Lord's Day 16 — Saturday: The Full Arc: Our Deliverance Complete
Lord's Day 16: The Death of Christ
Saturday — The Full Arc: Our Deliverance Complete
The Catechism
Q40. Why was it necessary for Christ to humble himself even unto death?
Because of the justice and truth of God 1 satisfaction for our sins could be made in no other way than by the death of the Son of God. 2 1. Gen 2:17. 2. Rom 8:3; Phil 2:8; Heb 2:9, 14, 15.
Q41. Why was he buried?
His burial testified that he had really died. 1 1. Is 53:9; Jn 19:38-42; Acts 13:29; 1 Cor 15:3, 4.
Q42. Since Christ has died for us, why do we still have to die?
Our death is not a payment for our sins, but it puts an end to sin and is an entrance into eternal life. 1 1. Jn 5:24; Phil 1:21-23; 1 Thess 5:9, 10.
Q43. What further benefit do we receive from Christ's sacrifice and death on the cross?
Through Christ's death our old nature is crucified, put to death, and buried with him, 1 so that the evil desires of the flesh may no longer reign in us, 2 but that we may offer ourselves to him as a sacrifice of thankfulness. 3 1. Rom 6:5-11; Col 2:11, 12. 2. Rom 6:12-14. 3. Rom 12:1; Eph 5:1, 2.
Q44. Why is there added: He descended into hell?
In my greatest sorrows and temptations I may be assured and comforted that my Lord Jesus Christ, by his unspeakable anguish, pain, terror, and agony, which he endured throughout all his sufferings 1 but especially on the cross, has delivered me from the anguish and torment of hell. 2 1. Ps 18:5, 6; 116:3; Mt 26:36-46; 27:45, 46; Heb 5:7-10. 2. Is 53.
Today's Emphasis
From the necessity of his death to the testimony of his burial, from our transformed death to our crucified old nature, to his descent into hell—Christ has accomplished full salvation.
Scripture Readings
Hebrews 2:14-15
Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
Romans 6:4
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
2 Corinthians 5:21
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
From the Reformers
Heidelberg Catechism (Q&A 1)
"That I am not my own, but belong body and soul, in life and in death, to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood."
Reflection Questions
• Looking back over this week, which aspect of Christ's death has most deepened your understanding of the gospel?
• How will you live differently this coming week in light of belonging to Christ in life and in death?
Growing in grace through the Catechism — The Hearthside Team 🔥