The Old Testament sacrificial system required unblemished sacrifices (Leviticus 1:3, 22:20), which did not take away sins and foreshadowed the need for a perfect Savior. Christ fulfilled this requirement, becoming the ultimate sacrifice for sin. As Hebrews 10:11-12 states, “And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God”.
The “200%” Nature of Christ
Hebrews 9:23-38 outline the reasons for the necessity of the hypostatic union in salvation.The hypostatic union is essential for Christ to be the mediator between God and man.
100% God
John 1:1
Christ possesses all the attributes of deity, including being eternal, holy, righteous, good, just, loving, omnipotent, omniscient, and impeccable ensuring the efficaciousness of His sacrifice for mankind. His divine nature was essential for providing salvation. It was necessary for Jesus to be 100% God so he could not only be the perfect sacrifice, but with the “omni” qualities of the Messiah a single sacrifice could be made for all.
100% Man
Hebrews 2:17
The incarnation of Christ was crucial for our salvation. His humanity allowed Him to fully represent us and experience human temptations and suffering. Christ’s humanity allows for the propitiation of mankind.
Sin-Proof Savior
Christ was not only sinless but incapable of sinning. The impeccability of Christ aligns with the concept of the hypostatic union. This impeccability was crucial for Him to be the perfect sacrifice for our sins. 2 Corinthians 5:21 states, “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him”. The impeccability of Jesus is another reason for assurance of our salvation.
Titles That Tell the Tale
Scripture presents various titles for Christ that highlight His unique role in salvation. These titles emphasize His ability to provide eternal life to those who believe in Him.
- Way, Truth, Life (John 14:6) - Salvation is only in Christ
- Faithful High Priest (Hebrews 2:17) - Perfect mediator and intercessor
- Son of God (Mark 1:1) - Divine authority to grant eternal life
- Son of Man (Matthew 8:20) - Representative of humanity
- Holy One (Acts 3:14) - Sinlessness for perfect sacrifice
- Alpha and the Omega (Revelation 22:13) - Eternal nature
Absolutely Assured
The person of Christ is inseparable from the doctrine of salvation. His unique qualifications as both God and man, His impeccability, and His promise of eternal life form the foundation of our assurance. Salvation is based solely on faith in Christ.
This truth provides believers with a firm assurance of salvation, grounded in Christ’s work rather than human effort. As Hebrews 10:14 declares, “For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.” We can rest in His finished work on the cross and His promise of eternal life to all who believe in Him.
