Heidelberg Catechism / Lord's Day 6 / Q. 16
Q. 16. Why must he be very man, and also perfectly righteous?
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.