Topical Encyclopedia The concept of mediation in the Bible is deeply rooted in the relationship between God and humanity, where a mediator acts as an intermediary to reconcile the two parties. This role is essential in understanding the nature of divine-human interaction, especially in the context of sin and redemption.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the role of a mediator is often seen in the context of the covenant relationship between God and Israel. Moses is the quintessential mediator, acting as the intermediary between God and the Israelites. In Exodus 20:19, the people of Israel express their fear of direct communication with God, saying to Moses, "Speak to us yourself, and we will listen. But do not let God speak to us, or we will die." Here, Moses serves as the mediator who conveys God's laws and commandments to the people. The priesthood, particularly the high priest, also serves a mediating role. The high priest enters the Holy of Holies once a year on the Day of Atonement to offer sacrifices for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16). This act symbolizes the mediation necessary to maintain the covenant relationship between God and His people. New Testament Fulfillment In the New Testament, the concept of mediation reaches its fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Timothy 2:5, "For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." Jesus' role as mediator is central to the New Testament's message of salvation. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, He bridges the gap caused by sin, offering reconciliation with God. The Book of Hebrews elaborates on Christ's mediating role, comparing Him to the high priests of the Old Testament. Hebrews 9:15 states, "Therefore Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, now that He has died to redeem them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant." Here, Jesus is portrayed as the ultimate mediator who inaugurates a new covenant, superior to the old, by offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice. Theological Implications The role of a mediator underscores the holiness of God and the sinfulness of humanity. It highlights the necessity of an intermediary to restore the broken relationship between the Creator and His creation. In the Old Testament, this was achieved through the law and sacrificial system, while in the New Testament, it is accomplished through the person and work of Jesus Christ. The mediating work of Christ is foundational to Christian theology, emphasizing the exclusivity of Christ as the sole mediator. This is reflected in the doctrine of salvation, where faith in Christ is the means by which individuals are reconciled to God. The mediatorial role of Christ assures believers of their access to God, as expressed in Hebrews 4:16, "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Practical Application Understanding the concept of mediation encourages believers to appreciate the significance of Christ's work and the access they have to God through Him. It also serves as a model for interpersonal relationships, where believers are called to be peacemakers and agents of reconciliation, reflecting the mediating work of Christ in their lives. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v.) To coordinate negotiations between two parties.2. (a.) Acting by means, or by an intervening cause or instrument; not direct or immediate; acting or suffering through an intervening agent or condition. 3. (a.) Gained or effected by a medium or condition. 4. (v.) To be in the middle, or between two; to intervene. 5. (v.) To interpose between parties, as the equal friend of each, esp. for the purpose of effecting a reconciliation or agreement; as, to mediate between nations. 6. (v. t.) To effect by mediation or interposition; to bring about as a mediator, instrument, or means; as, to mediate a peace. 7. (v. t.) To divide into two equal parts. Greek 3315. mesiteuo -- to interpose, mediate ... to interpose, mediate. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: mesiteuo Phonetic Spelling: (mes-it-yoo'-o) Short Definition: I mediate, interpose Definition: I ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3315.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 3547. kahan -- to act as a priest... A primitive root, apparently meaning to mediate in religious services; but used only as denominative from kohen; to officiate as a priest; figuratively, to put ... /hebrew/3547.htm - 6k 6419. palal -- to intervene, interpose Library How the Demons Can Mediate Between Gods and Men if they have ... Of the Passions Which, According to Apuleius, Agitate the Demons ... Division of Actual Grace On the Sufficiency and Perfection of the Holy Scriptures In Whether Fate is in Created Things? On the Ecclesiastical Ministrations of the New Testament and on ... On the First Sin of the First Man Whether a Man Can Merit an Increase of Grace or Charity The Helvetic Consensus Formula. AD 1675. Of the Man Christ Jesus, the Mediator Between God and Men. Thesaurus Mediate (1 Occurrence)... for the purpose of effecting a reconciliation or agreement; as, to mediate between nations. ... Multi-Version Concordance Mediate (1 Occurrence). ... /m/mediate.htm - 7k Intercede (12 Occurrences) Josephus Interpose (2 Occurrences) Flavius Dark (234 Occurrences) Meditation (15 Occurrences) Mediates (1 Occurrence) Media's (1 Occurrence) Between (2624 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean that Jesus is our mediator? | GotQuestions.orgIs prayer to saints / Mary biblical? | GotQuestions.org Why did Abraham bargain with God in regard to Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18)? | GotQuestions.org Mediate: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Mediate (1 Occurrence)1 Samuel 2:25 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |