LORD’S DAY 16
Q. 40. Why was it necessary for Christ to humble Himself even unto death?
A. Because, with respect to the justice and truth of God,1 satisfaction for our sins could be made no otherwise than by the death of the Son of God.2
- Gen. 2:17.
- Heb. 2:9, 10; Phil. 2:8.
Q. 41. Why was He also “buried”?
A. Thereby to prove that He was really dead.1
- Acts 13:29; Mark 15:43, 46.
Q. 42. Since then Christ died for us, why must we also die?
A. Our death is not a satisfaction for our sins, but only an abolishing of sin, and a passage into eternal life.1
- John 5:24; Phil. 1:23.
Q. 43. What further benefit do we receive from the sacrifice and death of Christ on the cross?
A. That by virtue thereof our old man is crucified, dead, and buried with Him;1 that so the corrupt inclinations of the flesh may no more reign in us;2 but that we may offer ourselves unto Him a sacrifice of thanksgiving.3
- Rom. 6:6, 7 &c.
- Rom. 6:12.
- Rom. 12:1.
Q. 44. Why is there added, “He descended into hell”?
A. That in my greatest temptations, I may be assured, and wholly comfort myself in this, that my Lord Jesus Christ, by His inexpressible anguish, pains, terrors, and hellish agonies, in which He was plunged during all His sufferings, but especially on the cross, hath delivered me from the anguish and torments of hell.1
- Isa. 53:10; Mat. 27:46.
LORD’S DAY 16
Christ’s Suffering in Death
1. What more do we confess concerning Christ in the Apostles’ Creed?
That He “was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell.”
2. Why was it necessary for Christ to humble Himself even unto death?
Because, with respect to God’s justice, satisfaction for our sins could be made no otherwise, than by the death of the Son of God.
3. Why was Christ also “buried”?
Thereby to prove that He was really dead.
4. Since then Christ died for us, why must we also die?
Our death is not a satisfaction for our sins, but only an abolishing of sin and a passage into eternal life. John 5:24; Philippians 1:23.
5. Does the sacrifice and death of Christ on the cross also destroy the power of sin in us?
Yes, by virtue thereof our old man of sin is crucified, dead, and buried with Christ. Romans 6:6, 7.
6. What can we say then about the corrupt inclinations of our sinful flesh?
That they no more reign in us, but that we now offer ourselves as a sacrifice of thanksgiving to God. Romans 6:11-14; 12:1.
7. Why do you add to your confession, “He descended into hell”?
Because my Lord Jesus Christ bore the inexpressible anguish, pains, terrors, and agonies of hell during all His sufferings, but especially on the cross. Isaiah 53:3-7; Matthew 27:45, 46.
8. Why is the fact that Christ descended into hell a great comfort to you?
Because in my greatest temptations I can be assured that Christ has delivered me from the anguish and torments of hell. Romans 8:1.