Lord's Day 16 — Friday: He Descended into Hell
Lord's Day 16: The Death of Christ
Friday — He Descended into Hell
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
Christ endured unspeakable anguish and spiritual agony, especially on the cross, delivering us from the torment of hell and assuring us in our deepest sorrows.
Scripture Readings
Psalm 18:5-6
The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me. In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.
Matthew 27:45-46
Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
Isaiah 53:4-5
Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
From the Reformers
Zacharias Ursinus (Commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism)
"Christ suffered the torments of hell for us, so that in our greatest temptations we may be assured that he has delivered us from the anguish and torment of hell."
Reflection Questions
• How does knowing that Christ experienced the depths of hell's anguish for you bring comfort in your own trials?
• What does it mean that Christ was forsaken by the Father, and how does that secure your acceptance?
Growing in grace through the Catechism — The Hearthside Team 🔥