Required reading
Dogmatic Theology Vol 2 by William G.T. Shedd (Available from Amazon or here) - Read 'Christ's mediatorial offices'.
My summary
Now we move onto a new section on soteriology.
We begin with a chapter on Christ's mediatorial offices.
Firstly, Shedd notes several characteristics about Christ as mediator. The mediator between God and man:
(i) cannot be God only, or man only;(ii) is one of condescension and humiliation;
(iii) is temporary;
(iv) is one of reward.
Shedd then discusses the covenant of grace and covenant of redemption and their connection.
The chapter concludes by outlining the:
(i) prophetical office;
(ii) priestly office.
What grabbed me
I enjoyed the distinction between the role of creator and mediator:
'The second person of the Trinity as a creator holds no position of condescension and humiliation, and performs no function that is secondary and temporary in its nature. He is a creator by reason of his absolute and eternal deity, and is so from everlasting to everlasting. There never was a time when he was not a creator, and there never will be a time when he will cease to be a creator. He never was commissioned to the office of creator ; he never assumed this office ; and he will never lay it down. It belongs to him by virtue of his divinity. Creation is a primary, not a secondary function. But the second person as mediator assumes an office and takes a position which is not necessarily implied in his deity. He might be God the Son, without being God the mediator ; but he could not be God the Son without being God the creator.'
Oh the condescension of Christ to take on the role of mediator for sinners like us!
Next week's reading
Commence Chapter 2 'Vicarious atonement' by reading up to the paragraph beginning 'It follows from this discussion, that atonement is objective in its essential nature.' (Page 393 of my edition).
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
I enjoyed the distinction between the role of creator and mediator:
'The second person of the Trinity as a creator holds no position of condescension and humiliation, and performs no function that is secondary and temporary in its nature. He is a creator by reason of his absolute and eternal deity, and is so from everlasting to everlasting. There never was a time when he was not a creator, and there never will be a time when he will cease to be a creator. He never was commissioned to the office of creator ; he never assumed this office ; and he will never lay it down. It belongs to him by virtue of his divinity. Creation is a primary, not a secondary function. But the second person as mediator assumes an office and takes a position which is not necessarily implied in his deity. He might be God the Son, without being God the mediator ; but he could not be God the Son without being God the creator.'
Oh the condescension of Christ to take on the role of mediator for sinners like us!
Next week's reading
Commence Chapter 2 'Vicarious atonement' by reading up to the paragraph beginning 'It follows from this discussion, that atonement is objective in its essential nature.' (Page 393 of my edition).
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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