Christ the Mediator Before His Incarnation (Chapter 8, Paragraph 8)

“This office of Mediator between God and man is proper only to Christ…”

Here the Confession reiterates Christ’s exclusive role as Mediator. He alone bridges the infinite gap between sinful humanity and a holy God (1 Tim. 2:5). This eliminates all other claimants—no angel, saint, or priest can perform this work.

“…who is the Prophet, Priest, and King of the Church of God…”

Christ holds a threefold office: as Prophet, He reveals God’s will; as Priest, He atones and intercedes; as King, He rules and defends His people. These roles are never passed on to others—they belong to Him alone and perfectly define His relationship to the Church.

“…and may not be either in whole, or any part thereof, transferred from Him to any other.”

No one else can share in His mediatorial work. This strikes directly at the heart of systems that place men, rituals, or institutions between God and the believer. Rome’s sacerdotal priesthood, for instance, is excluded by this clear assertion: Christ alone mediates.

“This office it pleased God to commit unto Him from everlasting…”

Christ’s mediatorship was not a reactive measure but part of God’s eternal decree (Eph. 1:4–5). He was the Lamb “foreordained before the foundation of the world” (1 Pet. 1:20).

“…and to be put in execution by Him in the fullness of time…”

Galatians 4:4 says Christ came “in the fullness of time.” The eternal plan was executed in history at the exact moment God appointed. His incarnation, life, death, and resurrection were no accident but the unfolding of divine purpose.

“…for it was always His prerogative to be the Mediator for His people…”

Even before the incarnation, Christ was functioning as Mediator. He was not revealed in flesh yet, but He was already acting on behalf of His people—promising, protecting, and guiding.

“…and was always esteemed so, in respect of the efficacy of His merits, and works, and benefits…”

Old Testament saints were saved by looking forward to His merits just as we look back. There are not two ways of salvation. The gospel was preached to Abraham (Gal. 3:8), and Moses chose “to suffer with the people of God” because “he considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt” (Heb. 11:26).

Application for the Believer:

Be encouraged that your salvation rests not on a temporal or experimental plan, but on the eternal purpose of God in Christ. From Genesis to Revelation, Jesus is the center and the Savior. The same Redeemer who upheld Abraham, David, and Isaiah now upholds you. Trust in the sufficiency and exclusivity of Christ’s mediatorship. You need no other go-between—He has always been the One who brings sinners to God. As He was faithful to His people before the manger, so He is faithful to you now. Rejoice in this ancient and unchanging truth: Christ is the only Mediator—forever.