Today we will be thinking about the crucifixion of Jesus Christ by using the questions and answers from
Lord’s Day 15 & 16 of the Heidelberg Catechism
Q 37: What do you understand by the word “suffered”?
A. That during his whole life on earth, but especially at the end, Christ sustained in body and soul the wrath of
God against the sin of the whole human race. 1 This he did in order that, by his suffering as the only atoning
sacrifice, 2 he might deliver us, body and soul, from eternal condemnation, 3 and gain for us God’s grace,
righteousness, and eternal life. 4
1 Isa. 53; 1 Pet. 2:24; 3:18
2 Rom. 3:25; Heb. 10:14; 1 John 2:2; 4:10
3 Rom. 8:1–4; Gal. 3:13
4 John 3:16; Rom. 3:24–26
Q 38: Why did he suffer “under Pontius Pilate” as judge?
A. So that he, though innocent, might be condemned by an earthly judge, 1 and so free us from the severe
judgment of God that was to fall on us. 2
1 Luke 23:13–24; John 19:4, 12–16
2 Isa. 53:4–5; 2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 3:13
Q 39: Is it significant that he was “crucified” instead of dying some other way?
A. By this death I am convinced that he shouldered the curse which lay on me, since death by crucifixion was
cursed by God. 1
1 Gal. 3:10–13 (Deut. 21:23
Lord’s Day 16
Q 40: Why did Christ have to suffer death?
A. Because God’s justice and truth require it: 1 nothing else could pay for our sins except the death of the Son of
God. 2
1 Gen. 2:17
2 Rom. 8:3–4; Phil. 2:8; Heb. 2:9
Q 41: Why was he “buried”?
A. His burial testifies that he really died. 1
1 Isa. 53:9; John 19:38–42; Acts 13:29; 1 Cor. 15:3–4
Q 42: Since Christ has died for us, why do we still have to die?
A. Our death is not a payment for our sins, 1 but only a dying to sins and an entering into eternal life. 2
1 Ps. 49:7
2 John 5:24; Phil. 1:21–23; 1 Thess. 5:9–10
Q 43: What further benefit do we receive from Christ’s sacrifice and death on the cross?
A. By his power our old man is crucified, put to death, and buried with him, 1 so that the evil desires of the flesh
may no longer rule us, 2 but that instead we may offer ourselves as a sacrifice of thanksgiving to him. 3
1 Rom. 6:5–11; Col. 2:11–12
2 Rom. 6:12–14
3 Rom. 12:1; Eph. 5:1–2
Q 44: Why does the creed add, “He descended into hell”?
A. To assure me during attacks of deepest dread and temptation that Christ my Lord, by suffering unspeakable
anguish, pain, and terror of soul, on the cross but also earlier, has delivered me from hellish anguish and
torment. 1
1 Isa. 53; Matt. 26:36–46; 27:45–46; Luke 22:44; Heb. 5:7–10
Days 4 & 5 – airs Monday, April 1 & Tuesday April 2
Today and tomorrow, we will be working through Lord’s Day 17 as we think about the resurrection
Q 45: How does Christ’s resurrection benefit us?
A. First, by his resurrection he has overcome death, so that he might make us share in the righteousness he
obtained for us by his death. 1
Second, by his power we too are already raised to a new life. 2
Third, Christ’s resurrection is a sure pledge to us of our blessed resurrection. 3
1 Rom. 4:25; 1 Cor. 15:16–20; 1 Pet. 1:3–5
2 Rom. 6:5–11; Eph. 2:4–6; Col. 3:1–4
3 Rom. 8:11; 1 Cor. 15:12–23; Phil.
For more information about this group, please visit their website at reformationboise.com.
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