Question 23: Why must the Redeemer be truly God?

Answer: That because of His divine nature His obedience and suffering would be perfect and effective; and also that He would be able to bear the righteous anger of God against sin and yet overcome death.

Kids Answer: That because of His divine nature His obedience and suffering would be perfect and effective.

Key Scripture: Acts 2:24

Additional Scripture: John 1:1, John 8:58, Colossians 2:9

Why is it so important that Jesus as our Redeemer be truly God? Our sin was committed against God. Only God can forgive a transgression against Himself. This is why some of the religious leaders in Jesus’s day were horrified when He said He forgave sins. They understood the implications of what He said. How could a mere man forgive the sin we have against God? A mere man can’t, but God can. Jesus needed to be fully human in order to be our Substitute, but He needed to be fully God in order for His obedience and suffering to be perfect and for God’s justice to be completely and eternally satisfied.

Questions to ask: (To help process the truth we learned. Ask yourself, a friend, your group, or your family questions to talk through it together)

• How does the incarnation of Jesus change the Godhead?

• What does it mean for Jesus to bear the anger of God?

• Why can only God forgive sin?