Question 40 - Why was it necessary for Christ to humble Himself even unto death?

Answer - Because of the justice and truth of God¹ satisfaction for our sins could be made in no other way than by the death of the Son of God.²

¹ Gen. 2:17. ² Rom. 8:3; Phil. 2:8; Heb. 2:9, 14, 15.

Question 41 - Why was he buried?

Answer - His burial testified that He had really died.¹

¹ Is. 53:9; John 19:38-42; Acts 13:29; I Cor. 15:3,4.

Question 42 - Since Christ has died for us, why do we still have to die?

Answer - Our death is not a payment for our sins, but it puts an end to sin and is an entrance into eternal life.¹

¹ John 5:24; Phil. 1:21-23; I Thess. 5:9, 10.

Question 43 - What further benefit do we receive from Christ's sacrifice and death on the cross?

Answer - Through Christ's death our old nature is crucified, put to death, and buried with Him,¹ so that the evil desires of the flesh may no longer reign in us,² but that we may offer ourselves to Him as a sacrifice of thankfulness.³

¹ Rom. 6:5-11; Col. 2:11, 12. ² Rom. 6:12-14. ³ Rom. 12:1; Eph. 5:1, 2.

Question 44 - Why is there added: He descended into hell?

Answer - In my greatest sorrows and temptations I may be assured and comforted that my Lord Jesus Christ, by His unspeakable anguish, pain, terror, and agony, which He endured throughout all His sufferings¹ but especially on the cross, has delivered me from the anguish and torment of hell.²

¹ Ps. 18:5, 6; 116:3; Matt. 26:36-46; 27:45, 46; Heb. 5:7-10. ² Is. 53.