Of Christ the Mediator, VIII:4

This office the Lord Jesus did most willingly undertake; which that He might discharge, He was made under the law, and did perfectly fulfill it; endured most grievous torments immediately in His soul, and most painful sufferings in His body; was crucified, and died, was buried, and remained under the power of death, yet saw no corruption. On the third day He arose from the dead, with the same body in which He suffered, with which also He ascended into heaven, and there sits at the right hand of His Father, making intercession, and shall return, to judge men and angels, at the end of the world.

The Confession thus summarizes the passion, death, resurrection, ascension, and session of our Lord. Again, the phrases and cadences are similar to those of the great historic orthodox creeds.

Some interesting points of emphasis:

1. Christ willingly took on this task (or office, as the Confession terms it). He was not forced or coerced. Oblique reference is made herein to the covenant of redemption, that concord between the Persons of the Holy Trinity that took place in eternity past in which the Father decreed to save a people to be a bride for the Son, the Son agreed to redeem them, and the Spirit agreed to apply that redemption unto all whom the Father chose.

2. That he did so willingly did not make his task an easy one. Look to the accounts of Jesus's agony in the garden before his arrest. He was fully cognizant of the terrible things that lay before him and he asked to be spared them if possible. But he was committed to obeying the will of the Father above all.

3. The body that died was the same that was raised and that has ascended. This is the foundation of the glorious promise made to believers of a resurrection to come.

4. The jibe is often heard from mockers and scoffers, "Where is he? Why has he delayed his coming?" The Confession answers that he is seated at the right hand of the Majesty on high, where he ever lives to intercede for his sheep. What greater comfort for the Christian than to know his Lord and Savior prays for him without ceasing? Whose prayers will the Father hear more than those of his beloved Son? Yet there is a day appointed in which he will rise up from this seat and return not just as Savior of those who believe but as Judge of all. Mockers and scoffers should not comfort themselves that because he tarries he will not come.

Tomorrow: Redemption accomplished.