Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of Christ as the Mediator of the Gospel Covenant is central to Christian theology, emphasizing His unique role in reconciling humanity with God. The term "mediator" refers to one who intervenes between two parties to restore peace and fellowship. In the context of the Gospel, Jesus Christ is the sole Mediator between God and mankind, as articulated in
1 Timothy 2:5 : "For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."
Old Testament ForeshadowingThe role of a mediator is foreshadowed in the Old Testament through figures such as Moses, who acted as an intermediary between God and the Israelites. In
Exodus 20:19, the people of Israel requested Moses to speak to God on their behalf, illustrating the need for a mediator due to the holiness of God and the sinfulness of man. This anticipates the ultimate mediation of Christ, who fulfills and surpasses the mediatorial roles of the Old Testament.
New Testament FulfillmentIn the New Testament, the Epistle to the Hebrews elaborates on Christ's mediatorial work, particularly in
Hebrews 8:6 : "But now Jesus has received a more excellent ministry, just as the covenant He mediates is better and is founded on better promises." This passage highlights the superiority of the New Covenant, mediated by Christ, over the Old Covenant. Christ's mediation is based on His sacrificial death and resurrection, which provide the foundation for the forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life.
The Nature of Christ's MediationChrist's mediation is unique because it is both divine and human. As the Son of God, He possesses the divine authority and power to reconcile humanity to God. As fully human, He represents humanity before God, having experienced human life and suffering. This dual nature is essential for His role as Mediator, as described in
Hebrews 4:15 : "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin."
The Work of MediationThe work of Christ as Mediator involves several key aspects:
1.
Atonement: Through His death on the cross, Christ atoned for the sins of humanity, satisfying the justice of God and making reconciliation possible.
Romans 5:10 states, "For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life!"
2.
Intercession: Christ continues His mediatorial work through intercession.
Hebrews 7:25 affirms, "Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them." His ongoing intercession ensures that believers are continually represented before the Father.
3.
Access to God: Through Christ's mediation, believers have direct access to God.
Ephesians 2:18 declares, "For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit." This access is a profound privilege of the New Covenant, allowing believers to approach God with confidence.
Implications for BelieversThe mediatorial work of Christ has profound implications for believers. It assures them of their reconciliation with God, the forgiveness of sins, and the promise of eternal life. It also provides a model for Christian living, as believers are called to emulate Christ's humility, obedience, and love. Furthermore, it underscores the exclusivity of Christ as the only way to the Father, as stated in
John 14:6 : "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'"
In summary, the Mediator Christ of the Gospel Covenant is a foundational doctrine that encapsulates the essence of the Christian faith, highlighting the unique and indispensable role of Jesus Christ in the salvation of humanity.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Hebrews 8:6But now has he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.
Torrey's Topical TextbookHebrews 12:24
And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaks better things that that of Abel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Christ the Mediator of the Covenant
... 'Jesus the Mediator of the New Covenant,' &c. Hebrews 12:24. Jesus Christ is the
sum and quintessence of the gospel; the wonder of angels; the joy and triumph ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 christ the mediator of.htm
Christ Our Mediator. --Continued.
... And how Christian men, even preachers of the gospel, can find it in their hearts ...
The only way of approach to God is through Christ as our mediator; and the ...
/.../x christ our mediator continued.htm
How Christ is Made Use of for Justification as a Way.
... knowledge of the nature of the gospel covenant, and of ... of justice and mercy, to send
Jesus Christ to assume ... of redemption betwixt God and the Mediator; and the ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter iv how christ is.htm
The Mediator --The Interpreter
... Moses was well fitted to be the type of the true Mediator of the gospel covenant. ...
But, O beloved, consider Jesus Christ our Mediator. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 35 1889/the mediatorthe interpreter.htm
On the Comparison of the Law and the Gospel
... The law was given by a servant, but the gospel was given by ... passages; (Leviticus
26:46; Deuteronomy 5:26-31;) and Christ is styled "the Mediator of the ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 13 on the comparison.htm
Redemption for Man Lost to be Sought in Christ.
... the chosen people depended on the grace of the Mediator. ... Father intended that a living
image of Christ should be ... to this is the passage in the Gospel, "He that ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 6 redemption for man.htm
The Gospel Supper
... the last times) "he sent his servant," Christ his Son, here called his servant,
because acting as Mediator he was ... but to come, or accept of the gospel offer ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the gospel supper.htm
How Shall one Make Use of Christ as the Life, when Wrestling with ...
... with Christ of new, as his only all-sufficient Mediator; and having ... the court of
heaven, conform to the tenor of the gospel, and wait on Christ until the ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xxvii how shall one.htm
Our Inheritance
... And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament ... were but the foreshadowing
of their great and glorious antitype, Christ and the gospel, which are ...
//christianbookshelf.org/byers/sanctification/chapter v our inheritance.htm
"Now the End of the Commandment is Charity Out of a Pure Heart ...
... Jesus Christ, and the law itself becomes gospel under that ... new sins, that he may
believe in Christ, who justifies ... as it is delivered in a Mediator's hand, and ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xi now the end.htm
Resources
Is suffering for Christ always going to be a part of being a follower of Christ? | GotQuestions.orgHow is the church the Body of Christ? | GotQuestions.orgWho am I in Christ? | GotQuestions.orgChrist: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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