Reformed Confessions & Catechisms

Solus Christus

37 passages across 10 documents address Solus Christus. The full text of each is below.

About this doctrine

I. The Absolute Singleness of Christ as the Only Mediator

"There is but one Mediator between God and man." "The reason of this is, because no one but the Son of God can perform the office of Mediator; and as there is only one natural Son of God, there cannot be more than one Mediator." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"Had man remained free from all taint, he was of too humble a condition to penetrate to God without a Mediator." "There is, says he, 'one Mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus,' (1 Tim. 2: 5.)" [John Calvin - Institutes]

II. Christ as the Only and All-Sufficient Saviour

"The Son of God is, therefore, called Jesus, the Saviour in respect to his office, because he is our mediator, and saves and delivers us from the evil both of guilt and punishment; and that truly, because he is an only and perfect Saviour." "Whosoever is a perfect, and only Saviour, he does not confer salvation with others, nor in part only." "Therefore he does not confer salvation in connection with others, nor in part only; but he alone confers it entire, and in the most perfect manner." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"When we see that the whole sum of our salvation, and every single part of it, are comprehended in Christ, we must beware of deriving even the minutes portion of it from any other quarter." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"That Christ only can save, and that he is all-sufficient to do it." [Thomas Vincent - The Shorter Catechism]

III. The Rejection of Creature Intercessions and Merits

"there is a great difference between the intercession of Christ, and that of the saints... for the saints depend upon the merits of Christ in order that their intercessions may avail, whilst Christ depends upon his own merits." "Wherefore, inasmuch as the Papists imagine that the saints obtain favor with God, and certain good things for others on account of the worthiness of their own merits, they manifestly derogate from the office and glory of Jesus, and deny him to be an only Saviour." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"Moreover, the Sophists are guilty of the merest trifling when they allege that Christ is the Mediator of redemption, but that believers are mediators of intercession; as if Christ had only performed a temporary mediation, and left an eternal and imperishable mediation to his servants." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"There is but one Mediator and Intercessor in heaven for us, namely, the Lord Jesus Christ, and it is an affront to him to make use of any angels or saints as our intercessors." [Thomas Vincent - The Shorter Catechism]

IV. The Incommunicable Priesthood and Headship of Christ Alone

"Other priests do not make continual intercession, nor do they always obtain those things for which they pray." "They do not offer themselves a sacrifice for others; all of which things belong to Christ alone." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"The more detestable, therefore, is the fiction of those who, not content with the priesthood of Christ, have dared to take it upon themselves to sacrifice him, a thing daily attempted in the Papacy, where the mass is represented as an immolation of Christ."

"For the apostle teaches, that the whole subministration is diffused through the members while the power flows from one celestial Head (Eph. 4:16); or, if they will have it more plainly, since Scripture testifies that Christ is Head, and claims this honour for himself alone, it ought not to be transferred to any other than him whom Christ himself has made his vicegerent." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"The Roman doctrine of tradition is the denial of the perfect incarnation of God in Christ, of the all-sufficiency of his sacrifice, of the perfection of his word." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics]

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Question 1

Q. What is your only comfort in life and in death?

A. That I am not my own, but belong—body and soul, in life and in deathto my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has delivered me from the tyranny of the devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven; in fact, all things must work together for my salvation. Because I belong to him, Christ, by his Holy Spirit, also assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Cor. 6:19–20.

    1 Cor. 6:19–20 19 Or do you⁺ not know that your⁺ body is a temple of the Holy Spirit in you⁺, whom you⁺ have from God? And you⁺ are not your own, 20 for you⁺ were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your⁺ body.

  • Rom. 14:7–9.

    Rom. 14:7–9 7 For none of us lives to himself, and none dies to himself. 8 For both if we should live, we live to the Lord, and if we should die, we die to the Lord. Therefore both if we should live and if we should die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For unto this Christ died and lived again, so that He might be Lord over both the dead and the living.

  • 1 Cor. 3:23; Titus 2:14.

    1 Cor. 3:23 and you⁺ [are] of Christ, and Christ [is] of God.

    Titus 2:14 who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all lawlessness and might purify to Himself a people specially His, zealous for good works.

  • 1 Peter 1:18–19; 1 John 1:7–9; 2:2.

    1 Peter 1:18–19 18 knowing that were you⁺ redeemed from your⁺ futile conduct handed down from [your] fathers, not with perishable things—with silver or with gold— 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless,

    1 John 1:7–9 7 But if we should walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we should say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we should confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, that He may forgive us [our] sins and may cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

    2:2 And He is the propitiation for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for [those] of the whole world.

  • John 8:34–36; Heb. 2:14–15; 1 John 3:1–11.

    John 8:34–36 34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you⁺ that everyone who [is] doing sin is a slave of sin. 35 Now the slave does not remain in the house to the age; the son remains to the age. 36 Therefore if the Son shall set you⁺ free, you⁺ will be really free.

    Heb. 2:14–15 14 Therefore, since the children have shared in blood and flesh, He also likewise partook of the same things, so that through death He might render powerless the one having the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and might set free those who all [their time] to live were subject to slavery through the fear of death.

    1 John 3:1–11 1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God—and we are! Because of this, the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and what we will be was not yet made manifest. We know that if He should be made manifest, we will be like Him, for we will see Him just as He is. 3 And everyone having this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. 4 Everyone who [is] doing sin also does lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness. 5 And you⁺ know that He appeared so that He should take away sins; and in Him there is no sin. 6 Everyone who [is] remaining in Him does not sin; everyone who [is] sinning has not seen Him, nor has he known Him. 7 Little children, let no one lead you⁺ astray; the one doing righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. 8 The one doing sin is of the devil, because the devil is sinning from the beginning. For this the Son of God was made manifest, so that He might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Everyone having been born of God does not do sin, because His seed remains in him, and he is not able to sin, because he has been born of God. 10 In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: everyone not doing righteousness is not of God, and the one not loving his brother. 11 For this is the message that you⁺ heard from the beginning, that we should love one another,

  • John 6:39–40; 10:27–30; 2 Thess. 3:3; 1 Peter 1:5.

    John 6:39–40 39 Now this is the will of the One having sent Me, that all that He has given Me, I should lose none of it, but I will raise it up in the last day. 40 For this is the will of My Father, that everyone beholding the Son and believing in Him may have eternal life, and I will raise him up in the last day.”

    10:27–30 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and never shall they perish to the age, and no one will snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given [them] to Me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch [them] out of the hand of the Father. 30 I and the Father are one.”

    2 Thess. 3:3 But faithful is the Lord, who will strengthen you⁺ and guard [you] from the evil one.

    1 Peter 1:5 who [are] being guarded in the power of God through faith for the salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

  • Matt. 10:29–31; Luke 21:16–18.

    Matt. 10:29–31 29 Are not two sparrows sold for an assarion? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your⁺ Father. 30 And even the hairs of your⁺ head are all numbered. 31 Therefore do not be afraid; you⁺ are more valuable than many sparrows.

    Luke 21:16–18 16 And you⁺ will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and they will put to death some of you⁺. 17 And you⁺ will be hated by all because of My name. 18 And no, not a hair of your⁺ head shall perish.

  • Rom. 8:28.

    Rom. 8:28 And we know that God works together all things for good to those loving God, to those being called according to purpose,

  • Rom. 8:15–16; 2 Cor. 1:21–22; 5:5; Eph. 1:13–14.

    Rom. 8:15–16 15 For you⁺ did not receive a spirit of slavery again unto fear, but you⁺ received the Spirit of adoption as sons, in whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God,

    2 Cor. 1:21–22 21 Now the One establishing us with you⁺ into Christ, and having anointed us, [is] God, 22 the One also having sealed us and having given the pledge of the Spirit in our hearts.

    5:5 Now the One having prepared us for this very [thing] [is] God, the One having given to us the pledge of the Spirit,

    Eph. 1:13–14 13 in whom you⁺ also, having heard the word of truth, the gospel of your⁺ salvation, in whom also having believed, you⁺ were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the pledge of our inheritance to the redemption of the acquired possession, to the praise of His glory.

  • Rom. 8:1–17.

    Rom. 8:1–17 1 Therefore [there is] now no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus set you free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law [was] incapable of in that it was weak through the flesh, God, having sent His Son in the likeness of flesh of sin and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh, 4 so that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, those not walking according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those being according to the flesh mind the [things] of the flesh, but those according to the Spirit the [things] of the Spirit. 6 For the mind of the flesh [is] death, but the mind of the Spirit [is] life and peace, 7 because the mind of the flesh [is] hostility toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for [it is] not even able. 8 And those being in the flesh are not able to please God. 9 But you⁺ are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you⁺; and if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, this one is not of Him. 10 But if Christ [is] in you⁺, the body [is] indeed dead because of sin, but the spirit [is] life because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of the One having raised Jesus out from the dead dwells in you⁺, the One having raised Christ Jesus out from the dead will also make alive your⁺ mortal bodies through His Spirit, the One dwelling in you⁺. 12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you⁺ live according to the flesh, you⁺ are about to die; but if by the Spirit you⁺ put to death the deeds of the body, you⁺ will live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you⁺ did not receive a spirit of slavery again unto fear, but you⁺ received the Spirit of adoption as sons, in whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, also heirs: heirs indeed of God, and co-heirs of Christ, if indeed we suffer with [Him], so that we may also be glorified with [Him].

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation14 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 16: Of Good Works13 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator8 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints8 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator6 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 18: Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation7 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 15

Q. What kind of mediator and deliverer should we look for then?

A. One who is a true and righteous man, yet more powerful than all creatures, that is, one who is also true God.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 1:3; 1 Cor. 15:21; Heb. 2:17.

    Rom. 1:3 concerning His Son, the One having come of the seed of David according to the flesh,

    1 Cor. 15:21 For since death [is] through a man, also through a man [is] the resurrection of the dead.

    Heb. 2:17 Hence it was necessary to be made like the brothers in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest [in] the things relating to God, in order to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

  • Isa. 53:9; 2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 7:26.

    Isa. 53:9 And He appointed His grave with the wicked, and with a rich one in his death; although He had done no violence, and no deceit [was] in his mouth.

    2 Cor. 5:21 He made the One not having known sin [to be] sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

    Heb. 7:26 For such for us indeed was fitting—a high priest holy, innocent, undefiled, having been separated from sinners, and having become higher than the heavens,

  • Isa. 7:14; 9:6; Jer. 23:6; John 1:1.

    Isa. 7:14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give to you⁺ a sign: Behold the virgin is conceiving and is bringing forth a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.

    9:6 For a child has been born unto us, a son has been given unto us, and the government will be upon his shoulder. And his name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

    Jer. 23:6 In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell in security; and this [is] his name that He will be called: YHWH Tsidqenu.

    John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator5 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator3 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 223 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 373 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification2 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 422 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 16

Q. Why must the mediator be a true and righteous man?

A. Because God's justice requires that human nature, which has sinned, must pay for its sin; but a sinner could never pay for others.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 5:12, 15; 1 Cor. 15:21; Heb. 2:14–16.

    Rom. 5:12, 15 12 Because of this, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, so also death passed through to all men, because all sinned. 15 But not as the trespass, so also [is] the gracious gift; for if by the trespass of the one the many died, much more the grace of God and the gift in grace, that of the one man, Jesus Christ, abounded to the many!

    1 Cor. 15:21 For since death [is] through a man, also through a man [is] the resurrection of the dead.

    Heb. 2:14–16 14 Therefore, since the children have shared in blood and flesh, He also likewise partook of the same things, so that through death He might render powerless the one having the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and might set free those who all [their time] to live were subject to slavery through the fear of death. 16 For surely [it is] not the angels He lays hold of, but He lays hold of the seed of Abraham.

  • Heb. 7:26–27; 1 Peter 3:18.

    Heb. 7:26–27 26 For such for us indeed was fitting—a high priest holy, innocent, undefiled, having been separated from sinners, and having become higher than the heavens, 27 who has no need every day, as the first high priests, to offer up sacrifices for [his] own sins, then for those of the people; for He did this once for all, having offered up Himself.

    1 Peter 3:18 because Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, so that He might bring you⁺ to God, having been put to death indeed in the flesh, but having been made alive in the Spirit,

Parallel passages (6+)London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof5 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator4 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator4 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 374 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof3 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 223 shared proof texts

Question 17

Q. Why must he also be true God?

A. So that, by the power of his divinity, he might bear in his humanity the weight of God's wrath, and earn for us and restore to us righteousness and life.

Scripture proofs
  • Isa. 53; John 3:16; 2 Cor. 5:21.

    John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave the Son, the only begotten, so that everyone believing in Him shall not perish but shall have eternal life.

    2 Cor. 5:21 He made the One not having known sin [to be] sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

    Isaiah 53 on BibleHub ↗

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification2 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator1 shared proof text · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator1 shared proof text · 4 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 331 shared proof text · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 701 shared proof text · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 711 shared proof text · 2 shared topics

Question 18

Q. Then who is this mediator—true God and at the same time a true and righteous man?

A. Our Lord Jesus Christ, who was given to us for our complete deliverance and righteousness.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 1:21–23; Luke 2:11; 1 Tim. 2:5.

    Matt. 1:21–23 21 And she will bear a Son, and you will call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” 22 And all this has come to pass so that it might be fulfilled, that having been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, 23 “Behold, the virgin will have in womb, and she will bear a son, and they will call His name Immanuel,” which is, being translated, “God with us.”

    Luke 2:11 For today in the City of David a Savior was born to you⁺, who is Christ the Lord.

    1 Tim. 2:5 For [there is] one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

  • 1 Cor. 1:30.

    1 Cor. 1:30 But out of Him you⁺ are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator3 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World3 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 402 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 212 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 362 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification2 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 29

Q. Why is the Son of God called "Jesus," meaning "savior"?

A. Because he saves us from our sins; and because salvation is not to be sought or found in anyone else.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 1:21; Heb. 7:25.

    Matt. 1:21 And she will bear a Son, and you will call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

    Heb. 7:25 wherefore also He is able to save to the uttermost those drawing near to God through Him, always living to intercede for them.

  • Isa. 43:11; John 15:5; Acts 4:11–12; 1 Tim. 2:5.

    Isa. 43:11 I—I [am] YHWH, and besides Me there is no one saving.

    John 15:5 I am the vine; you⁺ [are] the branches. The one remaining in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit. For apart from Me you⁺ are able to do nothing.

    Acts 4:11–12 11 This is ‘the stone having been rejected by you⁺, the builders, which has become the head of the corner.’ 12 And there is salvation in no other, for there is not another name under heaven having been given among men by which it is necessary for us to be saved.”

    1 Tim. 2:5 For [there is] one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 213 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 363 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World2 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 5: Of the Adoring, Worshipping, and Invocating of God, through the Only Mediator, Jesus Christ2 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1812 shared proof texts

Question 30

Q. Do those who look for their salvation and security in saints, in themselves, or elsewhere really believe in the only savior Jesus?

A. No. Although they boast of being his, by their actions they deny the only savior, Jesus. Either Jesus is not a perfect savior, or those who in true faith accept this savior have in him all they need for their salvation.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Cor. 1:12–13; Gal. 5:4.

    1 Cor. 1:12–13 12 Now I say this, that each of you⁺ says, “I am indeed of Paul,” and “I of Apollos,” and “I of Cephas,” and “I of Christ.” 13 Has Christ been divided? Was Paul crucified for you⁺? Or were you⁺ baptized into the name of Paul?

    Gal. 5:4 You⁺ were severed from Christ, whoever are being justified in the law; you⁺ fell away from grace.

  • Col. 1:19–20; 2:10; 1 John 1:7.

    Col. 1:19–20 19 because all the fullness was well pleased to dwell in Him, 20 and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross through Him, whether the things on the earth or the things in the heavens.

    2:10 And you⁺ are made complete in Him, who is the head of all rule and authority,

    1 John 1:7 But if we should walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Parallel passages (6+)Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World3 shared proof texts · 7 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator2 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 912 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1612 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator1 shared proof text · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1672 shared proof texts

Question 31

Q. Why is he called "Christ," meaning "anointed"?

A. Because he has been ordained by God the Father and has been anointed with the Holy Spirit to be our chief prophet and teacher who fully reveals to us the secret counsel and will of God concerning our deliverance; our only high priest who has delivered us by the one sacrifice of his body, and who continually intercedes for us before the Father; and our eternal king who governs us by his Word and Spirit, and who guards us and keeps us in the deliverance he has won for us.

Scripture proofs
  • Luke 3:21–22; 4:14–19 (Isa. 61:1); Heb. 1:9 (Ps. 45:7).

    Luke 3:21–22 21 Now it came to pass, in all the people having been baptized and Jesus having been baptized and praying, [that] heaven was opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in a bodily form as a dove. And a voice came out of heaven: “You are My Son, the Beloved; in You I was well pleased.”

    4:14–19 14 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report went out through all the surrounding region concerning Him. 15 And He was teaching in their synagogues, being glorified by all. 16 And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and according to His custom, He entered into the synagogue on the day of the Sabbaths, and He rose up to read. 17 And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to Him, and having unrolled the scroll, He found the place where it was written: 18 “The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon Me, because of which He anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim deliverance to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to send forth the oppressed in deliverance, 19 to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”

    Isa. 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord YHWH [is] upon me, because YHWH has anointed me to bring [good] news [to] the poor. He has sent me to bind the [wounds] of the broken of heart, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and to the bound the opening of their bonds;

    Heb. 1:9 You loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; because of this, God, Your God, anointed You with the oil of exultation beyond Your companions.”

    Ps. 45:7 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; upon thus, God, your God has anointed you with the oil of joy above your companions.

  • Acts 3:22 (Deut. 18:15).

    Acts 3:22 Indeed Moses said, ‘The Lord your⁺ God will raise up to you⁺ a prophet like me out of your⁺ brothers. You⁺ will listen to Him in all things, as many as He might say to you⁺.

    Deut. 18:15 YHWH your God will raise up for you a prophet from among you, from your brothers, like me; you⁺ must listen to him

  • John 1:18; 15:15.

    John 1:18 No one has ever yet seen God. The only begotten God, the One being in the bosom of the Father, He has made [Him] known.

    15:15 No longer do I call you⁺ servants, because the servant does not know what his master is doing. But I have called you⁺ friends, because all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you⁺.

  • Heb. 7:17 (Ps. 110:4).

    Heb. 7:17 For it is testified: “You [are] a priest to the age, according to the order of Melchizedek.”

    Ps. 110:4 YHWH has sworn, and He will not change His mind: “You [are] a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.”

  • Heb. 9:12; 10:11–14.

    Heb. 9:12 nor by blood of goats and calves, but through [His] own blood, He entered once for all into the holy [places], having obtained eternal redemption.

    10:11–14 11 And indeed every priest has stood every day, serving and offering the same sacrifices many times, which never are able to take away sins. 12 But this One, having offered one sacrifice for sins unto perpetuity, sat down at the right hand of God, 13 [as to] the rest awaiting until His enemies should be placed [as] a footstool for His feet. 14 For by one offering, He has perfected unto perpetuity those being sanctified.

  • Rom. 8:34; Heb. 9:24.

    Rom. 8:34 Who [is] the one condemning? Christ Jesus the One having died, now rather having been raised, [is] He who is also at the right hand of God, and who is interceding for us.

    Heb. 9:24 For Christ entered not into holy [places] made by hands, copies of the true ones, but into heaven itself, now to appear for us in the presence of God,

  • Matt. 21:5 (Zech. 9:9).

    Matt. 21:5 “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your King comes to you, gentle and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’”

    Zech. 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He [is] righteous and bearing salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

  • Matt. 28:18–20; John 10:28; Rev. 12:10–11.

    Matt. 28:18–20 18 And having come near, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on the earth was given to Me. 19 Therefore, having gone, disciple all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things, as much as I commanded you⁺. And behold, I am with you⁺ all the days, until the consummation of the age.”

    John 10:28 And I give them eternal life, and never shall they perish to the age, and no one will snatch them out of My hand.

    Rev. 12:10–11 10 And I heard a loud voice in heaven saying: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ, because the accuser of our brothers was cast down, the one accusing them before our God day and night. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; and they did not love their life unto death.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator13 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator7 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 427 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints4 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification4 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 29: Of the Lord's Supper4 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 60

Q. How are you righteous before God?

A. Only by true faith in Jesus Christ. Even though my conscience accuses me of having grievously sinned against all God's commandments, of never having kept any of them, and of still being inclined toward all evil, nevertheless, without any merit of my own, out of sheer grace, God grants and credits to me the perfect satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness of Christ, as if I had never sinned nor been a sinner, and as if I had been as perfectly obedient as Christ was obedient for me— if only I accept this gift with a believing heart.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 3:21–28; Gal. 2:16; Eph. 2:8–9; Phil 3:8–11.

    Rom. 3:21–28 21 But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, being testified to by the Law and the Prophets. 22 And the righteousness of God [is] through faith from Jesus Christ toward all those believing. For there is no distinction, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation through faith in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because of the passing over of the sins having taken place beforehand in the forbearance of God, 26 for the demonstration of His righteousness in the present time, for Him to be just and justifying the one of the faith from Jesus. 27 Where then [is] the boasting? It was excluded. By what kind of law? That of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we reckon a man to be justified by faith apart from works of law.

    Gal. 2:16 are knowing now that a man is not justified by works of the law, except through faith from Jesus Christ. We also believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith from Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law not any flesh will be justified.

    Eph. 2:8–9 8 For by grace you⁺ are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God, 9 not by works, so that no one may boast.

    Phil 3:8–11 8 But indeed, therefore, I also deem all things to be loss because of the surpassing knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, because of whom I have lost all things and deem [them] rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and may be found in Him, not having my own righteousness that [is] of the law, but that which [is] through faith from Christ, the righteousness of God upon faith, 10 to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if somehow I may attain to the resurrection out from the dead.

  • Rom. 3:9–10.

    Rom. 3:9–10 9 What then? Are we better? Not at all. For we charged before both Jews and Greeks with being all under sin. 10 As it has been written: “There is no one righteous, not even one;

  • Rom. 7:23.

    Rom. 7:23 but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin being in my members.

  • Titus 3:4–5.

    Titus 3:4–5 4 But when the kindness and the love of mankind of God our Savior appeared, 5 not by works in righteousness that we did, but according to His mercy, He saved us through the washing of regeneration and a renewing of the Holy Spirit,

  • Rom. 3:24; Eph. 2:8.

    Rom. 3:24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus,

    Eph. 2:8 For by grace you⁺ are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God,

  • Rom. 4:3–5 (Gen. 15:6); 2 Cor. 5:17–19; 1 John 2:1–2.

    Rom. 4:3–5 3 For what does the Scripture say? “And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to the one working, the wage is not reckoned according to grace, but according to debt. 5 But to the one not working but believing on the One justifying the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness,

    Gen. 15:6 And he believed in YHWH, and He reckoned it to him as righteousness.

    2 Cor. 5:17–19 17 Therefore if anyone [is] in Christ, [he is] a new creation. The old things passed away; behold, the new things have come into being! 18 Now all things [are] of God, the One having reconciled us to Himself through Christ, and having given to us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 how that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not reckoning to them their trespasses, and having put into us the word of reconciliation.

    1 John 2:1–2 1 My little children, I am writing these things to you⁺ so that you⁺ might not sin. And if anyone might sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous One. 2 And He is the propitiation for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for [those] of the whole world.

  • Rom. 4:24–25; 2 Cor. 5:21.

    Rom. 4:24–25 24 but also because of us, to whom it is about to be reckoned, to those believing on the One having raised Jesus our Lord out from the dead, 25 who was delivered over because of our trespasses, and was raised because of our justification.

    2 Cor. 5:21 He made the One not having known sin [to be] sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

  • John 3:18; Acts 16:30–31.

    John 3:18 The one believing in Him is not judged, but the one not believing already has been judged, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

    Acts 16:30–31 30 And having brought them out, he was saying, “Sirs, what is necessary for me to do so that I may be saved?” 31 And they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your house.”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification20 shared proof texts · 7 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification13 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful12 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 7011 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 867 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1947 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Article 19: The Two Natures of Christ

We believe that by being thus conceived the person of the Son has been inseparably united and joined together with human nature, in such a way that there are not two Sons of God, nor two persons, but two natures united in a single person, with each nature retaining its own distinct properties. Thus his divine nature has always remained uncreated, "without beginning of days or end of life," filling heaven and earth. His human nature has not lost its properties but continues to have those of a creature—it has a beginning of days; it is of a finite nature and retains all that belongs to a real body. And even though he, by his resurrection, gave it immortality, that nonetheless did not change the reality of his human nature; for our salvation and resurrection depend also on the reality of his body.

But these two natures are so united together in one person that they are not even separated by his death. So then, what he committed to his Father when he died was a real human spirit which left his body. But meanwhile his divine nature remained united with his human nature even when he was lying in the grave; and his deity never ceased to be in him, just as it was in him when he was a little child, though for a while it did not show itself as such. These are the reasons why we confess him to be true God and true man—true God in order to conquer death by his power, and true man that he might die for us in the weakness of his flesh.

Scripture proofs
  • Heb. 7:3.

    Heb. 7:3 without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but having been made like the Son of God, remains a priest in perpetuity.

Parallel passages (5)Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World4 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 173 shared topicsCanons of Dort · Second Head, Article 2: The Satisfaction Made by Christ3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator3 shared topics

Article 20: The Justice and Mercy of God in Christ

We believe that God—who is perfectly merciful and also very just—sent his Son to assume the nature in which the disobedience had been committed, in order to bear in it the punishment of sin by his most bitter passion and death. So God made known his justice toward his Son, who was charged with our sin, and he poured out his goodness and mercy on us, who are guilty and worthy of damnation, giving to us his Son to die, by a most perfect love, and raising him to life for our justification, in order that by him we might have immortality and eternal life.

Parallel passages (6+)Canons of Dort · Second Head: Rejection of the Errors7 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification5 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World5 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head: Rejection of the Errors4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 15: Of Repentance unto Life4 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful4 shared topics

Article 21: The Atonement

We believe that Jesus Christ is a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek—made such by an oath—and that he presented himself in our name before his Father, to appease his wrath with full satisfaction by offering himself on the tree of the cross and pouring out his precious blood for the cleansing of our sins, as the prophets had predicted. For it is written that "the chastisement of our peace" was placed on the Son of God and that "we are healed by his wounds." He was "led to death as a lamb"; he was "numbered among sinners" and condemned as a criminal by Pontius Pilate, though Pilate had declared that he was innocent. So he paid back what he had not stolen, and he suffered—the "just for the unjust," in both his body and his soul—in such a way that when he sensed the horrible punishment required by our sins his sweat became like "big drops of blood falling on the ground." He cried, "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?" And he endured all this for the forgiveness of our sins.

Therefore we rightly say with Paul that we "know nothing but Jesus and him crucified"; we consider all things as "dung for the excellence of the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." We find all comforts in his wounds and have no need to seek or invent any other means to reconcile ourselves with God than this one and only sacrifice, once made, which renders believers perfect forever. This is also why the angel of God called him Jesus—that is, "Savior"—because he would save his people from their sins.

Scripture proofs
  • Isa. 53:4–12.

    Isa. 53:4–12 4 Surely, our sicknesses He has lifted, and our sorrows, He has borne them; and we considered Him stricken—struck by God and afflicted. 5 And he [was] pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace [was] upon Him, and by His stripes there is healing for us. 6 We all like sheep have gone astray, we have turned, each man to his own way; and YHWH has placed on him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed and he was afflicted, and he did not open his mouth; like a lamb led to the slaughter, and like a sheep before the faces of her shearers is silent, so He did not open his mouth. 8 By restraint and by judgment He was taken away, and His generation—who can recount? For He was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of My people He was stricken. 9 And He appointed His grave with the wicked, and with a rich one in his death; although He had done no violence, and no deceit [was] in his mouth. 10 And YHWH has delighted to bruise Him [and] Make [Him] weak; if his soul is made a guilt offering, He will see [his] seed; He will prolong His days; and the delight of YHWH will prosper in His hand. 11 He will see [the light of life] after the anguish of His soul [and] be satisfied; By His knowledge My Servant, the righteous one, will bring righteousness to many, and He will bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore I will divide a portion to him with the many, and with the mighty he will divide the spoil upon that he poured out his soul to the death, and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he [himself] bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.

  • Ps. 69:4.

    Ps. 69:4 Those hating me without cause outnumber the hairs of my head; many are those seeking my destruction, my enemies [with] deception! That which I did not steal, I must then return.

  • 1 Peter 3:18.

    1 Peter 3:18 because Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, so that He might bring you⁺ to God, having been put to death indeed in the flesh, but having been made alive in the Spirit,

  • Luke 22:44.

    Luke 22:44 And having been in agony, He was praying more earnestly. And His sweat became like large drops of blood falling down upon the ground.

  • Matt. 27:46.

    Matt. 27:46 And about the ninth hour, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” That is, “My God, My God, why did You forsake Me?”

  • 1 Cor. 2:2.

    1 Cor. 2:2 For I decided not to know anything among you⁺ except Jesus Christ and Him having been crucified.

  • Phil. 3:8.

    Phil. 3:8 But indeed, therefore, I also deem all things to be loss because of the surpassing knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, because of whom I have lost all things and deem [them] rubbish, that I may gain Christ

  • Matt. 1:21.

    Matt. 1:21 And she will bear a Son, and you will call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

Parallel passages (6+)London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator5 shared proof texts · 7 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator5 shared proof texts · 7 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 716 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification3 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification3 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World1 shared proof text · 10 shared topics

Article 22: The Righteousness of Faith

We believe that for us to acquire the true knowledge of this great mystery the Holy Spirit kindles in our hearts a true faith that embraces Jesus Christ, with all his merits, and makes him its own, and no longer looks for anything apart from him. For it must necessarily follow that either all that is required for our salvation is not in Christ or, if all is in him, then he who has Christ by faith has his salvation entirely. Therefore, to say that Christ is not enough but that something else is needed as well is a most enormous blasphemy against God—for it then would follow that Jesus Christ is only half a Savior.

And therefore we justly say with Paul that we are justified "by faith alone" or by faith "apart from works." However, we do not mean, properly speaking, that it is faith itself that justifies us—for faith is only the instrument by which we embrace Christ, our righteousness. But Jesus Christ is our righteousness crediting to us all his merits and all the holy works he has done for us and in our place. And faith is the instrument that keeps us in communion with him and with all his benefits. When those benefits are made ours they are more than enough to absolve us of our sins.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 3:28.

    Rom. 3:28 For we reckon a man to be justified by faith apart from works of law.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification1 shared proof text · 6 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful1 shared proof text · 6 shared topicsCanons of Dort · Second Head, Article 8: The Saving Effectiveness of Christ's Death9 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 601 shared proof text · 5 shared topicsCanons of Dort · Second Head: Rejection of the Errors8 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 731 shared proof text · 4 shared topics

Article 26: The Intercession of Christ

We believe that we have no access to God except through the one and only Mediator and Intercessor: Jesus Christ the Righteous. He therefore was made man, uniting together the divine and human natures, so that we human beings might have access to the divine Majesty. Otherwise we would have no access. But this Mediator, whom the Father has appointed between himself and us, ought not terrify us by his greatness, so that we have to look for another one, according to our fancy. For neither in heaven nor among the creatures on earth is there anyone who loves us more than Jesus Christ does. Although he was "in the form of God," he nevertheless "emptied himself," taking the form of "a man" and "a servant" for us; and he made himself "completely like his brothers." Suppose we had to find another intercessor. Who would love us more than he who gave his life for us, even though "we were his enemies"? And suppose we had to find one who has prestige and power. Who has as much of these as he who is seated "at the right hand of the Father," and who has all power "in heaven and on earth"? And who will be heard more readily than God's own dearly beloved Son?

So then, sheer unbelief has led to the practice of dishonoring the saints, instead of honoring them. That was something the saints never did nor asked for, but which in keeping with their duty, as appears from their writings, they consistently refused. We should not plead here that we are unworthy—for it is not a question of offering our prayers on the basis of our own dignity but only on the basis of the excellence and dignity of Jesus Christ, whose righteousness is ours by faith.

Since the apostle for good reason wants us to get rid of this foolish fear—or rather, this unbelief—he says to us that Jesus Christ was "made like his brothers in all things," that he might be a high priest who is merciful and faithful to purify the sins of the people. For since he suffered, being tempted, he is also able to help those who are tempted. And further, to encourage us more to approach him he says, "Since we have a high priest, Jesus the Son of God, who has entered into heaven, we maintain our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to have compassion for our weaknesses, but one who was tempted in all things, just as we are, except for sin. Let us go then with confidence to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace, in order to be helped."

The same apostle says that we "have liberty to enter into the holy place by the blood of Jesus. Let us go, then, in the assurance of faith. . . ." Likewise, "Christ's priesthood is forever. By this he is able to save completely those who draw near to God through him who always lives to intercede for them." What more do we need? For Christ himself declares: "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to my Father but by me." Why should we seek another intercessor? Since it has pleased God to give us his Son as our Intercessor, let us not leave him for another—or rather seek, without ever finding. For when God gave him to us he knew well that we were sinners.

Therefore, in following the command of Christ we call on the heavenly Father through Christ, our only Mediator, as we are taught by the Lord's Prayer, being assured that we shall obtain all we ask of the Father in his name.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 John 2:1.

    1 John 2:1 My little children, I am writing these things to you⁺ so that you⁺ might not sin. And if anyone might sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous One.

  • Phil. 2:6–8.

    Phil. 2:6–8 6 Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider to be equal with God something to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, having taken the form of a servant, having been made in the likeness of men. 8 And having been found in appearance as a man He humbled Himself, having become obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

  • Heb. 2:17.

    Heb. 2:17 Hence it was necessary to be made like the brothers in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest [in] the things relating to God, in order to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

  • Rom. 5:10.

    Rom. 5:10 For if, being enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we will be saved in His life!

  • Rom. 8:34; Heb. 1:3.

    Rom. 8:34 Who [is] the one condemning? Christ Jesus the One having died, now rather having been raised, [is] He who is also at the right hand of God, and who is interceding for us.

    Heb. 1:3 who, being the radiance of [His] glory and the exact imprint of His substance and bearing all things by the word of power—through His having made purification of sins—sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

  • Matt. 28:18.

    Matt. 28:18 And having come near, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on the earth was given to Me.

  • Heb. 2:17.

    Heb. 2:17 Hence it was necessary to be made like the brothers in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest [in] the things relating to God, in order to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

  • Heb. 2:18.

    Heb. 2:18 For in that He Himself has suffered, having been tempted, He is able to help those being tempted.

  • Heb. 4:14–16.

    Heb. 4:14–16 14 Therefore, having a great high priest having passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to [our] confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest not being able to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one having been tempted in all things by the same way, without sin. 16 Therefore let us come with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and may find grace for help in time of need.

  • Heb. 10:19, 22.

    Heb. 10:19, 22 19 Therefore, brothers, having confidence for entrance to the holy places in the blood of Jesus, 22 we should come near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, the hearts having been sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and the body having been washed with pure water.

  • Heb. 7:24–25.

    Heb. 7:24–25 24 But because of His remaining to the age, He has the permanent priesthood, 25 wherefore also He is able to save to the uttermost those drawing near to God through Him, always living to intercede for them.

  • John 14:6.

    John 14:6 Jesus says to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father if not through Me.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator10 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification7 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 366 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 395 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World4 shared proof texts · 7 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator4 shared proof texts · 6 shared topics

First Head, Article 7: Election

Election [or choosing] is God's unchangeable purpose by which he did the following:

Before the foundation of the world, by sheer grace, according to the free good pleasure of his will, he chose in Christ to salvation a definite number of particular people out of the entire human race, which had fallen by its own fault from its original innocence into sin and ruin. Those chosen were neither better nor more deserving than the others, but lay with them in the common misery. He did this in Christ, whom he also appointed from eternity to be the mediator, the head of all those chosen, and the foundation of their salvation.

And so he decided to give the chosen ones to Christ to be saved, and to call and draw them effectively into Christ's fellowship through his Word and Spirit. In other words, he decided to grant them true faith in Christ, to justify them, to sanctify them, and finally, after powerfully preserving them in the fellowship of his Son, to glorify them.

God did all this in order to demonstrate his mercy, to the praise of the riches of his glorious grace.

As Scripture says, "God chose us in Christ, before the foundation of the world, so that we should be holy and blameless before him with love; he predestined us whom he adopted as his children through Jesus Christ, in himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, by which he freely made us pleasing to himself in his beloved" (Eph. 1:4–6). And elsewhere, "Those whom he predestined, he also called; and those whom he called, he also justified; and those whom he justified, he also glorified" (Rom. 8:30).

Scripture proofs
  • Eph. 1:4–6

    Eph. 1:4–6 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world for us to be holy and blameless before Him, in love 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He graciously gave us in the Beloved One,

  • Rom. 8:30

    Rom. 8:30 And whom He predestined, these also He called; and whom He called, these also He justified; and whom He justified, these also He glorified.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree4 shared proof texts · 8 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree4 shared proof texts · 8 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 10: Of the Predestination of God, and the Election of the Saints3 shared proof texts · 7 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 544 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 133 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling2 shared proof texts · 6 shared topics

Second Head, Article 2: The Satisfaction Made by Christ

Since, however, we ourselves cannot give this satisfaction or deliver ourselves from God's anger, God in his boundless mercy has given us as a guarantee his only begotten Son, who was made to be sin and a curse for us, in our place, on the cross, in order that he might give satisfaction for us.

Parallel passages (6+)Heidelberg Catechism · Question 174 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator4 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator4 shared topicsBelgic Confession · Article 19: The Two Natures of Christ3 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 13 shared topics

Second Head, Article 3: The Infinite Value of Christ's Death

This death of God's Son is the only and entirely complete sacrifice and satisfaction for sins; it is of infinite value and worth, more than sufficient to atone for the sins of the whole world.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree3 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 13 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 173 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 313 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 603 shared topicsBelgic Confession · Article 21: The Atonement3 shared topics

Second Head, Article 8: The Saving Effectiveness of Christ's Death

For it was the entirely free plan and very gracious will and intention of God the Father that the enlivening and saving effectiveness of his Son's costly death should work itself out in all his chosen ones, in order that he might grant justifying faith to them only and thereby lead them without fail to salvation. In other words, it was God's will that Christ through the blood of the cross (by which he confirmed the new covenant) should effectively redeem from every people, tribe, nation, and language all those and only those who were chosen from eternity to salvation and given to him by the Father; that he should grant them faith (which, like the Holy Spirit's other saving gifts, he acquired for them by his death); that he should cleanse them by his blood from all their sins, both original and actual, whether committed before or after their coming to faith; that he should faithfully preserve them to the very end; and that he should finally present them to himself, a glorious people, without spot or wrinkle.

Parallel passages (6+)Scots Confession · Chapter VIII: Election9 shared topicsBelgic Confession · Article 22: The Righteousness of Faith9 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree8 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification8 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World8 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree8 shared topics

Second Head: Rejection of the Errors

Having set forth the orthodox teaching, the Synod rejects the errors of those

Error I.

Who teach that God the Father appointed his Son to death on the cross without a fixed and definite plan to save anyone by name, so that the necessity, usefulness, and worth of what Christ's death obtained could have stood intact and altogether perfect, complete and whole, even if the redemption that was obtained had never in actual fact been applied to any individual.

For this assertion is an insult to the wisdom of God the Father and to the merit of Jesus Christ, and it is contrary to Scripture. For the Savior speaks as follows: "I lay down my life for the sheep, and I know them" (John 10:15, 27). And Isaiah the prophet says concerning the Savior: "When he shall make himself an offering for sin, he shall see his offspring, he shall prolong his days, and the will of Jehovah shall prosper in his hand" (Isa. 53:10). Finally, this undermines the article of the creed in which we confess what we believe concerning the church.

Error II.

Who teach that the purpose of Christ's death was not to establish in actual fact a new covenant of grace by his blood, but only to acquire for the Father the mere right to enter once more into a covenant with men, whether of grace or of works.

For this conflicts with Scripture, which teaches that Christ "has become the guarantee and mediator" of a better—that is, "a new"—"covenant" (Heb. 7:22; 9:15), and that "a will is in force only when someone has died" (Heb. 9:17).

Error III.

Who teach that Christ, by the satisfaction which he gave, did not certainly merit for anyone salvation itself and the faith by which this satisfaction of Christ is effectively applied to salvation, but only acquired for the Father the authority or plenary will to relate in a new way with men and to impose such new conditions as he chose, and that the satisfying of these conditions depends on the free choice of man; consequently, that it was possible that either all or none would fulfill them.

For they have too low an opinion of the death of Christ, do not at all acknowledge the foremost fruit or benefit which it brings forth, and summon back from hell the Pelagian error.

Error IV.

Who teach that what is involved in the new covenant of grace which God the Father made with men through the intervening of Christ's death is not that we are justified before God and saved through faith, insofar as it accepts Christ's merit, but rather that God, having withdrawn his demand for perfect obedience to the law, counts faith itself, and the imperfect obedience of faith, as perfect obedience to the law, and graciously looks upon this as worthy of the reward of eternal life.

For they contradict Scripture: "They are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ, whom God presented as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood" (Rom. 3:24–25). And along with the ungodly Socinus, they introduce a new and foreign justification of man before God, against the consensus of the whole church.

Error V.

Who teach that all people have been received into the state of reconciliation and into the grace of the covenant, so that no one on account of original sin is liable to condemnation, or is to be condemned, but that all are free from the guilt of this sin.

For this opinion conflicts with Scripture which asserts that we are by nature children of wrath.

Error VI.

Who make use of the distinction between obtaining and applying in order to instill in the unwary and inexperienced the opinion that God, as far as he is concerned, wished to bestow equally upon all people the benefits which are gained by Christ's death; but that the distinction by which some rather than others come to share in the forgiveness of sins and eternal life depends on their own free choice (which applies itself to the grace offered indiscriminately) but does not depend on the unique gift of mercy which effectively works in them, so that they, rather than others, apply that grace to themselves.

For, while pretending to set forth this distinction in an acceptable sense, they attempt to give the people the deadly poison of Pelagianism.

Error VII.

Who teach that Christ neither could die, nor had to die, nor did die for those whom God so dearly loved and chose to eternal life, since such people do not need the death of Christ.

For they contradict the apostle, who says: "Christ loved me and gave himself up for me" (Gal. 2:20), and likewise: "Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? It is Christ who died," that is, for them (Rom. 8:33–34). They also contradict the Savior, who asserts: "I lay down my life for the sheep" (John 10:15), and "My command is this: Love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:12–13).

Scripture proofs
  • John 10:15, 27

    John 10:15, 27 15 just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father—and I lay down My life for the sheep. 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.

  • Isa. 53:10

    Isa. 53:10 And YHWH has delighted to bruise Him [and] Make [Him] weak; if his soul is made a guilt offering, He will see [his] seed; He will prolong His days; and the delight of YHWH will prosper in His hand.

  • Heb. 7:22; 9:15

    Heb. 7:22 By so much also, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.

    9:15 And because of this, He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, death having taken place for redemption of the transgressions upon the first covenant, those having been called might receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

  • Heb. 9:17

    Heb. 9:17 For a covenant [is] firm upon death, since it is not in force at the time when the one having made [it] is living,

  • Rom. 3:24–25

    Rom. 3:24–25 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation through faith in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because of the passing over of the sins having taken place beforehand in the forbearance of God,

  • Gal. 2:20

    Gal. 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. And that which I now live in the flesh, I live in faith of the Son of God, the One having loved me and having given up Himself for me.

  • Rom. 8:33–34

    Rom. 8:33–34 33 Who will bring an accusation against the chosen ones of God? God [is] the One justifying. 34 Who [is] the one condemning? Christ Jesus the One having died, now rather having been raised, [is] He who is also at the right hand of God, and who is interceding for us.

  • John 10:15

    John 10:15 just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father—and I lay down My life for the sheep.

  • John 15:12–13

    John 15:12–13 12 This is My commandment, that you⁺ should love one another as I have loved you⁺. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that one should lay down his life for his friends.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator7 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator6 shared proof texts · 9 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification5 shared proof texts · 9 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful4 shared proof texts · 10 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree4 shared proof texts · 9 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 714 shared proof texts · 4 shared topics

Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator

1. It pleased God, in his eternal purpose, to choose and ordain the Lord Jesus, his only begotten Son, to be the Mediator between God and man, the Prophet, Priest, and King, the Head and Savior 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.

2. 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 fullness 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.

3. The Lord Jesus, in his human nature thus united to the divine, 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 fullness 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 put all power and judgment into his hand, and gave him commandment to execute the same.

4. This office the Lord Jesus did most willingly undertake; which that he might discharge, he was made under the law, and did perfectly fulfill it; endured most grievous torments immediately 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.

5. 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 his Father; and purchased, not only reconciliation, but an everlasting inheritance in the kingdom of heaven, for all those whom the Father hath given unto him.

6. Although the work of redemption was not actually wrought by Christ till after his incarnation, yet the virtue, efficacy, and benefits thereof were communicated unto 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 forever.

7. Christ, in the work of mediation, acts 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.

8. 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, in such manner, and ways, as are most consonant to his wonderful and unsearchable dispensation.

Scripture proofs
  • Isa. 42:1; 1 Peter 1:19–20; John 3:16; 1 Tim. 2:5.

    Isa. 42:1 “Behold, My Servant, I take hold of him, My Chosen One, [in whom] My soul delights; I have put My Spirit upon Him, and He will bring forth justice to the nations.

    1 Peter 1:19–20 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, 20 having been foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, but having been made manifest in the last times on account of you⁺,

    John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave the Son, the only begotten, so that everyone believing in Him shall not perish but shall have eternal life.

    1 Tim. 2:5 For [there is] one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

  • Acts 3:20, 22. (See Deut. 18:15.)

    Acts 3:20, 22 20 so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and [that] He may send the One having been appointed to you⁺, Christ Jesus, 22 Indeed Moses said, ‘The Lord your⁺ God will raise up to you⁺ a prophet like me out of your⁺ brothers. You⁺ will listen to Him in all things, as many as He might say to you⁺.

    Deut. 18:15 YHWH your God will raise up for you a prophet from among you, from your brothers, like me; you⁺ must listen to him

  • Heb. 5:5–6.

    Heb. 5:5–6 5 So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become a high priest, but the One having said to Him: “You are My Son, today I have begotten You.” 6 Just as that, He also says in another [place]: “You [are] a priest to the age, according to the order of Melchizedek.”

  • Ps. 2:6; Luke 1:33. (See Isa. 9:5–6; Acts 2:29–36; Col. 1:13.)

    Ps. 2:6 “And I have installed My King on Zion, the mountain of My holiness.”

    Luke 1:33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob to the ages. And of His kingdom there will be no end!”

    Isa. 9:5–6 5 For every boot treading with quaking, and the garment rolled in blood, will be for burning, as fuel for fire. 6 For a child has been born unto us, a son has been given unto us, and the government will be upon his shoulder. And his name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

    Acts 2:29–36 29 Men, brothers, it is permitted [me] to speak with freedom to you⁺ concerning the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is among us unto this day, 30 being therefore a prophet and knowing that God swore to him with an oath to seat one out of the fruit of his loins upon his throne. 31 Having foreseen, he spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was He abandoned into Hades, nor did His flesh see decay. 32 This Jesus God raised up, of which we all are witnesses. 33 Therefore, having been exalted to the right hand of God and having received the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father, He poured out this which you⁺ both see and hear. 34 For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand 35 until I place Your enemies [as] a footstool for Your feet.”’ 36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you⁺ crucified.”

    Col. 1:13 who delivered us from the authority of darkness and transferred [us] into the kingdom of His beloved Son,

  • Eph. 5:23.

    Eph. 5:23 for the husband is head of the wife as also Christ [is] the head of the church, He Himself Savior of the body.

  • Heb. 1:2.

    Heb. 1:2 in these last days spoke to us in [His] Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the ages,

  • Acts 17:31.

    Acts 17:31 because He set a day in which He is about to judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He appointed, having provided a guarantee to all, having raised Him out from the dead.”

  • John 17:6; Ps. 22:30; Isa. 53:10; Eph. 1:4.

    John 17:6 I revealed Your name to the men whom You gave to Me out of the world. They were Yours, and to Me You gave them, and they have kept Your word.

    Ps. 22:30 A seed shall serve Him; it will be recounted of the Lord to the generation.

    Isa. 53:10 And YHWH has delighted to bruise Him [and] Make [Him] weak; if his soul is made a guilt offering, He will see [his] seed; He will prolong His days; and the delight of YHWH will prosper in His hand.

    Eph. 1:4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world for us to be holy and blameless before Him, in love

  • 1 Tim. 2:6; Isa. 55:4–5; 1 Cor. 1:30; Rom. 8:30.

    1 Tim. 2:6 the One having given Himself [as] a ransom for all, the testimony in their own proper times,

    Isa. 55:4–5 4 Behold, as a witness to the nations I have placed him, a leader and commander of the peoples. 5 Behold, you will call on a nation you do not know, and a nation you do not know will run to you, on account of YHWH your God and the Holy One of Israel, for He has glorified you.”

    1 Cor. 1:30 But out of Him you⁺ are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption,

    Rom. 8:30 And whom He predestined, these also He called; and whom He called, these also He justified; and whom He justified, these also He glorified.

  • John 1:1, 14; 1 John 5:20; Phil. 2:6; Gal. 4:4.

    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 tabernacled among us. And we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

    1 John 5:20 Now we know that the Son of God is come, and He has given to us understanding, so that we may know the One who [is] true; and we are in the One who [is] true, in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

    Phil. 2:6 Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider to be equal with God something to be grasped,

    Gal. 4:4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, having been born of a woman, having been born under the law,

  • Phil. 2:7; Heb. 2:14, 16–17; Heb. 4:15.

    Phil. 2:7 but emptied Himself, having taken the form of a servant, having been made in the likeness of men.

    Heb. 2:14, 16–17 14 Therefore, since the children have shared in blood and flesh, He also likewise partook of the same things, so that through death He might render powerless the one having the power of death, that is, the devil, 16 For surely [it is] not the angels He lays hold of, but He lays hold of the seed of Abraham. 17 Hence it was necessary to be made like the brothers in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest [in] the things relating to God, in order to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

    Heb. 4:15 For we do not have a high priest not being able to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one having been tempted in all things by the same way, without sin.

  • Luke 1:27, 31, 35; Gal. 4:4. (See Matt. 1:18, 20–21.)

    Luke 1:27, 31, 35 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name [was] Joseph, of the house of David. And the name of the virgin [was] Mary. 31 And behold, you will conceive in womb and will give birth to a son, and you will call His name Jesus. 35 And answering, the angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore also the Holy One being born will be called Son of God.

    Gal. 4:4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, having been born of a woman, having been born under the law,

    Matt. 1:18, 20–21 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was thus: His mother Mary, having been betrothed to Joseph, before their coming together was found having in womb from the Holy Spirit. 20 But [on] his having pondered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph son of David, you should not be afraid to receive Mary [as] your wife, for that having been begotten in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bear a Son, and you will call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

  • Matt. 16:16; Col. 2:9; Rom. 9:5; 1 Tim. 3:16.

    Matt. 16:16 And answering, Simon Peter said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

    Col. 2:9 because in Him all the fullness of the Deity dwells bodily.

    Rom. 9:5 whose [are] the fathers, and from whom [is] Christ according to the flesh, being God over all, blessed to the ages! Amen.

    1 Tim. 3:16 And confessedly, great is the mystery of godliness: [He] who appeared in flesh, was justified in the Spirit, was seen by angels, was proclaimed among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.

  • Rom. 1:3–4; 1 Tim. 2:5.

    Rom. 1:3–4 3 concerning His Son, the One having come of the seed of David according to the flesh, 4 the One having been determined the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by resurrection [from] the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord,

    1 Tim. 2:5 For [there is] one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

  • Ps. 45:7; John 3:34. (See Isa. 61:1; Luke 4:18; Heb. 1:8–9.)

    Ps. 45:7 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; upon thus, God, your God has anointed you with the oil of joy above your companions.

    John 3:34 For the One whom God sent speaks the words of God, for He gives the Spirit without measure.

    Isa. 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord YHWH [is] upon me, because YHWH has anointed me to bring [good] news [to] the poor. He has sent me to bind the [wounds] of the broken of heart, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and to the bound the opening of their bonds;

    Luke 4:18 “The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon Me, because of which He anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim deliverance to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to send forth the oppressed in deliverance,

    Heb. 1:8–9 8 But to the Son: “Your throne, O God, [is] to the age of the age, and the scepter of uprightness [is] the scepter of Your kingdom. 9 You loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; because of this, God, Your God, anointed You with the oil of exultation beyond Your companions.”

  • Col. 2:3.

    Col. 2:3 in whom are hidden away all the treasures of wisdom and of knowledge.

  • Col. 1:19.

    Col. 1:19 because all the fullness was well pleased to dwell in Him,

  • Heb. 7:26; John 1:14.

    Heb. 7:26 For such for us indeed was fitting—a high priest holy, innocent, undefiled, having been separated from sinners, and having become higher than the heavens,

    John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us. And we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

  • Acts 10:38; Heb. 12:24; Heb. 7:22.

    Acts 10:38 Jesus from Nazareth—how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power—who went about doing good and healing all those being oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him.

    Heb. 12:24 and to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, speaking a better thing than that of Abel.

    Heb. 7:22 By so much also, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.

  • Heb. 5:4–5.

    Heb. 5:4–5 4 And no one takes upon himself the honor, but is being called by God, just as Aaron also. 5 So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become a high priest, but the One having said to Him: “You are My Son, today I have begotten You.”

  • John 5:22, 27; Matt. 28:18; Acts 2:36.

    John 5:22, 27 22 For the Father judges no one, but He has given all judgment to the Son, 27 And He gave Him authority to do judgment, because He is the Son of Man.

    Matt. 28:18 And having come near, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on the earth was given to Me.

    Acts 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you⁺ crucified.”

  • Ps. 40:7–8. (See Heb. 10:5–10; John 4:34; John 10:18; Phil. 2:8.)

    Ps. 40:7–8 7 Then I said, “Behold, I have come—in the roll of the book it is written of me. 8 I have delighted to do Your will, O my God, and Your law [is] in the midst of my heart.”

    Heb. 10:5–10 5 Therefore, coming into the world, He says: “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You prepared for Me. 6 In burnt offerings and concerning sin [offerings] You were not well pleased. 7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come—in the scroll of the book it has been written about Me—to do Your will, O God.’” 8 Saying above, “Sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and [those] for sin You did not desire, nor were You well pleased” (which are offered according to the law), 9 then He has said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will.” He takes away the first so that He might establish the second, 10 in which act of will, we are having been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

    John 4:34 Jesus says to them, “My food is that I should do the will of the One having sent Me and should finish His work.

    John 10:18 No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it again. This commandment I received from My Father.”

    Phil. 2:8 And having been found in appearance as a man He humbled Himself, having become obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

  • Gal. 4:4.

    Gal. 4:4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, having been born of a woman, having been born under the law,

  • Matt. 3:15; Matt. 5:17; Heb. 5:8–9.

    Matt. 3:15 But answering, Jesus said to him, “Permit [it] presently; for thus it is fitting to us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he permits Him.

    Matt. 5:17 Do not suppose that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill.

    Heb. 5:8–9 8 although being a Son, He learned obedience from the things He suffered, 9 and having been perfected, He became the source of eternal salvation to all those obeying Him,

  • Matt. 26:37–38; Luke 22:44; Matt. 27:46.

    Matt. 26:37–38 37 And having taken with [Him] Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. 38 Then He says to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch with Me.”

    Luke 22:44 And having been in agony, He was praying more earnestly. And His sweat became like large drops of blood falling down upon the ground.

    Matt. 27:46 And about the ninth hour, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” That is, “My God, My God, why did You forsake Me?”

  • Matt. 26:67–68; Matt. 27:27–50.

    Matt. 26:67–68 67 Then they spat in His face and struck Him. And others slapped [Him], 68 saying, “Prophesy to us, Christ. Who is the one having struck You?”

    Matt. 27:27–50 27 Then the soldiers of the governor, having taken with [them] Jesus into the Praetorium, gathered the whole cohort before Him. 28 And having stripped Him, they put a scarlet robe around Him. 29 And having twisted together a crown of thorns, they put [it] on His head, and a reed in His right hand; and having bowed the knees before Him, they mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 30 And having spit upon Him, they took the reed and kept striking [Him] on His head. 31 And when they had mocked Him, they took the robe off Him, and they put His garments on Him and led Him away to crucify [Him]. 32 And going out, they found a man of Cyrene named Simon. They compelled him that he might carry His cross. 33 And having come to a place called Golgotha, which is called Place of a Skull, 34 they gave Him wine to drink, mixed with gall; and having tasted [it], He was not willing to drink [it]. 35 And having crucified Him, they divided His garments, casting a lot. 36 And sitting down, they were guarding Him there. 37 And they put up over His head the written accusation against Him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS. 38 At that time two robbers are crucified with Him, one at the right hand and one at the left. 39 And those passing by kept railing at Him, wagging their heads 40 and saying, “The One demolishing the temple and building [it] in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, also come down from the cross!” 41 Likewise also the chief priests, mocking, with the scribes and elders, were saying, 42 “He saved others. He is not able to save Himself. He is King of Israel! Let Him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in Him. 43 He has trusted on God. Let Him deliver [Him] now if He wants Him, for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” 44 And likewise even the robbers, those having been crucified with Him, were upbraiding Him. 45 And from the sixth hour darkness was over all the land until the ninth hour. 46 And about the ninth hour, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” That is, “My God, My God, why did You forsake Me?” 47 And some of those standing there, having heard, were saying, “This [man] calls Elijah.” 48 And immediately one of them, having run and having taken a sponge, and having filled [it] with vinegar and having put [it] on a reed, gave Him to drink. 49 And the rest were saying, “Let [it] be. Let us see whether Elijah comes to save Him.” 50 And Jesus, having cried again in a loud voice, yielded up [His] spirit.

  • Mark 15:24, 37; Phil. 2:8.

    Mark 15:24, 37 24 And they crucify Him. And they divide His garments, casting a lot for them, who should take what. 37 But Jesus, having uttered a great cry, breathed His last.

    Phil. 2:8 And having been found in appearance as a man He humbled Himself, having become obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

  • Matt. 27:60; Acts 2:24, 27; Acts 13:29, 37; Rom. 6:9.

    Matt. 27:60 and placed it in his new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And having rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb, he went away.

    Acts 2:24, 27 24 whom God raised up, having loosed the agony of death, inasmuch as it was not possible [for] Him to be held by it. 27 for You will not abandon my soul into Hades, nor will You give Your Holy One to see decay.

    Acts 13:29, 37 29 And when they finished all the things having been written about Him, having taken [Him] down from the tree, they put [Him] in a tomb. 37 But the One God raised up did not see decay.

    Rom. 6:9 knowing that Christ, having been raised out from the dead, dies no more; death no longer rules over Him.

  • 1 Cor. 15:3–4.

    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 according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

  • Luke 24:39; John 20:25, 27.

    Luke 24:39 See My hands and My feet, that I am He. Touch Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you⁺ see Me having.”

    John 20:25, 27 25 Therefore the other disciples were saying to him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the mark of the nails, and I put my finger into the mark of the nails, and I put my hands into His side, I will never believe.” 27 Then He says to Thomas, “Bring your finger here and see My hands, and bring your hand and put [it] into My side; and be not unbelieving, but believing.”

  • Luke 24:50–51; 1 Peter 3:22.

    Luke 24:50–51 50 And He led them out as far as to Bethany, and having lifted up His hands, He blessed them. 51 And it came to pass, in His blessing them, [that] He was separated from them and was carried up into heaven.

    1 Peter 3:22 who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, angels and authorities and powers having been subjected to Him.

  • Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7:25. (See Heb. 9:24.)

    Rom. 8:34 Who [is] the one condemning? Christ Jesus the One having died, now rather having been raised, [is] He who is also at the right hand of God, and who is interceding for us.

    Heb. 7:25 wherefore also He is able to save to the uttermost those drawing near to God through Him, always living to intercede for them.

    Heb. 9:24 For Christ entered not into holy [places] made by hands, copies of the true ones, but into heaven itself, now to appear for us in the presence of God,

  • Acts 1:11; John 5:28–29; Rom. 14:10b; Acts 10:42; Matt. 13:40–42; Jude 6. (See 2 Peter 2:4.)

    Acts 1:11 who also said, “Men, Galileans, why do you⁺ stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, having been taken up from you⁺ into heaven, will thus come in that manner you⁺ saw Him going into heaven.”

    John 5:28–29 28 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming in which all those in the tombs will hear His voice, 29 and they will come out—those having done good to the resurrection of life, and those having practiced evil to the resurrection of judgment.

    Rom. 14:10 But why do you judge your brother? Or why also do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.

    Acts 10:42 And He instructed us to proclaim to the people and to testify fully that He is the One having been appointed by God [as] Judge of the living and the dead.

    Matt. 13:40–42 40 Therefore, as the weeds are gathered together and are burned up in fire, so will it be in the consummation of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send forth His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all the stumbling blocks and those doing lawlessness, 42 and they will cast them into the furnace of the fire—there will be weeping and gnashing of the teeth.

    2 Peter 2:4 For if God did not spare the angels having sinned, but having cast [them] down to Tartarus in chains of gloomy darkness, He delivered [them], being kept for judgment;

    Jude 6 on BibleHub ↗

  • Rom. 5:19; Heb. 9:14; Heb. 10:14; Eph. 5:2; Rom. 3:25–26.

    Rom. 5:19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.

    Heb. 9:14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our conscience from dead works, in order to serve the living God!

    Heb. 10:14 For by one offering, He has perfected unto perpetuity those being sanctified.

    Eph. 5:2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved us and gave Himself up for us [as] an offering and a sacrifice to God, into a fragrance of a sweet smell.

    Rom. 3:25–26 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation through faith in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because of the passing over of the sins having taken place beforehand in the forbearance of God, 26 for the demonstration of His righteousness in the present time, for Him to be just and justifying the one of the faith from Jesus.

  • Dan. 9:24; 2 Cor. 5:18; Col. 1:20; Eph. 1:11, 14; Heb. 9:12, 15; John 17:2.

    Dan. 9:24 Seventy sevens are determined for your people and for the city of your holiness, to finish the transgression, and to seal off sin, and to make atonement for iniquity, and to bring in righteousness everlasting, and to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Holy of Holies.

    2 Cor. 5:18 Now all things [are] of God, the One having reconciled us to Himself through Christ, and having given to us the ministry of reconciliation:

    Col. 1:20 and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross through Him, whether the things on the earth or the things in the heavens.

    Eph. 1:11, 14 11 in Him, in whom also we obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of the One working all things according to the counsel of His will 14 who is the pledge of our inheritance to the redemption of the acquired possession, to the praise of His glory.

    Heb. 9:12, 15 12 nor by blood of goats and calves, but through [His] own blood, He entered once for all into the holy [places], having obtained eternal redemption. 15 And because of this, He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, death having taken place for redemption of the transgressions upon the first covenant, those having been called might receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

    John 17:2 as You gave to Him authority over all flesh, so that all whom You have given to Him, He may give to them eternal life.

  • Gal. 4:4–5; Gen. 3:15; 1 Cor. 10:4; Rev. 13:8; Heb. 13:8. (See Rom. 3:25; Heb. 9:15.)

    Gal. 4:4–5 4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, having been born of a woman, having been born under the law, 5 that He might redeem those under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

    Gen. 3:15 And enmity I will put between you and between the woman, and between your seed and between her seed. He shall bruise you [on] the head, and you shall bruise him [on] the heel.

    1 Cor. 10:4 and all drank the same spiritual drink; for they were drinking from the spiritual rock accompanying [them], and the rock was Christ.

    Rev. 13:8 And all dwelling on the earth will worship it, [everyone] whose name has not been written in the book of life of the Lamb having been slain from the foundation of the world.

    Heb. 13:8 Jesus Christ [is] the same yesterday and today and to the ages.

    Rom. 3:25 whom God set forth as a propitiation through faith in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because of the passing over of the sins having taken place beforehand in the forbearance of God,

    Heb. 9:15 And because of this, He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, death having taken place for redemption of the transgressions upon the first covenant, those having been called might receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

  • John 10:17–18; 1 Peter 3:18; Heb. 1:3. (See Heb. 9:14.)

    John 10:17–18 17 Because of this, the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I might take it again. 18 No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it again. This commandment I received from My Father.”

    1 Peter 3:18 because Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, so that He might bring you⁺ to God, having been put to death indeed in the flesh, but having been made alive in the Spirit,

    Heb. 1:3 who, being the radiance of [His] glory and the exact imprint of His substance and bearing all things by the word of power—through His having made purification of sins—sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

    Heb. 9:14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our conscience from dead works, in order to serve the living God!

  • Acts 20:28; Luke 1:43. (See Rom. 9:5.)

    Acts 20:28 Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock among whom the Holy Spirit has set you⁺ as overseers, to shepherd the church of God, which He purchased with [His] own blood.

    Luke 1:43 And from where [is] this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

    Rom. 9:5 whose [are] the fathers, and from whom [is] Christ according to the flesh, being God over all, blessed to the ages! Amen.

  • John 6:37, 39; John 10:15–16, 27–28.

    John 6:37, 39 37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one coming to Me I shall never cast out. 39 Now this is the will of the One having sent Me, that all that He has given Me, I should lose none of it, but I will raise it up in the last day.

    John 10:15–16, 27–28 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. It is necessary for Me to bring those also, and they will hear My voice, and there will be one flock [and] one shepherd. 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and never shall they perish to the age, and no one will snatch them out of My hand.

  • 1 John 2:1; Rom. 8:34.

    1 John 2:1 My little children, I am writing these things to you⁺ so that you⁺ might not sin. And if anyone might sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous One.

    Rom. 8:34 Who [is] the one condemning? Christ Jesus the One having died, now rather having been raised, [is] He who is also at the right hand of God, and who is interceding for us.

  • John 15:15; Eph. 1:9; John 17:6.

    John 15:15 No longer do I call you⁺ servants, because the servant does not know what his master is doing. But I have called you⁺ friends, because all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you⁺.

    Eph. 1:9 having made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Him

    John 17:6 I revealed Your name to the men whom You gave to Me out of the world. They were Yours, and to Me You gave them, and they have kept Your word.

  • John 14:26; 2 Cor. 4:13; Rom. 8:9, 14; Rom. 15:18–19; John 17:17.

    John 14:26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you⁺ all things and will remind you⁺ of all the things that I said to you⁺.

    2 Cor. 4:13 But having the same spirit of faith according to that having been written: “I believed, therefore I spoke,” we also believe, and therefore we speak,

    Rom. 8:9, 14 9 But you⁺ are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you⁺; and if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, this one is not of Him. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

    Rom. 15:18–19 18 For I will not dare to speak of anything that Christ did not work through me for the obedience of the Gentiles by word and deed, 19 in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of the Spirit of God, so as for me, from Jerusalem and around as far as Illyricum, to have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ,

    John 17:17 Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.

  • Ps. 110:1; 1 Cor. 15:25–26; Col. 2:15; Luke 10:19.

    Ps. 110:1 A Psalm of David. An utterance of YHWH to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand, until I make your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”

    1 Cor. 15:25–26 25 For it is necessary for Him to reign until He shall have put all the enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy to be made null [is] death.

    Col. 2:15 Having divested the rulers and the authorities, He made a show [of them] in public, having triumphed over them in it.

    Luke 10:19 Behold, I have given you⁺ the authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and on all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you⁺.

Parallel passages (6+)London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator79 shared proof texts · 14 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 4927 shared proof texts · shared topicSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World15 shared proof texts · 10 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 4216 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 3514 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 3113 shared proof texts · 5 shared topics

Chapter 11: Of Justification

1. Those whom God effectually calleth, he also freely justifieth: not by infusing righteousness into them, but by pardoning their sins, and by accounting and accepting their persons as righteous; not for anything wrought in them, or done by them, but for Christ's sake alone; nor by imputing faith itself, the act of believing, or any other evangelical obedience to them, as their righteousness; but by imputing the obedience and satisfaction of Christ unto them, they receiving and resting on him and his righteousness, by faith; which faith they have not of themselves, it is the gift of God.

2. Faith, thus receiving and resting on Christ and his righteousness, is the alone instrument of justification: yet is it not alone in the person justified, but is ever accompanied with all other saving graces, and is no dead faith, but worketh by love.

3. Christ, by his obedience and death, did fully discharge the debt of all those that are thus justified, and did make a proper, real, and full satisfaction to his Father's justice in their behalf. Yet, inasmuch as he was given by the Father for them; and his obedience and satisfaction accepted in their stead; and both, freely, not for anything in them; their justification is only of free grace; that both the exact justice and rich grace of God might be glorified in the justification of sinners.

4. God did, from all eternity, decree to justify all the elect, and Christ did, in the fullness of time, die for their sins, and rise again for their justification: nevertheless, they are not justified, until the Holy Spirit doth, in due time, actually apply Christ unto them.

5. God doth continue to forgive the sins of those that are justified; and, although they can never fall from the state of justification, yet they may, by their sins, fall under God's fatherly displeasure, and not have the light of his countenance restored unto them, until they humble themselves, confess their sins, beg pardon, and renew their faith and repentance.

6. The justification of believers under the old testament was, in all these respects, one and the same with the justification of believers under the new testament.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 8:30; Rom. 3:24; Rom. 5:15–16.

    Rom. 8:30 And whom He predestined, these also He called; and whom He called, these also He justified; and whom He justified, these also He glorified.

    Rom. 3:24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus,

    Rom. 5:15–16 15 But not as the trespass, so also [is] the gracious gift; for if by the trespass of the one the many died, much more the grace of God and the gift in grace, that of the one man, Jesus Christ, abounded to the many! 16 And not as through one having sinned [is] the gift; for indeed the judgment out of one [is] to condemnation; but the gracious gift out of many trespasses [is] to justification.

  • Rom. 4:5–8; 2 Cor. 5:19, 21; Rom. 3:22–28; Titus 3:5, 7; Eph. 1:7; Jer. 23:6; 1 Cor. 1:30–31; Rom. 5:17–19.

    Rom. 4:5–8 5 But to the one not working but believing on the One justifying the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness, 6 just as David also declares the blessedness of the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed [are] [those] whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; 8 blessed [is] the man to whom the Lord shall never reckon sin.”

    2 Cor. 5:19, 21 19 how that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not reckoning to them their trespasses, and having put into us the word of reconciliation. 21 He made the One not having known sin [to be] sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

    Rom. 3:22–28 22 And the righteousness of God [is] through faith from Jesus Christ toward all those believing. For there is no distinction, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation through faith in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because of the passing over of the sins having taken place beforehand in the forbearance of God, 26 for the demonstration of His righteousness in the present time, for Him to be just and justifying the one of the faith from Jesus. 27 Where then [is] the boasting? It was excluded. By what kind of law? That of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we reckon a man to be justified by faith apart from works of law.

    Titus 3:5, 7 5 not by works in righteousness that we did, but according to His mercy, He saved us through the washing of regeneration and a renewing of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

    Eph. 1:7 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of trespasses, according to the riches of His grace,

    Jer. 23:6 In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell in security; and this [is] his name that He will be called: YHWH Tsidqenu.

    1 Cor. 1:30–31 30 But out of Him you⁺ are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it has been written: “The one boasting, let him boast in the Lord.”

    Rom. 5:17–19 17 For if, by the trespass of the one, death reigned through the one, much more will those receiving the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ! 18 So then, just as through one trespass [is] condemnation to all men so also through one righteous act [is] justification of life to 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 the many will be made righteous.

  • John 1:12; Acts 10:43; Acts 13:38–39; Phil. 3:9; Eph. 2:7–8; John 6:44–45, 65; Phil. 1:29.

    John 1:12 But as many as received Him, He gave to them authority to become children of God—to those believing in His name,

    Acts 10:43 To this One all the prophets testify [that] everyone believing in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.”

    Acts 13:38–39 38 Therefore be it known to you⁺, men, brothers, that through this One forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you⁺. 39 And in Him everyone believing is justified from all things from which you⁺ were not able to be justified in the law of Moses.

    Phil. 3:9 and may be found in Him, not having my own righteousness that [is] of the law, but that which [is] through faith from Christ, the righteousness of God upon faith,

    Eph. 2:7–8 7 so that in the ages that are coming, He might display the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you⁺ are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God,

    John 6:44–45, 65 44 No one is able to come to Me unless the Father, the One having sent Me, should draw him, and I will raise him up in the last day. 45 It is written in the Prophets: ‘And they will all be taught of God.’ Everyone having heard from the Father and having learned comes to Me. 65 And He was saying, “Because of this, I have said to you⁺ that no one is able to come to Me unless it shall have been given to him from the Father.”

    Phil. 1:29 For it was granted to you⁺ on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer on behalf of Him,

  • John 3:18, 36; Rom. 3:28; Rom. 5:1.

    John 3:18, 36 18 The one believing in Him is not judged, but the one not believing already has been judged, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 36 The one believing in the Son has eternal life; but the one not obeying the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”

    Rom. 3:28 For we reckon a man to be justified by faith apart from works of law.

    Rom. 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

  • James 2:17, 22, 26; Gal. 5:6.

    James 2:17, 22, 26 17 So also, faith, if it has no works, is dead by itself. 22 You see that faith was working with his works, and by works, faith was perfected. 26 For just as the body without spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

    Gal. 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any power, but faith working through love.

  • Mark 10:45; Rom. 5:8–10, 18–19; Gal. 3:13; 1 Tim. 2:5–6; Heb. 1:3; Heb. 10:10, 14; Dan. 9:24, 26. (See Isa. 52:13–53:12.)

    Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life [as] a ransom for many.”

    Rom. 5:8–10, 18–19 8 But God demonstrates His own love to us, that [in] our being still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Therefore much more, having been justified now by His blood, we will be saved by Him from wrath! 10 For if, being enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we will be saved in His life! 18 So then, just as through one trespass [is] condemnation to all men so also through one righteous act [is] justification of life to 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 the many will be made righteous.

    Gal. 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us—for it has been written: “Cursed [is] everyone hanging on a tree,”

    1 Tim. 2:5–6 5 For [there is] one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 the One having given Himself [as] a ransom for all, the testimony in their own proper times,

    Heb. 1:3 who, being the radiance of [His] glory and the exact imprint of His substance and bearing all things by the word of power—through His having made purification of sins—sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

    Heb. 10:10, 14 10 in which act of will, we are having been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 14 For by one offering, He has perfected unto perpetuity those being sanctified.

    Dan. 9:24, 26 24 Seventy sevens are determined for your people and for the city of your holiness, to finish the transgression, and to seal off sin, and to make atonement for iniquity, and to bring in righteousness everlasting, and to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Holy of Holies. 26 And after sixty and two sevens, Messiah will be cut off, and not for Him. And the people of the leader who is coming will destroy the city and the sanctuary. And its end [is] in a flood, and until the end, war [and] desolations are determined.

    Isa. 52:13–53:12 13 Behold, My Servant will prosper; he will rise up, and be lifted up and highly exalted. 12 Therefore I will divide a portion to him with the many, and with the mighty he will divide the spoil upon that he poured out his soul to the death, and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he [himself] bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.

  • Rom. 8:32; John 3:16.

    Rom. 8:32 He who indeed did not spare [His] own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?

    John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave the Son, the only begotten, so that everyone believing in Him shall not perish but shall have eternal life.

  • 2 Cor. 5:21; Eph. 5:2; Phil. 2:6–9; Isa. 53:10–11.

    2 Cor. 5:21 He made the One not having known sin [to be] sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

    Eph. 5:2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved us and gave Himself up for us [as] an offering and a sacrifice to God, into a fragrance of a sweet smell.

    Phil. 2:6–9 6 Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider to be equal with God something to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, having taken the form of a servant, having been made in the likeness of men. 8 And having been found in appearance as a man He humbled Himself, having become obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also highly exalted Him and granted to Him the name above every name,

    Isa. 53:10–11 10 And YHWH has delighted to bruise Him [and] Make [Him] weak; if his soul is made a guilt offering, He will see [his] seed; He will prolong His days; and the delight of YHWH will prosper in His hand. 11 He will see [the light of life] after the anguish of His soul [and] be satisfied; By His knowledge My Servant, the righteous one, will bring righteousness to many, and He will bear their iniquities.

  • Rom. 3:24; Eph. 1:7.

    Rom. 3:24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus,

    Eph. 1:7 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of trespasses, according to the riches of His grace,

  • Rom. 3:26; Eph. 2:7; Zech. 9:9; Isa. 45:21.

    Rom. 3:26 for the demonstration of His righteousness in the present time, for Him to be just and justifying the one of the faith from Jesus.

    Eph. 2:7 so that in the ages that are coming, He might display the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

    Zech. 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He [is] righteous and bearing salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

    Isa. 45:21 Declare [it] and approach, even let them take counsel together: Who has reported this from of old, from that time having declared it? Is it not I, YHWH? And [there is] no other God besides Me, and a righteous God bringing salvation [there is] none besides Me.

  • Rom. 8:29–30; Gal. 3:8; 1 Peter 1:2, 19–20.

    Rom. 8:29–30 29 because whom He foreknew, He also predestined [to be] conformed to the image of His Son, for Him to be firstborn among many brothers. 30 And whom He predestined, these also He called; and whom He called, these also He justified; and whom He justified, these also He glorified.

    Gal. 3:8 Now the Scripture, having foreseen that God justifies the Gentiles by faith, proclaimed the gospel beforehand to Abraham: “All the nations will be blessed in you.”

    1 Peter 1:2, 19–20 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: May grace and peace be multiplied to you⁺. 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, 20 having been foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, but having been made manifest in the last times on account of you⁺,

  • Gal. 4:4; 1 Tim. 2:6; Rom. 4:25.

    Gal. 4:4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, having been born of a woman, having been born under the law,

    1 Tim. 2:6 the One having given Himself [as] a ransom for all, the testimony in their own proper times,

    Rom. 4:25 who was delivered over because of our trespasses, and was raised because of our justification.

  • Eph. 2:3; Titus 3:3–7; Gal. 2:16. (Cf. Col. 1:21–22.)

    Eph. 2:3 among whom we all also once conducted ourselves in the desires of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of [its] thoughts; and we were by nature children of wrath even as the rest.

    Titus 3:3–7 3 For we were also once foolish, disobedient, being deceived, being in slavery to various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and the love of mankind of God our Savior appeared, 5 not by works in righteousness that we did, but according to His mercy, He saved us through the washing of regeneration and a renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

    Gal. 2:16 are knowing now that a man is not justified by works of the law, except through faith from Jesus Christ. We also believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith from Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law not any flesh will be justified.

    Col. 1:21–22 21 And you⁺, being once alienated and enemies in the mind, in the evil works— 22 but now He has reconciled [you] in His body of flesh through death, to present you⁺ holy and unblemished and blameless before Him,

  • Matt. 6:12; 1 John 1:7, 9; 1 John 2:1–2.

    Matt. 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

    1 John 1:7, 9 7 But if we should walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 9 If we should confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, that He may forgive us [our] sins and may cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

    1 John 2:1–2 1 My little children, I am writing these things to you⁺ so that you⁺ might not sin. And if anyone might sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous One. 2 And He is the propitiation for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for [those] of the whole world.

  • Rom. 5:1–5; Rom. 8:30–39; Heb. 10:14 (cf. Luke 22:32); John 10:28.

    Rom. 5:1–5 1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we boast in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only [so], but also we boast in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put [us] to shame, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, the One having been given to us.

    Rom. 8:30–39 30 And whom He predestined, these also He called; and whom He called, these also He justified; and whom He justified, these also He glorified. 31 What then will we say to these things? If God [is] for us, who [can be] against us— 32 He who indeed did not spare [His] own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring an accusation against the chosen ones of God? God [is] the One justifying. 34 Who [is] the one condemning? Christ Jesus the One having died, now rather having been raised, [is] He who is also at the right hand of God, and who is interceding for us. 35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it has been written: “For Your sake we face death all the day; we were reckoned as sheep of slaughter.” 37 But in all these things we are more than conquerors through the One having loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things present nor things about to be, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God that [is] in Christ Jesus our Lord.

    Heb. 10:14 For by one offering, He has perfected unto perpetuity those being sanctified.

    Luke 22:32 But I begged for you, that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

    John 10:28 And I give them eternal life, and never shall they perish to the age, and no one will snatch them out of My hand.

  • Ps. 89:30–33; Ps. 51; Ps. 32:5; Matt. 26:75; Luke 1:20; 1 Cor. 11:30, 32.

    Ps. 89:30–33 30 If his sons should abandon My instruction, and do not walk in My ordinances, 31 if they violate My statutes, and do not keep My commandments, 32 then I will attend [to] their transgression with the rod, and [to] their iniquity with stripes. 33 And I will not break off My loving devotion from him, and I will not be false in My faithfulness.

    Ps. 32:5 I made known to You my sin, and my iniquity I did not hide; I said, “I will make confession over my transgressions to YHWH,” and You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah

    Matt. 26:75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, [He] having said, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” And having gone out, he wept bitterly.

    Luke 1:20 And behold, you will be silent and not able to speak until that day these things shall take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their season.”

    1 Cor. 11:30, 32 30 Because of this, many [are] weak and sick among you⁺, and many are fallen asleep. 32 But being judged by the Lord, we are disciplined, so that we should not be condemned with the world.

    Psalm 51 on BibleHub ↗

  • Gal. 3:9, 13–14; Rom. 4:6–8, 22–24; Rom. 10:6–13; Heb. 13:8.

    Gal. 3:9, 13–14 9 So then, those of faith are blessed along with the faithful Abraham. 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us—for it has been written: “Cursed [is] everyone hanging on a tree,” 14 so that the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

    Rom. 4:6–8, 22–24 6 just as David also declares the blessedness of the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed [are] [those] whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; 8 blessed [is] the man to whom the Lord shall never reckon sin.” 22 Therefore also “it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” 23 Now it was not written because of him alone that “it was reckoned to him,” 24 but also because of us, to whom it is about to be reckoned, to those believing on the One having raised Jesus our Lord out from the dead,

    Rom. 10:6–13 6 But the righteousness of faith speaks thus: “You should not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ (that is, to bring down Christ), 7 or, ‘Who will descend into the Abyss?’ (that is, to bring up Christ out from the dead).” 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the word of faith that we proclaim, 9 that if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus [is] Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him out from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone believing on Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord of all is rich to all those calling upon Him, 13 for, “Whoever shall call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.”

    Heb. 13:8 Jesus Christ [is] the same yesterday and today and to the ages.

Parallel passages (6+)London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification49 shared proof texts · 10 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 7021 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 6020 shared proof texts · 7 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 7120 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful14 shared proof texts · 10 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator15 shared proof texts · 5 shared topics

Question 21

Q. Who is the Redeemer of God's elect?

A. The only Redeemer of God's elect is the Lord Jesus Christ, who, being the eternal Son of God, became man, and so was, and continueth to be, God and man in two distinct natures, and one person, forever.

Scripture proofs
  • John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 Tim. 2:5–6.

    John 14:6 Jesus says to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father if not through Me.

    Acts 4:12 And there is salvation in no other, for there is not another name under heaven having been given among men by which it is necessary for us to be saved.”

    1 Tim. 2:5–6 5 For [there is] one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 the One having given Himself [as] a ransom for all, the testimony in their own proper times,

  • Ps. 2:7; Matt. 3:17; Matt. 17:5; John 1:18.

    Ps. 2:7 I will recount the decree of YHWH; He has said to Me: “You [are] My Son; today I have begotten You.

    Matt. 3:17 And behold, a voice out of the heavens, saying, “This is My Son, the Beloved, in whom I was well pleased.”

    Matt. 17:5 [In] his still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud, saying, “This is My Son, the Beloved, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!”

    John 1:18 No one has ever yet seen God. The only begotten God, the One being in the bosom of the Father, He has made [Him] known.

  • Isa. 9:6; Matt. 1:23; John 1:14; Gal. 4:4.

    Isa. 9:6 For a child has been born unto us, a son has been given unto us, and the government will be upon his shoulder. And his name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

    Matt. 1:23 “Behold, the virgin will have in womb, and she will bear a son, and they will call His name Immanuel,” which is, being translated, “God with us.”

    John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us. And we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

    Gal. 4:4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, having been born of a woman, having been born under the law,

  • Acts 1:11; Heb. 7:24–25.

    Acts 1:11 who also said, “Men, Galileans, why do you⁺ stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, having been taken up from you⁺ into heaven, will thus come in that manner you⁺ saw Him going into heaven.”

    Heb. 7:24–25 24 But because of His remaining to the age, He has the permanent priesthood, 25 wherefore also He is able to save to the uttermost those drawing near to God through Him, always living to intercede for them.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 3613 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator7 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator5 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification3 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 354 shared proof textsBelgic Confession · Article 26: The Intercession of Christ3 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics

Question 23

Q. What offices doth Christ execute as our Redeemer?

A. Christ, as our Redeemer, executeth the offices of a prophet, of a priest, and of a king, both in his estate of humiliation and exaltation.

Scripture proofs
  • Deut. 18:18; Acts 2:33; Acts 3:22–23; Heb. 1:1–2.

    Deut. 18:18 I will raise up for them a prophet from among their brothers, like you, and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him.

    Acts 2:33 Therefore, having been exalted to the right hand of God and having received the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father, He poured out this which you⁺ both see and hear.

    Acts 3:22–23 22 Indeed Moses said, ‘The Lord your⁺ God will raise up to you⁺ a prophet like me out of your⁺ brothers. You⁺ will listen to Him in all things, as many as He might say to you⁺. 23 And it will come to pass [that] every soul who might not heed that prophet will be utterly destroyed out of the people.’

    Heb. 1:1–2 1 God, having spoken long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, 2 in these last days spoke to us in [His] Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the ages,

  • Heb. 4:14–15; Heb. 5:5–6.

    Heb. 4:14–15 14 Therefore, having a great high priest having passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to [our] confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest not being able to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one having been tempted in all things by the same way, without sin.

    Heb. 5:5–6 5 So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become a high priest, but the One having said to Him: “You are My Son, today I have begotten You.” 6 Just as that, He also says in another [place]: “You [are] a priest to the age, according to the order of Melchizedek.”

  • Isa. 9:6–7; Luke 1:32–33; John 18:37; 1 Cor. 15:25.

    Isa. 9:6–7 6 For a child has been born unto us, a son has been given unto us, and the government will be upon his shoulder. And his name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of [His] government and peace [will be] no end, over the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and sustain it with justice and with righteousness from now and even to forever. The zeal of YHWH of Hosts will accomplish this.

    Luke 1:32–33 32 He will be great, and He will be called Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, 33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob to the ages. And of His kingdom there will be no end!”

    John 18:37 Therefore Pilate said to Him, “Then You are a king!” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, so that I may testify to the truth. Everyone being of the truth hears My voice.”

    1 Cor. 15:25 For it is necessary for Him to reign until He shall have put all the enemies under His feet.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 4213 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator9 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator7 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 25: Of the Church4 shared proof textsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World2 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsBelgic Confession · Article 26: The Intercession of Christ2 shared proof texts · 4 shared topics

Question 25

Q. How doth Christ execute the office of a priest?

A. Christ executeth the office of a priest, in his once offering up of himself a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice, and reconcile us to God, and in making continual intercession for us.

Scripture proofs
  • Isa. 53; Acts 8:32–35; Heb. 9:26–28; Heb. 10:12.

    Acts 8:32–35 32 Now the passage of Scripture that he was reading was this: “He was led as a sheep to slaughter, and as a lamb before the one shearing it [is] silent, so He does not open His mouth. 33 In His humiliation, justice was taken away from Him. Who will describe His generation? For His life is removed from the earth.” 34 And the eunuch, answering, said to Philip, “I beseech you, about whom does the prophet say this? About himself, or about some other?” 35 And Philip, having opened his mouth and having begun from this Scripture, proclaimed the good news to him—Jesus.

    Heb. 9:26–28 26 Otherwise it was necessary for Him to have suffered many times from the foundation of the world. But now He has been revealed once in the consummation of the ages for the putting away of sin by the sacrifice of Himself. 27 And inasmuch as it is apportioned to men to die once, and after this, judgment, 28 so also Christ, having been offered once in order to bear the sins of many, will appear for a second time, apart from sin, to those eagerly awaiting Him for salvation.

    Heb. 10:12 But this One, having offered one sacrifice for sins unto perpetuity, sat down at the right hand of God,

    Isaiah 53 on BibleHub ↗

  • Rom. 5:10–11; 2 Cor. 5:18; Col. 1:21–22.

    Rom. 5:10–11 10 For if, being enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we will be saved in His life! 11 And not only [so], but also we are boasting in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we now received reconciliation.

    2 Cor. 5:18 Now all things [are] of God, the One having reconciled us to Himself through Christ, and having given to us the ministry of reconciliation:

    Col. 1:21–22 21 And you⁺, being once alienated and enemies in the mind, in the evil works— 22 but now He has reconciled [you] in His body of flesh through death, to present you⁺ holy and unblemished and blameless before Him,

  • Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7:25; Heb. 9:24.

    Rom. 8:34 Who [is] the one condemning? Christ Jesus the One having died, now rather having been raised, [is] He who is also at the right hand of God, and who is interceding for us.

    Heb. 7:25 wherefore also He is able to save to the uttermost those drawing near to God through Him, always living to intercede for them.

    Heb. 9:24 For Christ entered not into holy [places] made by hands, copies of the true ones, but into heaven itself, now to appear for us in the presence of God,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 447 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator4 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification4 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator3 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God4 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 313 shared proof texts · 4 shared topics

Question 33

Q. What is justification?

A. Justification is an act of God's free grace, wherein he pardoneth all our sins, and accepteth us as righteous in his sight, only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and received by faith alone.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 3:24.

    Rom. 3:24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus,

  • Rom. 4:6–8; 2 Cor. 5:19.

    Rom. 4:6–8 6 just as David also declares the blessedness of the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed [are] [those] whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; 8 blessed [is] the man to whom the Lord shall never reckon sin.”

    2 Cor. 5:19 how that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not reckoning to them their trespasses, and having put into us the word of reconciliation.

  • 2 Cor. 5:21.

    2 Cor. 5:21 He made the One not having known sin [to be] sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

  • Rom. 4:6, 11; Rom. 5:19.

    Rom. 4:6, 11 6 just as David also declares the blessedness of the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works: 11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith that [he had while] in the uncircumcision, for him to be father of all those believing through uncircumcision, for the righteousness to be reckoned also to them,

    Rom. 5:19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.

  • Gal. 2:16; Phil. 3:9.

    Gal. 2:16 are knowing now that a man is not justified by works of the law, except through faith from Jesus Christ. We also believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith from Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law not any flesh will be justified.

    Phil. 3:9 and may be found in Him, not having my own righteousness that [is] of the law, but that which [is] through faith from Christ, the righteousness of God upon faith,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 7010 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification9 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 11: Of Justification7 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 605 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 715 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man5 shared proof texts

Question 36

Q. Who is the Mediator of the covenant of grace?

A. The only Mediator of the covenant of grace is the Lord Jesus Christ, who, being the eternal Son of God, of one substance and equal with the Father, in the fullness of time became man, and so was and continues to be God and man, in two entire distinct natures, and one person, forever.

Scripture proofs
  • 1 Tim. 2:5; John 14:6; Acts 4:12.

    1 Tim. 2:5 For [there is] one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

    John 14:6 Jesus says to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father if not through Me.

    Acts 4:12 And there is salvation in no other, for there is not another name under heaven having been given among men by which it is necessary for us to be saved.”

  • John 1:1, 14, 18; John 10:30; Phil. 2:6; Ps. 2:7; Matt. 3:17; Matt. 17:5.

    John 1:1, 14, 18 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 tabernacled among us. And we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. 18 No one has ever yet seen God. The only begotten God, the One being in the bosom of the Father, He has made [Him] known.

    John 10:30 I and the Father are one.”

    Phil. 2:6 Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider to be equal with God something to be grasped,

    Ps. 2:7 I will recount the decree of YHWH; He has said to Me: “You [are] My Son; today I have begotten You.

    Matt. 3:17 And behold, a voice out of the heavens, saying, “This is My Son, the Beloved, in whom I was well pleased.”

    Matt. 17:5 [In] his still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud, saying, “This is My Son, the Beloved, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!”

  • Gal. 4:4; Matt. 1:23. (See John 1:14.)

    Gal. 4:4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, having been born of a woman, having been born under the law,

    Matt. 1:23 “Behold, the virgin will have in womb, and she will bear a son, and they will call His name Immanuel,” which is, being translated, “God with us.”

    John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us. And we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

  • Luke 1:35; Acts 1:11; Rom. 9:5; Col. 2:9; Heb. 7:24–25; Heb. 13:8. (See Phil. 2:5–11.)

    Luke 1:35 And answering, the angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore also the Holy One being born will be called Son of God.

    Acts 1:11 who also said, “Men, Galileans, why do you⁺ stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, having been taken up from you⁺ into heaven, will thus come in that manner you⁺ saw Him going into heaven.”

    Rom. 9:5 whose [are] the fathers, and from whom [is] Christ according to the flesh, being God over all, blessed to the ages! Amen.

    Col. 2:9 because in Him all the fullness of the Deity dwells bodily.

    Heb. 7:24–25 24 But because of His remaining to the age, He has the permanent priesthood, 25 wherefore also He is able to save to the uttermost those drawing near to God through Him, always living to intercede for them.

    Heb. 13:8 Jesus Christ [is] the same yesterday and today and to the ages.

    Phil. 2:5–11 5 Let this mind be in you⁺ that [was] also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider to be equal with God something to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, having taken the form of a servant, having been made in the likeness of men. 8 And having been found in appearance as a man He humbled Himself, having become obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also highly exalted Him and granted to Him the name above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in the heavens and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator13 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 2113 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator8 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 358 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification7 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsBelgic Confession · Article 26: The Intercession of Christ6 shared proof texts · 4 shared topics

Question 38

Q. Why was it requisite that the Mediator should be God?

A. It was requisite that the Mediator should be God, that he might sustain and keep the human nature from sinking under the infinite wrath of God, and the power of death; give worth and efficacy to his sufferings, obedience, and intercession; and to satisfy God's justice, procure his favor, purchase a peculiar people, give his Spirit to them, conquer all their enemies, and bring them to everlasting salvation.

Scripture proofs
  • Acts 2:24–25; Rom. 1:4; Rom. 4:25; Heb. 9:14.

    Acts 2:24–25 24 whom God raised up, having loosed the agony of death, inasmuch as it was not possible [for] Him to be held by it. 25 For David says about Him: ‘I foresaw the Lord before me through all, because He is at my right hand, that I should not be shaken.

    Rom. 1:4 the One having been determined the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by resurrection [from] the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord,

    Rom. 4:25 who was delivered over because of our trespasses, and was raised because of our justification.

    Heb. 9:14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our conscience from dead works, in order to serve the living God!

  • Acts 20:28; Heb. 9:14; Heb. 7:25–28. (See John 17.)

    Acts 20:28 Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock among whom the Holy Spirit has set you⁺ as overseers, to shepherd the church of God, which He purchased with [His] own blood.

    Heb. 9:14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our conscience from dead works, in order to serve the living God!

    Heb. 7:25–28 25 wherefore also He is able to save to the uttermost those drawing near to God through Him, always living to intercede for them. 26 For such for us indeed was fitting—a high priest holy, innocent, undefiled, having been separated from sinners, and having become higher than the heavens, 27 who has no need every day, as the first high priests, to offer up sacrifices for [his] own sins, then for those of the people; for He did this once for all, having offered up Himself. 28 For the law appoints as high priests men having weakness; but the word of the oath, which [is] after the law, [appoints] a Son having been perfected to the age.

    John 17 on BibleHub ↗

  • Rom. 3:24–26.

    Rom. 3:24–26 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that [is] in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation through faith in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because of the passing over of the sins having taken place beforehand in the forbearance of God, 26 for the demonstration of His righteousness in the present time, for Him to be just and justifying the one of the faith from Jesus.

  • Eph. 1:6; Matt. 3:17.

    Eph. 1:6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He graciously gave us in the Beloved One,

    Matt. 3:17 And behold, a voice out of the heavens, saying, “This is My Son, the Beloved, in whom I was well pleased.”

  • Titus 2:13–14.

    Titus 2:13–14 13 awaiting the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all lawlessness and might purify to Himself a people specially His, zealous for good works.

  • Gal. 4:6; John 15:26. (See John 16:7; 14:26.)

    Gal. 4:6 And because you⁺ are sons, God sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”

    John 15:26 When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you⁺ from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes forth from the Father, He will testify about Me.

    John 16:7 But I say to you⁺ the truth, it is profitable for you⁺ that I should go away. For unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you⁺; but if I go, I will send Him to you⁺.

    14:26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you⁺ all things and will remind you⁺ of all the things that I said to you⁺.

  • Luke 1:68–69, 71, 74.

    Luke 1:68–69, 71, 74 68 “Blessed [be] the Lord, the God of Israel, because He visited and performed redemption for His people, 69 and He raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David, 71 salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all those hating us, 74 having been saved from the hand of [our] enemies, to serve Him without fear

  • Heb. 5:8–9; Heb. 9:11–15.

    Heb. 5:8–9 8 although being a Son, He learned obedience from the things He suffered, 9 and having been perfected, He became the source of eternal salvation to all those obeying Him,

    Heb. 9:11–15 11 But Christ, having come [as] high priest of the good things coming, through the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made by hands, that is, not of this creation, 12 nor by blood of goats and calves, but through [His] own blood, He entered once for all into the holy [places], having obtained eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of goats and of bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling the ones having been defiled sanctify [them] for the purification of the flesh, 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our conscience from dead works, in order to serve the living God! 15 And because of this, He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, death having taken place for redemption of the transgressions upon the first covenant, those having been called might receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator13 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator7 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God7 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 17: Of the Perseverance of the Saints5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 604 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 39

Q. Why was it requisite that the Mediator should be man?

A. It was requisite that the Mediator should be man, that he might advance our nature, perform obedience to the law, suffer and make intercession for us in our nature, have a fellow feeling of our infirmities; that we might receive the adoption of sons, and have comfort and access with boldness unto the throne of grace.

Scripture proofs
  • Heb. 2:16; 2 Peter 1:4.

    Heb. 2:16 For surely [it is] not the angels He lays hold of, but He lays hold of the seed of Abraham.

    2 Peter 1:4 through which He has given to us the precious and magnificent promises, so that through these you⁺ might become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption in the world in evil desire.

  • Gal. 4:4; Matt. 5:17; Rom. 5:19; Phil. 2:8.

    Gal. 4:4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, having been born of a woman, having been born under the law,

    Matt. 5:17 Do not suppose that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill.

    Rom. 5:19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.

    Phil. 2:8 And having been found in appearance as a man He humbled Himself, having become obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

  • Heb. 2:14; Heb. 7:24–25.

    Heb. 2:14 Therefore, since the children have shared in blood and flesh, He also likewise partook of the same things, so that through death He might render powerless the one having the power of death, that is, the devil,

    Heb. 7:24–25 24 But because of His remaining to the age, He has the permanent priesthood, 25 wherefore also He is able to save to the uttermost those drawing near to God through Him, always living to intercede for them.

  • Heb. 4:15.

    Heb. 4:15 For we do not have a high priest not being able to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one having been tempted in all things by the same way, without sin.

  • Gal. 4:5.

    Gal. 4:5 that He might redeem those under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

  • Heb. 4:16.

    Heb. 4:16 Therefore let us come with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and may find grace for help in time of need.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator9 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsBelgic Confession · Article 26: The Intercession of Christ5 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator4 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 20: Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience4 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 213 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics

Question 40

Q. Why was it requisite that the Mediator should be God and man in one person?

A. It was requisite that the Mediator, who was to reconcile God and man, should himself be both God and man, and this in one person, that the proper works of each nature might be accepted of God for us, and relied on by us, as the works of the whole person.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 1:21, 23; Matt. 3:17; Heb. 9:14.

    Matt. 1:21, 23 21 And she will bear a Son, and you will call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” 23 “Behold, the virgin will have in womb, and she will bear a son, and they will call His name Immanuel,” which is, being translated, “God with us.”

    Matt. 3:17 And behold, a voice out of the heavens, saying, “This is My Son, the Beloved, in whom I was well pleased.”

    Heb. 9:14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our conscience from dead works, in order to serve the living God!

  • 1 Peter 2:6.

    1 Peter 2:6 Therefore it is contained in Scripture: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stone, a chosen [and] precious cornerstone; and the one believing on Him shall never be put to shame.”

Parallel passages (6+)Heidelberg Catechism · Question 182 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator2 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World2 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 212 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 352 shared proof textsBelgic Confession · Article 21: The Atonement1 shared proof text · 3 shared topics

Question 59

Q. Who are made partakers of redemption through Christ?

A. Redemption is certainly applied, and effectually communicated, to all those for whom Christ hath purchased it; who are in time by the Holy Ghost enabled to believe in Christ according to the gospel.

Scripture proofs
  • Eph. 1:13–14; John 6:37, 39; John 10:15–16.

    Eph. 1:13–14 13 in whom you⁺ also, having heard the word of truth, the gospel of your⁺ salvation, in whom also having believed, you⁺ were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the pledge of our inheritance to the redemption of the acquired possession, to the praise of His glory.

    John 6:37, 39 37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one coming to Me I shall never cast out. 39 Now this is the will of the One having sent Me, that all that He has given Me, I should lose none of it, but I will raise it up in 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. It is necessary for Me to bring those also, and they will hear My voice, and there will be one flock [and] one shepherd.

  • Rom. 10:17; 1 Cor. 2:12–16; Eph. 2:8; Rom. 8:9, 14.

    Rom. 10:17 So faith [is] by hearing, and hearing [is] through the word of Christ.

    1 Cor. 2:12–16 12 Now we did not receive the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who [is] from God, so that we may know the [things] having been graciously given to us by God, 13 which also we speak, not in words taught of human wisdom, but in [those] taught of the Spirit, expressing spiritual things by spiritual [means]. 14 But the natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he is not able to know [them], because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But the spiritual [man] judges all things, but he himself is judged by no one. 16 For “who has known the mind of the Lord, that he will instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

    Eph. 2:8 For by grace you⁺ are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God,

    Rom. 8:9, 14 9 But you⁺ are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you⁺; and if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, this one is not of Him. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator7 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 307 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator5 shared proof texts · 6 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling6 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 15 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 655 shared proof texts · 4 shared topics

Chapter VIII: Election

For that same eternal God and Father, who of mere grace elected us in Christ Jesus His Son before the foundation of the world was laid (Eph. 1), appointed Him to be our Head, our brother (Heb. 2), our pastor, and great bishop of our souls (John 10). But because the enmity betwixt the justice of God and our sins was such that no flesh by itself could or might have attained unto God, it behooved that the Son of God should descend unto us and take Himself a body of our body, flesh of our flesh, and bones of our bones: and so become the perfect mediator betwixt God and man, giving power to so many as believe in Him to be the sons of God (John 1). As He Himself does witness, "I pass up to my Father and unto your Father, to my God and unto your God" (John 20). By which most holy fraternity, whatsoever we have lost in Adam is restored to us again. And for this cause are we not afraid to call God our Father, not so much that He has created us (which we have common with the reprobate) as for that, that He has given to us His only Son, to be our brother, and given unto us grace to acknowledge and embrace Him for our only mediator, as before was said. It behooved further the Messiah and Redeemer to be very God and very man because He was to undergo the punishment due for our transgressions (Isa. 53), and to present Himself in the presence of His Father's judgment as in our person to suffer for our transgression and disobedience by death, to overcome him that was author of death. But because the only Godhead could not suffer death, neither yet could the only manhood overcome the same, He joined both together in one person that the weakness of the one should suffer and be subject to death (which we had deserved), and the infinite and invincible power of the other, to wit, of the Godhead, should triumph and purchase to us life, liberty, and perpetual victory. And so we confess and most undoubtedly believe.

Scripture proofs
Parallel passages (6+)Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World11 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator9 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator9 shared topicsCanons of Dort · Second Head, Article 8: The Saving Effectiveness of Christ's Death9 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree9 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification9 shared topics

Chapter IX: Christ's Death, Passion, Burial, Etc.

That our Lord Jesus offered Himself a voluntary sacrifice unto His Father for us (Heb. 10), that He suffered contradiction of sinners, that He was wounded and plagued for our transgressions (Isa. 53), that He being the clean and innocent Lamb of God was damned in the presence of an earthly judge, that we should be absolved before the tribunal seat of our God. That He suffered not only the cruel death of the cross (which was accursed by the sentence of God [Deut. 21; Gal. 3]), but also that He suffered for a season the wrath of His Father, which sinners had deserved. But yet we avow that He remained the only well beloved and blessed Son of His Father, even in the midst of His anguish and torment which He suffered in body and soul to make that full satisfaction for the sins of His people (Heb. 10). After which we confess and avow that there remains no other sacrifice for sin, which if any affirm, we nothing doubt to avow that they are blasphemous against Christ's death and the everlasting purgation and satisfaction purchased to us by the same.

Scripture proofs
Parallel passages (6+)Belgic Confession · Article 21: The Atonement7 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World7 shared topicsCanons of Dort · Second Head: Rejection of the Errors6 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator6 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator6 shared topicsCanons of Dort · Second Head, Article 8: The Saving Effectiveness of Christ's Death5 shared topics

Chapter XV: The Perfection of the Law and Imperfection of Man

The Law of God we confess and acknowledge most just, most equal, most holy, and most perfect (Rom. 7; Ps. 19), commanding those things which being wrought in perfection were able to give life and to bring man to eternal felicity (Deut. 5). But our nature is so corrupt, so weak, and so imperfect (Rom. 10) that we are never able to fulfill the works of the Law in perfection. Yes, if we say we have no sin (even after we are regenerate, 1 John 1), we deceive ourselves and the verity of God is not in us. And, therefore, it behooves us to apprehend Christ Jesus with His justice and satisfaction, who is the end and accomplishment of the Law (Rom. 10), by whom we are set at this liberty (Gal. 3) that the curse and malediction of the Law (Deut. 26) fall not upon us, albeit we fulfill not the same in all points (Eph. 1; Rom. 4). For God the Father beholding us in the body of His Son Christ Jesus, accepts our imperfect obedience as it were perfect, and covers our works, which are defiled with many spots, with the justice of His Son. We do not mean that we are set so at liberty that we owe no obedience to the Law (for that before we have plainly confessed). But this we affirm that no man in earth (Christ Jesus only excepted) has given, gives, or will give in work that obedience to the Law which the Law requires (Luke 10). But when we have done all things, we must fall down and unfeignedly confess that we are unprofitable servants. And, therefore, whosoever boast themselves of the merits of their own works or put their trust in the works of supererogation boast themselves of that which is not, and put their trust in damnable idolatry.

Scripture proofs
Parallel passages (6+)Canons of Dort · Second Head: Rejection of the Errors6 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 9: Of Free Will, and So of Man's Power and Ability6 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification5 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 15: Of the True Justification of the Faithful5 shared topicsBelgic Confession · Article 16: The Doctrine of Election4 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head: Rejection of the Errors4 shared topics

Chapter 5: Of the Adoring, Worshipping, and Invocating of God, through the Only Mediator, Jesus Christ

We teach men to adore and worship the true God alone. This honor we impart to none, according to the commandment of the Lord, "Thou shalt adore the Lord thy God, and Him alone shalt thou worship" or "Him only shalt thou serve" (Matt. 4:10). Surely all the prophets inveighed earnestly against the people of Israel, whenever they adored and worshipped strange gods, and not the one only true God. But we teach that "God is to be adored and worshipped" as He Himself has taught us to worship Him, to wit, "in spirit and truth" (John 4:24); not with any superstition, but with sincerity, according to His Word, lest at any time He also say unto us, "Who hath required these things at your hands?" (Isa. 1:12). For Paul also says, "God is not worshipped with men's hands, as though He needed any thing" (Acts 17:25).

We, in all dangers and casualties of life, call on Him alone, and that by the mediation of the only mediator, and our intercessor, Jesus Christ. For it is expressly commanded us, "Call upon Me in the day of trouble, and I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me" (Ps. 50:15). Moreover, the Lord has made a very large promise saying, "Whatsoever ye shall ask of My Father, He shall give it you" (John 16:23). And again, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you" (Matt. 11:28). And seeing it is written, "How shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed?" (Rom. 10:14) and we believe in God alone, therefore, we call upon Him only and that through Christ. "There is one God," says the apostle, "and one mediator between God and men, Christ Jesus" (1 Tim. 2:5). Again, "If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous" (1 John 2:1).

Therefore, we do neither adore, worship, nor pray unto the saints in heaven, or to other gods; neither do we acknowledge them for our intercessors or mediators before the Father in heaven. For God and the mediator Christ are sufficient for us, neither do we impart unto others the honor due to God alone and to His Son: because He has plainly said, "I will not give my glory to another" (Isa. 42:8); and because Peter has said, "There is no other name given unto men whereby they must be saved, but the name of Christ" (Acts 4:12). In which, doubtless, they that rest by faith, do not seek anything outside of Christ.

Yet for all that, we do neither despise the saints, nor think basely of them. For we acknowledge them to be the lively members of Christ, the friends of God, who have gloriously overcome the flesh and the world. We, therefore, love them as brethren and honor them also; yet not with any worship, but with an honorable opinion of them; and, to conclude, with just praises of them. We also imitate them. For we desire with most earnest affections and prayers, to be followers of their faith and virtues; to be partakers also with them of everlasting salvation; to dwell together with them everlastingly with God, and to rejoice with them in Christ. And in this point, we approve that saying of St. Augustine, in his book, De Vera Religione, "Let not the worship of men departed be any religion unto us. For if they have lived holily, they are not so to be esteemed, as that they seek such honors, but they will have us to worship Him, by whose illumination they rejoice that we are fellow servants, as touching the reward. They are, therefore, to be honored for imitation, not to be worshipped for religion's sake."

And we much less believe that the relics of the saints are to be adored and worshipped. Those ancient men seemed sufficiently to have honored their dead, if they had honestly committed their bodies to the earth, after the soul was gone up into heaven: and they thought that the most noble relics of their ancestors were their virtues, doctrine, and faith; which as they commended with the praise of the dead, so they did endeavor to express the same so long as they lived upon earth. Those ancient men did not swear but by the name of the Jehovah only, as it is commanded by the law of God. Therefore, as we are forbidden to "swear by the name of strange gods" (Ex. 23:13; Josh. 23:7), so we do not swear by saints, although we are requested to. Therefore, in all these things we reject that doctrine which gives too much unto the saints in heaven.

Scripture proofs
  • Matt. 4:10

    Matt. 4:10 Then Jesus says to him, “Go away, Satan! For it has been written: ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.’”

  • John 4:24

    John 4:24 God [is] Spirit, and it is necessary for those worshiping Him to worship in spirit and truth.”

  • Isa. 1:12

    Isa. 1:12 When you⁺ come to appear before My face, who has sought this from your⁺ hand, to trample My courts?

  • Acts 17:25

    Acts 17:25 nor is He served by hands of men as needing anything—He [who] gives to all life and breath and all things.

  • Ps. 50:15

    Ps. 50:15 And call on Me in the day of distress, [and] I will rescue you, and you will glorify Me.”

  • John 16:23

    John 16:23 And in that day you⁺ will ask of Me nothing. Truly, truly, I say to you⁺, whatever you⁺ may ask the Father in My name, He will give you⁺.

  • Matt. 11:28

    Matt. 11:28 Come to Me, all those toiling and burdened, and I will give you⁺ rest.

  • Rom. 10:14

    Rom. 10:14 How then can they call upon One in whom they did not believe? And how can they believe in One of whom they did not hear? And how can they hear apart from one preaching?

  • 1 Tim. 2:5

    1 Tim. 2:5 For [there is] one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

  • 1 John 2:1

    1 John 2:1 My little children, I am writing these things to you⁺ so that you⁺ might not sin. And if anyone might sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous One.

  • Isa. 42:8

    Isa. 42:8 I [am] YHWH—that [is] My name! And My glory I will not give to another, or My praise to the idols.

  • Acts 4:12

    Acts 4:12 And there is salvation in no other, for there is not another name under heaven having been given among men by which it is necessary for us to be saved.”

  • Ex. 23:13; Josh. 23:7

    Ex. 23:13 And take heed in all that I have said to you⁺. And the name of other gods you⁺ shall not mention, nor let it be heard on your mouth.

    Josh. 23:7 [and] lest you go among these nations, these remaining among you⁺, and the name of their gods you⁺ shall not mention nor cause one to swear [by them], and you⁺ shall not serve them and not bow down to them.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1793 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator2 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 722 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 292 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics

Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World

Moreover, we believe and teach that the Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, was from all eternity predestinated and foreordained of the Father to be the Savior of the world. And we believe that He was begotten, not only then, when He took flesh of the virgin Mary, nor yet a little before the foundations of the world were laid, but before all eternity; and that of the Father, after an unspeakable manner. For Isaiah says, "Who can tell His generation?" (53:8). And Micah says, "Whose egress hath been from everlasting" (5:2). And John says, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and God was the Word" (1:1). Therefore, the Son is co-equal and consubstantial with the Father, as touching His divinity: true God, not by name only, or by adoption, or by special favor, but in substance and nature (Phil. 2:6). Even as the apostle says elsewhere, "This is the true God, and life everlasting" (1 John 5:20). Paul also says, "He hath made His Son the heir of all things, by whom also He made the world: the same is the brightness of His glory, and the engraved form of His person, bearing up all things by His mighty word" (Heb. 1:2–3). "Likewise in the gospel the Lord Himself says, "Father, glorify thou Me with Thyself, with the glory which I had with Thee before the world was" (John 17:5). Also elsewhere it is written in the gospel, "The Jews sought how to kill Jesus, because He said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God" (John 5:18).

We, therefore, abhor the blasphemous doctrine of Arius, and all the Arians, uttered against the Son of God; and especially the blasphemies of Michael Servetus the Spaniard, and of his accomplices, which Satan by them has, as it were, drawn out of hell, and most boldly and impiously spread abroad throughout the world against the Son of God.

We teach also and believe that the eternal Son of the eternal God was made the Son of man, of the seed of Abraham and David (Matt. 1:1–25), not by the means of any man, as Ebion affirmed; but that He was most purely conceived by the Holy Ghost, and was born of Mary, who was always a virgin, even as the history of the gospel declares. And Paul says, "He took in no sort the angels, but the seed of Abraham" (Heb. 2:16). And John the apostle says, "He that believeth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is not of God" (1 John 4:3). The flesh of Christ, therefore, was neither flesh in show only, nor yet flesh brought from heaven, as Valentinus and Marcion dreamed.

Moreover, our Lord Jesus Christ did not have a soul without sense and reason, as Apollinaris thought; nor flesh without a soul, as Eunomius taught: but a soul with its reason and flesh with its senses, by which senses He felt true grief in the time of His passion, even as He Himself witnessed when He said, "My soul is heavy even to death" (Matt. 26:38) and "My soul is troubled" (John 12:27).

We acknowledge, therefore, that there are in one and the same Jesus Christ our Lord two natures, the divine and the human nature; and we say that these two are so conjoined or united that they are not swallowed up, confounded, or mingled together, but rather united or joined together in one person, the properties of each nature being safe and remaining still: so that we worship one Christ our Lord, and not two; I say, one true God and man; as touching His divine nature of the same substance with the Father, and as touching His human nature of the same substance with us and "like unto us in all things, sin only excepted" (Heb. 4:15).

As, therefore, we detest the heresy of Nestorius, which makes two Christs of one, and dissolves the union of the person; so do we curse the madness of Eutyches and of the Monothelites or Monophysites who overthrow the propriety of the human nature.

Therefore, we do not teach that the divine nature in Christ suffered or that Christ according to His human nature is yet in the world, and so in every place. For we do neither think nor teach that the body of Christ ceased to be a true body after His glorification, or that it was deified, and so deified that it put off its properties, as touching body and soul, and became altogether a divine nature and began to be one substance alone: and, therefore, we do not allow or receive the unwitty subtleties, and the intricate, obscure, and inconstant disputations of Schwenkfeld and such other vain janglers about this matter; neither are we Schwenkfeldians.

Moreover, we believe that our Lord Jesus Christ did truly suffer and die for us in the flesh as Peter says (1 Peter 4:1). We abhor the most horrible madness of the Jacobites and all the Turks, which abandon the passion of our Lord. Yet we deny not but that "the Lord of glory (according to the saying of Paul) was crucified for us" (1 Cor. 2:8). For we reverently and religiously receive and use the communication of expressions drawn from Scripture, and used of all antiquity in expounding and reconciling places of Scripture which at first sight seem to disagree one from another.

We believe and teach that the same Lord Jesus Christ, in that true flesh in which He was crucified and died, rose again from the dead; and that He did not rise up another flesh instead of that which was buried, nor took a spirit instead of flesh, but retained a true body: therefore, while His disciples thought that they saw the spirit of their Lord Christ, He showed them His hands and feet, which were marked with the prints of the nails and wounds, saying, "Behold my hands and my feet, for I am He indeed: handle me and see, for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have" (Luke 24:39).

We believe that our Lord Jesus Christ, in the same flesh, did ascend above all the visible heavens into the very highest heaven, that is to say, the seat of God and of the blessed spirits, unto the right hand of God the Father. Which, although it signifies an equal participation of glory and majesty, yet it is also taken for a certain place of which the Lord, speaking in the gospel, says that "He will go and prepare a place for His" (John 14:2). Also the apostle Peter says, "The heavens must contain Christ, until the time of restoring of all things" (Acts 3:21). And out of heaven the same Christ will return unto judgment, even then, when wickedness shall chiefly reign in the world, and when Antichrist, having corrupted true religion, shall fill all things with superstition and impiety, and shall most cruelly destroy the church with fire and bloodshed. Now Christ shall return to redeem His, and to abolish Antichrist by His coming and to judge the quick and the dead (Acts 17:31). For the dead shall arise and "those which shall be found alive in that day" (which is unknown unto all creatures) "shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye" (1 Cor. 15:51–52). And all the faithful shall be taken up to meet Christ in the air (1 Thess. 4:17) that thenceforth they may enter with Him into heaven, there to live forever (2 Tim. 2:11), but the unbelievers, or ungodly, shall descend with the devils into hell, there to burn forever, and never to be delivered out of torments (Matt. 25:41).

We, therefore, condemn all those which deny the true resurrection of the flesh, and those which think amiss of the glorified bodies; as did John of Jerusalem, against whom Jerome wrote. We also condemn those which have thought that both the devils and all the wicked shall at length be saved and have an end of their torments: for the Lord Himself has absolutely set it down that, "Their fire is never quenched, and their worm never dieth" (Mark 9:44). Moreover we condemn the Jewish dreams that before the day of judgment there shall be a golden world in the earth; and that the godly shall possess the kingdoms of the world, their wicked enemies being trodden under foot: for the evangelical truth, Matthew 24 and 25, and Luke 21, and the apostolic doctrine in the second epistle to the Thessalonians 2, and in the second epistle to Timothy 3 and 4, are found to teach far otherwise.

Furthermore, by His passion or death, and by all those things which He did and suffered for our sakes from the time of His coming in the flesh, our Lord reconciled His heavenly Father unto all the faithful (Rom. 5:10), purged their sin (Heb. 1:3), spoiled death, broke asunder condemnation and hell, and by His resurrection from the dead, brought again and restored life and immortality (2 Tim. 1:10). For He is our righteousness, life, and resurrection (John 6:44); and, to be short, He is the fullness and perfection, the salvation and most abundant sufficiency of all the faithful. For the apostle says, "So it pleaseth the Father that all fullness should dwell in Him" (Col. 1:19); and "In Him ye are complete" (Col. 2:10).

For we teach and believe that this Jesus Christ our Lord is the only and eternal Savior of mankind, yes, and of the whole world; in whom are saved by faith all that ever were saved before the Law, under the Law, and in the time of the gospel, and so many as shall yet be saved to the end of the world. For the Lord Himself in the gospel says, "He that entereth not in by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up another way, he is a thief and a robber" (John 10:1). "I am the door of the sheep" (v. 7). And also in another place of the same gospel He says, "Abraham saw my day, and rejoiced" (John 8:56). And the apostle Peter says, "Neither is there salvation in any other, but in Christ; for among men there is given no other name under heaven whereby they might be saved" (Acts 4:12). We believe, therefore, that through the grace of our Lord Christ we shall be saved, even as our fathers were. For Paul says that "All our fathers did eat the same spiritual meat and drink the same spiritual drink, for they drank of the spiritual rock that followed them, and that rock was Christ" (1 Cor. 10:3–4). And, therefore, we read that John said that "Christ was that Lamb which was slain from the beginning of the world" (Rev. 13:8) and that John the Baptist witnesses that "Christ is that Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world" (John 1:29). Wherefore we do plainly and openly profess and preach that Jesus Christ the only Redeemer and Savior of the world, the King and High Priest, the true and looked for Messiah, that holy and blessed one (I say) whom all the shadows of the Law, and the prophecies of the prophets, did prefigure and promise; and that God supplied and sent Him unto us so that now we are not to look for any other. And now there remains nothing but that we all should give all glory to Him, believe in Him, and rest in Him only, condemning and rejecting all other aids of our life. For they are fallen from the grace of God, and make Christ of no value unto themselves, whosoever they be that seek salvation in any other things besides Christ alone (Gal. 5:4).

And to speak many things in few words, with a sincere heart we believe, and with liberty of speech we freely profess, whatsoever things are defined out of the Holy Scriptures, and comprehended in the creeds, and in the decrees of those four first and most excellent Councils held at Nicaea, Constantinople, Ephesus, and Chalcedon, together with blessed Athanasius' Creed, and all other creeds like to these, touching the mystery of the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ; and we condemn all things contrary to the same. And thus do we retain the Christian, sound, and catholic faith, whole and inviolable, knowing that nothing is contained in the foresaid creeds which is not agreeable to the Word of God, and makes wholly for the sincere declaration of the faith.

Scripture proofs
  • Phil. 2:6

    Phil. 2:6 Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider to be equal with God something to be grasped,

  • 1 John 5:20

    1 John 5:20 Now we know that the Son of God is come, and He has given to us understanding, so that we may know the One who [is] true; and we are in the One who [is] true, in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

  • Heb. 1:2–3

    Heb. 1:2–3 2 in these last days spoke to us in [His] Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the ages, 3 who, being the radiance of [His] glory and the exact imprint of His substance and bearing all things by the word of power—through His having made purification of sins—sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

  • John 17:5

    John 17:5 And now, glorify Me—You, Father, with Yourself—with the glory that I had with You before the world existed.

  • John 5:18

    John 5:18 Therefore because of this, the Jews were seeking more to kill Him, because not only was He breaking the Sabbath, but He was also calling God His own Father, making Himself equal to God.

  • Matt. 1:1–25

    Matt. 1:1–25 1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham: 2 Abraham begat Isaac, and Isaac begat Jacob, and Jacob begat Judah and his brothers. 3 And Judah begat Perez and Zerah out of Tamar, and Perez begat Hezron, and Hezron begat Aram. 4 And Aram begat Amminadab, and Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon. 5 And Salmon begat Boaz out of Rahab, and Boaz begat Obed out of Ruth, and Obed begat Jesse, 6 and Jesse begat David the king. And: David begat Solomon out of her who [was] of Uriah, 7 and Solomon begat Rehoboam, and Rehoboam begat Abijah, and Abijah begat Asaph. 8 And Asaph begat Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat begat Joram, and Joram begat Uzziah. 9 And Uzziah begat Jotham, and Jotham begat Ahaz, and Ahaz begat Hezekiah. 10 And Hezekiah begat Manasseh, and Manasseh begat Amos, and Amos begat Josiah, 11 and Josiah begat Jeconiah and his brothers at the deportation to Babylon. 12 And after the deportation to Babylon: Jeconiah begat Shealtiel, and Shealtiel begat Zerubbabel, 13 and Zerubbabel begat Abiud, and Abiud begat Eliakim, and Eliakim begat Azor. 14 And Azor begat Zadok, and Zadok begat Achim, and Achim begat Eliud. 15 And Eliud begat Eleazar, and Eleazar begat Matthan, and Matthan begat Jacob, 16 and Jacob begat Joseph, the husband of Mary, out of whom was begotten Jesus, the One being called Christ. 17 Therefore all the generations from Abraham until David [were] fourteen generations, and from David until the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon until the Christ fourteen generations. 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was thus: His mother Mary, having been betrothed to Joseph, before their coming together was found having in womb from the Holy Spirit. 19 And Joseph her husband, being righteous and not willing to make an example of her, resolved to send her away secretly. 20 But [on] his having pondered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph son of David, you should not be afraid to receive Mary [as] your wife, for that having been begotten in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bear a Son, and you will call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” 22 And all this has come to pass so that it might be fulfilled, that having been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, 23 “Behold, the virgin will have in womb, and she will bear a son, and they will call His name Immanuel,” which is, being translated, “God with us.” 24 And Joseph, having been awoken from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and received his wife. 25 And he did not know her until she bore a Son, and he called His name Jesus.

  • Heb. 2:16

    Heb. 2:16 For surely [it is] not the angels He lays hold of, but He lays hold of the seed of Abraham.

  • 1 John 4:3

    1 John 4:3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not of God, and this is that of the antichrist, which you⁺ heard that is coming, and now is already in the world.

  • Matt. 26:38

    Matt. 26:38 Then He says to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch with Me.”

  • John 12:27

    John 12:27 Now My soul has been troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But because of this I came to this hour.

  • Heb. 4:15

    Heb. 4:15 For we do not have a high priest not being able to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one having been tempted in all things by the same way, without sin.

  • 1 Peter 4:1

    1 Peter 4:1 Therefore, Christ having suffered in the flesh, you⁺ also arm yourselves with the same mind, because the one having suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,

  • 1 Cor. 2:8

    1 Cor. 2:8 which none of the rulers of this age has known. For if they had known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

  • Luke 24:39

    Luke 24:39 See My hands and My feet, that I am He. Touch Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you⁺ see Me having.”

  • John 14:2

    John 14:2 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places. And if not so, would I have told you⁺ that I am going to prepare a place for you⁺?

  • Acts 3:21

    Acts 3:21 whom indeed it is necessary for heaven to receive until the times of restoration of all things, of which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from the age.

  • Acts 17:31

    Acts 17:31 because He set a day in which He is about to judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He appointed, having provided a guarantee to all, having raised Him out from the dead.”

  • 1 Cor. 15:51–52

    1 Cor. 15:51–52 51 Behold, I speak to you⁺ a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52 in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.

  • 1 Thess. 4:17

    1 Thess. 4:17 Then we, the living remaining, will be caught up together with them in the clouds for the meeting of the Lord in the air; and so we will be always with the Lord.

  • 2 Tim. 2:11

    2 Tim. 2:11 Trustworthy [is] the word: For if we died together [with Him], we will also live together [with Him];

  • Matt. 25:41

    Matt. 25:41 Then also He will say to those on [His] left, ‘Depart from Me, the cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

  • Mark 9:44

    Mark 9:44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. (KJV)

  • Matthew 24
  • Luke 21
  • Rom. 5:10

    Rom. 5:10 For if, being enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we will be saved in His life!

  • Heb. 1:3

    Heb. 1:3 who, being the radiance of [His] glory and the exact imprint of His substance and bearing all things by the word of power—through His having made purification of sins—sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

  • 2 Tim. 1:10

    2 Tim. 1:10 and now having been made manifest through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, having indeed abolished death and having brought to light life and immortality through the gospel,

  • John 6:44

    John 6:44 No one is able to come to Me unless the Father, the One having sent Me, should draw him, and I will raise him up in the last day.

  • Col. 1:19

    Col. 1:19 because all the fullness was well pleased to dwell in Him,

  • Col. 2:10

    Col. 2:10 And you⁺ are made complete in Him, who is the head of all rule and authority,

  • John 10:1

    John 10:1 “Truly, truly, I say to you⁺, the one not entering through the door to the fold of the sheep, but going up another way, he is a thief and a robber.

  • John 8:56

    John 8:56 Abraham your⁺ father exulted that he should see My day, and he saw and rejoiced.”

  • Acts 4:12

    Acts 4:12 And there is salvation in no other, for there is not another name under heaven having been given among men by which it is necessary for us to be saved.”

  • 1 Cor. 10:3–4

    1 Cor. 10:3–4 3 and all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink; for they were drinking from the spiritual rock accompanying [them], and the rock was Christ.

  • Rev. 13:8

    Rev. 13:8 And all dwelling on the earth will worship it, [everyone] whose name has not been written in the book of life of the Lamb having been slain from the foundation of the world.

  • John 1:29

    John 1:29 On the next day he sees Jesus coming to him and says, “Behold, the Lamb of God, the One taking away the sin of the world!

  • Gal. 5:4

    Gal. 5:4 You⁺ were severed from Christ, whoever are being justified in the law; you⁺ fell away from grace.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator15 shared proof texts · 10 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator8 shared proof texts · 14 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 359 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsBelgic Confession · Article 26: The Intercession of Christ4 shared proof texts · 7 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification4 shared proof texts · 7 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man4 shared proof texts · 6 shared topics

Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator

1. It pleased God, in his eternal purpose, to choose and ordain the Lord Jesus his only begotten Son, according to the covenant made between them both, to be the Mediator between God and man; the Prophet, Priest, and King; Head and Savior 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.

2. The Son of God, the second person in the Holy Trinity, being very and eternal God, the brightness of the Father's glory, of one substance and equal with him who made the world, who upholdeth and governeth all things he hath made: did when the fullness 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 Holy Spirit in the womb of the virgin Mary, the Holy Spirit coming down upon her, and the power of the Most High overshadowing her, and so was made of a woman, of the tribe of Judah, of the seed of Abraham, and David according to the Scriptures: so that two whole, perfect, and distinct natures, 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.

3. The Lord Jesus, in his human nature thus united to the divine, in the person of the Son, was sanctified, 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 fullness 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 upon himself, but was thereunto called by his Father; who also put all power and judgment in his hand, and gave him commandment to execute the same.

4. This office the Lord Jesus did most willingly undertake, which that he might discharge he was made under the law, and did perfectly fulfill it, and underwent the punishment due to us, which we should have born and suffered, being made sin and a curse for us: enduring most grievous sorrows in his soul; and most painful sufferings in his body; was crucified, and died, and remained in the state of the dead; yet saw no corruption: on the third day he arose from the dead, with the same body in which he suffered; with which he also 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.

5. 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, procured reconciliation, and purchased an everlasting inheritance in the kingdom of heaven, for all those whom the Father hath given unto him.

6. Although the price of redemption was not actually paid by Christ, till after his incarnation, yet the virtue, efficacy, and benefit 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 foundation of the world: being the same yesterday, and today and forever.

7. 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.

8. To all those for whom Christ hath obtained eternal redemption, he doth certainly, and effectually apply, and communicate the same; making intercession for them, uniting them to himself by his Spirit, revealing unto them, in and by the Word, the mystery of salvation; persuading them to believe, and obey, governing their hearts by his Word and Spirit, and overcoming all their enemies by his almighty power, and wisdom; in such manner, and ways as are most consonant to his wonderful, and unsearchable dispensation; and all of free, and absolute grace, without any condition foreseen in them, to procure it.

9. This office of Mediator between God and man, is proper only to Christ, who is the Prophet, Priest, and King of the church of God; and may not be either in whole, or any part thereof transferred from him to any other.

10. This number and order of offices is necessary; for in respect of our ignorance, we stand in need of his prophetical office; and in respect of our alienation from God, and imperfection of the best of our services, we need his priestly office, to reconcile us, and present us acceptable unto God: and in respect to our averseness, and utter inability to return to God, and for our rescue, and security from our spiritual adversaries, we need his kingly office, to convince, subdue, draw, uphold, deliver, and preserve us to his heavenly kingdom.

Scripture proofs
  • Isa. 42:1; 1 Peter 1:19–20.

    Isa. 42:1 “Behold, My Servant, I take hold of him, My Chosen One, [in whom] My soul delights; I have put My Spirit upon Him, and He will bring forth justice to the nations.

    1 Peter 1:19–20 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, 20 having been foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, but having been made manifest in the last times on account of you⁺,

  • Acts 3:22.

    Acts 3:22 Indeed Moses said, ‘The Lord your⁺ God will raise up to you⁺ a prophet like me out of your⁺ brothers. You⁺ will listen to Him in all things, as many as He might say to you⁺.

  • Heb. 5:5–6.

    Heb. 5:5–6 5 So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become a high priest, but the One having said to Him: “You are My Son, today I have begotten You.” 6 Just as that, He also says in another [place]: “You [are] a priest to the age, according to the order of Melchizedek.”

  • Ps. 2:6; Luke 1:33.

    Ps. 2:6 “And I have installed My King on Zion, the mountain of My holiness.”

    Luke 1:33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob to the ages. And of His kingdom there will be no end!”

  • Eph. 1:22–23.

    Eph. 1:22–23 22 And He subjected all things under His feet and gave Him [to be] head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of the One filling all in all.

  • Heb. 1:2.

    Heb. 1:2 in these last days spoke to us in [His] Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the ages,

  • Acts 17:31.

    Acts 17:31 because He set a day in which He is about to judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He appointed, having provided a guarantee to all, having raised Him out from the dead.”

  • Isa. 53:10; John 17:6; Rom. 8:30.

    Isa. 53:10 And YHWH has delighted to bruise Him [and] Make [Him] weak; if his soul is made a guilt offering, He will see [his] seed; He will prolong His days; and the delight of YHWH will prosper in His hand.

    John 17:6 I revealed Your name to the men whom You gave to Me out of the world. They were Yours, and to Me You gave them, and they have kept Your word.

    Rom. 8:30 And whom He predestined, these also He called; and whom He called, these also He justified; and whom He justified, these also He glorified.

  • John 1:14; Gal. 4:4.

    John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us. And we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

    Gal. 4:4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, having been born of a woman, having been born under the law,

  • Rom. 8:3; Heb. 2:14, 16–17; Heb. 4:15.

    Rom. 8:3 For what the law [was] incapable of in that it was weak through the flesh, God, having sent His Son in the likeness of flesh of sin and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh,

    Heb. 2:14, 16–17 14 Therefore, since the children have shared in blood and flesh, He also likewise partook of the same things, so that through death He might render powerless the one having the power of death, that is, the devil, 16 For surely [it is] not the angels He lays hold of, but He lays hold of the seed of Abraham. 17 Hence it was necessary to be made like the brothers in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest [in] the things relating to God, in order to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

    Heb. 4:15 For we do not have a high priest not being able to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one having been tempted in all things by the same way, without sin.

  • Luke 1:27, 31, 35.

    Luke 1:27, 31, 35 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name [was] Joseph, of the house of David. And the name of the virgin [was] Mary. 31 And behold, you will conceive in womb and will give birth to a son, and you will call His name Jesus. 35 And answering, the angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore also the Holy One being born will be called Son of God.

  • Rom. 9:5; 1 Tim. 2:5

    Rom. 9:5 whose [are] the fathers, and from whom [is] Christ according to the flesh, being God over all, blessed to the ages! Amen.

    1 Tim. 2:5 For [there is] one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

  • Ps. 45:7; Acts 10:38; John 3:34.

    Ps. 45:7 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; upon thus, God, your God has anointed you with the oil of joy above your companions.

    Acts 10:38 Jesus from Nazareth—how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power—who went about doing good and healing all those being oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him.

    John 3:34 For the One whom God sent speaks the words of God, for He gives the Spirit without measure.

  • Col. 2:3.

    Col. 2:3 in whom are hidden away all the treasures of wisdom and of knowledge.

  • Col. 1:19.

    Col. 1:19 because all the fullness was well pleased to dwell in Him,

  • Heb. 7:26.

    Heb. 7:26 For such for us indeed was fitting—a high priest holy, innocent, undefiled, having been separated from sinners, and having become higher than the heavens,

  • John 1:14.

    John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us. And we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

  • Heb. 7:22.

    Heb. 7:22 By so much also, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.

  • Heb. 5:5.

    Heb. 5:5 So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become a high priest, but the One having said to Him: “You are My Son, today I have begotten You.”

  • John 5:22, 27; Matt. 28:18; Acts 2:36.

    John 5:22, 27 22 For the Father judges no one, but He has given all judgment to the Son, 27 And He gave Him authority to do judgment, because He is the Son of Man.

    Matt. 28:18 And having come near, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on the earth was given to Me.

    Acts 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you⁺ crucified.”

  • Ps. 40:7–8; Heb. 10:5–10; John 10:18.

    Ps. 40:7–8 7 Then I said, “Behold, I have come—in the roll of the book it is written of me. 8 I have delighted to do Your will, O my God, and Your law [is] in the midst of my heart.”

    Heb. 10:5–10 5 Therefore, coming into the world, He says: “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You prepared for Me. 6 In burnt offerings and concerning sin [offerings] You were not well pleased. 7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come—in the scroll of the book it has been written about Me—to do Your will, O God.’” 8 Saying above, “Sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and [those] for sin You did not desire, nor were You well pleased” (which are offered according to the law), 9 then He has said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will.” He takes away the first so that He might establish the second, 10 in which act of will, we are having been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

    John 10:18 No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it again. This commandment I received from My Father.”

  • Gal 4:4; Matt. 3:15.

    Gal 4:4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, having been born of a woman, having been born under the law,

    Matt. 3:15 But answering, Jesus said to him, “Permit [it] presently; for thus it is fitting to us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he permits Him.

  • Gal. 3:13; Isa. 53:6; 1 Peter 3:18.

    Gal. 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us—for it has been written: “Cursed [is] everyone hanging on a tree,”

    Isa. 53:6 We all like sheep have gone astray, we have turned, each man to his own way; and YHWH has placed on him the iniquity of us all.

    1 Peter 3:18 because Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, so that He might bring you⁺ to God, having been put to death indeed in the flesh, but having been made alive in the Spirit,

  • 2 Cor. 5:21.

    2 Cor. 5:21 He made the One not having known sin [to be] sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

  • Matt. 26:37–38; Luke 22:44; Matt. 27:46.

    Matt. 26:37–38 37 And having taken with [Him] Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. 38 Then He says to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch with Me.”

    Luke 22:44 And having been in agony, He was praying more earnestly. And His sweat became like large drops of blood falling down upon the ground.

    Matt. 27:46 And about the ninth hour, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” That is, “My God, My God, why did You forsake Me?”

  • Acts 13:37.

    Acts 13:37 But the One God raised up did not see decay.

  • 1 Cor. 15:3–4.

    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 according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

  • John 20:25, 27.

    John 20:25, 27 25 Therefore the other disciples were saying to him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the mark of the nails, and I put my finger into the mark of the nails, and I put my hands into His side, I will never believe.” 27 Then He says to Thomas, “Bring your finger here and see My hands, and bring your hand and put [it] into My side; and be not unbelieving, but believing.”

  • Mark 16:19; Acts 1:9–11.

    Mark 16:19 Therefore indeed the Lord Jesus, after speaking to them, was taken up into heaven and sat at the right hand of God.

    Acts 1:9–11 9 And having said these things, [in] their looking on, He was lifted up, and a cloud took Him from their eyes. 10 And as they were looking intently into heaven [in] His going, then behold, two men in white apparel stood by them, 11 who also said, “Men, Galileans, why do you⁺ stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, having been taken up from you⁺ into heaven, will thus come in that manner you⁺ saw Him going into heaven.”

  • Rom. 8:34; Heb. 9:24.

    Rom. 8:34 Who [is] the one condemning? Christ Jesus the One having died, now rather having been raised, [is] He who is also at the right hand of God, and who is interceding for us.

    Heb. 9:24 For Christ entered not into holy [places] made by hands, copies of the true ones, but into heaven itself, now to appear for us in the presence of God,

  • Acts 10:42; Rom. 14:9–10; Acts 1:11.

    Acts 10:42 And He instructed us to proclaim to the people and to testify fully that He is the One having been appointed by God [as] Judge of the living and the dead.

    Rom. 14:9–10 9 For unto this Christ died and lived again, so that He might be Lord over both the dead and the living. 10 But why do you judge your brother? Or why also do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.

    Acts 1:11 who also said, “Men, Galileans, why do you⁺ stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, having been taken up from you⁺ into heaven, will thus come in that manner you⁺ saw Him going into heaven.”

  • Heb. 9:14; Heb. 10:14; Rom. 3:25–26.

    Heb. 9:14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our conscience from dead works, in order to serve the living God!

    Heb. 10:14 For by one offering, He has perfected unto perpetuity those being sanctified.

    Rom. 3:25–26 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation through faith in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because of the passing over of the sins having taken place beforehand in the forbearance of God, 26 for the demonstration of His righteousness in the present time, for Him to be just and justifying the one of the faith from Jesus.

  • John 17:2; Heb. 9:15.

    John 17:2 as You gave to Him authority over all flesh, so that all whom You have given to Him, He may give to them eternal life.

    Heb. 9:15 And because of this, He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, death having taken place for redemption of the transgressions upon the first covenant, those having been called might receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

  • 1 Cor. 4:10; Heb. 4:2; 1 Peter 1:10–11.

    1 Cor. 4:10 We [are] fools on account of Christ, but you⁺ [are] wise in Christ; we [are] weak, but you⁺ [are] strong; you⁺ [are] glorious, but we [are] without honor.

    Heb. 4:2 For also we are [those] having had the gospel proclaimed, even as also those; but the word of [their] hearing did not profit those not having been united with the faith of those having heard.

    1 Peter 1:10–11 10 Concerning this salvation the prophets sought out and searched out, those having prophesied concerning the grace unto you⁺, 11 searching into what or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ in them was making evident, testifying beforehand unto the sufferings of Christ and the glories after these,

  • Rev. 13:8.

    Rev. 13:8 And all dwelling on the earth will worship it, [everyone] whose name has not been written in the book of life of the Lamb having been slain from the foundation of the world.

  • Heb. 13:8.

    Heb. 13:8 Jesus Christ [is] the same yesterday and today and to the ages.

  • John 3:13; Acts 20:28.

    John 3:13 And no one has gone up into heaven except the One having come down out of heaven, the Son of Man.

    Acts 20:28 Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock among whom the Holy Spirit has set you⁺ as overseers, to shepherd the church of God, which He purchased with [His] own blood.

  • John 6:37; John 10:15–16; John 17:9.

    John 6:37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one coming to Me I shall never cast out.

    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. It is necessary for Me to bring those also, and they will hear My voice, and there will be one flock [and] one shepherd.

    John 17:9 I ask concerning them. I do not ask concerning the world, but concerning those whom You have given to Me, for they are Yours.

  • John 17:6; Eph. 1:9; 1 John 5:20.

    John 17:6 I revealed Your name to the men whom You gave to Me out of the world. They were Yours, and to Me You gave them, and they have kept Your word.

    Eph. 1:9 having made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Him

    1 John 5:20 Now we know that the Son of God is come, and He has given to us understanding, so that we may know the One who [is] true; and we are in the One who [is] true, in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

  • Rom. 8:9, 14.

    Rom. 8:9, 14 9 But you⁺ are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you⁺; and if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, this one is not of Him. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

  • Ps. 110:1; 1 Cor. 15:25–26.

    Ps. 110:1 A Psalm of David. An utterance of YHWH to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand, until I make your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”

    1 Cor. 15:25–26 25 For it is necessary for Him to reign until He shall have put all the enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy to be made null [is] death.

  • John 3:8; Eph. 1:8.

    John 3:8 The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know from where it comes and where it goes. Thus is everyone having been born of the Spirit.”

    Eph. 1:8 which He abounded to us in all wisdom and understanding,

  • 1 Tim. 2:5.

    1 Tim. 2:5 For [there is] one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

  • John 1:18.

    John 1:18 No one has ever yet seen God. The only begotten God, the One being in the bosom of the Father, He has made [Him] known.

  • Col. 1:21; Gal. 5:17.

    Col. 1:21 And you⁺, being once alienated and enemies in the mind, in the evil works—

    Gal. 5:17 For the flesh desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh. For these are opposed to one another so that the [things] you⁺ may want, these things you⁺ may not do.

  • John 16:8; Ps. 110:3; Luke 1:74–75.

    John 16:8 And having come, He will convict the world concerning sin and concerning righteousness and concerning judgment:

    Ps. 110:3 Your people [are] freewill offerings in the day of your might, in the splendors of holiness; from the womb of the morning, the dew of your youth [is] unto you.

    Luke 1:74–75 74 having been saved from the hand of [our] enemies, to serve Him without fear 75 in holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator79 shared proof texts · 14 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 11: Of Justification15 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 5212 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 4211 shared proof texts · 5 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World8 shared proof texts · 14 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 3712 shared proof texts · shared topic

Solus Christus: The Erosion of Christ-Centered Faith

As evangelical faith becomes secularized, its interests have been blurred with those of the culture. The result is a loss of absolute values, permissive individualism, and a substitution of wholeness for holiness, recovery for repentance, intuition for truth, feeling for belief, chance for providence, and immediate gratification for enduring hope. Christ and his cross have moved from the center of our vision.

Thesis Two: Solus Christus

We reaffirm that our salvation is accomplished by the mediatorial work of the historical Christ alone. His sinless life and substitutionary atonement alone are sufficient for our justification and reconciliation to the Father.

We deny that the gospel is preached if Christ's substitutionary work is not declared and faith in Christ and his work is not solicited.

Parallel passages (6+)Canons of Dort · Second Head: Rejection of the Errors7 shared topicsCanons of Dort · First Head: Rejection of the Errors7 shared topicsCanons of Dort · Second Head, Article 8: The Saving Effectiveness of Christ's Death6 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree6 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 11: Of Jesus Christ, Being True God and Man, and the Only Savior of the World6 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 3: Of God's Eternal Decree6 shared topics