Survey of the Westminster Confession of Faith (Chapter 8)

Survey of the Westminster Confession of Faith

Chapter 8

Of Christ the Mediator

(Part  3)

VI. Although the work of redemption was not actually wrought by Christ till after His incarnation, yet the virtue, efficacy, and benefits thereof were communicated unto the elect, in all ages successively from the beginning of the world, in and by those promises, types, and sacrifices, wherein He was revealed, and signified to be the seed of the woman which should bruise the serpent’s head; and the Lamb slain from the beginning of the world; being yesterday and today the same, and forever.

This paragraph answers a common question that is bound to arise in the discussion of the saving work of Jesus Christ: What about those people who lived and died before the incarnation and the accomplishment of the atonement? Were they saved? Could they be saved? The Divines recognize two things: 1) the historical event of the atonement; 2) the transcendent nature of the atonement. Jesus Christ did live, die and rise again at a particular time in history and in a particular place. At the same time, the nature of His ministry was such that it was as sure as accomplished even before it was accomplished, historically speaking. This is because the promise of the atonement came from God to man beginning in the Garden of Eden, following man’s fall, and continuing in a series of promises, types, and sacrifices throughout history right up to the event of the incarnation.

Therefore, those who looked to the historical event of the atonement in faith received the same spiritual benefits as those who, post incarnation, look back in faith to the same historical event. This underscores the Biblical notion of the veracity of the promises of God; they are as reliable when they are made as if they have already come to pass. It also emphasizes the eternality and immutability of the decrees of God. We might note, too, that this paragraph implies that history has never lacked sufficient instruction on the Savior.

VII. Christ, in the work of mediation, acts according to both natures, by each nature doing that which is proper to itself; yet, by reason of the unity of the person, that which is proper to one nature is sometimes in Scripture attributed to the person denominated by the other nature.

The Biblical doctrine of the hypostatic union, the teaching that the Person of Jesus Christ consists of two natures, the Divine and the human, has provoked much discussion in the Church. The Bible often attributes characteristics to the Savior that cannot be said of God. For example, we are told that Jesus Christ died for our sins and that He suffered for us and that His blood was shed for our redemption. The Bible doesn’t distinguish between the two natures of Christ when making such statements. We know that God cannot die and God cannot suffer and God cannot shed blood since He is eternal and since He is a Spirit. This paragraph seeks to explain those Biblical passages by stating that the Scripture attributes the human characteristics to the whole Person of the God-Man, on occasion, just as it also, on occasion, attributes the divine characteristics to the whole Person of the God-Man.

VIII. To all those for whom Christ has purchased redemption, He does certainly and effectually apply and communicate the same; making intercession for them, and revealing unto them, in and by the word, the mysteries of salvation; effectually persuading them by His Spirit to believe and obey, and governing their hearts by His word and Spirit; overcoming all their enemies by His almighty power and wisdom, in such manner, and ways, as are most consonant to His wonderful and unsearchable dispensation.

This final paragraph concludes this chapter on the Mediator by emphasizing the certainty of His ministry. In the atonement, Jesus Christ actually purchased redemption and, in time, He applies that redemption to those given to Him by the Father. The work of the atonement is, therefore, complete and closed; there is no uncertainty about the end of Christ’s work, no uncertainty about the extent or application of that work. The Confession describes this application of redemption as Christ making intercession for His people, revealing salvation to them in and by the Word of God and effectually calling them by His Spirit to faith. Thereafter, the Divines add, the resurrected Christ governs His people while destroying all their enemies.