7. In order therefore that we might learn,
that whatsoever things Christ endured, for us and for
our salvation This clause is
contained in the Nicene Creed, and in that which was offered to the
Council by Eusebius as the ancient Creed of Cæsarea. It
probably formed part of the Creed of Jerusalem, though it is not found
in the titles of the Lectures, nor specially explained. He suffered
them in reality and not in appearance, and that we also are made
partakers of His sufferings, Paul cried with all exactness of truth,
For if we have been planted together with the likeness of His death,
we shall be also with the likeness of His resurrection. Well
has he said, planted together Ib. vi.
5. Cyril gives
the phrase “planted together” a special application
to those who had been baptized in the same place where Christ had been
buried.. For
since the true Vine was planted in this place, we also by partaking in
the Baptism of death have been planted together with Him.
And fix thy mind with much attention on the words of the Apostle.
He said not, “For if we have been planted together with His
death,” but, with the likeness of His death. For in
Christ’s case there was death in reality, for His soul was really
separated from His body, and real burial, for His holy body was wrapt
in pure linen; and everything happened really to Him; but in your case
there was only a likeness of death and sufferings, whereas of salvation
there was not a likeness but a reality.