Mediator

The One Mediator We All Need: Jesus Christ

Have you ever felt like you needed someone to bridge the gap between you and God? Maybe you’ve thought, “I’m a pretty good person. I can just have a relationship with God on my own.” Or perhaps you’ve looked to religious leaders or saints to intercede for you. But what if I told you there’s only one mediator we truly need?

In our continuing series on “Wonderful Words,” we’re exploring a crucial concept in Christianity: the mediator. This idea is mentioned just four times in the New Testament, but its significance cannot be overstated. Let’s dive into why a mediator is essential, who qualifies for this role, and how it makes all the difference in our relationship with God.

Why We Need a Mediator

First and foremost, we need to understand that a mediator is essential in our relationship with God. As I explained in the sermon, “We needed a mediator with God.” But why?

The answer lies in the vast gulf between God’s holiness and our sinfulness. The Bible tells us in Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” We are, by nature, at odds with God. As I mentioned, “Romans says it this way: ‘For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law.'”

This hostility and separation from God mean we can’t approach Him on our own terms. We need someone to bridge that gap, to reconcile us to God. That’s where the mediator comes in.

The Qualifications of the Perfect Mediator

Now, not just anyone can serve as this mediator. The qualifications are stringent, and in fact, only one person in all of human history meets them. As I said in the sermon, “If you put in a mediator like what we need here, there would only be one person in the whole wide world and all of human history that would meet the qualifications of this mediator.”

Who is this uniquely qualified individual? It’s Jesus Christ. Here’s why He alone can serve as our mediator:

1. He must be God: Jesus is fully divine, as John 1:1 tells us, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
2. He must be man: Jesus is also fully human. He experienced life as we do, yet without sin.
3. He must be the God-man: As I explained, “We do not have a divine Savior in a human savior. Neither a divine Savior nor a human savior could be ever adequate. Only a savior whose one person comprehends both deity and humanity could bear our sin.”

This unique nature of Christ as both fully God and fully man makes Him the perfect and only qualified mediator between God and humanity.

How Having a Mediator Makes All the Difference

Understanding that we have a mediator in Jesus Christ transforms our spiritual lives in several ways:

1. Our Prayers Matter

Because we have a mediator who ushers us into God’s presence, we can pray with confidence. As I mentioned in the sermon, “We don’t have to go through a secretary, we don’t have to be put on hold, we don’t have to wonder if we’ve gotten through.” Our mediator, Jesus, ensures that our prayers are heard.

2. Salvation is Possible

Without a mediator, heaven would be closed off to us. But because Jesus came as the God-man and took our sins upon Himself, we now have access to God. As I said, “By His ransom, we are free, and by His ransom, we have a relationship with God, and by His ransom, we have all the thrills and the joys and the blessings of Heaven.”

3. Our Purpose is Clear

Understanding that we have a mediator in Christ not only impacts our personal relationship with God but also clarifies our mission. Like the Apostle Paul, we are called to share this good news with others. As he says in 1 Timothy 2:7, “For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle… a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.”

Putting It Into Practice

So, how do we apply this truth about Jesus as our mediator to our daily lives? Here are some practical steps:

1. Pray with confidence: Approach God boldly in prayer, knowing that Jesus has made a way for you.
2. Rest in your salvation: If you’ve put your faith in Christ, rejoice in the assurance that you have been reconciled to God through the perfect mediator.
3. Share the good news: Tell others about Jesus and the access to God that He provides.
4. Pray for others: Intercede for those who don’t yet know Christ as their mediator.

Remember, as I said in the sermon, “There’s only one mediator, there’s only one way, one access point to God the Father, and it’s through Jesus Christ.” Let’s rejoice in this truth and live in light of it every day.