Sunday, June 7, 2015

The Great Mediator

When two people have a disagreement there is often the need for a mediator. In our modern day we know a mediator as a go-between who seeks to resolve a conflict between two people or two parties. However, this is not how the apostle Paul refers to Jesus. In the Greek the word “Mediator” means a “trustworthy neutral.” Human beings are sinful by nature and the penalty for sin is eternal death (Romans 6:23), thus a Mediator is needed. The gospel tells us that a penalty had to be paid for our sins, so God sent His Son to the cross to satisfy this penalty. Since humanity could not pay this penalty Jesus served as Mediator between God and man. As the God-man, Jesus was the only one qualified to serve as Mediator. As both fully human and fully God, he was uniquely qualified to represent both humanity and God. 

Nearly two thousand years ago Jesus was nailed to a cross to permanently resolve (mediate) the issue of sin between God and man. Prior to that, humanity was spiritually separated from God and relied upon a High Priest and animal sacrifices to temporary atone for their sins. Access to God was restricted to a select few. So in order to accomplish His divine plan to redeem the world back from Satan’s grip God sent His Son to Mediate. 

Following Paul’s command Timothy to pray for “all men” he makes it clear that God “desires all men to be saved” (1 Timothy 2:4). Paul then follows this critical truth by stating “…there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). Only Jesus could ratify a new covenant with the Father. He stepped onto the earth as God in the flesh to mediate a peace treaty between God and sinful humanity. 

Finally, Paul identifies Jesus as “the Man Christ Jesus.” Paul does this to prove that Jesus was not just fully God but also fully human which was an essential qualification to enable Jesus to serve as Mediator with humanity. There is only one way to God and to heaven and its through Jesus (John 14:6). It’s not through Muhammad, it’s not through Buddha, and it’s not through good works. 

Mediation is complete, the new covenant is secured, peace has been obtained, eternal life is real, and God’s work to redeem man is finished. Jesus has granted humanity direct access to the throne of grace, the grace that has saved us. The only requirement is genuine belief in faith and repentance.

Jesus’ mediation work on earth is finished. Now He stands ready to intercede for all who believe in Him and have received their salvation through grace.

Will you allow Jesus to be your Mediator and Intercessor? 

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