Question. Why does the Creed leave out the story of Christ’s life and move straight from His birth to His death?
Answer. Because the Creed only includes the main points of our salvation—those things that most directly relate to it and contain its essential meaning.
Scripture Reference: Isa. 53; Acts 13:23, 27
Question. Explain the events of Christ’s death more clearly.
Answer. He was cruelly betrayed by Judas, one of his own disciples, who was bribed with money to do it. All his disciples abandoned him, and Peter denied him and even swore that he did not know him. He was falsely and maliciously accused by the Jewish leaders and condemned by Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. He was struck, beaten, whipped, crowned with thorns, dressed in a purple robe, and treated with great cruelty and mockery. Finally, with his cross laid on his shoulders, he was led out of the city to a place called Calvary. There, he was brutally nailed to the cross between two thieves. While hanging there, he suffered extreme physical pain and a shameful death, along with deep anguish of mind that was even greater than his bodily suffering.
Scripture Reference: Matt. 26:14-15 and ch. 27; Mark 14:45 and ch. 15; Luke 22:47 and ch. 23; John 18-19
Question. Did Christ suffer all this willingly or unwillingly?
Answer. Although this extremely cruel and shameful death was terrifying to his human nature, he still submitted his will to his Father’s will, who had appointed it for him. In this way, he endured all the insults, suffering, and painful death willingly—obedient to his Father and patiently praying for those who crucified him.
Scripture Reference: Matt. 26:37-39, 41-42, 53, and 20:28; Mark 10:45; John 10:11, 15, 17, 18; Phil. 2:8; Luke 23:34