Westminster Larger Catechism Q&A 43
Q. 43. How did Christ become our Mediator?
A. Christ, as the eternal Son of God, 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.
Devotional
Title: The Wonder of the God-Man
Scripture Reading: John 1:14 (ESV)
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
In the grand narrative of redemption, one of the most profound mysteries is the incarnation of Jesus Christ. The eternal Son of God becoming man is a truth that stretches our understanding and fills our hearts with awe. This wondrous act is central to our salvation, for it is through this union that Christ becomes our Mediator.
The Eternal Son of God
From eternity, Jesus Christ existed as the Son of God, fully divine, sharing in the glory and essence of the Father. John 1:1 affirms, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This eternal preexistence of Christ is foundational to His ability to mediate between God and humanity. Only one who is fully God can bridge the infinite gap caused by our sin and rebellion.
In the Fullness of Time
Galatians 4:4-5 tells us, “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” The timing of Christ’s incarnation was divinely ordained. It was neither random nor arbitrary but a fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Jesus entered our world at precisely the right moment in history, fully prepared to accomplish the work of salvation.
God and Man in Two Natures
The incarnation means that Jesus is both fully God and fully man. These two natures are distinct yet united in one person. This mystery is not merely a theological concept but the very heart of our faith. In His divine nature, Jesus possesses all the attributes of God—omnipotence, omniscience, and eternal existence. In His human nature, He shares in our weaknesses, experiences our sorrows, and ultimately bears our sins.
The union of these two natures is essential for our salvation. As God, Jesus could live a sinless life, offer an infinite sacrifice, and conquer death. As man, He could represent us, suffer in our place, and sympathize with our weaknesses. Hebrews 4:15 reminds us, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”
One Person Forever
Christ’s incarnation is not a temporary arrangement. He remains the God-man forever. His humanity was not shed at His ascension but is glorified in His exaltation. This truth gives us hope, for our Mediator continues to intercede for us, representing us before the Father. Jesus’ ongoing presence as the God-man assures us that our salvation is secure, grounded in His unchanging nature.
Application: Worship and Confidence
As we reflect on the wonder of the incarnation, our response should be one of worship and confidence. Worship, because the eternal Word became flesh and dwelt among us, revealing the glory of God in ways we can see, touch, and understand. Confidence, because our Mediator is both fully God and fully man, perfectly equipped to reconcile us to God.
In your daily life, let this truth encourage you. When you face trials and temptations, remember that Jesus, your Mediator, understands and sympathizes with you. When you struggle with guilt and shame, trust that His divine sacrifice is sufficient to cleanse you completely. When you feel alone and abandoned, find comfort in the presence of the eternal God-man who promises to be with you always.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, we stand in awe of Your incarnation. Thank You for becoming man to save us, for living a sinless life, and for dying in our place. Help us to worship You with all our hearts and to trust in Your perfect mediation. Strengthen our faith as we contemplate the mystery of Your person, and let this truth transform our lives. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
May this devotional deepen your appreciation for the incarnation and strengthen your faith in Jesus, our eternal Mediator.