Introduction

Christology deals with the Person of our Divine Redeemer; Soteriology considers the object for which He came into this world. This object was the Redemption of the human race.

Christ became our Redeemer or Mediator solely by His vicarious atonement; therefore redemption (mediation) and vicarious atonement are interchangeable terms.

The fallen race of Adam was not simply restored as a whole to its original state of bliss. In order to share in the graces of the Redemption, each individual human being must co-operate with the Redeemer. To be able to do this, man needs (1) a teacher, who authoritatively instructs him in the truths necessary for salvation; (2) a priest, who effectively applies to him the merits of the atonement; and (3) a king or shepherd, who, by the promulgation of suitable laws and precepts, guides him on the way to Heaven.

Hence our Divine Lord exercises a threefold function or office, namely: (1) that of Teacher, (2) that of High Priest, and (3) that of King or Shepherd. Cfr. John XIV, 6: “I am the way (King), and the truth (Teacher), and the life (Priest).”

Soteriology, therefore, naturally falls into two main divisions: I. The Work of Redemption; II. The Three Offices of the Redeemer.