Two Natures, One Savior: Exploring the Hypostatic Union in Westminster Larger Catechism

Jesus Christ stands at the center of Christianity, especially as the Mediator between God and man. Westminster Larger Catechism Question 36 asks, “Who is the Mediator of the covenant of grace?” The answer declares: “The only Mediator of the covenant of grace is the Lord Jesus Christ, who, being the eternal Son of God, of one substance and equal with the Father, in the fullness of time became man, and so was and continues to be God and man, in two entire distinct natures, and one person, forever.”

This statement is not just theology; it transforms our understanding of our relationship with God and the essence of salvation. Here, we will delve into the uniqueness of Christ, especially through the Chalcedonian definition, as it connects to Jesus' claim in John 14:6 that He is the way, the truth, and the life.

The Essential Role of the Mediator

At its core, mediation signifies a need for intercession. Sin has created a divide between humanity and God, which means that, on our own, we are not capable of coming before the Lord. Jesus reconciles us to the Father through his birth, life, death, and resurrection. His dual nature—as fully divine and fully human—enables Him to uniquely relate to our human experiences and possesses the divine authority to bridge that gap.

Exploring The Significance of the Hypostatic Union

It is important here to explore the hypostatic union. The term 'hypostatic union' describes the coexistence of two natures in one person of Jesus Christ. According to the Chalcedonian definition, these natures are distinct yet inseparable.

This essential relationship means that Jesus is more than just a historical figure; He is God’s incarnate. As the eternal Son of God, He holds the divine authority to forgive sins and grant eternal life. Likewise, His humanity allows Him to fully experience our pain and trials, which makes Him an ideal representative for us before God.

Christ as the Only Way

In John 14:6, Jesus states, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” This statement confirms His exclusive role in salvation and solidifies the importance of His place in the covenant of grace.

This exclusivity challenges modern, pluralistic thinking that often suggests all spiritual paths lead to God. The current cultural norm is to see all belief systems as equally true on some level, but this is contrary to scripture and reason. Contradictory truths cannot be equally true. As Christians, we must be firm in the recognition of Christ and the gospel being the only way of salvation. To the world, this is needlessly divisive, but for believers, this assurance is comforting. We have an invitation to communion through Jesus rather than being left alone to navigate our spiritual journey.

The Fulfillment of Prophecy

Christ’s role as Mediator is also revealed in the Old Testament prophecies where the coming Messiah appears as Priest, Prophet, and King. Each role highlights aspects of His mediatorial function.

As our High Priest, He offers Himself as the ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling the Old Testament sacrificial system and allowing us to approach God confidently. This concept also highlights the liberation from sin’s bondage—offering true freedom.

An example of this comes in Isaiah 53, where the prophet talks about the suffering servant who bears our transgressions, which finds its fulfillment in Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. It becomes clear that Jesus is the realization of God’s redemptive plan, where we find the fullness of His promises.

Embracing the Uniqueness of Christ

The Westminster Larger Catechism Question 36 beautifully articulates the uniqueness of Christ as the Mediator of the covenant of grace. Through the hypostatic union, we discern how Jesus—both fully God and fully man—bridges the gap between humanity and the divine. His declaration in John 14:6 positions Him firmly as the sole means of salvation, prompting us to reflect on our faith and grace.

As Christians, we must celebrate and proclaim Christ's unique role in every aspect of our lives. In a world that is searching for purpose and meaning, let us boldly declare that Jesus Christ alone is the way, the truth, and the life—our only Mediator before the Father.

Soli Deo Gloria