Lord’s Day 17
45. Q. HOW DOES CHRIST’S RESURRECTION BENEFIT US?
A. First, by His resurrection He has overcome death, so that He might make us share in the righteousness He won for us by His death. Second, by His power we too are already now resurrected to a new life. Third, Christ’s resurrection is a guarantee of our glorious resurrection.
As we celebrated Easter with our local body of believers this past Sunday, our pastor commented that he was so grateful for Christmas because of Easter. Christ’s birth is great news because of the glorious news of the resurrection.
Today’s reading points to why Easter is so important. Actually to call Easter important is quite the understatement. While there would be countless opinions in the world about the most important day in history, for the believer, we rightly identify the resurrection of Jesus as the most important event in the history of the universe.
While in seminary, there were several lectures that I observed that left an indelible mark on my life. One in particular was when my theology professor shared that if someone proved to him that Christ had not risen, that his bones were buried somewhere in the Middle East, his immediate response would be to go off and engage in all sorts of sinful actions. This was initially shocking to hear. I wondered if it was acceptable for a seminary professor to speak like this. But, isn’t this response rooted in an accurate understanding of the apostle Paul’s statement in 1 Corinthians 15:17, “if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.” Indeed, the resurrection IS the most important event in the history of the universe.
Q/A 45 highlights this importance by providing three ways we benefit from Christ’s resurrection;
1- “He has overcome death, so that He might make us share in the righteousness He won for us by His death.”
2- “by His power we too are already now resurrected to a new life”
3- “Christ’s resurrection is a guarantee of our glorious resurrection”
To God Be the glory, great things He has done!
Friday, April 29, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Did our Lord Jesus Christ really descend into Hell?
...Descended into Hell...
Have you ever wondered about that statement in the Apostles Creed? This past Friday, the answer to Q. 44 in the Heidelberg (see this post) sought to communicate what is meant by said statement.
Did Jesus physically go to hell? I do not believe He did. The Scriptures communicate that at Jesus’ death, he was immediately in the presence of the Father. Kevin DeYoung points to what Jesus said to the thief on the cross, “today you shall be with me in paradise” (Lk. 23:43). Also, several other statements on the cross are helpful regarding this issue. Jesus’ cries “It is finished” and “into Your Hands I commit my Spirit” seem to imply that Jesus did not physically descend into Hell. So why does the Creed make this statement? Or better, should we affirm this statement in the Creed?
I think we can and should. In fact, it is paramount for us as believers to understand the reality of Jesus’ death. For it was through His death, burial and resurrection that He put “death to death” (thank you John Owen). Rom. 6:9 says, “knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death is no longer master over Him.” If understood to communicate that Jesus came under the power of death, “descended into hell” is a statement that we ought to affirm. And since that phrase can be understood in the original language to mean “descended into the grave”, I think that it is helpful and accurate.
Thoughts?
Have you ever wondered about that statement in the Apostles Creed? This past Friday, the answer to Q. 44 in the Heidelberg (see this post) sought to communicate what is meant by said statement.
Did Jesus physically go to hell? I do not believe He did. The Scriptures communicate that at Jesus’ death, he was immediately in the presence of the Father. Kevin DeYoung points to what Jesus said to the thief on the cross, “today you shall be with me in paradise” (Lk. 23:43). Also, several other statements on the cross are helpful regarding this issue. Jesus’ cries “It is finished” and “into Your Hands I commit my Spirit” seem to imply that Jesus did not physically descend into Hell. So why does the Creed make this statement? Or better, should we affirm this statement in the Creed?
I think we can and should. In fact, it is paramount for us as believers to understand the reality of Jesus’ death. For it was through His death, burial and resurrection that He put “death to death” (thank you John Owen). Rom. 6:9 says, “knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death is no longer master over Him.” If understood to communicate that Jesus came under the power of death, “descended into hell” is a statement that we ought to affirm. And since that phrase can be understood in the original language to mean “descended into the grave”, I think that it is helpful and accurate.
Thoughts?
Friday, April 22, 2011
Fridays with the Heidelberg
Lord’s Day 16
40. Q.WHY DID CHRIST HAVE TO GO ALL THE WAY TO DEATH?
A. Because God’s justice and truth demand it: only the death of God’s Son could pay for our sin.
41. Q. WHY WAS HE “BURIED”?
A. His burial testifies that He really died.
42. Q. SINCE CHRIST HAS DIED FOR US, WHY DO WE STILL HAVE TO DIE?
A. Our death does not pay the debt for our sins. Rather, it puts an end to our sinning and is our entrance into eternal life.
43. 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 us, but that instead we may dedicate ourselves as an offering of gratitude to Him.
44. 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.
It is quite timely(Good Friday)to reflect on this Lord’s Day reading. These questions and answers concerning Christ's death and burial bring about a variety of thoughts in my mind; the Holiness of God, the weight of my sin, and the sufficiency of Christ.
The answer to 42 also helps us to think biblically about death. As Christians, we can take comfort in this subject. For at death, the sanctification process of the believer is completed and they are now glorified. Adversely, there is no comfort in death for the unbeliever. In fact, unbelievers continue in a state of sin and misery after death.
Christians, take comfort this Easter weekend in what Christ has accomplished for our good and for His glory in His death, burial, and resurrection.
If you are reading this and you are not a Christian, I pray you will trust in Christ. Only His death could pay the penalty for your sin. It is only through gospel lenses that you are able to gain the comforting realities of death. Only through Christ’s sacrifice can our bondage to sin be overcome. Consider Jesus!
40. Q.WHY DID CHRIST HAVE TO GO ALL THE WAY TO DEATH?
A. Because God’s justice and truth demand it: only the death of God’s Son could pay for our sin.
41. Q. WHY WAS HE “BURIED”?
A. His burial testifies that He really died.
42. Q. SINCE CHRIST HAS DIED FOR US, WHY DO WE STILL HAVE TO DIE?
A. Our death does not pay the debt for our sins. Rather, it puts an end to our sinning and is our entrance into eternal life.
43. 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 us, but that instead we may dedicate ourselves as an offering of gratitude to Him.
44. 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.
It is quite timely(Good Friday)to reflect on this Lord’s Day reading. These questions and answers concerning Christ's death and burial bring about a variety of thoughts in my mind; the Holiness of God, the weight of my sin, and the sufficiency of Christ.
The answer to 42 also helps us to think biblically about death. As Christians, we can take comfort in this subject. For at death, the sanctification process of the believer is completed and they are now glorified. Adversely, there is no comfort in death for the unbeliever. In fact, unbelievers continue in a state of sin and misery after death.
Christians, take comfort this Easter weekend in what Christ has accomplished for our good and for His glory in His death, burial, and resurrection.
If you are reading this and you are not a Christian, I pray you will trust in Christ. Only His death could pay the penalty for your sin. It is only through gospel lenses that you are able to gain the comforting realities of death. Only through Christ’s sacrifice can our bondage to sin be overcome. Consider Jesus!
Friday, April 15, 2011
Fridays with the Heidelberg
Lord’s Day 15
37. Q. WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY THE WORD “SUFFERED”?
A. That during His whole life on earth, but especially at the end, Christ sustained in body and soul the anger 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 set us free, body and soul, from eternal condemnation, and gain for us God’s grace, righteousness, and eternal life.
38. Q. WHY DID HE SUFFER “UNDER PONTIUS PILATE” AS JUDGE?
A. So that He, though innocent, might be condemned by a civil judge, and so free us from the severe judgment of God that was to fall on us.
39. Q. IS IT SIGNIFICANT THAT HE WAS “CRUCIFIED” INSTEAD OF DYING SOME OTHER WAY?
A. Yes. This death convinces me that He shouldered the curse which lay on me, since death by crucifixion was accursed by God.
Last week we examined the significance of the virgin birth. Now this week our last question points to the significance of the crucifixion. Not much is given regarding the life of Christ. The Heidelberg Catechism, which is commenting on the Apostle’s Creed, is focused on that which the Scriptures are focused. Rather than providing a biography on the life of Christ, the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) were intended to communicate the message of the gospel. Kevin DeYoung points out that one third of the gospel accounts are focused on one week (the last week) of the life of Christ.
While Christ suffered throughout the entirety of his life, it is in the last week, at His death, where Jesus suffered as our only atoning sacrifice. The catechism tells us that through this suffering, He set us free from condemnation, and gained for us a restored relationship with God.
To God be the Glory!
37. Q. WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY THE WORD “SUFFERED”?
A. That during His whole life on earth, but especially at the end, Christ sustained in body and soul the anger 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 set us free, body and soul, from eternal condemnation, and gain for us God’s grace, righteousness, and eternal life.
38. Q. WHY DID HE SUFFER “UNDER PONTIUS PILATE” AS JUDGE?
A. So that He, though innocent, might be condemned by a civil judge, and so free us from the severe judgment of God that was to fall on us.
39. Q. IS IT SIGNIFICANT THAT HE WAS “CRUCIFIED” INSTEAD OF DYING SOME OTHER WAY?
A. Yes. This death convinces me that He shouldered the curse which lay on me, since death by crucifixion was accursed by God.
Last week we examined the significance of the virgin birth. Now this week our last question points to the significance of the crucifixion. Not much is given regarding the life of Christ. The Heidelberg Catechism, which is commenting on the Apostle’s Creed, is focused on that which the Scriptures are focused. Rather than providing a biography on the life of Christ, the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) were intended to communicate the message of the gospel. Kevin DeYoung points out that one third of the gospel accounts are focused on one week (the last week) of the life of Christ.
While Christ suffered throughout the entirety of his life, it is in the last week, at His death, where Jesus suffered as our only atoning sacrifice. The catechism tells us that through this suffering, He set us free from condemnation, and gained for us a restored relationship with God.
To God be the Glory!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
A brief answer
Last Friday I asked;
- Does the virgin birth matter? (Why/Why Not?)
- How does the virgin birth benefit you?
Here are a few quick thoughts;
YES! It matters. Here are two reasons(among many)why;
- The OT and NT speak to this reality of the virgin birth. A denial of this truth is an attack on the reliability, authenticity, inerrancy, etc. of the Word of God.
- A second reason why it matters will answer the question about how the virgin birth benefits me. Mankind is without hope apart from a perfect substitute. Christ, the God-man died that substitutionary death in our place. If He was not a man, He would not be a valid substitute, and if He was not God, He would not be our perfect sinless substitute.
- Does the virgin birth matter? (Why/Why Not?)
- How does the virgin birth benefit you?
Here are a few quick thoughts;
YES! It matters. Here are two reasons(among many)why;
- The OT and NT speak to this reality of the virgin birth. A denial of this truth is an attack on the reliability, authenticity, inerrancy, etc. of the Word of God.
- A second reason why it matters will answer the question about how the virgin birth benefits me. Mankind is without hope apart from a perfect substitute. Christ, the God-man died that substitutionary death in our place. If He was not a man, He would not be a valid substitute, and if He was not God, He would not be our perfect sinless substitute.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Fridays with the Heidelberg
Lord’s Day 14
35. Q. WHAT DOES IT MEAN THAT HE “WAS CONCEIVED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT AND BORN OF THE VIRGIN MARY”?
A. That the eternal Son of God, who is and remains true and eternal God, took to Himself, through the working of the Holy Spirit, from the flesh and blood of the virgin Mary, a truly human nature so that He might become David’s true descendant, like His brothers in every way except for sin.
36. Q. HOW DOES THE HOLY CONCEPTION AND BIRTH OF CHRIST BENEFIT YOU?
A. He is our mediator, and with His innocence and perfect holiness He removes from God’s sight my sin- mine since I was conceived.
We are fourteen weeks into our “Fridays with the Heidelberg”, and I am growing in my appreciation for this document. The Heidelberg has a pretty interesting history, which I will share with you over the coming weeks. It is a great document from the past with a variety of benefits for us presently (Bible Study, Family Worship, Evangelism, etc.). I have mainly promoted it as a tool to provide content for family worship.
With that, let me encourage you to ask your families two questions concerning today’s topic of the virgin birth;
- Does the virgin birth matter? (Why/Why Not?)
- How does the virgin birth benefit you?
I will provide my answer on Tuesday, but hope to hear from a few of you before then. I am sure I can round up some “incredible” prize package for someone that shares some details about their family discussions on these two questions. Have a great weekend.
35. Q. WHAT DOES IT MEAN THAT HE “WAS CONCEIVED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT AND BORN OF THE VIRGIN MARY”?
A. That the eternal Son of God, who is and remains true and eternal God, took to Himself, through the working of the Holy Spirit, from the flesh and blood of the virgin Mary, a truly human nature so that He might become David’s true descendant, like His brothers in every way except for sin.
36. Q. HOW DOES THE HOLY CONCEPTION AND BIRTH OF CHRIST BENEFIT YOU?
A. He is our mediator, and with His innocence and perfect holiness He removes from God’s sight my sin- mine since I was conceived.
We are fourteen weeks into our “Fridays with the Heidelberg”, and I am growing in my appreciation for this document. The Heidelberg has a pretty interesting history, which I will share with you over the coming weeks. It is a great document from the past with a variety of benefits for us presently (Bible Study, Family Worship, Evangelism, etc.). I have mainly promoted it as a tool to provide content for family worship.
With that, let me encourage you to ask your families two questions concerning today’s topic of the virgin birth;
- Does the virgin birth matter? (Why/Why Not?)
- How does the virgin birth benefit you?
I will provide my answer on Tuesday, but hope to hear from a few of you before then. I am sure I can round up some “incredible” prize package for someone that shares some details about their family discussions on these two questions. Have a great weekend.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Fridays with the Heidelberg
Lord’s Day 13
33. Q. WHY IS HE CALLED GOD’S “ONLY SON” WHEN WE ALSO ARE GOD’S CHILDREN?
A. Because Christ alone is the eternal, natural Son of God. We, however, are adopted children of God-adopted by grace through Christ.
34. Q. WHY DO YOU CALL HIM “OUR LORD”?
A. Because-not with gold or silver, but with His precious blood- He has set us free from sin and the tyranny of the devil, and has bought us, body and soul, to be His very own.
So there I was; seated at a table with 3 elementary students whose combined age was probably equivalent to mine. They had questions, and at my age, surely I had answers. Well, it turns out I got the first half of that sentence right. They wanted to know how Jesus was God if He was the Son of God. I began an attempt at answering them, but my attempts were found wanting.
The answers to the Catechism questions today would have been helpful. You see, these young boys were understanding sonship in terms of their own personal experience as sons. There was a time when all three of these inquisitors and I were not sons. There is an exact moment in time where I became a son, both physically and spiritually. It is not this way for our Lord Jesus Christ. As we established in previous weeks, there never was a time when the Father was not a father, nor a time where the Son was not a son.
So, as has been my habit each week, let me point to something that Kevin DeYoung wrote in his helpful book The Good News We Almost Forgot, “for Jesus to be called God’s only Son means that He shares equally in divinity, glory, and honor with the Father.” This was clearly the understanding of the Jews as well as Jesus in John 5:18, “This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.”
He is also our Lord. Q. 34 reminds us of the costly purchase made by the Son. He purchased us with his own blood. 1 Cor. 6:20 reads, “for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” I am not my own. And praise God for that, for left to my own, I am dead in sin and without hope.
Delight in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
33. Q. WHY IS HE CALLED GOD’S “ONLY SON” WHEN WE ALSO ARE GOD’S CHILDREN?
A. Because Christ alone is the eternal, natural Son of God. We, however, are adopted children of God-adopted by grace through Christ.
34. Q. WHY DO YOU CALL HIM “OUR LORD”?
A. Because-not with gold or silver, but with His precious blood- He has set us free from sin and the tyranny of the devil, and has bought us, body and soul, to be His very own.
So there I was; seated at a table with 3 elementary students whose combined age was probably equivalent to mine. They had questions, and at my age, surely I had answers. Well, it turns out I got the first half of that sentence right. They wanted to know how Jesus was God if He was the Son of God. I began an attempt at answering them, but my attempts were found wanting.
The answers to the Catechism questions today would have been helpful. You see, these young boys were understanding sonship in terms of their own personal experience as sons. There was a time when all three of these inquisitors and I were not sons. There is an exact moment in time where I became a son, both physically and spiritually. It is not this way for our Lord Jesus Christ. As we established in previous weeks, there never was a time when the Father was not a father, nor a time where the Son was not a son.
So, as has been my habit each week, let me point to something that Kevin DeYoung wrote in his helpful book The Good News We Almost Forgot, “for Jesus to be called God’s only Son means that He shares equally in divinity, glory, and honor with the Father.” This was clearly the understanding of the Jews as well as Jesus in John 5:18, “This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.”
He is also our Lord. Q. 34 reminds us of the costly purchase made by the Son. He purchased us with his own blood. 1 Cor. 6:20 reads, “for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” I am not my own. And praise God for that, for left to my own, I am dead in sin and without hope.
Delight in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
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