Exposition

We have thus far spoken of the humiliation of Christ which reached its last point in the article of his descent into hell. We must now speak of his glorification, which began with his resurrection from the dead on the third day. The humiliation of the mediator was not to continue forever. It was sufficient that he should once suffer and die. But the efficacy and power of Christ, in preserving the blessings which flow from his humiliation, will endure forever.

There are two things which particularly claim our attention in treating upon the article of the resurrection of Christ its history and benefits. In considering the history of the resurrection of Christ it becomes us to enquire, 1. Who was it that rose from the dead? It was Christ, the God-man who rose in the same body in which he died. This the Word never laid aside. 2. In what manner did he rise? He, who was truly dead, revived, recalling his soul to his body, and came forth gloriously from the sepulchre in which his body was laid on the third day, according to the Scriptures; and that by his Father's, as well as by his own peculiar strength and power, we mean, the power not of his humanity, but of his Divinity. For he was raised by the Father through himself; inasmuch as the Father works through the Son. 3. What are the evidences of his resurrection? The evidences of the resurrection of Christ are such as these: that he showed himself openly to many women and disciples; that the angel testified to it, &c. The benefits of the resurrection of Christ are enumerated in the Question of the Catechism now under consideration, which we must explain more fully; and in doing this, the following questions claim our particular attention:

I. Did Christ rise from the dead?

II. How did he rise?

III. For what purpose did he rise?

IV. What are the benefits, or fruits of his resurrection?


I. Did Christ rise from the dead?

Infidels believe that Christ died, but do not believe that he rose from the dead. That Christ, however, did rise from the dead is proven by the testimony of angels, women, evangelists, apostles, and other saints, who saw him, felt him, and conversed with him after his resurrection. And even if the Apostles had not seen Christ after his resurrection, we ought still to believe them on account of their divine authority.