gen-discern-and-explain-with-scripture-where-relevant-wsc-q27-1-55eb

Discern and explain, with Scripture where relevant: WSC Q27 ↔ 1 Corinthians

# WSC Q27 and 1 Corinthians: Connection and Explanation ## Westminster Shorter Catechism Q27 **Q. Wherein did Christ's humiliation consist?** **A. Christ's humiliation consisted in his being born, and that in a low condition, made under the law, undergoing the miseries of this life, the wrath of God, and the cursed death of the cross; in being buried, and continuing under the power of death for a time.** ## Key Connections to 1 Corinthians ### 1. **The Foolishness of the Cross** (1 Cor 1:18-25) The catechism's focus on Christ's "cursed death of the cross" directly parallels Paul's teaching: - **1 Cor 1:23** - "but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles" - The supreme humiliation of crucifixion was seen as shameful and weak, yet Paul makes it central to the gospel - This "weakness of God is stronger than men" (1:25) ### 2. **Christ Made Sin For Us** (1 Cor 5:21; cf. 2 Cor 5:21) The catechism mentions Christ "undergoing...the wrath of God": - Though the clearer statement is in 2 Corinthians, 1 Corinthians establishes Christ as our Passover sacrifice (5:7) - This sacrificial imagery assumes Christ bearing our penalty ### 3. **Christ's Burial and Resurrection** (1 Cor 15:3-4) The catechism explicitly mentions burial and remaining "under the power of death for a time": - **1 Cor 15:3-4** - "that he died for our sins...that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day" - Paul emphasizes the reality of Christ's death and burial as essential gospel truth - The "third day" timing matches the catechism's "for a time" ### 4. **The Last Adam's Humiliation** (1 Cor 15:45-49) Christ as the "last Adam" implies taking on: - Full humanity with its weaknesses - The consequences of the first Adam's sin - A mortal, lowly existence before resurrection glory ### 5. **Christ Under the Law** (1 Cor 9:20-21; Gal 4:4) Though Galatians 4:4 states it more directly ("born under the law"), Paul's discussion in 1 Corinthians assumes: - Christ's complete identification with humanity - His submission to God's will in all things - His fulfillment of law's demands ## Theological Significance The connection shows that: 1. **Christ's humiliation was necessary** - Not accidental but central to redemption 2. **The cross is the focal point** - The ultimate expression of humiliation becomes our boast 3. **Historical reality matters** - Paul insists on the actual death, burial, and resurrection 4. **Divine wisdom subverts human wisdom** - God saves through what appears weak and shameful ## Summary 1 Corinthians, especially chapters 1-2 and 15, provides crucial scriptural foundation for WSC Q27's doctrine of Christ's humiliation. Paul emphasizes that the cross—the epitome of shame and weakness—is actually God's power and wisdom for salvation, and that Christ's real death and burial (followed by resurrection) are non-negotiable elements of the gospel.