Luther's Small Catechism Part 16

He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Phil. 2:8.

_177. How many steps do you notice in the humiliation of Christ?_

Five: the birth in poverty; the suffering; the crucifixion; the death; the burial.

_178. Why did Christ begin His life on earth with the birth in poverty?_

He began His life in poverty to show that His kingdom is not of this world, and that we might be made rich through His poverty.

_179. When was the suffering of Christ greatest?_

In the night before His death, and on Good Friday, when He was delivered into the hands of His enemies, and was bound, beaten, scourged, crowned with thorns, and finally nailed to the cross.

_180. Did Christ suffer bodily pain only?_

No; His greatest suffering was a fearful anguish of soul on account of our sins.

_181. When in particular did he suffer this anguish?_

In the garden, when His sweat was as drops of blood and He said, "My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death"; and on the cross, when He cried, "My G.o.d, my G.o.d, why hast Thou forsaken me?"

=Isa. 53:4, 5. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows:

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastis.e.m.e.nt of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.=

_182. How did Christ act through all this suffering?_

He was patient as a lamb that is lead to the slaughter. Isa. 53:7.

_183. What did Christ accomplish for us by His death on the cross?_

By His death He has paid the wages of sin, which is death.

=Rom. 5:10. When we were enemies, we were reconciled to G.o.d by the death of his Son.=

_184. What comfort do we have from the burial of Christ?_

He has buried our sins, hallowed our graves, and taken away their horror.

_185. How should we look upon the life and suffering of Christ in His humiliation?_

We should look upon His life and His suffering as an atonement for our sins, and as an example to the believer of holiness in life and patience in suffering.

=1 Pet. 2:21. Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps.=

_186. Did Christ remain in humiliation and death?_

No; G.o.d exalted Him and gave Him a name which is above every name.

Phil. 2:9.

_187. How many steps do you notice in the exaltation of Christ?_

Five: His descent into h.e.l.l; His resurrection; His ascension; His session at the right hand of the Father; His coming to judge the quick and the dead.

_188. What did Christ accomplish when he descended into h.e.l.l?_

He made known the victory which He had won over the devil, and preached to the spirits in prison. 1 Pet. 3:18, 19.

_189. What benefit do we have from the resurrection of Christ?_

1. The resurrection a.s.sures us that Christ is the Son of G.o.d, and that He has conquered death and fully satisfied for our sins.

=Rom. 1:4. Declared to be the Son of G.o.d by the resurrection from the dead.=

=1 Cor. 15:14. If Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.=

2. The resurrection gives us power to arise from spiritual death, and to live a new and holy life.

=Rom. 6:4. As Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.=

3. The resurrection a.s.sures us that our bodies shall arise in glory on the last day.

_190. What command did Christ give His disciples before His ascension?_

He commanded them to go out into the whole world and preach the gospel to all nations. [Missions.]

=Matt. 28:19; Mark. 16:15.=

_191. What is meant by the ascension of Christ?_

He left the earth, so that He is no longer visibly present, and He entered into His Father's glory to prepare a place for us in the heavenly mansions.

=John 14:2. In my Father's house are many mansions; I go to prepare a place for you.=

_192. What does the ascension of Christ teach us?_

It teaches us to be heavenly-minded, and to have a desire to depart and be with Christ.

=Col. 3:1. If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of G.o.d.=

_193. What does Christ's session on the right hand of the Father signify?_

It signifies that He shares also as true man in the power and glory of G.o.d, and rules over all things.

=1 Pet. 3:22. [R. V.] He is on the right hand of G.o.d, having gone into heaven; angels and authorities and powers being made subject to Him.=

_194. What benefit do we have from Christ's session on the right hand of the Father?_