Christ our Mediator (1)

I was on holiday last week and as usual went to a bookshop or two. Given that I was in Wigtown, that was inevitable. While there, I purchased a copy of George Stevenson’s Treatise on the Offices of Christ. No doubt, it can be found somewhere online, but when possible I prefer a printed copy. So I have started to read it because it is a book about a very important subject not only in theology but also for spiritual comfort.

The book is about mediation between a holy God and sinful man. Without a mediator, we are in trouble. But God himself originated the role even although he is the One that we have offended by our sins. Says Stevenson, ‘the whole plan originated in the grace of God, was framed by his wisdom, and is carried into effect by his power.’ Therefore, ‘the doctrine of Christ crucified is to them who are called the wisdom of God, and the power of God.’ Jesus did not engage in this work without being called to it by the Father.

Since he is both God and man, Jesus is the ideal mediator. ‘While, as man, he was capable of suffering and dying, his suffering was of infinite value for our redemption, from the dignity of his person.’ ‘He is God’s fellow, and our brother, and therefore a fit days-man to lay his hand upon both parties.’

What did and does Jesus have to do? He mediates by sacrifice and intercession. His death ‘as a propitiation for sin’ is ‘the fundamental act of his mediation, on the validity of which all his other mediatory acts proceed.’ ‘Our Lord mediates in heaven by intercession, but his intercession in heaven proceeds upon the validity of his sacrifice for sin on Calvary.’ He was and is our priest.

How does Jesus make it effective? By instruction and by power. As a prophet, he instructs us; and as king, he overcomes our resistance and liberates us from captivity brought about by our sins. Only Jesus can fulfil these roles – he does not need help from other possible mediators.