LORD’S DAY 5
Q. 12. Since then, by the righteous judgment of God, we deserve temporal and eternal punishment, is there no way by which we may escape that punishment and be again received into favor?
A. God will have His justice satisfied;1 and therefore we must make this full satisfaction, either by ourselves or by another.2
- Ex. 20:5.
- Deut. 24:16; 2 Cor. 5: 14, 15.
Q. 13. Can we ourselves then make this satisfaction?
A. By no means; 1 but on the contrary we daily increase our debt.2
- Job 9:2, 3; Job 15:14-16.
- Mat. 6:12; Isa. 64:6.
Q. 14. Can there be found anywhere one who is a mere creature, able to satisfy for us?
A. None; for, first, God will not punish any other creature for the sin which man hath committed;1 and further, no mere creature can sustain the burden of God’s eternal wrath against sin, so as to deliver others from it.2
- Ezek. 18:20.
- Rev. 5:3; Psa. 49:8, 9.
Q. 15. What sort of a mediator and deliverer then must we seek for?
A. For one who is very man,1 and perfectly righteous; and yet more powerful than all creatures; that is, one who is also very God.2
- 1 Cor. 15:21; Rom. 8:3.
- Rom. 9:5; Isa. 7:14.
LORD’S DAY 5
The Necessity of Full Satisfaction
1. How can we, who deserve temporal and eternal punishment, be again received into favor with God?
God will have His justice satisfied: and therefore we must make this full satisfaction either by ourselves or by another. Romans 2:8, 9; Deuteronomy 24:16.
2. In what way can the justice of God be satisfied?
Only by the full payment of the debt of our sin. Romans 6:23.
3. How can that debt of sin be paid?
Only by the bearing of the burden of God’s eternal wrath against sin.
4. Can we ourselves make this satisfaction?
By no means, but on the contrary we daily increase our debt. Job 9:2, 3; 15:14-16; Matthew 6:12.
5. Can any other creature satisfy in our stead?
No, for God will not punish any other creature for the sin which man has committed. Ezekiel 18:20.
6. Is there another reason a mere creature is not able to satisfy for us?
Yes, no mere creature can sustain the burden of God’s eternal wrath against sin, so as to deliver others from it. Psalm 49:6-9.
7. If God will not punish any other creature for the sin of man, what then must our Mediator be?
He must be very man. Hebrews 10:5, 12; Matthew 18:11.
8. But what must be true of this man if he is to satisfy in our stead?
He must be perfectly righteous in order that he might himself be free of any debt of sin. Romans 5:19.
9. Since man is but a mere creature, would he not be crushed under the burden of God’s wrath?
Yes, therefore our Deliverer must be more powerful than all creatures, that is, one who is very God. Isaiah 7:14; Romans 9:5.