Lord’s Day 5
Q14. Can any created being make this payment for us?
No. First, God will not punish another creature for the sin that people committed. Second, no created being is strong enough to carry the weight of God's eternal anger against sin and save others from it.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Ezekiel 18:4, 20
“Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die. … The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.”
Hebrews 2:14–18
“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.”
Psalm 130:3
“If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?”
Nahum 1:6
“Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him.”
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
Can any created being pay for our sin?
- 2
Why is no creature strong enough to carry the weight of God's anger against sin?
- 3
What does this tell you about how big a Savior we need?
Illustration
If a small ant tried to carry a heavy backpack, it would be crushed. No creature, no matter how strong, is able to bear the weight of God's eternal anger against sin. The debt is too big for any created being to pay.
Application
When you hear people say that being a good person is enough to make God happy, remember what the catechism teaches. No created being can carry this weight. Ask God to help you look only to the right kind of Savior.