Catechism Question 25
Who is the Redeemer and Mediator, the perfectly righteous God-Man?
The only Redeemer and Mediator between God and humanity is the Lord Jesus Christ, the Eternal Son of God who became human for us and for our salvation.
Focus and Purpose of this Question
In this question, we show that Jesus is the one who fulfills all of the requirements necessary for the Redeemer and Mediator. He is the one Person who is fully and truly God, fully and truly human, perfectly righteous, and who in His life, death, resurrection, and ascension worked salvation for us.
It is important to note the word ‘only’ in the answer. Jesus is not a Redeemer – He is the only Redeemer. He is not one of many Mediators between God and humanity – He is the only Mediator between God and humanity. All others who claim to provide access to God are impostors, whose efforts lead not to God, but to hell.
Additional Questions:
Who is the Redeemer?
Who is the only Mediator between God and humanity?
Who is the only Person who fulfills all of the requirements to serve as the Redeemer?
Scripture References:
1 Timothy 2:5–6
For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all men — the testimony given in its proper time.
John 14:6
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Acts 4:12
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.
John 17:3
Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
Galatians 4:4–5
But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5 to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.
Questions for Further Discussion:
How do we see that Jesus fulfilled all of the requirements to be the Redeemer and Mediator?
How can we claim that Jesus is the only Redeemer and Mediator?
Why isn’t it narrow and bigoted to say that Jesus is the only way to God and that all other ways that promise to take us to God are false?
Additional Information:
This question is based on question 18 of the Heidelberg Catechism, question 21 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism, and question 20 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 “The Pure Gospel vs. Corrupt Teachings” (May 28, 2006); “The Great Exchange” (April 1, 2012); “The Centrality of Christ” (May15, 2005).
Suggested Worship Song:
There Is No Other Name (Robin Mark, 2002)
There is no other name
By which man can be saved
There is no other Name under heaven
There is rest for my soul
And the wounded made whole
And the captives set free and forgiven
There is no other name
By which man can be saved
There is no other Name under heaven
There is rest for my soul
And the wounded made whole
And the captives set free and forgiven
Such love as I’ve never known
I’ve found in the grace that Flowed to me
In my unrighteousness
This is why my heart and soul
And tongue confess