What is Christian Instruction or "Catechesis"?
Study of and meditation upon the catechism and the Scriptures should neither begin nor end with the entrance into a formal class. Rather, the treasures of the Word are to be taken up every day of the Christian's life. Their rightful place is in our homes, at our dinner tables and by our bedsides, so that the Scriptures may always be upon our hearts, minds, and lips.
Instruction in Luther's Small Catechism is intended to strengthen the Christian in the most basic teaching of the faith, that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. We might think of catechesis as we think about learning the fundamentals of a sport, like dribbling a basketball. The fundamentals you are instructed in through catechesis will serve you in your life as a believer, just as the fundamentals you learn in basketball practice will serve you on the court. Therefore, we must practice and discipline ourselves in God's Word if we want to live as faithful Christians. The core teachings which make up the six chief parts of the small catechism are the ten commandments, the Apostles' creed, the Lord's Prayer, Holy Baptism, Holy Absolution/the Office of the Keys, and Holy Communion.
Instruction in Luther's Small Catechism is intended to strengthen the Christian in the most basic teaching of the faith, that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. We might think of catechesis as we think about learning the fundamentals of a sport, like dribbling a basketball. The fundamentals you are instructed in through catechesis will serve you in your life as a believer, just as the fundamentals you learn in basketball practice will serve you on the court. Therefore, we must practice and discipline ourselves in God's Word if we want to live as faithful Christians. The core teachings which make up the six chief parts of the small catechism are the ten commandments, the Apostles' creed, the Lord's Prayer, Holy Baptism, Holy Absolution/the Office of the Keys, and Holy Communion.
