Westminster Larger Catechism Question 36

Who is the Mediator of the covenant of grace?

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 fulness of time became man, and so was and continues to be God and man, in two entire distinct natures, and one person, for ever.

The answer is clear and unequivocal: 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 fulness of time became man, and so was and continues to be God and man, in two entire distinct natures, and one person, for ever.

This answer emphasizes the unique and essential role of Jesus Christ in the covenant of grace. He is not merely a prophet or a teacher, but the divine Son of God who became human to bridge the gap between God and humanity. As 1 Timothy 2:5 states, “For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”

The Divine Nature of Christ

The Bible clearly affirms the divinity of Christ. John 1:1 declares, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Jesus Himself claimed equality with the Father, saying, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). Paul, in Philippians 2:6, describes Christ as existing “in the form of God” and not considering equality with God something to be grasped.

The Human Nature of Christ

While fully divine, Christ also became fully human. Galatians 4:4 tells us that “when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law.” This is further emphasized in Luke 1:35, where the angel Gabriel tells Mary, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God.”

The Hypostatic Union

The union of Christ’s divine and human natures in one person is known as the hypostatic union. This is a mystery beyond human comprehension, but it is essential to our understanding of Christ’s role as Mediator. As Herman Ridderbos explains, “The whole Christological problem is concentrated in the question of how the divine and human natures in Christ are related to each other.” This union allows Christ to represent both God and humanity, making Him the perfect Mediator.

Christ’s Mediatorial Work

Christ’s mediatorial work is multifaceted. He is our prophet, revealing God’s will to us. He is our priest, offering Himself as a sacrifice for our sins. And He is our king, ruling over us and interceding for us. Hebrews 7:24-25 highlights His ongoing intercession: “but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.”

The Necessity of Christ as Mediator

Without Christ as Mediator, there would be no covenant of grace. Our sin separates us from God, and we are unable to bridge that gap on our own. Only Christ, in His perfect obedience and sacrifice, can satisfy God’s justice and reconcile us to Him. As the apostle Paul declares, “For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form” (Colossians 2:9).

In conclusion, the Lord Jesus Christ is the sole Mediator of the covenant of grace. His unique nature as both God and man, along with His perfect life, sacrificial death, and resurrection, make Him the only one who can bring us into a right relationship with God. Through faith in Him, we receive the forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life.


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