gen-discern-and-explain-with-scripture-where-relevant-1689-lbcf-e549

Discern and explain, with Scripture where relevant: 1689 LBCF ch. 8

# 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith - Chapter 8 ## "Of Christ the Mediator" This chapter presents the Baptist understanding of Christ's person and work as the one Mediator between God and humanity. Let me break down its key sections: ## **Main Themes:** ### **1. The Necessity of One Mediator (§1)** The Confession affirms that God chose Christ as the only mediator of the covenant of grace—fully God and fully man, to reconcile God and sinners. **Key Scripture:** - *1 Timothy 2:5* - "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" - *John 14:6* - "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" ### **2. The Two Natures of Christ (§2)** Christ is both truly God and truly man in one person—the God-man. This union was necessary for Him to be our mediator. **Key Scripture:** - *John 1:1, 14* - "The Word was God...And the Word was made flesh" - *Philippians 2:6-7* - He was in the form of God but took the form of a servant - *Romans 9:5* - Christ "who is over all, God blessed for ever" ### **3. Christ's Offices: Prophet, Priest, and King (§§8-10)** **Prophet** - Revealing God's will for salvation - *Acts 3:22* - The prophet like Moses **Priest** - Offering Himself as sacrifice and interceding for His people - *Hebrews 7:25-27* - He ever lives to make intercession - *Hebrews 9:14, 28* - Offered Himself without spot to God **King** - Ruling and defending His church - *Psalm 2:6* - "Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion" - *Matthew 28:18* - "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth" ### **4. The Atonement (§§5)** Christ perfectly obeyed God's law and suffered the punishment due to the elect, satisfying divine justice and purchasing reconciliation. **Key Scripture:** - *Romans 5:19* - "By the obedience of one shall many be made righteous" - *2 Corinthians 5:21* - "He hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin" - *Galatians 3:13* - "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law" ### **5. Definite Atonement (§8)** The Confession teaches that Christ's redemption is effectual specifically for the elect (particular redemption), though sufficient for all. **Key Scripture:** - *John 10:15* - "I lay down my life for the sheep" - *John 17:9* - "I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me" ### **6. Christ's Intercession (§9)** Christ continues His mediatorial work by interceding for believers in heaven. **Key Scripture:** - *Romans 8:34* - "It is Christ that died...who also maketh intercession for us" - *Hebrews 9:24* - "Now to appear in the presence of God for us" ## **Theological Significance:** This chapter emphasizes: - **Exclusivity**: Christ alone is the mediator—no other person, saint, or means - **Sufficiency**: His work is complete and needs no addition - **Efficacy**: His mediation actually accomplishes salvation for His people - **Continuity**: His mediatorial work continues in heaven through intercession ## **Practical Application:** 1. **Assurance** - Believers can have confidence that Christ's work is sufficient 2. **Worship** - We approach God only through Christ, not through human mediators 3. **Humility** - Salvation is entirely God's work through Christ, not our achievement 4. **Hope** - Christ continues to work on behalf of His people This chapter stands as a comprehensive Reformed Baptist statement on Christology and soteriology, affirming orthodox Trinitarian and Chalcedonian Christianity while maintaining distinctly Reformed emphases on Christ's definite atonement and sovereign grace.