3d. From the fact that he was Mediator from the foundation of the earth, (see Chapter XIX., question 11,) it is clear that he was not Mediator in his human nature alone ; and from the fact that the Eternal Word became incarnate, in order to prepare him- self for the full discharge of his mediatorial work, (Heb. ii., 17, 18,) it is equally plain that he was not Mediator in his divine na- ture alone.
6. In what sense do the Romanists regard saints and angels as mediators ?
They do not attribute either to saints or angels the work of propitiation proper. Yet they hold that the merits of the saint are the ground and measure of the efficiency of his intercession, as in the case of Christ.
7. How far do they ascribe a mediatorial character to their
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The Protestant holds that the church is composed of a com- pany of men united to one another in virtue of the immediate union of each with Christ the head. The Komanist holds, on the contrary, that each individual member is united immediately to the church, and through the church to Christ. Their priests, therefore, of the true apostolic succession, subject to apostolic bishops, being the only authorized dispensers of the sacraments, and through them of Christ's grace, are mediators —
1st. Between the individual and Christ, the necessary link of union with him.
2d. In their offering the sacrifice of the Mass, and making therein a true propitiation for the venial sins of the people, Christ's great sacrifice having atoned for original sin, and laid
292 MEDIATORIAL OFFICE OF CHRIST.
the foundation for the propitiatory virtue which belongs to the
3d. In their being eminent intercessors.
8. How can it be proved that Christ is our only Mediator in the proper sense of the term ?
1st. Direct testimony of Scripture, 1 Tim. ii.; 5.
2d. Because the Scriptures show forth Christ as fulfilling in our behalf every mediatorial function that is necessary, alike pro- pitiation and advocacy, 1 John ii., 1 ; on earth and in heaven, Heb. ix., 12, 24, and vii., 25.
3d. Because in virtue of the infinite dignity of his person and perfection of his nature, all these functions were discharged by him exhaustively, Heb. x., 14 ; Col. ii., 10.
4th. Because there is " complete" salvation in him, and no salvation in any other, and no man can come to the Father ex- cept through him, John xiv., 6 ; Acts iv., 12.
5th. There is no room for any mediator between the individual and Christ, (1.) because he is our " brother" and " sympathising high priest," who invites every man immediately to himself, Matt, xi., 28 ; (2.). because the work of drawing men to Christ belongs to the Holy Ghost, John vi., 44, and xvi., 14.
9. What relation do the Scriptures represent the Holy Ghost as sustaining to the mediatorial work of Christ ?
1st. Begetting and replenishing his human nature, Luke i., 35 ; ii., 40 ; John hi., 34 ; Ps. xlv., 7.
2d. All Christ's mediatorial functions were fulfilled in the Spirit ; his prophetical teachings, his priestly sacrifice, and his kingly administrations. The Spirit descended upon him at his baptism, Luke iii., 22 ; and led him into the wilderness to be ' tempted, Matt, iv., 1 ; he returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee, Luke iv., 14 ; through the eternal Spirit he offered him- self without spot to God, Heb. ix., 14.
3d. The dispensation of the Spirit, as " the Spirit of truth," " the Sanctifier," and " the Comforter, ' vests in Christ as Medi- ator, as part of the condition of the covenant of grace, John xv., 26, and xvi., 7 ; and vii., 39 ; Acts ii., 33.
4th. The Holy Spirit thus dispensed by Christ as Mediator
PROPHET, PRIEST, AND KING. 293
acts for him, and leads to him in teaching, quickening, sanctifying, preserving, and acting all grace in his people. As Christ when on earth led only to the Father, so the Holy Ghost now leads only to Christ, John xv., 26, and xvi., 13, 14 ; Acts v., 32 ; 1 Cor. xii., 3.
5th. While Christ as Mediator is said to "^ our "napdKXrjTog," " advocate/' with the Father, (1 John ii., 1,) the Holy Ghost is said to be our ee irapaK^rog" " advocate," translated "Comforter" on earth, to abide with us for ever, to teach us the things of Christ, and to hold a controversy with the world, John xiv., 16, 26, and xv., 26, and xvi., 7-9.
6th. While Christ is said to be our Mediator to make inter- cession for us in heaven, Heb. vii., 25 ; Rom. viii., 34, the Holy Ghost, by forming thoughts and desires within us according to the will of God, is said to make intercession for us with unutter- able groanings, Rom. viii., 26, 27.
7th. The sum of the whole is, " We have introduction to the Father through the Son by the Spirit," Eph. ii., 18.
10. On what ground are the threefold offices of prophet, priest and Icing applied to Christ ?
1st. Because these three functions are all equally necessary, and together exhaust the whole mediatorial work.