Westminster Larger Catechism Q&A 50
Q. 50. Wherein consisted Christ’s humiliation after his death?
A. Christ’s humiliation after his death consisted in his being buried, and continuing in the state of the dead, and under the power of death till the third day; which hath been otherwise expressed in these words, He descended into hell.
Devotional
Title: The Depths of Christ’s Humiliation
Scripture Reading: Acts 2:31 (ESV)
“He foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption.”
The humiliation of Jesus Christ did not end with His last breath on the cross. It continued as He was buried and remained in the state of the dead for three days. This period is crucial in understanding the completeness of His sacrifice and the depth of His humility.
Being Buried
The burial of Jesus Christ is an essential aspect of His humiliation. Burial signifies the finality of death. When Jesus’ body was laid in the tomb, it demonstrated that He truly died. Isaiah 53:9 prophesied, “And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death,” highlighting that His burial was part of God’s redemptive plan. Jesus’ burial confirms the reality of His death, a necessary step before His victorious resurrection.
State of the Dead
After His death, Jesus continued in the state of the dead. His human soul was separated from His body, experiencing the full reality of death. This aspect of His humiliation underscores the extent to which He identified with humanity. He did not merely appear to die; He truly experienced death in its entirety. This profound identification with our condition provides us with deep comfort and assurance that He understands our mortal plight.
Under the Power of Death
Jesus remained under the power of death until the third day. This period symbolizes His complete submission to the penalty of sin, which is death. Romans 6:23 reminds us, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” By enduring the power of death, Jesus fully paid the wages of our sin.
Descended into Hell
The phrase “He descended into hell” has been understood in various ways throughout church history. It captures the essence of Christ’s suffering under the wrath of God and His experiencing the fullness of death’s curse. Ephesians 4:9 states, “In saying, ‘He ascended,’ what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth?” This descent signifies Jesus’ complete identification with our condition and His victory over the powers of darkness.
Victory Through Humiliation
While Christ’s humiliation after His death reached its deepest point, it also set the stage for His greatest victory. On the third day, He rose from the dead, triumphing over sin, death, and hell. His resurrection confirms that He was not abandoned to Hades, nor did His body see corruption (Acts 2:31). This victory assures us that His humiliation was not in vain but achieved the redemption of His people.
Application: Hope and Assurance
Reflecting on Christ’s continued humiliation after His death fills us with hope and assurance. We can trust that He fully understands our human experience, including the reality of death. His victory over death assures us of our future resurrection and eternal life with Him.
Consider These Questions:
- How does Christ’s experience of death and burial impact your understanding of His sacrifice? Reflect on the completeness of His humility and what it means for your salvation.
- What hope do you find in knowing that Jesus experienced the full reality of death? Consider how this truth provides comfort and assurance in times of loss and grief.
- How can you live in the hope of Christ’s victory over death in your daily life? Let the reality of His resurrection influence your attitudes, actions, and perspective on life’s challenges.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, we stand in awe of the depth of Your humility and the completeness of Your sacrifice. Thank You for enduring death and remaining under its power for our sake. Help us to live in the hope and assurance of Your victory over death. Strengthen our faith and fill us with the joy of Your resurrection. May we live each day in light of Your triumphant victory, proclaiming Your glory and love. In Your powerful name, we pray. Amen.
May this devotional deepen your understanding of Christ’s continued humiliation after His death and inspire you to live in the hope of His resurrection victory.
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