God? Why is this doctrine of justification so important? We
should by all means hold fast to this doctrine: We are justified without
the deeds of the Law, by God's grace alone, for Christ's sake, through
faith in Him, our Savior.
3. In the Third Article we furthermore confess the resurrection of the
body. How does our Catechism explain these words? How is the doctrine of
the resurrection of the body regarded by the unbelievers? Why do we
nevertheless believe it?--God will raise the dead. How many of them
will He bring to life again? All shall hear the voice of the Son of God
and come forth. When will Christ raise all the dead? What is this "Last
Day"? All the dead will rise again at the Last Day; but there will be a
difference among them. What will this difference be? Who will come forth
unto the resurrection of damnation? Who are they that have done evil?
What will be their punishment on that day? May our heavenly Father
preserve us from hell and damnation!--Who will come forth unto the
resurrection of life? Who are they that have done good? What will God
give to me and all believers on that day? From what shall we be free in
eternal life? With whom shall we be? Not only shall we be with Him,
united with Him by faith, what, too, has He promised us? 1 John 3,2.
Whom also shall we see in the heavenly kingdom? What do we read Ps.
16,11? How will our bodies be after the resurrection? Like whose body
will they be fashioned? What do we mean by adding: "This is most
certainly true"?
And we confess the Holy Ghost,
Who from both fore'er proceeds,
Who upholds and comforts us
In the midst of fears and needs.
Blest and holy Trinity,
Praise forever be to Thee!