Question 16. Why must he be very man, and also perfectly righteous?
Answer. Because the justice of God requires that the same human nature which hath sinned, should [a] likewise make satisfaction for sin; and one, who is himself a sinner, [b] cannot satisfy for others.
Question 17. Why must he in one person be also very God?
Answer. That he might, by the power of his Godhead [c] sustain in his human nature, the burden of God's wrath; and might [d] obtain for, and restore to us, righteousness and life.
Question 18. Who then is that Mediator, who is in one person both very God, and a real righteous man?
Answer. Our Lord Jesus Christ: [e] "who of God is made unto [f] us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption."
Question 19. Whence knowest thou this?
Answer. From the holy gospel, which God himself first revealed in Paradise; [g] and afterwards published by the patriarchs [h] and prophets, and represented by the sacrifices [i] and other ceremonies of the law; and lastly, has fulfilled it [j] by his only begotten Son.
[a]: Rom. 5:12,15
[b]: 1Pet 3:18; Isa. 53:11
[c]: 1 Pet. 3:18; Acts 2:24; Isa. 53:8
[d]: 1John 1:2; Jer. 23:6; 2Tim. 1:10; John 6:51
[e]: Mat. 1:23; 1Tim. 3:16; Luke 2:11
[f]: 1Cor 1:30
[g]: Gen. 3:15
[h]: Gen. 22:17,18; Gen. 28:14; Rom. 1:2; Heb. 1:1; John 5:46
[i]: Heb. 10:7,8
[j]: Rom. 10:4; Heb. 13:8
|
