Sunday the 27th

This Sunday we'll come to the part of the Heidelberg Catechism that deals with these lines from the Apostle's Creed, helping us to better understand our salvation:

[I believe in Jesus Christ who] suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He arose again from the dead.

JANUARY 27 – HC Questions 37-45: How Christ Saved Us
Q. What do you understand by the word "suffered"? A. That during his whole life on earth, and especially at the end, Christ sustained in body and soul the wrath of God against the sin of the whole human race. This he did in order that, by his suffering as the only atoning sacrifice, he might redeem us, body and soul, from eternal condemnation, and gain for us God's grace, righteousness, and eternal life.
Q. Why did he suffer "under Pontius Pilate" as judge? A. So that he, though innocent, might be condemned by an earthly judge, and so set us free from the severe judgment of God that was to fall on us.
Q. Is there something more in his having been crucified than if he had died some other death? A. Yes, for by this I am assured that he took upon himself the curse which lay upon me, because the death of the cross was cursed by God.
Q. Why did Christ have to suffer "death"? A. Because the righteousness and truth of God are such that nothing else could pay for our sins except the death of the Son of God.
Q. Why was he "buried"? A. His burial testifies that he really died.
Q. Since Christ has died for us, why do we still have to die? A. Our death does not pay the debt of our sins. Rather, it puts an end to our sinning and is our entrance into eternal life.
Q. What further advantage do we receive from Christ's sacrifice and death on the cross? A. Through Christ's death our old selves are crucified, put to death, and buried with him, so that the evil desires of the flesh may no longer rule in us, but that instead we may dedicate ourselves as an offering of gratitude to him.
Q. Why does the creed add, "He descended to hell"? A. To assure me in times of personal crisis and temptation that Christ my Lord, by suffering unspeakable anguish, pain, and terror of soul, especially on the cross but also earlier, has delivered me from the anguish and torment of hell.
Q. How does Christ's resurrection benefit us? A. First, by his resurrection he has overcome death that he might make us share in the righteousness which he has obtained for us through his death. Second, we too are now raised by his power to a new life. Third, the resurrection of Christ is a sure pledge to us of our blessed resurrection.

How does this classic understanding of how Christ saved us from our sins inspire you to be a better Christian? In what ways does this strengthen you as you face the challenges of life?