OC | Question 36-38

36. What do you understand by the word “suffered”?

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.110 This he did in order that, by his suffering as the only atoning sacrifice,111 he might set us free, body and soul, from eternal condemnation,112 and gain for us God’s grace, righteousness, and eternal life.113

^ 110. Isa. 53; 1 Pet. 2:24; 3:18
^ 111. Rom. 3:25; Heb. 10:14; 1 John 2:2; 4:10
^ 112. Rom. 8:1-4; Gal. 3:13
^ 113. John 3:16; Rom. 3:24-26

37. Why did he suffer “under Pontius Pilate” as judge?

So that he, though innocent, might be condemned by a civil judge,114 and so free us from the severe judgment of God that was to fall on us.115

^ 114. Luke 23:13-24; John 19:4, 12-16
^ 115. Isa. 53:4-5; 2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 3:13

38. Is it significant that he was “crucified” instead of dying some other way?

Yes. This death convinces me that he shouldered the curse which lay on me, since death by crucifixion was accursed by God.116

^ 116. Gal. 3:10-13; Deut. 21:23