HenryWSC 23

Matthew Henry’s Westminster Shorter Catechism Commentary on Question 23

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Is Christ a complete Redeemer? Yes: for it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell,
Col. 1:19
. Is he completely qualified for the undertaking? Yes: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him,
John 3:34
. Is he authorized for it? Yes: for all things are delivered to him of the Father,
Matt. 11:27
. Has he a full commission? Yes: for the Father judgeth no man, but has committed all judgment to the Son,
John 5:22
. And has he an ability equal to his authority? Yes: for as the Father hath life in himself, so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself, ver. 26.
Is there all that in Christ which fallen man stands in need of? Yes: for Christ is all, and in all,
Col. 3:11
. Is he light? Yes: I am the light of the world,
John 8:12
. Is he life? Yes: in him was life, and the life was the light of men,
John 1:4
. Is he our peace? Yes: he is our peace,
Eph. 2:14
. Is he our head? Yes: he is the head of the body, the church,
Col. 1:18
. Is he the door? Yes: I am the door of the sheep,
John 10:7
. Is he the way? Yes: I am the way, the truth, and the life,
John 14:6
. Can we come to God as a Father, otherwise than by Jesus Christ as Mediator? No: for no man cometh to the Father but by me,
John 14:6
. Is he our food? Yes: I am that bread of life,
John 6:48
. Is he our friend? Yes: This is my beloved, and this is my friend, Cant. 5:16.
Is Jesus Christ a Redeemer in office? Yes: for God hath exalted him with his own right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour,
Acts 5:31
. Is he duly put in office? Yes: for him hath God the Father sealed,
John 6:27
. Does he duly execute his office? Yes: for he was faithful to him that appointed him,
Heb. 3:2
. Is he a Prophet? Yes: This is of a truth that Prophet that should come into the world,
John 6:14
. Is he a Priest? Yes: he is the Apostle and High Priest of our profession,
Heb. 3:1
. Is he a King? Yes: he is King of kings, and Lord of lords,
Rev. 19:16
.
Did Christ execute these offices in his state of humiliation? Yes: I have glorified thee on the earth,
John 17:4
. Does he execute them in his state of exaltation? Yes: for in heaven itself he now appears in the presence of God for us,
Heb. 9:24
. Is he then an all-sufficient Saviour? Yes: he is able to save to the uttermost all those that come to God by him,
Heb. 7:25
. And is he as willing to save as he is able? Yes: Whosoever comes unto me I will in no wise cast out,
John 6:37
.
HenryWSC 23