"The Essentials of the Bible"
Martin Luther

“God has so ordered matters so that a Christian who might not be able to read the Bible should still learn the Ten Commandments, the Apostle’s Creed, and the Lord’s Prayer. The essentials of Scripture and everything else a Christian needs to know are summed up in these three. They are written so briefly and clearly that no one has an excuse. No one should complain that it’s too much or too difficult. In essence, a person only has to know three things to be saved.

First, he must know what he should and shouldn’t do. Second, when he sees that he isn’t able to do good or refrain from doing evil in his own strength, he must know where he can find the strength. Third, he must know where he should look for this strength. It’s similar to being sick. To begin with, a sick person needs to know what his illness is and what he can and cannot do. After that, he needs to know where he can find the medicine that will make him well. Finally, he must want this medicine, obtain it, or have someone bring it to him.

So the Ten Commandments teach a person to recognize his illness. They help him see what he cannot do or refrain from doing. They help him see himself as a sinner. Then, the Apostle’s Creed shows him where he can find the medicine – the grace – to help him become faithful so that he can keep the commandments. The Apostle's Creed points out that God and his mercy is offered in Christ. Finally, the Lord’s Prayer teaches a believer how to desire and obtain all this through orderly and humble prayer. In this way, he will receive the cure and be save.”