Heidelberg Catechism

Question 14. Is there any mere creature who is able to satisfy for us?

Answer: No. First, God will not punish another creature for the sin which man has committed. (a) Furthermore, no mere creature can sustain the burden of God’s eternal wrath against sin, and thus deliver others from it. (b)

(Click through to see scriptural proofs.)

a. Ezekiel 18:4, 20

Behold, all souls are mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is mine: the soul who sins shall die.

      Hebrews 2:14-18

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 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. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

b. Nahum 1:6

Who can stand before his indignation?

Who can endure the heat of his anger?

His wrath is poured out like fire,

and the rocks are broken into pieces by him.

      Psalm 130:3

If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities,

O Lord, who could stand?