Q37: What do you confess when you say that he suffered?

During all the time he lived on earth,

but especially at the end, Christ bore in body and soul the wrath of God against the sin of the whole human race.1

Thus, by his suffering,

as the only atoning sacrifice,2 he has redeemed our body and soul from everlasting damnation,3 and obtained for us the grace of God, righteousness, and eternal life.4

Q38: Why did he sufferunder Pontius Pilate as judge?

Though innocent, Christ was condemned

by an earthly judge,1

and so he freed us

from the severe judgment of God

that was to fall on us.2

Q39: Does it have a special meaning that Christ was crucified and did not die in a different way?

Yes.

Thereby I am assured

that he took upon himself

the curse which lay on me,

for a crucified one

was cursed by God.1