"CHRIST THE MEDIATOR (PART II)" (An Article by Christian Henry) ~ 5/15/25

“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)

A mediator is a legal term that designates a person who attempts to make people involved in a conflict agree by acting as a go-between with opposing parties. In other words, the mediator acts as a neutral third party aiming to resolve a dispute. Biblically, it is: one who intervenes between two persons who are at variance, with a view to reconciling them. This word is not found in the Old Testament, but the idea it expressed is found in Job 9:33, in the word "daysman," which may be translated as “arbitrator.” This word is used in the New Testament to denote simply an intermediary, an ambassador who acts as a medium of communication between two contracting parties. In this sense, Moses is called a mediator in Galatians 3:19.

Christ is the one and only mediator between God and man. He reconciles God and man through His all-perfect atoning sacrifice. Such a mediator must be at once divine and human, holy, that His obedience and His sufferings might possess infinite worth, and that He might possess endless wisdom and knowledge and power to direct all things in the kingdoms of providence and grace which are committed to His hands; and human, that in His work He might represent man, and be capable of rendering obedience to the law and satisfying the claims of justice, and that in His glorified humanity He might be the head of a glorified Church.

As such, Jesus Christ is the only being capable of and willing to accomplish mediation in the entire course of eternity. He is the only one who can serve as the true neutral third party between God and man because He is both God and man.

To all those for whom Christ has obtained eternal redemption, He certainly and effectually applies and communicates this redemption, making intercession for them. He unites those saved souls to Himself by His Spirit, revealing the mystery of salvation to them in the Word and by the Word. He persuades them to believe and obey, govern their hearts with His Word and Spirit, and overcome all enemies who would take away their eternal life. This is achieved in such a manner and in such ways that it is perfectly consistent with His excellent and infinitely wise world management. He foresaw only a response of faith coming from each person who would be saved. There is no merit or response at all in any sinner that would earn salvation because Christ saves unconditionally.

This office of Mediator between God and man belongs exclusively to Christ, the Prophet, Priest, and King of the Church of God. It may not be transferred from Him to any other, either in whole or in part. Neither saints, angels, churches, or priests can share in Christ’s mediatorial office.

This number and order of offices (Prophet-Priest-King) are essential. Because of our ignorance, we need His prophetic office. Because of our alienation from God and the imperfection of even our best service, we need His priestly office to reconcile us and present us to God as acceptable. Because of our aversion and utter inability to return to God, and for our rescue and keeping from spiritual enemies, we need His kingly office to convince, subdue, draw, uphold, deliver, and preserve us until we reach His heavenly kingdom.