THE SPIRITUAL BATTLE – 25 Jesus Is Our Mediator

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). KJV

Loved ones, in our Spiritual Battle with the devil, we have a mediator to bridge the gap between us and God. A mediator is one who mediates, that is, one who acts as an intermediary to work with opposing sides in order to bring about a settlement. A mediator attempts to influence a disagreement between two parties with the goal of resolving a dispute.

There is only one Mediator between mankind and God, and that is Jesus Christ. In this article, we’ll see why God has a dispute with us, why Jesus is our mediator, and why we are doomed if we try to represent ourselves alone before God.

God has a dispute with us because of sin. Sin is described in the Bible as “all unrighteousness” (1 John 5:17), transgression of the law of God (1 John 3:4), and rebellion against God (Deuteronomy 9:7; Joshua 1:18). God hates sin (Proverbs 6:16-19), and sin stands between all of us and Him (Isaiah 59:1-2).

All human beings are sinners, and we commit sins on a daily basis: “…There is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10). The only just penalty for this sin is death (Romans 6:23), not only physical death but eternal death (Revelation 20:11–15). The rightful punishment for sin is an eternity in hell.

Nothing we could do on our own would be sufficient to mediate between ourselves and God. No amount of good works or law-keeping makes us righteous enough to stand before a holy God (Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:20; Galatians 2:16).

Without a mediator, we are destined to spend eternity in hell, for by ourselves salvation from our sin is impossible. Yet there is hope (cf. 1 John 2:1-2)!

Jesus represents those who have placed their trust in Him before God’s throne of grace. He mediates for us, much as a defense attorney mediates for his client, telling the judge, “Your honor, my client is innocent of all charges against him.”

That is true for us also. Some day we will face God, but we will do so as totally forgiven sinners because of Jesus’ death on our behalf. The “Defense Attorney” took the penalty for us (Romans 5:8)!

Jesus Is The Mediator Of The New Testament

We see more proof of this comforting truth in Hebrews 9:15: “And for this cause he is the mediator of the New Testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.”

In Christian theology, Jesus is the mediator, meaning He acts as a bridge or intermediary between humanity and God. He RECONCILES humanity to God through His death and resurrection, fulfilling three crucial roles: prophet, priest, and king. Jesus's mediation is unique because He is both God and man, allowing Him to understand both sides and facilitate reconciliation.

It is because of the great Mediator that we are able to stand before God clothed in the righteousness of Christ Himself. On the cross Jesus exchanged our sin for His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). His mediation is the only means of salvation.

We will conclude with this brief explanation:

1. Reconciliation: Jesus is seen as bridging the gap between humanity, who are separated from God due to sin, and God Himself. His sacrifice on the cross is considered the act of reconciliation, enabling humanity to be restored to a relationship with God.

2. Three Offices: (a) Prophet: Jesus reveals God's truth and will to humanity. (b) Priest: He offers Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity, providing forgiveness and reconciliation. (c) King: Jesus rules over humanity, bringing about a new kingdom of peace and righteousness.

3. Unique Mediator: Unlike other mediators, Jesus is both God and man, uniquely positioned to understand and relate to both sides. He's the only one who could offer a sacrifice that completely atones for human sin.

4. New Covenant: Jesus is the mediator of the new and better covenant (Hebrews 8:6; 12:24). The law of Christ (Galatians 6:2) is a more intimate and enduring relationship between God and humanity than the old covenant. This covenant is established through His blood and is characterized by the Holy Spirit working in Christians through His word (Romans 6:17).

5. Practical Implications: Christians believe that through faith in Jesus, they can access God's grace and forgiveness. We are encouraged to live as Christ-like mediators, reflecting His love and presence in the world.

Shared with you by Samuel A. Matthews, preaching with the Liberty NW church of Christ, meeting in Portland, Oregon, USA. The God of Heaven and Earth is so good, and His love reaches all. He is in control, so trust Him. We love you with the love of the Lord (John 13:34-35).