Luther's Small Catechism Explained in Questions and Answers

by Harald Ulrik Sverdrup

239. Why is the church called universal?

The church is called universal because its object is to gather all nations, and because it includes all true believers of all times and all places.

240. What is the state of the church on earth?

The church of God on earth is militant.

241. Who are the enemies of the church?

The enemies of the church are the devil, the world, and our own flesh. Its last enemy is death.

242. What will be the state of the church in heaven?

It will be triumphant, because all its enemies are conquered.

Rev. 7:9, 10. After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;