Lord’s Day 16Questions 40–44
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.
Why was it necessary for Christ to humble himself even unto death?
Because with respect to the justice (Rom. 1;32), and truth of God, satisfaction for our sins could be made no otherwise, than by the death of the Son of God (Gen. 2;17).
Why was he also “buried”?
Thereby to prove that he was really dead (1 Cor. 15;3, 4).
Since then Christ died for us, why must we also die?
Our death is not a satisfaction for our sins, but only an abolishing of sin (Rom. 6;7); and a passage into eternal life (Phil. 1;21).
What further benefit do we receive from the sacrifice and death of Christ on the cross?
That by virtue thereof our old man is crucified (Rom. 6;6), dead (Rom. 6;8), and buried with him (Rom. 6;4); that so the corrupt inclinations of the flesh may no more reign in us (Rom. 6;14); but that we may offer ourselves unto him a sacrifice of thanksgiving (Rom. 6;13),
Why is there added, “He descended into Hell?”
That in my greatest temptations, I may be assured, and wholly comfort myself in this (John 16;33): that my Lord Jesus Christ, by his inexpressible anguish, pains, terrors, and hellish agonies (Ps. 86;13), in which he was plunged during all his sufferings, but especially on the cross (Mark 15;34), hath delivered me from the anguish and torments of hell (1 Cor. 15;55, 57).