Lord’s Day 16
Q43. What other benefit do we get from Christ's sacrifice and death on the cross?
Through Christ's death, our old sinful selves are put to death and buried with him, so that sinful desires no longer control us. Instead, we can offer our lives to him as a thankful gift.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Romans 6:5–11
Colossians 2:11–12
“In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.”
Romans 6:12–14
Romans 12:1
2 Corinthians 5:15
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
What does the catechism say happens to our "old sinful selves" through Christ's death?
- 2
What does it mean that sinful desires no longer control us?
- 3
How can you offer your life to God as a thankful gift today?
Illustration
When a puppet's strings are cut, the puppet master can no longer make it move. Through Christ's death, the strings that sin used to pull on us have been cut. Sin still tempts, but it no longer has the final word over those who belong to Christ.
Application
Pick one area where you know sin pulls at you. Ask God to help you say no to it this week, not to earn his love, but because Christ already freed you from its control.