While we are on the subject of Hemmingsen, his final summary in response in the Enchiridion theologicum (Classis III, caput III on the Apostles’ Creed) to the question Sed quid commodi nobis ex Chrsiti resurrectione accedit? (“But what advantage accrues to us from Christ’s resurrection?”) is a wonderful statement of the power and significance of the resurrection for time past, present, and future. He begins with justification (Rom. 4.25), but goes on to show how the “influence” of the resurrection is not limited to that locus, but rather remains fundamental for the rest of the Christian life as well.
Text and Translation
Primum est donum quo iustificamur, 2. est virtus, quae in nos credentes transfunditur, ut possimus a viciis resurgere, 3. exemplum est et symbolum novitatis vitae, 4. est causa nostrae resurrectionis, eiusdemque pignus.
First, it is the gift by which which are justified. Second, it is the power that is transfused into us who believe, in order that we may be able to rise again from our faults. Third, it is the example and symbol of newness of life. Fourth, it is the cause of our own resurrection, and the pledge of the same.1
