Catechism Question 22
Why must the Redeemer be truly human?
The Redeemer must be truly human so that He might fulfill humanity’s obligations to God by completely obeying God’s Law and suffering and dying for human disobedience.
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 be truly, fully human. He must be a real human being – not just have the appearance of humanity, nor be part human. If he is going to be our representative, he must be truly and fully as we are in every respect – yet without sin (which will be explained in the next question).
This question also shows that to fulfill our obligations to God, the Redeemer had to do two things. First, he had to positively obey God, so that he would fulfill our covenant obligations and have righteousness to give to us. Second, he had to pay the penalty for our disobedience to God’s law. He had to suffer and die in our place so that we could be set free from the curse we deserved.
Once again, this question also shows that sin can not be paid for by animal sacrifices. Although God authorized these in the Old Testament, they only pointed to the one sacrifice that could truly pay for our sin – the sacrifice of the perfectly righteous God-Man, Jesus.
Finally, this question shows that Jesus, because He is really and fully human, shows us what humanity was intended to be. Sin is not an essential part of our nature, but rather a distortion of it. We were created to obey God, and Jesus shows us what this looks like.
Additional Questions:
Why was the Redeemer a human?
Why did the Redeemer have to be a real human being?
Why did the Redeemer have to be fully human?
Scripture References:
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.
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 4:14–16
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are — yet was without sin. 16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Questions for Further Discussion:
Why is it necessary for the Redeemer to be a real human being? Does it matter if He only appeared to be a human?
What does it mean to say that Jesus is fully and truly human?
What about animal sacrifices? Why can’t an animal pay for our sin? Even if animals could pay for our sin, why would they still be unqualified to serve as our Redeemer?
How is it a help to us to know that Jesus is as fully human as we are and that He fully faced real temptations – yet did not sin?
Why is it important for us to understand that Jesus was fully human and at the same time had no sin? What does this tell us about real humanity?
Additional Information:
This question is based on question 16 of the Heidelberg Catechism, and questions 22 and 24 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 “Christ the True Man” (December 26, 2010); “Christ – The Last Adam” (September 12, 2004); and “Our Redeemer – Christ the Second Adam” (June 10, 2007); and “Man – The True Human” (December 2, 2018).
Suggested Worship Song:
Fairest Lord Jesus (Munster Gesangbuch 1677, translated 1850, 1873)
Fairest Lord Jesus, Ruler of all nature,
O Thou of God and man the Son,
Thee will I cherish, Thee will I honor,
Thou, my soul’s glory, joy and crown.
Fair are the meadows, fairer still the woodlands,
Robed in the blooming garb of spring;
Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer,
Who makes the woeful heart to sing.
Fair is the sunshine, fairer still the moonlight,
And all the twinkling starry host;
Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer
Than all the angels heaven can boast.
Beautiful Savior! Lord of all the nations!
Son of God and Son of Man!
Glory and honor, praise, adoration,
Now and forever more be Thine.