This past Sunday, we considered the first half of our statement on the human condition which explains man’s great fall.

We believe that God created Adam and Eve in His image, but they sinned when tempted by Satan. In union with Adam, human beings are sinners by nature and by choice, alienated from God, and under His wrath.

This week we will pick up with the second half of this statement that describes man’s great need.

Only through God’s saving work in Jesus Christ can we be rescued, reconciled, and renewed.

In other words, the fall rendered us utterly incapable of saving ourselves. In order for our great fall to be reversed, we needed a great savior. Our great need highlights the great gulf that only Jesus Christ could have fulfilled by being who He is (see statement 4) and doing what He was sent to do (see statement 5).

As an “appetizer” for this Sunday’s sermon, to help us reflect on our great need, set aside some time to read thoughtfully and prayerfully through questions 12-15 of the Heidelberg Catechism.

Q 12: Since, by the righteous judgment of God, we deserve temporal and eternal punishment, how can we escape this punishment and be again received into favor?

A 12: God demands that His justice be satisfied,¹ therefore we must make full satisfaction, either by ourselves or by another.²

(¹ Exodus 20:5, 23:7; Romans 2:1-11; ² Isaiah 53:11; Romans 8:3-4)

Q 13: Can we ourselves make this satisfaction?

A 13: By no means, on the contrary, we daily increase our guilt.¹

(¹ Psalm 130:3; Matthew 6:12; Romans 2:4-5)

Q14: Can any mere creature make satisfaction for us?

A 14: No. First, God will not punish another creature for the sin which man has committed;¹ and further, no mere creature can sustain the burden of God’s eternal wrath against sin, and redeem others from it.²

(¹ Ezekiel 18:4, 20; Hebrews 2:14-18; ² Psalm 130:3; Nahum 1:6)

Q 15: What kind of mediator and redeemer then must we seek?

A 15: One who is a true¹ and sinless man,² and yet more powerful than all creatures, that is, one who is at the same time true God.³

(¹ 1 Corinthians 15:21; Hebrews 2:17; ² Isaiah 53:9; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 7:26; ³ Isaiah 7:14, 9:6; Jeremiah 23:6; John 1:1; Romans 8:3-4)

This Sunday, Rob Lister will preach on the second half of our third statement of faith and Kenny Clark will lead our sung worship. Would you pray for us as we prepare this week?

See you Sunday, Grace. Come hungry!