The Small Catechism – part 124
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Philippians 2:9–11
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Small Catechism, 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. 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, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary — is my Lord. He has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature, and has freed me from sin, death, and the power of the devil, not with silver and gold, but with his holy and precious blood and his innocent suffering and death. He has done all this in order that I might be his own, live under him in his kingdom, and serve him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, even as he is risen from the dead and lives and reigns for all eternity. This is most certainly true!
Pulling It Together: As Jesus is master over life and death, so he is Lord of all things in life and death. He is God over all creation: in heaven, on earth, and even under the earth. Nothing is beyond his Lordship — even we who refuse to believe it. Because Jesus humbly fulfilled his redemptive mission (Philippians 2:6–8), the Father has guaranteed that there is a day coming when every knee will bow to the Lord God (Romans 14:11).
This is what we do when we confess that Jesus Christ is the Father’s only Son, and our Lord. If only we knelt as we did so.
Prayer: I confess, Holy Father, that your Son is Lord — even my Lord. Amen.
Click here for resources to learn the Ten Commandments.
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Author
Rev. Dr. Mark E. Ryman has served as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC, since 2021. Previously, Pastor Ryman served congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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