Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants.
- Hebrews 2:14-16
If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,
Lord, who could stand?
- Psalm 130:3
It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.
- 1 Corinthians 1:30
Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
- Hebrews 2:14-18
and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”
- Genesis 22:18
The scepter will not depart from Judah,
nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet,
until he to whom it belongs shall come
and the obedience of the nations shall be his.
- Genesis 49:10
“16. Q. Why must he be a true and righteous man?
He must be a true man because the justice of God requires that the same human nature which has sinned should pay for sin. He must be a righteous man because one who himself is a sinner cannot pay for others.
Rom 5:12, 15; 1 Cor 15:21; Heb 2:14-16.
Heb 7:26, 27; 1 Pet 3:18.
- Heidelberg Catechism, Question 16
Q. Why must he at the same time be true God?
He must be true God so that by the power of his divine nature he might bear in his human nature the burden of God’s wrath, and might obtain for us and restore to us righteousness and life.
Is 9:6.
Deut 4:24; Nahum 1:6; Ps 130:3.
Is 53:5, 11; Jn 3:16; 2 Cor 5:21.
- Heidelberg Catechism, Question 17
Q. But who is that Mediator who at the same time is true God and a true and righteous man?
Our Lord Jesus Christ, who has become for us wisdom from God – that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption (1 Cor 1:30).
Mt 1:21-23; Lk 2:11; 1 Tim 2:5; 3:16.
- Heidelberg Catechism, Question 18
Q. From where do you know this?
From the holy gospel, which God himself first revealed in Paradise. Later, he had it proclaimed by the patriarchs and prophets, and foreshadowed by the sacrifices and other ceremonies of the law. Finally, he had it fulfilled through his only Son.
Gen 3:15.
Gen 12:3; 22:18; 49:10.
Is 53; Jer 23:5, 6; Mic 7:18-20; Acts 10:43; Heb 1:1.
Lev 1-7; Jn 5:46; Heb 10:1-10.
Rom 10:4; Gal 4:4, 5; Col 2:17
- Heidelberg Catechism, Question 19
The Message
The penalty for sin is death. We are sinful; we cannot pay the debt for ourselves much less anyone else. No matter how much “good” others see in us, there is always that sin nature. Just thinking that we are good enough exposes our pride.
Thus, since no human on earth is good enough, it must be God in the flesh. God must be in the flesh in that He must face the same temptations man faces but remain perfect, without sin. Thus, only someone who is fully God (pure, without sin, strong enough to resist the sin) and fully man (experiencing the temptations of this world, the sensations of hunger, thirst, etc.).
This person is found in Jesus Christ our Lord.
How do I know that Jesus Christ is the Messiah? God’s Holy Word, the Bible, gives the prophecies related to the coming Messiah and Jesus meets those prophecies. Since some of the prophecies relate to End Times, Jesus will return to fulfill every prophecy to the letter.
And the Bible says that we trust in Jesus in our daily lives today. Jesus is not just a Savior 2000 years ago and a future judge in the End Times. He and the Holy Spirit work with us and for us now.
And now let us sing.
Here is Beneath the Cross of Jesus sung by Rosemary Siemens. “The wonders of redeeming love and my unworthiness.”
Closing Prayer
Dear Lord,
We believe in You. Lord Jesus, You were tempted as we have been. Yet, You lived Your life without sin. Only You were worthy to be the ultimate Passover Lamb. We owe our lives to You and You will be with us in Paradise. We are unworthy, but You give us Mercy and Grace. Glory to You in the Highest.
In Thy name we pray,
Amen
Soli Deo Gloria. Only to God be the Glory.
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