Study Reformed

8.1. Of Christ the Mediator

It pleased God, in his eternal purpose, to choose and ordain the Lord Jesus his only begotten Son, according to a covenant made between them both, to be the Mediator between God and man; the Prophet, Priest, and King, the Head and Saviour of his Church, the Heir of all things and Judge of the world; unto whom he did from all eternity give a people to be his seed, and to be by him in time redeemed, called, justified, sanctified, and glorified.

Proof texts

Isa. 42:1 — [1] Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.
1 Pet. 1:19, 20 — [19] but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. [20] He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you
John 3:16 — [16] “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
1 Tim. 2:5 — [5] For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
Acts 3:22 — [22] Moses said, ‘The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you.
Heb. 5:5, 6 — [5] So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”; [6] as he says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.”
Ps. 2:6 — [6] “As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.”
Luke 1:33 — [33] and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
Eph. 5:23 — [23] For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior.
Heb. 1:2 — [2] but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.
Acts 17:31 — [31] because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”
John 17:6 — [6] “I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word.
Ps. 22:30, Isa. 53:10 — [30] Posterity shall serve him; it shall be told of the Lord to the coming generation;
1 Tim. 2:6 — [6] who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.
Isa. 55:4, 5 — [4] Behold, I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples. [5] Behold, you shall call a nation that you do not know, and a nation that did not know you shall run to you, because of the LORD your God, and of the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you.
1 Cor. 1:30 — [30] And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption,

For discussion

The Assembly cited Isa. 42:1 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
16 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WCF 8.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WCF 8.1

8.2. Of Christ the Mediator

The Son of God, the second Person in the Trinity, being very and eternal God, of one substance and equal with the Father, did, when the fulness of time was come, take upon him man's nature, with all the essential properties and common infirmities thereof, yet without sin, being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost, in the womb of the virgin Mary, of her substance: So that two whole perfect and distinct natures, the Godhead and the manhood, were inseparably joined together in one Person, without conversion, composition, or confusion; which Person is very God and very man, yet one Christ, the only Mediator between God and man.

Proof texts

John 1:1, 14 — [1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [14] And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
1 John 5:20 — [20] And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.
Phil. 2:6 — [6] who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,
Gal. 4:4 — [4] But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law,
Heb. 2:14, 16, 17 — [14] Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, [16] For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. [17] Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.
Heb. 4:15 — [15] For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Luke 1:27, 31, 35 — [27] to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. [31] And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. [35] And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy — the Son of God.
Gal. 4:4 — [4] But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law,
Luke 1:35 — [35] And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy — the Son of God.
Col. 2:9 — [9] For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily,
Rom. 9:5 — [5] To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.
1 Pet. 3:18 — [18] For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,
1 Tim. 3:16 — [16] Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.
Rom. 1:3, 4 — [3] concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh [4] and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord,
1 Tim. 2:5 — [5] For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

For discussion

The Assembly cited John 1:1, 14 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
15 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WCF 8.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
1689 8.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WCF 8.1 · 1689 8.1

8.3. Of Christ the Mediator

The Lord Jesus in his human nature, thus united to the divine in the Person of the Son, was sanctified and anointed with the Holy Spirit above measure, having in him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, in whom it pleased the Father that all fulness should dwell; to the end that being holy, harmless, undefiled, and full of grace and truth, he might be thoroughly furnished to execute the office of a Mediator and Surety; which office he took not unto himself, but was thereunto called by his Father, who also put all power and judgment into his hand, and gave him commandment to execute the same.

Proof texts

Ps. 45:7 — [7] you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions;
John 3:34 — [34] For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure.
Col. 2:3 — [3] in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Col. 1:19 — [19] For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,
Heb. 7:26 — [26] For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.
John 1:14 — [14] And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Acts 10:38 — [38] how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.
Heb. 12:24 — [24] and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
Heb. 7:22 — [22] This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant.
Heb. 5:4, 5 — [4] And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was. [5] So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”;
John 5:22, 27 — [22] For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, [27] And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man.
Matt. 28:18 — [18] And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Acts 2:36 — [36] Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

For discussion

The Assembly cited Ps. 45:7 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
13 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WCF 8.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
1689 8.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WCF 8.1 · 1689 8.1

8.4. Of Christ the Mediator

This office the Lord Jesus did most willingly undertake; which that he might discharge, he was made under the law, and did perfectly fulfil it, and underwent the punishment due to us, which we should have borne and suffered, being made sin and a curse for us, enduring most grievous torments immediately from God in his soul, and most painful sufferings in his body, was crucified, and died; was buried, and remained under the power of death, yet saw no corruption. On the third day he arose from the dead with the same body in which he suffered, with which also he ascended into heaven, and there sitteth at the right hand of his Father, making intercession; and shall return to judge men and angels at the end of the world.

Proof texts

Ps. 40:7, 8 with Heb. 10:5–10
John 10:18 — [18] No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”
Phil. 2:8 — [8] And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Gal. 4:4 — [4] But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law,
Matt. 3:15 — [15] But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented.
Matt. 5:17 — [17] “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.
Matt. 26:37, 38 — [37] And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. [38] Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.”
Luke 22:44 — [44] And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
Matt. 27:46 — [46] And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
Phil. 2:8 — [8] And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Acts. 2:23, 24, 27 — [23] this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. [24] God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. [27] For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One see corruption.
Acts 13:37 — [37] but he whom God raised up did not see corruption.
Rom. 6:9 — [9] We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him.
1 Cor. 15:3, 4 — [3] For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, [4] that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,
John 20:25, 27 — [25] So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” [27] Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.”
Mark 16:19 — [19] So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.
Rom. 8:34 — [34] Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died — more than that, who was raised — who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.
Heb. 9:24 — [24] For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf.
Heb. 7:25 — [25] Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
Rom. 14:9, 10 — [9] For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. [10] Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God;
Acts 1:11 — [11] and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
Acts 10:42 — [42] And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead.
Matt. 13:40, 41, 42 — [40] Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. [41] The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, [42] and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Jude 6 — [6] And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day —
2 Pet. 2:4 — [4] For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment;

For discussion

The Assembly cited Ps. 40:7, 8 with Heb. 10:5–10 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
25 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WCF 8.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
1689 8.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WCF 8.1 · 1689 8.1

8.5. Of Christ the Mediator

The Lord Jesus by his perfect obedience and sacrifice of himself, which he through the eternal Spirit, once offered up unto God, hath fully satisfied the justice of God, and purchased not only reconciliation, but an everlasting inheritance in the kingdom of heaven, for all those whom the Father hath given unto him.

Proof texts

Rom. 5:19 — [19] For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous.
Heb. 9:14, 16 — [14] how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. [16] For where a will is involved, the death of the one who made it must be established.
Heb. 10:14 — [14] For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.
Eph. 5:2 — [2] And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Rom. 3:25, 26 — [25] whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. [26] It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
Dan. 9:24, 26 — [24] “Seventy weeks are decreed about your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to put an end to sin, and to atone for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal both vision and prophet, and to anoint a most holy place. [26] And after the sixty-two weeks, an anointed one shall be cut off and shall have nothing. And the people of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. Its end shall come with a flood, and to the end there shall be war. Desolations are decreed.
Col. 1:19, 20 — [19] For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, [20] and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
Eph. 1:11, 14 — [11] In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, [14] who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
John 17:2 — [2] since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him.
Heb. 9:12, 15 — [12] he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. [15] Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.

For discussion

The Assembly cited Rom. 5:19 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
10 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WCF 8.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
1689 8.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WCF 8.1 · 1689 8.1

8.6. Of Christ the Mediator

Although the work of redemption was not actually wrought by Christ, till after his incarnation; yet the virtue, efficacy and benefits thereof were communicated to the elect in all ages, successively from the beginning of the world, in and by those promises, types and sacrifices wherein he was revealed and signified to be the Seed of the woman, which should bruise the serpent's head, and the Lamb slain from the beginning of the world, being yesterday and today the same, and for ever.

Proof texts

Gal. 4:4, 5 — [4] But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, [5] to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.
Gen. 3:15 — [15] I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”
Rev. 13:8 — [8] and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain.
Heb. 13:8 — [8] Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

For discussion

The Assembly cited Gal. 4:4, 5 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
4 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WCF 8.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
1689 8.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WCF 8.1 · 1689 8.1

8.7. Of Christ the Mediator

Christ in the work of mediation acteth according to both natures; by each nature doing that which is proper to itself; yet by reason of the unity of the Person, that which is proper to one nature, is sometimes in Scripture attributed to the Person denominated by the other nature.

Proof texts

Heb. 9:14 — [14] how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.
1 Pet. 3:18 — [18] For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,
Acts 20:28 — [28] Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.
John 3:13 — [13] No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.
1 John 3:16 — [16] By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.

For discussion

The Assembly cited Heb. 9:14 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
5 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WCF 8.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
1689 8.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WCF 8.1 · 1689 8.1

8.8. Of Christ the Mediator

To all those for whom Christ hath purchased redemption, he doth certainly and effectually apply and communicate the same; making intercession for them; and revealing unto them in and by the Word, the mysteries of salvation; effectually persuading them by his Spirit to believe and obey, and governing their hearts by his Word and Spirit; overcoming all their enemies by his almighty power and wisdom, and in such manner and ways as are most consonant to his most wonderful and unsearchable dispensation.

Proof texts

John 6:37, 39 — [37] All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. [39] And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day.
John 10:15, 16 — [15] just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. [16] And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.
1 John 2:1, 2 — [1] My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. [2] He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.
Rom. 8:34 — [34] Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died — more than that, who was raised — who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.
John 15:13, 15 — [13] Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. [15] No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.
Eph. 1:7, 8, 9 — [7] In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, [8] which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight [9] making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ
John 17:6 — [6] “I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word.
John 14:26 — [26] But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
Heb. 12:2 — [2] looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
2 Cor. 4:13 — [13] Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak,
Rom. 8:9, 14 — [9] You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. [14] For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
Rom. 15:18, 19 — [18] For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience — by word and deed, [19] by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God — so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ;
John 17:17 — [17] Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.
Ps. 110:1 — [1] The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.”
1 Cor. 15:25, 26 — [25] For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. [26] The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
Mal. 4:2, 3 — [2] But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. [3] And you shall tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet, on the day when I act, says the LORD of hosts.
Col. 2:15 — [15] He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

For discussion

The Assembly cited John 6:37, 39 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
17 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WCF 8.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
1689 8.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WCF 8.1 · 1689 8.1