Catechism Question 21
What sort of Redeemer and Mediator is needed to bring us back to God?
One who is perfectly righteous, truly human and truly God.
Focus and Purpose of this Question
In this question, we establish the fact that the one who must work redemption and salvation for us must meet three primary criteria – He must be perfectly righteous, fully human, and fully Divine. The reasons for these requirements will be explored in the next two questions.
This question also shows that sin can not be paid for by animal sacrifice. Although God authorized these in the Old Testament, they were only pointers to the one sacrifice that could truly pay for our sin – the sacrifice of the perfectly righteous God-Man, Jesus.
Additional Questions:
Who can pay for my sin?
What sort of person can pay for my sin?
Since we can not pay for our own sin, what type of Redeemer should we look for and expect?
Scripture References:
Hebrews 7:26–28
Such a high priest meets our need — one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. 27 Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. 28 For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.
Hebrews 10:1–4
The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming — not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. 2 If it could, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. 3 But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins, 4 because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.
Hebrews 2:14, 17
Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death — that is, the devil… 17 For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.
1 Corinthians 15:21
For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.
Genesis 3:15
And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.
Romans 5:18–19
Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.
Isaiah 9:6–7
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
Matthew 1:22–23
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” — which means, “God with us.”
Isaiah 59:15–16
Truth is nowhere to be found, and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey. The Lord looked and was displeased that there was no justice. 16 He saw that there was no one, he was appalled that there was no one to intervene; so his own arm worked salvation for him, his own righteousness sustained him.
Questions for Further Discussion:
Why is it necessary for the Redeemer to be both God and human?
How can One Person be both God and Human?
What about animal sacrifices? Can’t they pay for our sin?
Additional Information:
This question is based on question 15 of the Heidelberg Catechism, question 21 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism, and question 21 of the New City Catechism. Any resources you find on the Heidelberg, Westminster Shorter or New City Catechisms will have a good discussion on this question.
For additional information, see the teachings “Christ the True Man” (December 26, 2010), and “The Method of Redemption – The Incarnation” (June 3, 2007), and “Our Redeemer – Christ the Second Adam” (June 10, 2007), and the entire series “Images of Christ” (Advent 2018).
Suggested Worship Song:
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (by Charles Wesley, 1739)
Hark the herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn King
Peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With the angelic host proclaim
Christ is born in Bethlehem.
Hark the herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn King.
Christ, by highest heaven adored;
Christ, the everlasting Lord;
Late in time behold him come,
Offspring of the Virgin’s womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
Hail the incarnate Deity,
Pleased as man with man to dwell;
Jesus, our Emmanuel.
Hark the herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn King.
Hail, the heaven-born Prince of Peace.
Hail, the Sun of Righteousness
Light and life to all he brings,
Risen with healing in his wings,
Mild he lays his glory by,
Born that man no more may die,
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.
Hark the herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn King.