The gracious Judge (LD 19, q&a 52)

Introduction One day the Lord Jesus will return with the clouds of heaven. He will take place on his throne and all people, both those who are alive at the time and those who have passed away, will be brought before him. He will judge them, declaring the innocence of some and condemning others to … Continue reading The gracious Judge (LD 19, q&a 52) →

Christ’s work in heaven (LD 18-19, q&a 49-51)

Introduction After completing his ministry on earth, Jesus returned to heaven. He will be there until he comes back for the final stage of history. While we live our lives here on earth, what is Jesus doing? Is he simply enjoying being back with his Father, basking in heavenly glory? No, our Lord Jesus is … Continue reading Christ’s work in heaven (LD 18-19, q&a 49-51) →

He is still with us (LD 18, q&a 46-48)

Introduction When Jesus rose out of the grave, his disciples were excited. They had put all of their hopes on him, and when he had died on the cross they were desperate. His resurrection meant that his work would continue. With a Master who was even more powerful than death itself, what could stop his … Continue reading He is still with us (LD 18, q&a 46-48) →

Christ’s two natures after his resurrection

When he came to earth, the Son of God took upon himself our humanity. We speak of the two natures of Christ: he is both fully God and fully human, two natures perfectly united in one Person. In his glorification, the Son of God did not push away his human nature. The risen Lord appeared … Continue reading Christ’s two natures after his resurrection →

The risen Lord gives life (LD 17, q&a 45)

Introduction A few days after his death and burial, Jesus came out of the grave. The tomb was empty, and angels were around to tell his followers what had happened. “He is not here, for he has risen!” This was an enormous miracle, with far-reaching consequences that Jesus’ disciples only realised gradually. But it became … Continue reading The risen Lord gives life (LD 17, q&a 45) →

Risen or raised?

“Jesus rose from the dead.”“God raised Jesus from the dead.” Which of these statements is the most correct? In the first sentence, the intransitive verb “rise” is used. Jesus is the one acting here: he himself came out of death. But in the second sentence, we have the transitive verb “raise”. God the Father is … Continue reading Risen or raised? →

Jesus went down into hell (LD 16, q&a 44)

Introduction The Apostles’ Creed summarizes Jesus’ path of humiliation in three step: “He suffered, died, and was buried;” then it adds: “he descended into hell.” This statement raises questions. When did this happen? Where exactly did Jesus go? These are not easy questions. The “descent into hell” is the most puzzling article in the Apostle’s … Continue reading Jesus went down into hell (LD 16, q&a 44) →

Biblical words for “hell”

In older Bible versions, the word “hell” occurs more often than in modern versions. The reason is simply that the original text uses different words, with at least two distinct meanings. Sheol (OT Hebrew). The cords of Sheol coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me. (Ps. 18:5) Sheol is the realm of the … Continue reading Biblical words for “hell” →

The death of death

Introduction The last two lessons were about the humiliation of the Son of God. He gave up his heavenly glory and became a man; as the Bible says, he “took the form of a servant” (Phil. 2:7). He suffered, not unintentionally, but deliberately. The way of humiliation went very deep, to being condemned as if … Continue reading The death of death →

Jesus’ burial

In our Western culture, the dead are customarily buried or cremated. It does not surprise us that Jesus’ body was buried. But it was surprising, giving the culture and customs of that time. The Romans did not usually allow crucified criminals to be buried. Crucifixion was meant to be horrific and shameful until the very … Continue reading Jesus’ burial →