Why was it requisite that the Mediator should be man?
It was requisite that the Mediator should be man, that he might advance our nature, perform obedience to the law, suffer and make intercession for us in our nature, have a fellow-feeling of our infirmities; that we might receive the adoption of sons, and have comfort and access with boldness unto the throne of grace.
The Necessity of a Human Mediator
The Christian doctrine of the Mediator, Jesus Christ, is a cornerstone of the faith. It was not only fitting but absolutely necessary for the Mediator to be fully human. This human nature was essential for several reasons, each crucial to the salvation of humanity.
Advancing Our Nature
First and foremost, the Mediator had to be human to advance and elevate our nature. Hebrews 2:16 states, “For assuredly He does not give help to angels, but He gives help to the descendant of Abraham.” This highlights the Mediator’s connection to humanity, as He came to redeem and restore us.
Performing Obedience to the Law
Secondly, the Mediator’s humanity was necessary for Him to perfectly obey the Law on our behalf. Galatians 4:4 emphasizes this, stating that God sent forth His Son, “born of a woman, born under the Law.” Christ’s perfect obedience to the Law fulfilled its requirements and paved the way for our justification.
Suffering and Making Intercession
Thirdly, the Mediator had to be human to suffer and make intercession for us in our nature. Hebrews 2:14 explains that Jesus “partook of the same” flesh and blood as us, “that through death He might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil.” His human suffering and death were essential for our redemption.
Fellow-Feeling of Our Infirmities
Fourthly, the Mediator’s humanity allows Him to have a fellow-feeling of our infirmities. Hebrews 4:15 assures us that we “do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.” Christ’s human experience enables Him to understand and empathize with our struggles.
Receiving the Adoption of Sons
Fifthly, the Mediator’s humanity was necessary for us to receive the adoption as sons. Galatians 4:5 states that Christ came “that we might receive the adoption as sons.” Through His incarnation, we are brought into a familial relationship with God, becoming His children and heirs.
Comfort and Access to the Throne of Grace
Finally, the Mediator’s humanity provides us with comfort and boldness to approach the throne of grace. Hebrews 4:16 encourages us to “draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Christ’s human nature assures us of His understanding and compassion as we come before God.
In conclusion, the humanity of the Mediator was not an arbitrary requirement but an absolute necessity for the salvation of humanity. Only a human Mediator could fulfill the Law, offer a sacrifice in our nature, and empathize with our weaknesses. The incarnation of Christ, the God-man, is the ultimate expression of God’s love and the foundation of the Christian faith.
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