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Q. 16. Why must he be very man, and also perfectly righteous?

Heidelberg Catechism

Question. Why must he be very man, and also perfectly righteous?

Answer. Because the justice of God requires that the same human nature, which hath sinned, should likewise make satisfaction for sin (Ex. 32;33); and one, who is himself a sinner, cannot satisfy for others (Heb. 7;26, 27).

Proofs.

  • [proof-1] Ex. 32;33.—Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.—1 Cor. 15;21.—Rom. 5;15.—Heb. 2;17.
  • [proof-2] Heb. 7;26, 27.—For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s.—1 Pet. 3;18.—Jer. 33;15.—Isa. 53;11.—2 Cor. 5;21.

Source and provenance

Citation: Heidelberg Catechism Q. 16, Wikisource 1879 Reformed Church in America translation.

Original work: Public-domain historical catechism

Digital source: Wikisource transcription

Edition status: Edition comparison pending

Proof texts: Proof lines preserved; extraction partial

Scripture refs: 1CO.15.21, 1PE.3.18, 2CO.5.21, HEB.2.17, HEB.7.26, HEB.7.27, ISA.53.11, JER.33.15, ROM.5.15

Source provider: Wikisource

Use guidance: Use with source citation; compare edition before formal reuse

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