Reconciliation Only by Satisfaction

Minister:
Date: AM
Text: Exodus 34; Lord's Day 5
Psalters: 413, 38, 109, 162
  1. The necessity.
    1. Reconciliation implies a friendship: God created a bond of intimate friendship between Himself and man in Adam.
    2. God can bestow favor ONLY on those who have satisfied His justice.
      1. God cannot overlook sin, for then He would be unrighteous.
      2. If man is to have God’s favor, it can only be in accordance with God's perfect justice (Ex. 23:7b; 34:7; Isa. 1:27).
      3. Salvation requires paying the full penalty for all sins and sinfulness AND by rendering perfect love each moment.
  2. The satisfaction of God's justice is impossible for us.
    1. Our old man by nature constantly tries to find ways to earn the favor of God and of men.
    2. But it is utterly hopeless for every sinner.
      1. First, our debt cannot be paid (even spending an eternity in hell for each sin).
      2. Second, hell does not earn favor; it only fulfills an obligation (like paying a bill).
      3. Third, our "good works" cannot satisfy God's justice for past sins and past guilt.
    3. Also, no mere man could qualify as a proper substitute for us.
    4. Nor can satisfaction be made for us by another creature!
    5. It is truly hopeless to look to man for the possibility of reconciliation between God and man.
  3. God Himself provides the only possibility (Eph. 2:4,5).
    1. The only kind of Mediator must meet three requirements (Matthew 1:23).
    2. God does everything necessary for us, including satisfying His own justice.
    3. Application.