Topical Encyclopedia
The title "Mediator" ascribed to Christ is a profound aspect of His redemptive work, emphasizing His unique role in reconciling God and humanity. The concept of a mediator is deeply rooted in biblical theology, where a mediator serves as an intermediary who facilitates communication and resolution between two parties. In the context of Christ, this role is both divine and salvific, underscoring His mission to bridge the gap caused by sin.
Biblical FoundationThe New Testament explicitly identifies Jesus Christ as the Mediator between God and mankind. In
1 Timothy 2:5, the Apostle Paul writes, "For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" . This verse highlights the exclusivity and singularity of Christ's mediatorial role, affirming that He alone is qualified to stand between a holy God and sinful humanity.
The Nature of Christ's MediationChrist's mediation is rooted in His dual nature as fully God and fully man. This unique nature enables Him to represent both parties perfectly. As God, He possesses the authority and holiness required to approach the Father. As man, He shares in human experience and can empathize with human weaknesses, yet without sin (
Hebrews 4:15).
The Epistle to the Hebrews further elaborates on Christ's mediatorial work, particularly in His role as the High Priest of the New Covenant.
Hebrews 8:6 states, "But now Jesus has received a more excellent ministry, just as the covenant He mediates is better and is founded on better promises" . Here, Christ is depicted as the mediator of a superior covenant, one that fulfills and surpasses the Old Covenant established through Moses.
The Work of MediationChrist's mediatorial work is accomplished through His sacrificial death and resurrection. By offering Himself as a perfect sacrifice, He atones for the sins of humanity, satisfying the righteous demands of God's justice.
Hebrews 9:15 declares, "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" . This passage underscores the redemptive purpose of Christ's mediation, securing eternal life for believers.
Intercessory RoleIn addition to His atoning work, Christ's mediation includes His ongoing intercession for believers.
Romans 8:34 affirms, "Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us" . This intercessory role assures believers of continual access to God's grace and mercy, as Christ advocates on their behalf.
Implications for BelieversThe mediatorial work of Christ has profound implications for the believer's relationship with God. Through Christ, believers have direct access to the Father, as emphasized in
Ephesians 2:18: "For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit" . This access is not based on human merit but on the finished work of Christ, who has opened the way for reconciliation and fellowship with God.
In summary, the title "Mediator" encapsulates the essence of Christ's mission to restore the broken relationship between God and humanity. His unique qualifications, sacrificial death, and ongoing intercession affirm His central role in the divine plan of salvation, offering believers the assurance of eternal life and communion with God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
1 Timothy 2:5For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Names and Titles of Christ. From Several Scriptures.
... 6,6,6,6,8,8 The names and titles of Christ. From several scriptures. ... What gentle
characters,. What titles he assumes! ... Nor will he bear those names in vain. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/hymn 148 the names and.htm
The Names and Titles of Christ. From Several Scriptures.
... LM The names and titles of Christ. From several scriptures. ... But when for
works of peace he comes,. What winning titles he assumes! ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/hymn 147 the names and.htm
The Names and Titles of Christ, from Several Scriptures.
... Book 1. Hymn 1:147. The names and titles of Christ, from several scriptures. ... 5 But
when for works of peace he comes, What winning titles he assumes! ...
/.../watts/hymns and spiritual songs/hymn 0 14375 the names and.htm
Christ the Mediator of the Covenant
... covenant, and the restorer of lapsed sinners, Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant.'.
There are several names and titles in Scripture given to Christ, as the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 christ the mediator of.htm
That Worthy Name.
... Only Christ can give joy and comfort, peace and rest to ... think of some of the familiar
titles and names of that ... How these titles of our blessed Lord, what He is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/that worthy name.htm
The Benefits of Christ Made Available to us by the Secret ...
... taste the paternal favor of God, or the benefits of Christ. ... will be proper to point
out the titles which the ... vigor of life, he hence obtains the names of "Oil ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 1 the benefits of.htm
Jesus, the Mediator of the New Covenant
... WE have here four titles given to our Lord Jesus in connection with the New ... All these
names point to the one truth, that in the New Covenant Christ is all ...
/.../murray/the two covenants/chapter x jesus the mediator.htm
More Particularly, in what Respect Christ is Called the Truth.
... He is the Truth in this regard, that he fully answers all the titles and names which
he ... As he was called Christ, so was he anointed with the Spirit without ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xi more particularly in.htm
Christ's Exaltation
... Thus he is exalted in his titles of honour ... Our high priest has all the names and
wants of his people ... Though Christ be in glory, he knows how to pity and succour ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 christs exaltation.htm
On the Necessity of the Christian Religion
... of his love; and these titles contain the ... These three names, Creator, Restorer, and
Glorifier, contain ... restoration through his Son, Jesus Christ, the Mediator ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation xxxii on the necessity.htm
Resources
What is the name of God? | GotQuestions.orgIs it biblical to call the wife of a pastor, elder, or bishop the First Lady of the church? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of “Everlasting Father” in Isaiah 9:6? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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