The RICHES OF GRACE
“hath appeared to all men.” Titus 2:11
Robert W. Reed
July 2019
Mediator
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus..”
1 Timothy 2:15
+ Middleman+
Many believe in one God, but have a problem believing there is only one way to God. According to Acts 4:12, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."
“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.” Hebrews 9:15
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6
The Definition of a Mediator
The word mediator carries the idea of a peacemaker, middle man, a go-between, umpire, or an arbitrator.
· A mediator is one who stands between two parties which are at variance in view of producing peace between them.
· A mediator settles the dispute in which neither of the two parties is capable of doing for themselves.
· A mediator intercedes between the two parties as the equal friend of each with a view of reconciliation.
The following items are a few examples of a mediator’s job:
A. Galatians 3:19-20: Moses became the mediator between God and Israel in that he delivered the Law to them, (Exodus 20:19; Deuteronomy 5:5).
B. Exodus 28:1: The priest of the Old Testament interceded on behalf of the people in the presence of God.
C. II Samuel 14:1-23: Joab in the sphere of human relations, acted as a mediator between David and Absalom.
D. Genesis 18:22-33: Abraham interceded on behalf of Lot.
E. I Samuel 7:8-12: Samuel interceded for Israel when fighting with the Philistines.
The Need of a Mediator
The need for a mediator arises from the Holiness of God and the sinfulness of man. The fellowship between God and man was broken through sin and rebellion. Man alone cannot approach a Holy God. Originally, man was created in the image of God, but through sin, he marred that image and was removed from the Garden of Eden (God’s presence). In Romans 3:23 the Scriptures plainly show that all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Without a mediator to stand in between a Righteous and Holy God and sinful man, all mankind would end up in a devil’s Hell.
The Promise of a Mediator
According to Deuteronomy 18:15-16, the Lord promised to raise up a prophet like unto Moses. Remember, Moses was a mediator of the Old Testament. He stood between the Lord and his chosen people, Israel. It was through Moses that the children of Israel received the Law at Mt. Sinai. The Lord Jesus Christ became the mediator of the New Testament, according to Hebrews 8:6-8. That is, He stood between God and the world as He went to Calvary’s Cross. If we look closely at the Old Testament, we will find the promise and prophesy of Jesus Christ. For, His coming is revealed from Genesis 3:15, the first book of the Bible, to Malachi 4:1-3, the last book of the Old Testament. According to I Peter 1:19-20, the Lord knew before the foundation of the world that man would need a Savior to pay for his sins. The Old Testament books of the Bible are filled, within its pages, with the promise of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
The Qualifications of a Mediator
A mediator must be familiar with both parties to understand both of their needs. The mediator between God and man must be Divine and also human, this is why the Scriptures speak of the uniqueness of the person of Jesus Christ and why we see Him as the God-Man, for He was all God and all Man. Jesus Christ left Heaven’s Glory and took upon Him flesh, and He experienced the things of man. He clearly understands mankind, for He lived thirty-three years on this earth.
According to John 1:1-3, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” And in verse 14, “the Word was made flesh.” Jesus alone was qualified to perform the work of a mediator. The Book of Revelation clearly states in chapter 5:1-9 that He alone was worthy to provide redemption for all mankind.
The Results of a Mediator
The result of Christ’s mediation was the reconciling of the world to God (II Corinthians 5:17-21). According to Hebrews 9:15; 12:24, Christ mediates through His death on the cross. The Lord Jesus Christ is the propitiation for our Sins and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the world (I John 2:2). There is no reconciliation or peace apart from Calvary, for Christ’s death is the center of mediation (Romans 5:1,6; I Peter 2:24; 3:18; Ephesians 2:12-17, and I Timothy 2:5-6). Remember, as there is only one God, there is only one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus, (I Timothy 2:5). According to Acts 4:12, there is no other name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved. The Lord Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life, and those who honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father according to John 5:23. Also, Jesus is called the door in John 10:9, and only by Him can anyone be saved. According to I John 2:23, those who deny the Son, the same hath not the Father.
“Neither is there salvation in
any other: for there is none
other name under heaven
given among men,
whereby we must be
saved.”
Acts 4:12
Victory Baptist Church
Pastor Robert W. Reed
14473 Bellingrath Road
P.O. Box 257
Coden, Alabama 36523