Lord’s Day 16
Q42. Since Christ died for us, why do we still have to die?
Our death does not pay for our sins. Instead, it puts an end to our sinning and is the doorway into eternal life.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
John 5:24
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”
Philippians 1:21–23
“For to me to live Christ, and to die gain. But if I live in the flesh, this the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:”
Romans 7:24–25
“O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.”
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
If Jesus died for us, why do Christians still die?
- 2
What does the catechism say death is for a Christian?
- 3
Does it change how you think about death to call it a "doorway into eternal life"?
Illustration
A door closes one room and opens into another. For a Christian, death closes the door on sin and struggle and opens the door into life with God forever. Death is not the end of the story. It is the last page before a better chapter begins.
Application
If you have lost someone you love, or if death frightens you, talk to God honestly about it. Ask him to remind you that because Jesus died and rose, death has become a doorway, not a dead end.