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Monday, November 08, 2010

Catechism #43 & 44

I really like question #44 and the answer (see an old post on Jesus' descent into hell here)!

Question #43: What further advantage do we receive from Christ's sacrifice and death on the cross?

Answer: 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 us, but that instead we may dedicate ourselves as an offering of gratitude to him (Rom. 6:5-11; Col. 2:11-12; Rom. 6:12-14; Rom. 12:1; Eph. 5:1-2).

Question #44: Why does the creed add, "He descended to hell"?

Answer: 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 (Isa. 53; Matt. 26:36-46; 27:45-46; Luke 22:44; Heb. 5:7-10).

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