Topical Encyclopedia
The term "mediates" in the context of the Bible refers to the act of intervening or interceding between two parties, often to resolve a conflict or to bring about reconciliation. This concept is central to the Christian understanding of Jesus Christ's role as the Mediator between God and humanity.
Biblical Context1.
Old Testament Mediation: In the Old Testament, the role of a mediator is often seen in the actions of prophets, priests, and leaders who intercede on behalf of the people. Moses is a prime example, as he frequently mediated between God and the Israelites. In
Exodus 32:11-14, Moses intercedes for the people after they sin by worshiping the golden calf, pleading with God to spare them from His wrath.
2.
New Testament Mediation: The New Testament presents Jesus Christ as the ultimate Mediator. In
1 Timothy 2:5 , it is written, "For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." This verse underscores the unique and singular role of Jesus as the bridge between humanity and God, emphasizing His humanity and divinity.
3.
The Role of Jesus as Mediator: Jesus' mediating work is rooted in His sacrificial death and resurrection.
Hebrews 9:15 states, "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 highlights the new covenant established through His blood, which provides believers with direct access to God.
4.
Intercession and Advocacy: Jesus' mediation is also expressed through 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 continuous intercession assures believers of their standing before God.
5.
The Holy Spirit's Role: While Jesus is the primary Mediator, the Holy Spirit also plays a role in mediation by interceding for believers in prayer.
Romans 8:26 explains, "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans."
Theological SignificanceThe concept of mediation is foundational to understanding the relationship between God and humanity in Christian theology. It underscores the necessity of a mediator due to the separation caused by sin and highlights the grace and mercy of God in providing a means of reconciliation. Jesus' role as Mediator is central to the gospel message, offering believers assurance of salvation and a restored relationship with God.
Practical ImplicationsFor believers, the mediating work of Christ provides confidence in approaching God.
Hebrews 4:16 encourages, "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." This assurance impacts daily Christian living, fostering a life of prayer, worship, and reliance on God's grace.
In summary, the concept of mediation in the Bible, particularly through the person and work of Jesus Christ, is a profound demonstration of God's love and desire for reconciliation with humanity.
Library
Christ's Humiliation in his Incarnation
... himself to man, that man might be drawn nearer to God.' God before was an enemy
to us by reason of sin; but Christ having taken our flesh,mediates for us, and...
Whether it is Proper to Christ to be the Mediator of God and Man?
... man. Objection 3: Further, it belongs to the office of Mediator to beseech
one of those, between whom hemediates, for the other....
The Gentile Christian Theology. Paul and the Gospel of Faith.
... Hemediates between Christ and the church as Christmediates between God and the
world; be is the divine revealer of Christ to the individual consciousness and...
The Epistle to the Hebrews
... to come, of the transitory and the abiding, of earth and heaven, of which this epistle
makes so much; and there also the logos, whichmediates between God and...
Answer to Objections: He who Prays Prays not Alone
... God, who is standing in the midst even of those who do not know Him and who fails
the prayer of none, to pray to the Father along with Him for whom Hemediates...
Christ the Mediator of the Covenant
... God and we were at variance by sin, now Christmediates and becomes umpire between
us; he reconciles us to God through his blood, therefore he is called the...
Those who Teach Others, Ought to Excel in virtues.
... the first place in the teaching of others, and received the dispensation by word
and deed of the greatest good on earth, by which hemediates contact and...
Epitome of the Definition of the Iconoclastic Conciliabulum Held...
... represented apart? So is it with the human soul of Christ whichmediates between
the Godhead of the Son and the dulness of the flesh. As...
Christ and Man in the Atonement
... a God who maintains inviolate the moral constitution of the world, taking sin as
all that it is in the very process through which Hemediates His forgiveness...
Christ and Man in the Atonement
... a God who maintains inviolate the moral constitution of the world, taking sin as
all that it is in the very process through which Hemediates His forgiveness...
Thesaurus
Mediates (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance
Mediates (1 Occurrence). Hebrews 8:6 and now he
hath obtained a more excellent service, how much also of
...Mediator (7 Occurrences)
... (n.) One whomediates; especially, one who interposes between parties at variance
for the purpose of reconciling them; hence, an intercessor. Int....
Mediate (1 Occurrence)
Catholic
... and Jude belong to the Judaic school of Christianity; those of Peter to a broad
and non-partisan type of faith that both includes andmediates between the...
Epistles (2 Occurrences)
... and Jude belong to the Judaic school of Christianity; those of Peter to a broad
and non-partisan type of faith that both includes andmediates between the...
Parousia
... Godmediates judgment through Christ in Acts 17:31 Romans 2:16, and probably in
Romans 2:2-6; Romans 3:6. In 2 Thessalonians Christ appears as the executor of...
Mediation
Judaeus
... In other words, the Logosmediates between God and the world, but partakes of the
Divine nature only. This, in any case, is the inner logic of Philo's view....
Philo
... In other words, the Logosmediates between God and the world, but partakes of the
Divine nature only. This, in any case, is the inner logic of Philo's view....
Resources
What does it mean that Jesus is our mediator? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that Jesus is our High Priest? | GotQuestions.orgHow and to whom did Jesus pay our ransom? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
