Lord's Day 16 — Thursday: Crucified with Christ
Lord's Day 16: The Death of Christ
Thursday — Crucified with Christ
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
Through faith, our old nature is crucified with Christ so that sin no longer reigns over us, and we live as sacrifices of thankfulness.
Scripture Readings
Romans 6:5-6
For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
Romans 6:11-12
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
Romans 12:1
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
From the Reformers
John Calvin (Commentary on Romans)
"We are crucified with Christ, that is, we are delivered from the power of sin and made dead to it, so that we may hereafter live to righteousness."
Reflection Questions
• In what areas of your life do you need to 'reckon yourself dead to sin' today?
• How does gratitude for Christ's sacrifice motivate you to offer yourself as a living sacrifice?
Growing in grace through the Catechism — The Hearthside Team 🔥