It is impossible fully to express the great consolation which arises from the thought of the cross of Christ to those who are thus earnestly engaged in the crucifixion of the flesh. By his stripes, O Christian, he has sanctified and sweetened stripes of every sort to you. While they fell on his blessed body, they were blessed by him. Who art you, that you should presume to demand a life exempt from the rod in every shape, since you see that the Son of God himself, who came into the world without sin, did not leave it without suffering. Let it suffice you, that through Christ the sting of the curse is extracted from your sorrows, and that “by his stripes you are healed.” If it should be your lot, in common with Apostles, to be beaten with rods for the name of Christ, esteem it a joy and an honor that you are accounted worthy “to fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in your flesh.” The memorials of the ancients and all the historical records of the Church, abound with instances of men and women, boys and girls, who, superior to every feeling of pain, smiling and singing, and transported with celestial joy, presented to astonished spectators, not merely their limbs torn with lashes, but even their bones made bare by stripes, and the innermost recesses of their bowels exposed. To what was this owing? The reason is, that, animated by the stripes and cheered by the Spirit of Christ, they felt nothing unpleasant in their sufferings, but on the contrary experienced that the severest strokes were no sooner inflicted by the executioner than cured by the wounds of their Saviour.
Herman Witsius, Sacred Dissertations, on What Is Commonly Called the Apostles’ Creed, trans. Donald Fraser, vol. 2 (Khull, Blackie & Co., 1823), 108–09. NB: Translation modernized.
RESOURCES
- The Devil’s Mousetrap: A Good Friday Meditation
- The Three Marys: A Good Friday Meditation
- Subscribe to The Heidelblog!
- Download the HeidelApp on Apple App Store or Google Play
- Browse the Heidelshop!
- The Heidelblog Resource Page
- Heidelmedia Resources
- The Ecumenical Creeds
- The Reformed Confessions
- The Heidelberg Catechism
- The Heidelberg Catechism: A Historical, Theological, & Pastoral Commentary (Lexham Press, 2025)
- Recovering the Reformed Confession (Phillipsburg: P&R Publishing, 2008)
- Why I Am A Christian
- What Must A Christian Believe?
- Heidelblog Contributors
- Support Heidelmedia: use the donate button or send a check to
Heidelberg Reformation Association
1637 E. Valley Parkway #391
Escondido CA 92027
USA
The HRA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
Heidelblog
The Heidelblog has been in publication since 2007. It is devoted to recovering the Reformed confession and to helping others discover Reformed theology, piety, and practice.
More by Heidelblog ›