(Second Part: Of Man’s Redemption—Questions 12-85)
16. Why must He be a true and sinless man?
- Because the justice of God requires, that the same human nature which has sinned should make satisfaction for sin; but no man, being himself a sinner, could satisfy for others.
17. Why must He be at the same time true God?
- That by the power of His Godhead He might bear in His manhood the burden of God’s wrath and so obtain for and restore to us righteousness and life.
18. But who now is that Mediator, who is at the same time true God and a true, sinless man?
- Our Lord Jesus Christ, who is freely given unto us for complete redemption and righteousness.
19. Whence knowest thou this?
- From the Holy Gospel: which God Himself first revealed in Paradise; afterwards proclaimed by the holy Patriarchs and Prophets, and foreshadowed by the sacrifices and other ceremonies of the law; and finally fulfilled by His well-beloved Son.
