The Heidelberg Catechism’s Lord’s Day 16, Questions 40–44, unveils the necessity and profound benefits of Christ’s death, offering believers unshakable assurance. From satisfying God’s justice to delivering us from hell’s torment, Christ’s sacrifice transforms our lives and eternal destiny. These truths, rooted in Scripture, call us to rest in His finished work.

Question 40: Why was it necessary for Christ to humble Himself even unto death? The catechism answers: “Because of the justice and truth of God, satisfaction for our sins could be made in no other way than by the death of the Son of God.” God’s holiness demands payment for sin (Romans 6:23, ESV). Only Christ, the sinless Son, could atone for humanity’s guilt. John Calvin, in his Institutes (1559 AD), explains that Christ’s death was the “only sacrifice” capable of reconciling us to God, satisfying divine justice. This assures believers their sins are fully forgiven, granting peace in worship and prayer.

Question 41: Why was He buried? The catechism states: “His burial testified that He had really died.” Christ’s burial in Joseph’s tomb (Matthew 27:59–60, ESV) confirms His death’s reality, fulfilling Isaiah 53:9. Calvin, in his Commentary on Matthew (1555 AD), notes that burial silences doubts, grounding our faith in a historical Savior. For Christians, this strengthens confidence in Christ’s completed sacrifice, celebrated in the Lord’s Supper, where we proclaim His death (1 Corinthians 11:26, ESV).

Question 42: Since Christ has died for us, why do we still have to die? The catechism clarifies: “Our death is not a payment for our sins, but it puts an end to sin and is an entrance into eternal life.” Christ’s death alone atones; our death, as Philippians 1:21 (ESV) suggests, is “gain,” ushering us into glory. Augustine, in City of God (426 AD), calls this a “blessed departure” for believers, free from sin’s curse. This hope encourages Christians to face mortality with courage, trusting Christ’s victory.

Question 43: What further benefit do we receive from Christ’s sacrifice and death on the cross? The catechism answers: “Through Christ’s death our old nature is crucified, put to death, and buried with Him, so that the evil desires of the flesh may no longer reign in us, but that we may offer ourselves to Him as a sacrifice of thankfulness.” Romans 6:6 (ESV) affirms our “old self was crucified” with Christ, weakening sin’s power. Calvin emphasizes this sanctifying benefit, urging believers to live gratefully through service and holiness. In daily life, this means resisting temptation and loving others, reflecting Christ’s sacrifice.

Question 44: Why is there added: He descended into hell? The catechism assures: “To assure me during my fiercest temptations that Christ my Lord, by suffering unspeakable anguish, pain, and terror of soul, on the cross but also earlier, has delivered me from the anguish and torment of hell.” Christ’s cry, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46, ESV), reveals His endurance of God’s wrath. Calvin, in his Institutes, calls this Christ’s “descent” into spiritual torment, securing our deliverance. This comforts believers in trials, knowing Christ has borne hell’s anguish for them.

Reflection: These benefits shape Christian living. In the Lord’s Supper, we taste Christ’s atoning death, receiving forgiveness and strength. His sacrifice frees us to live thankfully, serve the church, and face trials with hope, assured of eternal life. Lord’s Day 16 proclaims Christ’s death as our assurance, calling us to trust His finished work and walk in gratitude.

Citations:

John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, trans. Henry Beveridge (1559; repr., Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1989), Book II, Chapter 16, Section 13 (on Christ’s death); Book II, Chapter 16, Section 6 (on descent into hell).
John Calvin, Commentary on a Harmony of the Evangelists, Matthew, Mark, and Luke, trans. William Pringle (1555; repr., Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2003), commentary on Matthew 27:59–60.
Augustine, City of God, trans. Henry Bettenson (426; repr., London: Penguin Classics, 2003), Book XIII, Chapter 6.