"Several theological words are used to describe Christ's work on the cross, all of them important, and all alluded to in Q/A 16-18. Expiation means that Christ's death removed our sin and guilt. Redemption means that Christ's death ransomed us from the curse of the law and the punishment and power of sin. Reconciliation means Christ's death restored our relationship with God. Propitiation means Christ's death appeased or placated the wrath of God."

"All four of these terms (and there are others) capture an essential and biblical aspect of the cross. The best news about Jesus is that through Him we are forgiven of our sins, set free from the law, made right with God, and can stand confident before our Creator. All this is announced in the gospel." - Kevin DeYoung. The Good News We Almost Forgot.

Question 16: Why must He be truly human and truly righteous?

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

 

Question 17: Why must He also be true God?

Answer: So that, by the power of His divinity, He might bear the weight of God's anger in His humanity and earn for us and restore to us righteousness and life.

 

Question 18: And who is this Mediator - true God and at the same time truly human and truly righteous?

Answer: Our Lord Jesus Christ, who was given us to set us completely free and to make us right with God. 

 

Question 19: How do you come to know this?

Answer: The holy gospel tells me. God Himself began to reveal the gospel already in Paradise; later, He proclaimed it by the holy patriarchs and prophets, and portrayed it by the sacrifices and other ceremonies of the law; finally, He fulfilled it through His own dear Son.  

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