PONDERING... What sort of Redeemer is needed to bring us back to God?

NOTE: This is part of a catechism study we're doing on Sunday mornings.

What sort of Redeemer is needed to bring us back to God?

One who is truly human and also truly God. Human because in human nature He might on our behalf perfectly obey the whole law and suffer the punishment for human sin; and also that He might sympathize with our weaknesses. God because of His divine nature His obedience and suffering would be perfect and effective; and also that He would be able to bear the righteous anger of God against sin and yet overcome death.

• Isaiah 9:6 ESV - "6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
• Hebrews 2:17-18 ESV - "17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted."
• Acts 2:24 ESV - "24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it."

One who is truly human and also truly God.

These are the requirements. 100% God. 100% man. (See previous lesson "Who is the Redeemer?")

Human because in human nature He might on our behalf perfectly obey the whole law and suffer the punishment for human sin;

Why human? First, so that when He lived a perfect life it would be without advantage. He was just a susceptible to sin as us, but sinned not.

and also that He might sympathize with our weaknesses.

Second, so that we now have a high priest who truly understands. Do not think that He cannot understand what you are going through. He fought sin. In fact, He was targeted directly by Satan. He fought more than us. He understands.

God because of His divine nature His obedience and suffering would be perfect and effective; and also that He would be able to bear the righteous anger of God against sin and yet overcome death.

Only God could provide salvation. Only God could endure the punishment (full wrath of God) for sin and overcome.