I. Satisfaction in Christ.
A. What “satisfaction” involves:
1. A confession of the terrible character of sin.
a. Sin is not simply:
1) Errors of judgment.
2) Lack of ability–not this only.
b. Sin is rebellion against the Sovereign God–active, willful rebellion.
1) It is transgression ef God’s law.
2) And such transgression against God deserves eternal death.
2. Satisfaction means that such transgression is fully paid for.
a. It can not be ignored or simply cancelled.
b. But payment must be made equivalent to the transgression committed.
B. How Christ satisfies:
1. Through His perfect obedience.
a. Sometimes this is termed: active and passive obedience.
b. Through such obedience He meets the demands of the law:
2. Thus are we delivered from the guilt of sin.
II. God’s justice in redeeming His people.
A. Strict justice must be exercised by God.
1. Negatively:
a. Animals can not satisfy the justice of God.
b. Nor can any other creature to this, as for instance, an angel.
2. Positively:
a. Justice requires that the man who sinned must bear God’s wrath for the same.
1) God can not justly punish another creature for man’s sin.
2) The man who sins must die.
b. But also: he must be able to bear the wrath of God and deliver us fron it.
1) Mere man can not bear eternal wrath.
2) Therefore, the Mediator must be more than mere man.
B. Christ meets the demands of the justice of God.
1. As the Son of God in our flesh, He fully bears the wrath of God.
a. The Infinite Second Person can bear infinite wrath.
b. And in our flesh He justly suffers as our representative Head.
2. Thus obtains for us the verdict: not guilty.
a. Satisfaction is fully made.
b. And the sentence of death is taken away.
III. God’s mercy in this redemption.
A. Evidence of the mercy of God:
1. God is indeed merciful.
a. Mercy is His sincere desire and intent to bless His people as He is Blessed.
1) And this is more than a mere wish on the part of God.
2) His Mercy also must accomplish that which He intends.
b. But mercy must be shown in the vay of justice.
1) Mercy can not be shown in a way of ignoring what is just and right.
2) But mercy must be manifest through the execution of perfect justice.
2. Christ, then, is the manifestation of both mercy and justice of God.
a. God’s mercy is shown us in the way of Christ’s suffering and death.
b. Thus is salvation accomplished.
B. The fruit of this mercy.
1. Justification–declared to be without guilt before God.
2. Glorification–the certain fruit of the completed work of Christ.
Worksheet
A. Supplementary reading:
1. Read: Genesis 3; Romans 5.
2. Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day 5, 6. Also: 4.
3. Canons of Dordt, Second Head, Articles 1, 2, 3, 4.
4. Westminster Catechism, questions 39, 40.
B. Questions for consideration:
1. If man who sins must die, how is it that Christ can take our place?
2. Who do not believe in reconciliation through satisfaction?
3. Does the idea of satisfaction contradict the teachings of Arminianism?
4. For whom was Christ Substitute? What of Lord’s Day 15, question and answer 37?
5. How did Christ begin satisfaction in his birth?
6. What was the purpose of the Old Testament sacrificial animals?