Of Christ the Mediator: The Person and Work of the Redeemer
Chapter 8 of the Westminster Confession of Faith stands as one of the most theologically rich and Christ-centered portions of the entire document. It presents Jesus Christ as the sole Mediator between God and man—the only means by which fallen humanity can be reconciled to a holy God. In doing so, it unfolds the majesty of His divine and human natures, His threefold offices as Prophet, Priest, and King, and His redemptive work accomplished through obedience, suffering, death, and intercession. The chapter affirms that salvation rests entirely upon the person and work of Christ, who fulfills the eternal plan of redemption with perfect sufficiency and divine authority.
The Mediator Between God and Man
The Confession begins by establishing that it was the eternal purpose of God the Father to choose and ordain the Lord Jesus, His only begotten Son, to be the Mediator and Redeemer of His people (Section 1). Christ was “set up from everlasting” as the One who would bridge the infinite divide caused by sin. This mediatorial role means that Christ stands between God and humanity—not merely as an example or teacher, but as the appointed representative who reconciles the two.
Unlike the prophets or priests of old, who served in limited, anticipatory capacities, Jesus is the one true Mediator who fully satisfies divine justice and restores peace between God and man. The Confession explicitly rejects any other mediator, human or angelic, affirming Paul’s declaration: “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5).
The Union of Divine and Human Natures
Sections 2 and 3 of the chapter emphasize the mystery and necessity of the Incarnation. The eternal Son of God, “the second person in the Trinity,” took upon Himself a true human nature, with all its essential properties and common infirmities, yet without sin. Thus, in the one person of Christ are united two distinct natures—divine and human—without confusion, change, division, or separation.
This union is crucial for His mediatorial work. As God, Christ possesses infinite power, wisdom, and holiness to accomplish redemption; as man, He can truly represent humanity and bear its penalty. The divine nature ensures the infinite value of His atoning sacrifice, while the human nature ensures His genuine identification with those He redeems. The Confession reflects the Chalcedonian balance: Christ is “very God and very man,” two natures in one person, forever.
Christ’s Offices: Prophet, Priest, and King
Section 1 introduces Christ’s threefold office—Prophet, Priest, and King—a framework that runs throughout Reformed theology and expresses the comprehensive nature of His mediatorial work.
As Prophet, Christ reveals the will of God for our salvation. He is the ultimate Word of God, the fulfillment of all prophecy, and the One through whom divine truth is made known. His teaching, both in His earthly ministry and through His Spirit, brings light to those who sit in darkness.
As Priest, He offers Himself as a perfect sacrifice to satisfy divine justice and reconcile sinners to God. In His priestly office, He both makes atonement for sin and continually intercedes for His people. The Confession stresses that His once-for-all offering is sufficient and complete—no further sacrifice is needed. His intercession ensures that believers are preserved in grace and brought to final glory.
As King, Christ rules over all creation and governs His Church. He subdues the hearts of His people to Himself, protects them from their enemies, and orders all things for His glory and their good. His kingship is both sovereign and saving—He reigns with authority over the universe and with love over His redeemed people.
The Work of Redemption
Christ’s redemptive work is the central theme of Chapter 8. As the Mediator, He voluntarily undertook the task of redemption, fulfilling all righteousness and perfectly obeying the law on behalf of His people. The Confession highlights both His active and passive obedience: His active obedience in perfectly fulfilling God’s law, and His passive obedience in submitting to suffering and death.
By His death, Christ endured the wrath of God, satisfied divine justice, and reconciled His people to God. His sacrifice was not merely a moral example but a substitutionary atonement—He bore the penalty of sin in the place of sinners. The result of His redemptive work is full and certain salvation for all those whom the Father gave Him from eternity (Section 8).
Furthermore, the Confession underscores that Christ’s resurrection, ascension, and continual intercession are integral to His mediatorial office. His resurrection is the proof of His victory over sin and death; His ascension marks His exaltation to the right hand of the Father; and His ongoing intercession ensures the application of His redemption to believers by the Spirit.
The Significance of His Suffering and Sacrifice
The sufferings of Christ are central to His role as Mediator. In His humanity, He endured temptation, sorrow, pain, and ultimately death on the cross. Yet His suffering was not merely human tragedy—it was the divine means of salvation. By bearing the curse of the law, Christ removed the guilt of sin and secured eternal redemption.
The Confession insists that this atoning work is both sufficient and effectual: it not only makes salvation possible but guarantees it for those whom He represents. His death fulfills the covenant of grace, ensuring forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternal life for believers.
Christ’s Intercession and the Application of Redemption
Christ’s mediatorial work did not end at the cross. The Confession teaches that He now intercedes for His people in heaven, applying the benefits of His redemption through the work of the Holy Spirit. He continually pleads for their pardon, upholds them in faith, and secures their final salvation. His intercession is not a repetition of His sacrifice but its ongoing efficacy—He is the living High Priest who “ever lives to make intercession” (Hebrews 7:25).
Conclusion
Chapter 8 of the Westminster Confession of Faith presents a complete and majestic picture of the person and work of Christ. As the Mediator between God and man, He alone fulfills every aspect of salvation—revealing divine truth as Prophet, reconciling sinners as Priest, and reigning over all as King. His divine and human natures unite in one glorious person, perfectly suited to accomplish redemption.
Through His obedience, suffering, death, resurrection, and continual intercession, Christ has fulfilled the law, satisfied divine justice, and secured eternal peace for His people. The believer’s confidence and hope rest entirely in Him—“the only Mediator between God and man,” whose grace and glory will be the song of the redeemed forever.
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