Christ, according to the eternal decree and covenant, had been appointed Mediator, and administered the office, from the time when the promise of the seed of the woman was given to the time of his incarnation; and was required to administer and fulfil his mediatorial offices in two states - that is, his state of humiliation, and his state of exaltation.1
In his state of humiliation, he who was true God came into the world, assumed human nature, became true man and partaker of flesh and blood; he who was in the form of God took upon him the form of a servant; he who knew no sin was made sin for sinners.2 He assumed humanity in a poor virgin’s womb; when he was born, he was laid in a manger; his enemies sought to destroy him; he was brought up in poverty; he endured slander, false accusations, and reproach;3 he suffered the greatest shame and pain in soul and body, at the hands of men and devils; he was smitten by God as by a righteous Judge. He became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross;4 in his humiliation, sufferings, and death, he magnified the law, satisfied justice, glorified all the attributes of God, conquered the devil, destroyed death, suffered the utmost penalty of sin, gave himself an offering and a sacrifice, sufficient and without spot, so that he put away sin by the sacrifice of himself; he bought his church, wrought for it an everlasting righteousness, and opened a fountain for its thorough cleansing.5
Christ fulfilled all his mediatorial offices in his state of humiliation: he taught the multitudes, but especially his disciples;6 he conquered men and evil spirits, controlled the elements, subdued diseases, and overcame death itself; he ruled and protected his people;7 he sacrificed himself, and thereby abolished all sacrifices;8 he interceded for transgressors and blessed his people.9
When the Mediator had wholly finished the work which had been given him to do in his state of humiliation, God highly exalted him above all.10 As God he could not be exalted; for as God he was above all when he was in the form of a servant and in the depth of his humiliation.11 But as Mediator he was very highly exalted in his glorious resurrection, triumphant ascension, joyous session on the right hand of the Father, and appointment to be the Judge of all.12
Christ is Mediator in his state of exaltation: he is the only way to the Father, and through him only are saving blessings brought to men.13 He still fulfils all his mediatorial offices on the right hand of the Father; as Priest, he appears before God and intercedes for transgressors; as Prophet, he sends his Spirit and endows men with gifts sufficient for teaching his people; as King, he rules and protects them, and governs all things for their good.14
1 Isa. 52:13-15; 53:12. 2 John 1:14; Gal. 4:4; Heb. 2:14; Phil. 2:6-7; 2 Cor. 5:21. 3 Luke 1:35; 2:12; Matt. 2:13, 16; 8:20; 2 Cor. 8:9; Isa. 53:3; Heb. 12:2. 4 1 Peter 3:18; Heb. 5:7; Phil. 2:8; Zech. 13:7; Matt. 26:38-39; 27:46; Luke 22:53; John 18:11. 5 Isa. 42:21; Rom. 5:19; 8:3; 10:4; Matt. 3:17; John 1: 29 ; 17:4; Heb. 2:14; 9:14; Hos. 13:14; 1 Cor. 15:55-57; Isa. 53:5; Gal. 3:13; Eph. 5:25-26; 2 Cor. 5:21; Zech. 13:1. 6 Matt. 5:1-2; 7:28-29; 11:29. 7 Mark 1:27; 4:41; John 18:8. 8 Heb. 10:12. 9 Luke 23:34: 24:50-51. 10 John 17:4, 13; 19:30; Phil. 2:9-11. 11 Eph. 4:9-10; John 3:13. 12 Isa. 52:13, 15; Acts 2:32; 1:9; 10:42; 17:30-31; Rom. 4:25 8:34; Psa. 47:5; 110:1; Heb. 1:3. 13 John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Eph. 1:3; 3:8. 14 Heb. 9:24; 1 John 2:1; Heb. 7:24-25; Matt. 28:18; John 16:7: Eph. 4:11-12; Acts 2:33.
