(Second Part: Of Man’s Redemption—Questions 12-85)
40. Why was it necessary for Christ to suffer death?
- Because, by reason of the justice and truth of God, satisfaction for our sins could be made no otherwise than by the death of the Son of God.
41. Why was He buried?
- To show thereby that He was really dead.
42. Since then Christ died for us, why must we also die?
- Our death is not a satisfaction for our sin, but only a dying to sins and entering into eternal life.
43. What further benefit do we receive from the sacrifice and death of Christ on the cross?
- That by His power our old man is with Him crucified, slain and buried; that so the evil lusts of the flesh may no more reign in us, but that we may offer ourselves unto Him a sacrifice of thanksgiving.
44. Why is it added: He descended into Hell?
- That in my greatest temptations I may be assured that Christ, my Lord, by His inexpressible anguish, pains and terrors, which He suffered in His soul on the cross and before, has redeemed me from the anguish and torment of hell.
