Pastor J. Reuther
Chapter 8: Of Christ the Mediator
This chapter on Christ the Mediator is a magnificent word painting of the perfections and glories of our Lord Jesus. It is a masterful commentary that puts a clearer understanding of our Savior closer to our reach. After studying this chapter, the student of the Confession will feel like Peter, on the one hand, after witnessing the great catch of fish – Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord – Luke 5:8. But on the other hand, he will feel like the two disciples on the road to Emmaus who said – Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us – Luke 24:32.
As I begin to compose this article on chapter 8, I pause to ask myself why I would begin this task, for the chapter is adequate in itself to bless you and draw you closer to the Savior. But I write with the hope and prayer that this article will be an encouragement to you by helping you see just how beautifully the writers of the Confession have captured the essence of Christ’s person and work. The study of our Lord’s person and work stretches every limit of our finite minds. I invite you to read on! If this article accomplishes its purpose, you will find yourself reading again, not this article, but chapter 8 of the Confession.
Part I – Getting the Big Picture of the Whole Chapter
Let’s begin with a quick survey. I will give each paragraph a title, and then a brief summary of the contents. The numbers refer to the paragraphs of chapter 8 of the Confession.
Christ’s Election by Covenant – The opening paragraph is like a musical overture presenting many of the elements of Christ’s person and work. It shows that Christ is God’s elect chosen Son, who fulfills the Father’s eternal purpose and good-pleasure by becoming the Mediator between God and man. The Mediator has numerous offices, responsibilities, and functions. The Mediator’s purpose is to bring God and man together. But this work is begun and completed in the framework of a covenant made between the Father and Son before the world was even created. The two key concepts of this paragraph are choice and covenant.
Christ’s Two Natures in One Person – The glory of Christ may be viewed, as this paragraph looks at it, by speaking of the union of the two distinct natures into one whole person. Jesus is the God-man. False religions have many tales and imaginations of gods becoming men, but the only true God-man is the Lord Jesus. The final statement emphasizes that Christ is the only Mediator between God and man. The important contribution of this paragraph is to show the reader that the covenant made between Father and Son was to join God and man not only by redeeming man, but also by uniting the divine and human nature in Christ! The key concept of this paragraph is union – the union of the divine and human natures in one Christ.
The Spirit-filled Christ – His earthly life is now introduced, and the third person of the Trinity is given His proper place. The covenant was not only between the Father and the Son, but in the Spirit. The fullness of Jesus of Nazareth is the fullness of the Spirit. This paragraph is seeking to establish this most important connection – that the office of Mediator to which He was called and commissioned, was accomplished in the power of the Spirit. The key concept here is the Spirit.
The Death of Christ – The ultimate fulfillment of the work of the unique Mediator was to accomplish a unique death, death by human sacrifice. The high point of the paragraph is in the description of this death. It was a death that involved great sorrows of soul in the inner man, and most painful sufferings in Christ’s physical body. The key concept here is death by crucifixion.
Christ’s Victorious Accomplishment – Though the work of Christ is full of wonderful inter-connecting features, it is also simple to understand. This statement gives a simple description of what the work of Christ does for sinners. It is a ‘gospel nugget.’ The contents make for a simple confession of personal faith. God’s justice is satisfied, we are reconciled to God, and heaven is ours. The key concept here is victory.
The Efficacy of His Mediation Under the Old Testament – This paragraph answers the obvious question – How were people saved prior to Christ’s coming, if the victory was not realized until after His death and exaltation? Several biblical themes are put in their proper place to demonstrate that believers under the old covenant were also saved by Christ: He is the seed of the woman, the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, and the changeless Christ who transcends the ages of history. The key concept here is unity and continuity.
One Whole Miraculous Mediator – Here we have a simple assertion of the miraculous unity of the Person of our Lord, who was thoroughly human (yet without sin) and essentially Divine. In the carrying out of His earthly work, the divine and the human natures interface in the minutest detail of His life and work. The key concept here is wholeness.
The Mediation Particularly and Effectually Applied – Christ died for the elect and effectually applies the merits of His redemptive work to them in manifold ways. Six aspects of His mediatorial work are listed. The paragraph also introduces, without naming them, the three offices of Prophet, Priest, and King. The last two paragraphs pick up this thread and expound the three offices more distinctly. While this paragraph includes the three great offices of Christ, its purpose is to sweep over the wonderful manner in which Christ subdues and draws a chosen sinner to Himself, seeing that the grace of Christ is freely given apart from any foreseen merit of which we are totally lacking. The salvation and mediation of Christ is rooted in unconditional election and the fruit of particular atonement. The key concept here is free grace.
The only multi-office Mediator – Prophets, Priests, and Kings were appointed mediators between God and man. Only Christ, however, holds all three offices in one unique person. Therefore, the office of Mediator cannot be transferred to any other at any time or in any way. He is exclusive, unique, distinct, and therefore holds His manifold office of Mediator for all time. The key concept here is uniqueness.
Christ’s Sufficiency as Mediator – Why do we need this wonderful and marvelous Mediator? The threefold Mediatorial office suits our three basic needs. Understanding the true needs of man in sin is the beginning of the journey that leads to salvation. We are ignorant of God and truth, alienated from God in truth, and bound and determined to remain in this miserable and woeful condition. The offices of the Mediator are each calculated to overturn these three conditions. Thus the chapter ends with its application of the Mediatorial work of Christ to the poor and miserable sinner. The key concept here is sufficiency.
The authors of the Confession have rightly identified the core concept of Christ’s person and work – Mediator. It is the umbrella under which the many particulars of Christ’s person and work are to be understood. Every feature of His person points to Him as Mediator. Every function of His work explains the office of Mediator. The chapter describes a Mediator who is totally unique in His person, and completely adequate and successful in His work.
Learn to appreciate the concept of Mediation, and view it as the center upon which the life and work of the Lord Jesus turns. We know that a mediator in human relationships brings alienated parties together. He makes peace and restores the joy of relationship. But the issues surrounding the mediation of Jesus are far more serious than human relationships, and far more costly than we experience. Father and Son must enter into covenant to bring this mediation to pass. The alienation between God and man is due to the sin and rebellion of man. God is the rejected and the despised. Man is the rebel, the traitor, the heretic, and the leper. Yet, God is the gracious one, who banishes this alienation by making a new creation – first in the union of the divine and the human in the person of Jesus, and then in the joining of God and man in redemption. He is a person the likes of which man has never known, and the author of a work that continues to overwhelm our minds with praise. Do you know the Mediator? Has He brought you to God? Are you rejoicing in this blessed union?
Part II – Examining the Details of the Individual Paragraphs
Paragraph 1 – Christ’s Election by Covenant – The Scriptural portrayal of the Trinity (Tri-unity) of Father, Son, and Spirit, always represents the Father as the planner. The concept of Father and Son as we know it implies that the father is greater than the son. In the Godhead however, Father and Son are equal and they possess the same essence (see John 5:18). Sonship in biblical terms means sameness of essence and likeness – an exact mirror image in essence. The Bible indicates that there are different functions in the persons of the Trinity. The Father is represented as the Planner, the one who decrees, and whose eternal purpose stands unmoved through time and eternity. And this opening paragraph introduces us to the decree and election by God of Christ as the Mediator between God and man.
This election, according to God’s eternal purpose, and for His own good pleasure, is referred to in the following passages: Isa 42:1 – My Chosen one; Psalm 2:6 – I have installed My King upon Zion; Isa 53:10 – the good pleasure of the Lord will prosper in His hand; Heb 10:5 – When He comes into the world He says….a body You have prepared for Me (Ps. 40:6-8); John 17:4, 6, 18 – Having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do….the men whom You gave Me out of the world….As You sent Me into the world.
These references describe a covenant. Reformed theologians have properly referred to this as the “Covenant of Redemption” – a covenant made between the Father and the Son (in the Spirit of), in the ages of eternity, before man was created and the world came into being. We have the privilege of knowing something of this, especially some of the intimate prayer of Jesus in John 17 which is based on this covenant!
This first paragraph, has two main emphases. The first emphasis is the introductory statement of the main features of Christ’s Mediatorial role and function. Seven roles and functions are mentioned. These seven can be divided into three parts. Part 1 / Three Foundational Offices- These are the offices of Prophet, Priest, and King. Notice that each of the paragraphs in this chapter either allude to them or describe them in detail. We call these foundational because they are the primary offices which God instituted in the nation of Israel and by which He revealed His will to the people to redeem them for Himself.
Part 2 / Two Developed Functions – This consists of a pair of themes that developed under the new covenant church. Christ is the Head and Savior of the Church. As Head He nurtures the church. As Savior He delivers the church. Remember the analogy to marriage in Eph. 5! The husband is the head of the wife….the Savior of the body – Eph 5:23.
Part 3 / Two Anticipated Functions – These functions anticipate the future. Christ is the heir of all things – a reference to Heb. 1:2, and the Judge of all men– Acts 17:31. All things will be given to Him and all men will stand before Him for judgment.
The second emphasis is the introduction of the benefits of Christ’s mediation to the chosen people of God, who are called “His seed.” Five blessings of His mediation are listed. These are from the basic flow of thought in the chain of salvation found in Rom. 8:30, except that the terms “redeemed” and “sanctified” are added to make a complete chain – redeemed, called, justified, sanctified, glorified. Different verses of the Epistles join the various parts of our salvation in different combinations, thus calling on us to systematize the various elements into a complete whole. 1 Cor. 1:30 tells us that Christ became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.
Practical Applications & Encouragements – It is good for our souls to step back and see the big picture. We all like looking at the mountain ranges, the ocean, or the sky from 33,000 feet! Majesty in the creation overwhelms our spirits. And so it is with Christ our Mediator. Passages like Rom 8:30, 1 Cor. 1:30, John 17, Psalm 2, 40, etc., all present the majesty of Christ’s work to us! Stand amazed at the person and work of the Lord Jesus! It is so obvious to Christians that God had a plan when He created the world. We see that plan every time we look at the physical world. If we look at it with faith, we will see beyond it and realize that God is great, glorious, powerful! But we must do the same with the Mediator. Consider the details and soak in the majesty. Is this part of your worship every day?
But perhaps there is a more basic question that you must answer. Has Christ become your Mediator? Has He done for you what He came into the world to do for sinners? Will you face God alone, without a mediator, or are you confident that Christ will stand with you in the day of judgment and claim you as His own? We have no merit before a holy God. Yet we can stand in the merit of Christ as Mediator between God and man! The choice is simple – stand before God alone, or with the Mediator!
Paragraph 2 – Christ’s Two Natures in One Person – This is the longest paragraph in chapter 8, and deals with the miraculous element of the divine and sinless nature of the human Christ. This miracle is viewed in three parts.
Part 1 – the pre-existent Christ and all that Christ was and did prior to creation. Part 2 – the virgin conception in the womb of Mary by the power and agency of the Holy Spirit. Part 3 – the earthly life of the Mediator.
The pre-existent Christ is God from all eternity, without beginning. The Nicene Creed, composed in the fourth century A.D, used the phrase “very God” to emphasize this truth. The word very speaks of the fullness of His essence. It is like saying that something is “very true.” Several passages speak of this. Heb 1:2 describes Christ as the radiance of His glory. The Nicene Creed and the London Baptist Confession use the expression of one substance and equal with Him. Furthermore, our section declares that He is the Creator – John 1:10, Heb 1:10, and He is the Governor and Sustainer of all things– Heb 1:3, Col 1:17.
The second part introduces the most amazing fact of the Gospel – that this eternal being left the realm of heaven to enter into our realm of mortal corruption. Yet the Confession here emphasizes not the change of realm from heavenly to human, but the change of nature, from divine, to divine & human. It is implied that He left heaven to come to the earth! John 1and John 17 touch on this theme. The virgin birth was the means of this transformation. It was the humiliation of the divine to enter the temporal world by becoming a human. The precise language of Luke 1:35 is employed in the Confession. Here the language of creation (Gen. 1:2) is applied to the conception of Jesus. The Spirit of God was hovering over the waters of the newly-created world. The Spirit of God hovered over Mary’s womb and wrought conception without the agency or the seed of man, so that Jesus would be born of a woman (fulfilling the first gospel promise of Gen 3:15), of the tribe of Judah, of the seed of Abraham and David, all according to promise.
The third and final part of this divine progression is seen in the child Jesus. This child was God, yet still possessing all the characteristics of a baby and a growing child. He did not recite the Commandments in the manger. But in this child were two whole perfect and distinct natures. Here is the all-important theme again – in order to be the Mediator in actuality, really uniting a holy God and sinful men, He had to unite God and man in his own person as Mediator. Remember this important concept: He is Mediator in His person and His work.
The final statement about Christ makes the distinctness of these natures clear, while at the same time proclaiming the unity of the person. Why does it do that?
The union of the divine and the human in Jesus Christ was not the creation of a third sort of being, in whom divine attributes altered human attributes and human attributes altered divine attributes. The union of the two natures has been twisted by saying that a divine spirit took the place of the human spirit in Jesus, or that in Christ neither pure divinity or pure humanity existed, but a new sort of person resulting from the mixture of the two came to being.
John Owen pointed out that uniting of the two natures in Christ does not mean that the human nature became endowed with divine attributes. It did not become omniscient and almighty, nor did the divine nature become endowed with human characteristics. The divine nature remained perfectly divine and never in any way became human, and vice versa. The Confession rightly stresses that the two natures are distinct, though joined in the one person of Jesus. The truth that it is seeking to underscore, and the point that we must maintain is simply this: This person is very God AND very man, yet without sin. If we go any further than this we are either speculating, or confusing this miraculous and mysterious union. Men always delight to speculate and go further than Scripture doctrine allow us to go.
Practical Applications & Encouragements – While the first paragraph leads me to think of my faith in the Mediator, this paragraph leads me to consider my worship of the Mediator. How could we not humble ourselves in worship before such a God uniting Himself to man in this way? The power, majesty, and mystery of the physical creation leave us spellbound. We say: This is too great a sight to behold, and too vast a mystery to comprehend. But when it comes to the union of the divine and the human in the Mediator Jesus Christ, our worship is more thrilling. Sometimes we are overcome with wonder and worship when we think about being in Christ, and saved by His grace. We should also be overcome with wonder and worship by meditating on Christ, and the miracle that was effected in His person. Peter indicated that the prophets of the old covenant made careful searches and inquiries about the person and time of the Messiah as they predicted the sufferings and the glories of His person and work – 1 Peter 1:10-11. This was before the incarnation. Make it one of your life’s ambitions to focus on the miracle of the Mediator’s two natures in one glorious person.
Paragraph 3 – The Spirit-filled Christ – The discussion of the two natures of Christ now turns to a development of the human nature of Christ, and how Jesus fulfilled the office of Mediator as a man – a Spirit-filled and anointed man. The paragraph is all about the relationship of Jesus to the Holy Spirit. In fact, these are the two major emphases of the section.
First, the man Jesus possessed the Spirit of God above measure – He was filled with the Holy Spirit. Just as Christians are commanded to be filled with the Spirit – Eph. 5:18, the Scripture declares that Jesus was indeed filled with the Spirit. The writers declare that “the fullness” dwelt in Him – Col. 1:19. The three texts that are being referred to under this point are John 3:34 – “He gives the Spirit without measure;” Col. 2:3 – “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge;” Col. 1:19 – “the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him.” And these are the most important passages relating to Jesus’ own possession of the Spirit.
In John 3:34, we understand that God gave His Spirit to Jesus without measure. “Without measure” means: with no limits. This is why the Confession and Col. 1:19 speak of all “the fullness” being in Him. This is the fullness of the deity, as asserted in another important text – Col 2:9 – “In Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form.”
Actually, two things are stated concerning His possession of the Spirit of God. 1- He was sanctified or set apart for a special and unique purpose. 2- He was anointed. This language that takes us back to the anointing of prophets, priests, and kings in Israel. These men were commissioned to fulfill their office not in their own strength, but in the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus was anointed and set apart with all the fullness of the Godhead bodily and goes forth to accomplish all the work that a God-sent Mediator must accomplish to save men from the curse and the corruption of sin! Keep the emphasis of this paragraph clearly in mind: “He might be thoroughly furnished to execute the office of a mediator and surety, which office He took not upon Himself.”
The second thing that is emphasized is that the man Jesus was in possession of the fullness of holiness by the Spirit. The name Holy Spirit also means the Spirit of holiness. Holiness is central to the consideration of the Spirit. God is holy, therefore His Spirit is holy, and holiness is the central feature of His power working in men, even Christ – “to the end that being holy, harmless, undefiled, and full of grace and truth, He might be thoroughly furnished…..” Seven things are mentioned here in relation to His possession of the holiness of the Spirit, ranging from the ethical and moral, to the official and mediatorial.
1- He is holy, in the moral sense – He is pure, innocent, and not defiled by sin.
2- He is blameless (Confession says harmless, obviously referring to the three terms used in Heb. 7:26, the second best translated blameless or innocent).
3- He is undefiled, or not stained by sin in any way.
4- He is full of grace – reference to John 1:14.
5- He is full of truth – John 1:14 describes the visible glory of Christ. Glory and fullness are very similar concepts. In fact notice that John said “full of grace and truth.” Jn. 1:16 then adds “Of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.”
6- He possesses treasures of wisdom.
7- He possesses treasures of knowledge. The filling of the Spirit in Jesus was a filling of His mind as a treasure-chest of good things to convey to man. Even Isaiah spoke of this blessing of the Spirit upon the Servant of the Lord in Isa. 11:2. There we read of the six attributes of the Spirit, three of which are wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. Col. 2:3 reads “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
These seven things constitute the fullness of the Holy Spirit of God. Again, Jesus was endowed so that “He might be thoroughly furnished to execute the office of a mediator and surety, which office He took not upon Himself.”
Finally, the paragraph reminds us that these are serious matters. We are to do more than simply acknowledge His grace. His fullness is something to be feared. God also put all power and judgment into His hand and gave Him commandment to execute that power in judgment against all those who disobey and disbelieve Him. God did not fashion such a Mediator and give men the option of rejecting him. God expects men to submit to His mediation. But notice that in submitting to His mediation, sinners submit to a complete, sufficient, and bountiful Savior.
Practical Applications & Encouragements – If you belong to Christ, you also partake of the bountiful provisions of His life. He not only delivers from wrath and restores us to God, He also blesses us with the fullness of His own Spirit and the accompanying treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Imagine having the best education in the world without ever going through any higher education! Imagine being wiser than the best philosophers the world has to offer! Imagine having the Spirit of God Himself, and Christ His Son, in all of His fullness! God was not obligated to bless us so richly when He saved us.
Also, do not forget the words of 2 Peter 1:4 – “so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.” This is the greatest provision of all! Though there are some profound differences between the Christian and Christ Himself, there is a pattern that we participate in. We also partake of the divine nature through the regenerating Spirit of Christ. Look at yourself. Do you see the divine nature working in your life? You not only have the promise of eternal life. You also partake of a new nature. Again, though different than the God-man Jesus, you are still a uniquely new creation. This is obviously something to rejoice in, and something to safeguard and protect. We will seek to live honorably and with Gospel dignity. We will seek to live in the Spirit and purge ourselves of all sin and impurity. Are you doing these things every day?
Paragraph 4 – The Death of Christ – Three major issues are covered in this paragraph – the law, punishment, and the reward. In order to fulfill the work of Mediator, Christ has to be born a man under the demand and curse of the law. This was the ground or the cause of His death. Then, He has to take the punishment measured out by that law, just as we would have to do because we are guilty of transgressing that law. This was the punishment of His death. Finally, the curse, the punishment, the shame, and the pain, were all turned to vindication of His innocence, and victory for His mission! This was the overturning of the shameful and painful effects of His death. Christ was vindicated in that He was declared not guilty by God. The main purpose of His death, to render a substitutionary sacrifice, was fulfilled, and He moves on to glory again.
The main passages that present this teaching are Gal. 3:13 and 4:4, which speak of Christ’s relationship to the law on our behalf. Also, Psalm 40:8 is a beautiful reference to Jesus having the law in His heart when He came into the world. The passages that refer to the substitutionary nature of His sacrifice are Isa. 53:6; Matt. 3:15 (baptism); John 10:18 (purpose and control that Jesus had over His own death), 1 Peter 3:18 and 2:24. These last two are extremely important and worthy of your careful study. Matt. 26:37 refers to the agony of soul grief that Jesus experienced as He approached death. The passages that refer to His ascension, exaltation, present session and intercession, and coming again as judge are Acts 1:9-11, 10:42; 13:37, Rom 8:34, 14:9-10, 1 Cor. 15:3-4, 2 Cor 5:21, Heb. 9:24.
It is important to keep in mind the scope that is in view in this paragraph – human sin and depravity are very broad. But Christ’s mediation is bigger. He takes upon Himself a mountain of sin and bears it away so that it is remembered no more. As the God-man, He experiences the deepest grief and anguish unknown to man, because He is God! But the scope also extends to Christ’s movements. He comes all the way down to dwell with man and die as a sinner man, but He rises as high as the highest heaven where God dwells.
Practical Applications & Encouragements – Once the sinner turns to Christ to enjoy the benefits of His sacrificial death, there is only one further course to take – gratitude and devotion! Paul said “For one will hardly die for a righteous man, though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die, but God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” – Rom. 5:7-8. Here is the reason for the deepest gratitude! If Jesus suffered the deepest anguish for us in His death, should we not offer the highest praise and thanks in our new life in Him? I hope that you will!
Serve Him with the same devotion with which He served us and gave His life for us. Think daily through this simple pattern. He died for us. He died to sin. We die with Him. We die to sin. He loved us with a great love. We love Him by uniting ourselves to Him and fulfilling the purpose of His death on our behalf. If Christ died this agonizing and shameful death to take our eternal punishment, then why would we not willingly die daily to ourself and our sin? Why do we continue to sin with little or no sorrow for our sin if He died for us? These things ought not to be. Romans 6 is the chapter that tells us so.
Paragraph 5 – Christ’s Victorious Accomplishment – There are three parts to this statement. First, the means of the accomplishment – Christ’s perfect obedience and sacrifice of Himself which He offered to God through the eternal Spirit. Second, the ends secured by the accomplishment – satisfaction of divine justice, reconciliation, and an everlasting inheritance in the kingdom of heaven. Third, the recipients of the benefits of the accomplishment – those whom the Father gave to Jesus.
Hebrews 9:14 speaks of Christ offering Himself to God through the eternal Spirit. This is a reference to the union and unity of Father and Son, even in His death. In His death He committed His Spirit to the Father – Lk. 23:46. The Father had anointed Him with the Spirit. The Spirit offered Him to the Father at the moment of death. Though the Son felt the forsaking of the Father as He bore the sin of His people, yet the Spirit brought the offering of the sacrifice, thus continuing the fellowship of the Godhead in an unbroken way.
The recipients of the accomplishments of Jesus are those whom the Father gave to Jesus. This is yet another reference to the doctrine of particular atonement. Christ’s death was particular in that He died in the place of those whom the Father had given to Him, and to the end that they would certainly be saved. He did not die to make salvation possible, but actual and effectual. The emphasis is not that the atonement is limited (of course it is limited, and so it is also limited in the Arminian view, because Christ does not have the power to save all whom He might want to save). The emphasis is that the atonement is particular and effectual. This is why we call it definite. The Confession of Faith clearly teaches this doctrine of particular redemption.
The three blessings or benefits stated here all relate to the condition of enmity that exists between God and man. Man, more precisely, is at enmity with God and needs to be reconciled to God. God is angry with the sinner and His wrath hangs over man’s head. The Mediator turns that wrath away (we call this propitiation), appeases God’s anger, reconciles man to Himself through the blood of His cross, and welcomes redeemed man into His kingdom. We become His loyal subjects, sons and daughters, and friends. Romans 3:25-26, John 17:2, and Heb. 9:15 are cited in support of these statements. Of course, there are many other relevant Scripture passages under each benefit.
Practical Applications & Encouragements – This section highlights the blessings of the reconciled relationship that we now have with God. We accept these things by faith, but in our hearts and consciences we experience a great peace. We are now right with God and heirs of the kingdom of heaven. Jesus said: Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. We can seek God’s kingdom in this life knowing that we will have the fruit of it now and the fullness of it in the next life. What a cause of happiness this is for us down here in our struggles and pilgrimages. Are you blessed because of the reconciliation that you have in Christ? You may be poor here and now, but you are rich and someday your riches will be presented to you at the entrance of the kingdom of heaven. You may never receive an earthly inheritance of houses or lands, but we will most certainly receive an eternal inheritance in the life to come. Rejoice!
Paragraph 6 – The Efficacy of His Mediation Under the Old Testament – In keeping with the covenant theology taught in the Confession, this paragraph asserts that believers under the old covenant were saved in the same way as believers under the new covenant. The obvious difference is that the Mediator had not yet come and accomplished the work that has been described thus far. Several passages are cited under this paragraph. Heb. 4:2 tells of the good news that the Israelites had preached to them. Gal. 3:8 is even more to the point. “The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, All the nations will be blessed in you.” 1 Peter 1:10-11 describes the diligent work of the old covenant prophets who prophesied of the grace that was to come to the nation through the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. Rev. 13:8 is also a powerful statement of the unity of the saving work of God through Christ, both before and after His coming. It speaks of names being written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain. Finally, Heb. 13:8 declares that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
The main point that we need to keep in mind here is that in order to send the Mediator, the road needed to be paved. The Mediator does not appear all of a sudden or out of nowhere to proclaim Himself. The ability to understand and grasp the significance of the kind of death that Christ had to die must be systematically established throughout history, in the everyday life and worship of the Israelites, God’s chosen people.
First, the principle of sacrifice had to be fully established. The people had to understand that an offering had to be brought, and blood had to be shed. Identification with such a substitute was the only way to find acceptance with God. Second, pictures of the magnificent work of the Mediator, such as we have already been considering, had to be developed in the nation of Israel in their life and worship. They had to relate to prophets, priests, and kings, in order to relate to the Mediator who would take all three offices into one person. This is true of all the pictures of the Messiah that are found in the old covenant life and worship – atonement, forgiveness, cleansing, washing, Temple, altar, animals, etc.
The certainty of the promise, the truthfulness of God who makes the promises, and the unchangeableness of the covenant, made faith in God’s promised Mediator/Messiah as effective as our faith in the finished work of the Messiah! And remember that justification – the imputation or charging of righteousness to our account – has always been by faith – Gen. 15:6 / Gal. 3:8 / Rom. 3:21 – 4:25.
Practical Applications & Encouragements- God’s purposes do not change! Even before creation the Father laid plans for the sacrifice of His Son and the redemption of a people for Himself. But this is a very special truth for living today, because we are in a period of waiting. We know Christ is promised to return, but we are still waiting for this to happen! Take courage. He is coming! A thousand years are as one day to God – 2 Pet. 3:8. And while we wait, we know that the whole Bible is ours, for there is one great covenant of grace spanning the old and the new, in which God’s eternal purpose to save a people for Himself is uncovered and proclaimed. So feast on all of the word of God! Rejoice in every picture and promise of the coming Mediator, and marvel at the fulfillment of these in the actual person, work, and ministry of Jesus.
Paragraph 7 – One Whole Miraculous Mediator – This paragraph picks up a statement made in the second paragraph. The authors of the Confession deemed it important to re-emphasize a simple point: the human and divine natures of Christ act within the one whole person of Christ in ways proper to each nature, and are not all mixed up together. This would explain why Jesus grew and developed just as any man develops. It explains why He did not know certain aspects of the Father’s plan – Matt. 24:36 – “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.” Jesus enjoyed unbroken fellowship with God in heaven while He was on the earth – John 5:19, 30; 14:16-23. The Father withheld the knowledge of the precise day and hour of the passing of heaven and earth from His Son while He was on the earth. This does not deny His Godhood, diminish His deity, or contradict His claims. It merely acknowledges a feature of His humanity that He shared with us. Consider that Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe in Him, and who it was that would betray Him – John 6:64.
Now sometimes in the Gospel accounts we see the man Jesus performing divine works of power. John 3:13 is cited. The Son of Man descended from heaven. Jesus turned the water into wine. He healed the sick and raised the dead. In these cases we are seeing the divine nature attributed to the human nature. It all seems so obvious to us, but the writers stressed these points mainly because of false teaching that twists and perverts the simplest and most obvious things!
Paragraph 8 – The Mediation Particularly and Effectually Applied – As I mentioned in the overview of this paragraph at the beginning, the purpose of this paragraph is to describe the amazing manner in which Christ the Mediator saves His chosen people. He did it decisively, certainly, and absolutely! Again, six aspects are mentioned.
First, He does this by making intercession for us. Based on the references cited – John 6:37, 10:15-16; 17:9; Rom. 5:10, the authors are referring to His death as the basis of His prayers for the salvation of His chosen people. John 17:9 is the prayer of Jesus in which He asks the Father for the safety and ultimate salvation of His chosen people. Hebrews 7:25 and Romans 8:34 are the two NT passages that refer to His present work of intercession at the right hand of God. This is His priestly work.
Second, He does this by uniting us to Himself by giving us of His Spirit. We are in union with Christ because we have the very Spirit of Christ Himself – the Holy Spirit is the Holy Spirit of the risen Christ! 1 Cor. 15:45 – “The first man Adam became a living soul. The last Adam became a life-giving Spirit.” The work of mediation is personal and intimate, and that is why the Confession calls it wonderful and unsearchable. This also is a feature of His priestly work.
Third, He reveals the mystery of salvation to us. Paul develops this theme in Eph. 1. 1 John 5:20 Speaks of Him giving us an understanding such that we may know Him, the true God and eternal life. This is no small accomplishment! This is a facet of His prophetic work.
Fourth, He persuades us to believe and obey. This is the doctrine of irresistible grace and the doctrine of the effectual call. His prophetic work teams up with His priestly work and we are drawn to faith in Him!
Fifth, He governs our hearts by His word and Spirit. The same Spirit that unites us to Him personally, directs us to obedience to His word as disciples and subjects.
Sixth, He overcomes all our enemies by His almighty power and wisdom. These last two are facets of His kingly work. He rules in our hearts – internally, by the word of God. He rules over our lives – externally, by His government and providence, even those who are set against us, the persecutors and detractors who hate Him, and us.
As the Confession delves deeper into the wonderful official work of the Mediator, joining in His person the work of prophet, priest, and king, we stand in utter amazement at Him and how He is suited to our need. And it is all by grace, free, unmerited, and unconditional. The doctrine of unconditional election and particular redemption join together in the work of the Mediator. He did not do this for us because He foresaw faith in us. Our faith is the result of His choice, and His work in us.
Paragraph 9 – The only multi-office Mediator – This paragraph expresses the simple truth of 1 Tim. 2:5, a truth that must always be safeguarded – there is only one Mediator between God and man. As parents we intercede for our children, but we are not their Mediator! As pastors we preach the word and rule in the household of God, but we are not the mediators of the people of God. Let us give Christ His exclusive place and then represent Him as the sole object of faith, trust, and hope. We serve as servants and stewards of the mysteries of God – 1 Cor. 4:1. This is a great privilege, but the only Mediator between God and man is Jesus Christ the Lord.
Paragraph 10 – Christ’s Sufficiency as Mediator – Not much needs to be said about this last paragraph, for it is a drawing together of the themes already developed in the chapter. Its main point is to draw attention to the number and order of the offices. There are only three because these three fulfill all our need. We are ignorant of God, alienated from God, and unable and unwilling to return to God. On all three counts, we are utterly lost and hopeless. Therefore we need One who will be able to do the work necessary to overturn each of these three conditions, and the Mediator is able to do it.
The chapter ends on a note of triumph! He convinces, subdues, draws, upholds, delivers, and preserves us to the fullness of His kingdom which is coming.
Notice the ultimate goal – the final kingdom in all of its fullness. We are saved so that we will qualify for entrance into the kingdom, and we are being saved for our certain preservation for that eternal blessing.
Practical Applications & Encouragements – These last three paragraphs form the basis of the new integrity and wholeness of our lives by virtue of Christ’s work and presence in us.
Prior to salvation we are in a state of disintegration. We are literally coming apart. But in Christ we enter into the state of reintegration and restoration and renewal. No wonder the Bible calls it a rebirth! But it is a rebirth into a spiritual life of normal (salvation), not abnormal (sin) growth. Whereas we were under the power of Adam, the head of the race, and cursed by him, now we are with the Mediator and under His Headship and blessed by Him unto all wholeness and integrity.
This is the good news of the Gospel, and the message that has been entrusted to us. Let us proclaim it with all boldness and confidence. And let us be prepared to enumerate each of the parts of His work that the Confession so correctly and beautifully displays.
I trust that this article has helped you to appreciate the following things.
The blessing of having a Mediator, with profound thankfulness for the Mediator – both His person (God and man) and His work.
The major parts of the Mediator’s work – He is our prophet, priest, and king – and He meets all of our real needs through the exercise of these offices in our lives.
The rich development of the Mediator’s work in the church and by the Spirit.
The price that the Mediator had to pay to assume this office.
The many wonderful benefits that the Mediator gives to us.
“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” – 2 Cor. 9:15.
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