10. Was it necessary for a perfect satisfaction that Christ should suffer such indescribable torments?
No; for even the least suffering of a God-Man would in itself have been satisfactory, because each of His works is of infinite value.
11. Why, then, would He suffer so much?
In order that we might better realize the greatness of His love, and of the punishment which sin deserves; and also that we might bear our cross the more patiently,
12. From what has Christ redeemed us by his sufferings and death?
He has redeemed us, 1. From sin; and 2. From eternal damnation, which we have deserved by sin.
1. 'He hath loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood' (Apoc. i. 5). 2. 'God hath not appointed us unto wrath [damnation], but unto the purchasing of salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us' (1 Thess. v. 9, 10).
13. What more has Christ gained for us through His sufferings and death?
He has, 1. Reconciled us with God; 2. Reopened Heaven to us; and 3. Merited abundant graces for us, in order to enable us to lead a holy life and to obtain eternal happiness.
1. 'When we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son' (Rom. v. 10). 2. 'Having therefore, brethren, a confidence in the entering into the Holies [Heaven] by the blood of Christ; a new and living way which He hath dedicated for us through the veil, that is to say, His flesh' (Hebr. X. 19, 20). 3. 'God hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places [things] in Christ, . . . according to the riches of His grace, which hath superabounded in us' (Eph, i. 3, 7, 8; comp. Rom. v. 15-21).
14. Has Christ merited grace and eternal salvation for those only who are really saved?
No; He has merited it for all men without exception, as He died also for all without exception (2 Cor. v. 14, 15).
'Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a redemption for all' (1 Tim. ii. 6).
