The Heidelberg Catechism

LORD'S DAY 15

37. What do you understand by the word "suffered"?

A. That throughout his life on Earth, but especially at the end of it, he bore in body soul the wrath of God against the sin of the whole human race, so that by his suffering, as the only expiatory sacrifice, he might redeem our body and soul from ever lasting damnation, and might obtain for us God's grace, righteousness, and eternal life.

38. Q. Why did he suffer "under Pontius Pilate" as his judge?

A. That he, being innocent, might be condemned by an earthly judge, and thereby set us free from the judgment of God which, in all its severity, ought to fall upon us.

39. Q. Is there something more in his having been crucified than if he had died some other death?

A. Yes, for by this I am sure that he took upon himself the curse which layup on me, because the death of the cross was cursed by God.