Condition of Sin and Suffering of Christ
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
12:08 PM
How can the universal condition of sin with all its consequences be changed by the suffering and crucifixion of the one person of Jesus Christ? 
(COF 132) "The phrase "for our sake..." expresses the link between the incarnation and the death of Jesus and their saving character for humanity."
(COF 133) The creed proclaims the suffering and crucifixion was for our safe... in other words "our sin." This wording of the Nicene Creed ties to the oldest creedal formulae found in scripture (1 Cor 15:3-4) to back up this claim of "for our sake."
But this is not an answer of HOW... yet.
(COF 133-134) Vicarious... in place of another!  This is the answer to how. Using Isaiah 53 as prophetic backdrop, COF links Christ's suffering and crucifixion to SACRIFICIAL LAMB and gives other NT scripture backing.
We could mention that the Nicene Creed misses opportunity to use helpful language like SACRIFICE, LAMB, BLOOD, SINLESS but misses the mark (harmartia reference). Perhaps because they are too focused on an Arian conflict?? COF130)  Nontheless, COF tries to fill in the blanks of the creed.
While we can say the Nicene Creed does not say enough, it definitely says more than the proceeding Apostles Creed. (COF135) The Apostles Creed merely says "for our sake he was crucified under Pontius..." while the Nicean, in an effort to proclaim the humanity of the incarnation, presents "he suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried." These words would be useful against Gnostic challenges that deny a physical Christ. 
The Nicene Creed and COF both miss a chance to proclaim the SINLESS PERFECTION of Christ. It is because of his sinlessness he could be our substitute. COF mentions sin, but never the sinless Christ as our substitute. *Substitute is not anywhere in COF!* However I will point out they say the words "Jesus took the place of the sinner... (COF144)
PERSUASIVE... It is ok. It eventually gets to the answer, but is a little drawn out and could be easily simplified. 
In the words of Kevin Malone...
The 2nd verse of Yes Jesus Loves Me does this...
"Jesus loves me he who died
heaven's gate to open wide.
He will wash away my sin,
let his little child come in." 
What is the relevance of the confession of the suffering and crucifixion of Christ for us in the face of human condition of suffering and death and for the struggles of Christians and others against these realities?
COF153 and onward tackles this challenge. 
-Although the new has come (2 Cor 5:17)... the whole creation, along with the children of God, continues to groan in the birth-pangs of the redemption... (Rom 8:19-23)
Suffering still exists... but one day Christ who suffered will take even that away. Christ's suffering and crucifixion is relevant as the eventual answer.
-(COF153)"There is also suffering which is freely accepted whenever people risk their lives in order to help and save others..."  
Christ and those following Christ are willing to suffer to help others. 
(COF160) Why suffering?  UNJUST POWERS OF THIS WORLD. The Cross of Christ reveals this and is very relevant. Also relevant is the call as Christians to identify and confront these powers.
PERSUASIVE - It is ok. Technically right, but not very inspirational delivered. 
I think this particular question is NOT addressed by the Creed.
I would find it scriptural and inspirational to present Isaiah 53 here...
Our sorrows... he bore them.
Our sickness... he took the stripes for healing.
Our anxiety... he was chasized for our peace.... etc
then bring it home with Col 2:15
And having disarmed the powers and authorities (THE UNJUST ONES THAT CAUSE SUFFERING BOTH SPIRITUAL AND HUMAN), he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. 

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Additional thought on the importance of the work of God inside the incarnation

There are victories that God could only have won in human flesh.
Victory over sin... If God had never been tempted to sin, he could not exhibit mastery over (our) sin. As a man HE was tempted in every way... but without sin. (Heb 4:15)
Romans 8:3 in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh,
Victory over death...  An eternal God can't die... unless he lives a legitimate life as a finite man. ((incarnation)) As a man God exhibits mastery over death.
Romans 6:9 For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him.
There are likely more examples.
If Jesus is not God, then God did not win these victories Himself.
If Jesus is God, then God Himself won these victories for us in a state of human lowliness.

COF is Confessing the One Faith.
Confessing the One Faith: An Ecumenical Explication of the Apostolic Faith as It Is Confessed in the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed (381). Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2010. 