The Heidelberg Catechism

Lord’s Day 15Questions 37–39

Reformed Church in America English, 1879

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Text public domain · U.S.

1879 Reformed Church in America Q&A text with inline proof references. Source: Wikisource scan transcription.

This English edition was published in the United States in 1879, before the current U.S. public-domain cutoff. Rights evidence. Verified 2026-07-14.

37

What dost thou understand by the words, He suffered?

That he, all the time he lived on earth (Isa. 53;3); but especially at the end of his life, sustained in body and soul, the wrath of God against the sins of mankind (Matt. 26;38); that so by his passion, as the only propitiatory sacrifice (Heb. 9;12) he might redeem our body and soul from everlasting damnation (1 John 4;9) and obtain for us the favor of God, righteousness, and eternal life (Rom. 5;2).

38

Why did Christ suffer under Pontius Pilate, as his judge?

That he, being innocent, and yet condemned by a temporal judge (John 18;38), might thereby free us from the severe judgment of God, to which we were exposed (Isa. 53;5).

39

Is there anything more in his being crucified than if he had died some other death?

Yes, there is; for thereby I am assured, that he took on him the curse which lay upon me (Gal. 3;13); for the death of the cross was accursed of God (Gal. 3;13).