Chapter XCV.—Christ took upon Himself the curse due to us.
“For the whole human race will be found to be under a curse. For it is written in the law
of Moses, ‘Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things that are written in the book
of the law to do them.’551 And no one has accurately done all, nor will you venture to deny
this; but some more and some less than others have observed the ordinances enjoined. But
if those who are under this law appear to be under a curse for not having observed all the
requirements, how much more shall all the nations appear to be under a curse who practise
idolatry, who seduce youths, and commit other crimes? If, then, the Father of all wished
His Christ for the whole human family to take upon Him the curses of all, knowing that,
after He had been crucified and was dead, He would raise Him up, why do you argue about
Him, who submitted to suffer these things according to the Father’s will, as if He were ac-
cursed, and do not rather bewail yourselves? For although His Father caused Him to suffer
these things in behalf of the human family, yet you did not commit the deed as in obedience
to the will of God. For you did not practise piety when you slew the prophets. And let none
of you say: If His Father wished Him to suffer this, in order that by His stripes the human
race might be healed, we have done no wrong. If, indeed, you repent of your sins, and recog-
nise Him to be Christ, and observe His commandments, then you may assert this; for, as I
have said before, remission of sins shall be yours. But if you curse Him and them that believe
on Him, and, when you have the power, put them to death, how is it possible that requisition
shall not be made of you, as of unrighteous and sinful men, altogether hard-hearted and
without understanding, because you laid your hands on Him?
551 Deut. xxvii. 26.
Chapter XCV.—Christ took upon Himself the curse due to us.
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Chapter XCV.—Christ took upon Himself the curse due to us.