18- 3/10- WLC- 38
Q. 38. 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.
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.
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:6-8)
7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:6-8)
The Word became flesh and lived among us. We have seen His glory , the glory of the One and Only who came from the Father full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)
Thoughts: Christ the God-man mediates between God and us. He tells us- and embodies to us- the love and care of God. If God cares enough to become human in order to save us, does He not care about what we do, how we speak, and what we think? God is not so distant that He is not love. Christ is Immanuel- God with us. That Christ, the infinite God, embodied flesh means His sufferings and prayers have infinite value. Once an emissary from the Archbishop of Canterbury in Britain went to Lebannon and released four captives substituting himself for them. He was in captivity from 1987 to 1991, and most considered him dead for several years until he was suddenly released. Christ’s value is not worth four- but because He is God- He is worth all of humanity forever. He is the Creator of all- and without Him none of us would ever be here. The Son of God mediates to the Father-God asking for our release paid for by His ransom on the cross.
Prayer: May I remember your humility in becoming human, and imitate your love by giving myself to others, Lord.
(Terry Waite, Mediator between the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Terrorists in Lebannon who held several captive: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_Waite)
(Terry Waite commenting on John Bunyan postcard and prayers of those while he was in captivity
(Interview with Terry Waite 2007: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlukFxqcYeo)
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