Because Adam sinned, we are all born dead in sins and trespasses (Ps 51:5; Eph 2:1–4). By nature we are “children of wrath” (Eph 2:3), idolaters (Gal 4:8), at war with God, given to all manner of wickedness (Gal 5:19–21). God is justly angry with us. Only because of God’s mercy and grace do we not experience the full effects of the fall constantly and immediately. Christians, those who believe and profess the Christian faith, who are trusting in, resting on, and leaning on Christ and his finished work for sinners, have a Mediator, a substitute, a go-between of the most extraordinary sort. If we have trouble at work, we might ask a friend to go talk to our boss on our behalf, but in this case, God the Son, who is true God of true God, consubstantial with the Father and the Holy Spirit (and yet personally distinct from both), took on our nature, a true human nature, and has become our Mediator. We did not go to God to seek a mediator. He took it on himself. That is free favor toward judgment-deserving sinners.
R. Scott Clark | The Heidelberg Catechism: A Historical, Theological & Pastoral Commentary (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Academic, 2025), 259.
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Tony Phelps
Tony grew up in Rhode Island. He was educated at University of Rhode Island (BA) and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He worked in the insurance industry for ten years. He planted a PCA church in Wakefield, RI where he served for eleven years. He has pastored Covenant Reformed Church (URCNA) in Colorado Springs (2015–18), and Living Hope Presbyterian Church (OPC) in Allentown PA (2019–25). He is currently pastor of Christ Our Hope Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Charlestown, RI. Tony is married to Donna and together they have three children.
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