Questions 12–18

After it hath beene shewed in the first part, that men are become obnoxious vnto euerlasting pains and punishmentes, by reason of obedience not yeelded vnto the lawe; a question by and by ariseth, Whether there is, or bee graunted anie escape or deliuerie from these punishmentes. To this question the lawe maketh aunswere, that a deliuerie is graunted, so that perfect satisfaction be made vnto the law and the iustice of God, by sufficient punishment, paied for the sinnes committed. For the lawe bindeth either to obedience, or that beeing not performed, to punishment. The performance of both which, both of obedience, & punishment, is perfect righteousnes and iustice: and on both followeth the approbation & allowing of him; in whom that righteousnesse is. Now, the meanes and manners of satisfaction are two: one, by our selues; which the lawe teacheth, and the iustice of God requireth: for wee haue sinned. But this satisfaction deliuereth not from eternall malediction; because it is neuer sufficient, and finished, but indureth to all eternity. The other meanes of satisfiyng is by an other, that is, by Christ. This meanes doth the Gospell shewe, and the mercie of God freely offer: neither yet is it repugnaunt to his law and iustice; because in no place the lawe misliketh or reiecteth it. This satisfaction or punishment is temporall, and yet sufficient, that is, equiualent to euerlasting punishment, and therefore a price worthie inough for our deliueraunce. Wherefore since Christ hath paied in our behalf vnto the law a sufficient punishment for our sinnes, the iustice of God, and the sentence of the lawe altogether willeth and requireth, that we bee admitted vnto a reconcilement with him, that is, be approued of God, and receiued into fauour. Furthermore, by the questions of the Catechisme a little before propounded, two things are taught concerning mans deliuerie. The first is, that it is possible; and after what sort. The second is, by whom, and by what maner of Mediatour it may be atchieued. The places here to be discoursed of are three.

1 Of Mans deliuerie.
2 Of our Mediatour.
3 Of the Couenant.