For on this account the Lord endured to give his flesh unto corruption, that we might be sanctified by the remission of sins, which is by the sprinkling of his blood.
For there are written concerning him certain things that pertain unto Israel, and certain other that pertain unto us. For he speaketh thus, He was wounded for our iniquities, and vexed for our sins; by his stripes we are healed. He was led as a sheep unto the slaughter, and like a dumb lamb before him that sheareth it.
We ought, therefore, to give especial thanks unto the Lord because he hath made known unto us the things that are past, and hath made us wise with regard to those that are at hand, neither are we without understanding as regards the future.
For the scripture saith, Not unjustly is the net stretched for the birds. Now this meaneth that a man will perish justly who, having a knowledge of the path of righteousness, shutteth himself up into the way of darkness.
Consider this too, my brethren; if the Lord endured to suffer for our souls, though he were the Lord of the whole world, to whom God said from the foundation of the world, Let us make man according to our image and according to our likeness, how then did he endure to suffer at the hands of men? Learn ye!
The prophets having received the grace from him prophesied with regard to him. But he, that he might make death of none effect and bring to light the resurrection from the dead, because it behoved him to be made manifest in the flesh,
endured it, that he might give unto our fathers the promise, and by preparing for himself a new people, might show while upon earth, that he will raise the dead and himself execute judgment.
Yea, further; though he taught Israel and did so many signs and wonders among them, yet they loved him not.
But when he chose out his own apostles, who were about to preach his Gospel, they were men unrighteous beyond all sin, that he might show that he came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance. Then made he himself manifest that he was the Son of God.
For if he had not come in the flesh how could men have looked upon him and have been saved, since they cannot endure to look at the rays of the sun which must one day perish, and which is the work of his hands?
For this purpose did the Son of God come in the flesh, that he might sum up and finish the sin of them who persecuted his prophets unto death;
therefore he endured even unto this. For God saith that the smiting of his flesh it was from them. When they shall smite their shepherd, then shall the sheep of the flock be scattered.
But he himself wished thus to suffer, for it was necessary that he should suffer upon the cross; for he who prophesieth about him saith, Spare my soul from the sword, and drive nails into my flesh, for the synagogues of evil men have risen against me.
And again he saith, Behold, I have given my back unto the scourging and my cheeks unto buffetings; my face also have I set as a hard rock.