Catechism Question 19
If according to God’s righteous judgment we deserve punishment both in this world and for eternity in hell, how then can we escape this punishment and return to God’s favor?
God’s holy justice must be satisfied and paid in full, either by ourselves or by another.
Focus and Purpose of this Question
In this question, we are beginning the section of how God has delivered us through the Person and work of Christ. Because God is a holy God, He can not and will not simply overlook sin. It must be paid for in full, or God would be unholy and unjust.
As with the previous question, note that God’s way of salvation is related to His character. Redemption is not based on one aspect of God’s character – but all of His character. Because God is holy, redemption must include payment for sin.
This question shows us that our deliverance from sin was costly. The cost will be developed in the coming questions. Here, we simply note that the debt of sin must be paid, either by the sinner or by another who bears the penalty in their place.
Additional Questions:
If God is just and holy, how can we escape God’s wrath?
If God is just and holy, can He simply forgive our sin without requiring punishment?
What is required for our sins to be forgiven and for us to be returned to God’s favor?
Scripture References:
Exodus 23:7
Have nothing to do with a false charge and do not put an innocent or honest person to death, for I will not acquit the guilty.
Job 15:14–16
What is man, that he could be pure, or one born of woman, that he could be righteous? 15 If God places no trust in his holy ones, if even the heavens are not pure in his eyes, 16 how much less man, who is vile and corrupt, who drinks up evil like water!
Ezekiel 18:4
The soul who sins is the one who will die.
Nahum 1:3
The Lord is slow to anger and great in power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished.
Habakkuk 1:3
Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds.
Romans 2:5–6
But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed. 6 God “will give to each person according to what he has done.”
Hebrews 9:22
In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
Questions for Further Discussion:
If God is love, why doesn’t He just forgive sins, without any penalty being paid?
Why does God’s justice demand that sins be paid for by someone?
Additional Information:
This question is based on question 12 of the Heidelberg Catechism and question 19 of the New City Catechism. Any resources you find on the Heidelberg or New City Catechisms will have a good discussion on this question.
For additional information, see the teachings “The Day of the Lord for the Nations” (July 12, 2009), and “Our Redemption In Christ” (May 20, 2007), and “Preparing for the Judgment” (September 23, 2007).
Suggested Worship Song:
Nothing But the Blood of Jesus (Words and Music by Robert Lowry, 1876)
What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Refrain
Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
For my pardon, this I see,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
For my cleansing this my plea,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Refrain
Nothing can for sin atone,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
Naught of good that I have done,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Refrain
This is all my hope and peace,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
This is all my righteousness,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Refrain
Now by this I’ll overcome—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus,
Now by this I’ll reach my home—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Refrain
Glory! Glory! This I sing—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus,
All my praise for this I bring—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.