Westminster Larger Catechism # 40
Commentary by Dr. Chuck Baynard
Q40. Why was it requisite that the Mediator should be God and man in one person?
Answer: It was requisite that the Mediator, who was to reconcile God and man, should
himself be both God and man, and this in one person, that the proper works of each nature
might be accepted of God for us, and relied on by us as the works of the whole person.
References: Mt. 3:17; Heb. 9:14; Mt. 1:21,23; 1Pet. 2:6.
I find no warrant in the Scripture proofs given for the statement presented in this
question. While they declare Jesus Christ the Son of God, and set forth His coming as
being of God from the beginning, I do not find in them the mandate the Mediator was of a
necessity God and man. Nonetheless I support the overall statement as being true and solid
doctrine. I believe that the necessity is more in line with which that which, "by
good and necessary consequence may be deducted from Scripture: . . .. (WCF 1.6). I offer
no better references than the Divines, but will attempt to provide the good and necessary
consequence to be drawn from Scripture as to why it was a necessity for the Mediator to be
both God and man, yet one.
I am somewhat puzzled and do not accept at face value the statement of the Divines
concerning the proper works of "each" nature were required of God for the
acceptance of the sacrifice of Christ. And, the ending words concerning our relying upon
the works of the two as works of the whole not only seems to beg the question, but in my
opinion opens the door to try and separate the two natures in a way I don’t think the
Divines ever intended. Once more I would remind us that this is the first work to
clear the pens of the divines and as such represented several diverse postions in words
all were at least willing to tolerate. A study of this issue in the full standards gives a
much better understanding, and in all cases I believe we should consult the full work
before tossing out an opinion of the Divines. This is a beautiful and in my opinion
necessary work to bridge from the fathers of the reformation to the future generations the
intent and understanding of Scriptures of the reformed church. I find that most often I
don't differ from the Divines, but would use different terms or means to express the same
doctrine for the better understanding of all.
The word used to define this union of natures is hypostasis, and can be defined as
something that stands under and supports, a foundation; the underlying or essential part
of anything as distinguished from the attributes; or its substance, essence, or essential
principle. We find this word in the Vulgate (Latin) Bible and it being a far better word
than taking to or union became the foundation for the doctrine of the God-man, Jesus
Christ in the reformed church.
I think we see in the second Adam the necessity of both God and man in that it had to
be another unique creation to bypass the sin nature that is in the flesh since the fall.
Already in the few questions we have dealt with we have seen this issue of "how"
Christ was able to be fully man and yet sinless has surfaced as not only a necessity, but
unable to be explained except by this unique creation and using the "federal"
view for the imputation of both sin and righteousness.
In the Bible we find the exact phrase, "the just live by faith" three times.
I think this hypostatic union, whereby God took to Himself a human nature is the only way
that faith could exist to the extent needed to travel through this veil of tears without
sin. As noted earlier we see in Christ that though man, He is fully aware of who He is.
Berkhof tries to give Him two consciences and one unifying subconscious as the means of
holding the two in perfect union in thought and deed. I am not sure of the mechanics of
the how, but know that Scripture does show two distinct natures, and yet proclaim one
Mediator. Thus I believe much of this will remain within the mystery of God.
It is important that we accept the doctrine and do not divide the two in the same way
we cannot divide the Trinity. I don’t know of any heresy that does not in someway
involve either the deity of Christ or His human nature, or promote the one nature at the
expense if not denial of the other. Christology as it is called is important to us. Much
of what we teach and accept in Christology is done so by faith. Though we see shadows from
the beginning in Genesis and the progressive revelation of this Mediator throughout the
Bible, until we are told of His future reign as Lord of Lords and King of Kings in the
book of Revelation, without faith we cannot accept this fantastic gift of love from God to
His creation. From the beginning of the New Testament until the last word we see
supernatural events concerning Christ that the logic of the creature cannot understand.
Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man is not only truth, it is a necessity because God
so designed it in the eternal counsel. Accept this and divide not the two, for in the
incarnation, Christ took to Himself forever a human nature. While Scripture well documents
this dual nature of Christ, please note that not one word is written that would indicate a
dual personality. In this union we see the attributes of both combined. At places we see
the man Jesus Christ display divine qualities (Mount of Transfiguration, knowledge of who
He was and the end times) as well as we see the divine nature displaying attributes
normally thought to be human (He cries, prays, doubts). Truly a unity of natures, yet
distinct, but nonetheless one.
How wonderful and perfectly our God has loved us, and has demonstrated this love in so
many ways; finally giving His only Son for us. Taking the nature of the creation, that He
might reconcile to Himself His elect. The fullness of all the classic stories of love,
devotion, and loyalty of man do not begin to shine before they pale in the light of
God’s unconditional love for His own. How are we as mere mortals to ever understand
the awesome price paid by the God of creation to claim that which was already His by right
of creation?
Why is it a necessity that the Mediator be both God and man? Because God said so!
Surely this should be enough for the hardest of hearts when the history of the creation
and man is laid before his eyes. Yet our God left us His holy word, that we might study
and understand His wonderful plan for His own glory in the praise of His people.
Dr. Chuck Baynard - 246 Rainbow Circle, Clover, SC 29710
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