One Mediator Between God And Man

ONE MEDIATOR BETWEEN GOD AND MAN

"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all." I Timothy 2:5-6

"For He is not a man, as I am, that I may answer Him, And that we should go to court together. Nor is there any mediator between us, who may lay his hand on us both.” Job 9:32-33 (NKJV)

I am particularly fond of how the KJV translates the word for mediator. It uses the term "Daysman" which I feel is especially appropriate in describing the mediation of our Lord Jesus.

A "Daysman" was indeed a mediator or umpire whose work was to resolve disputes or grievances. But more than that, the "Daysman" had exclusive authority as to when and where the matter was to be handled. This reminds us of II Corinthians 6:2: "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, today is the day of salvation."

As the "Daysman" who alone can reconcile God to man, His day is today! His time is now! No appointment necessary. No waiting for a docket to be set. NOW! TODAY! Having said that, let us look at some truths relating to the qualifications for and the work of this high office.

ESSENTIALS OF A MEDIATOR: Must be acceptable to both parties seeking reconciliation. Must have received delegated authority from both parties Must be qualified to consider and understand both parties Must be one who has a compelling interest in resolution

JOB’S RECOGNIZED THE NEED FOR A MEDIATOR:

"For He is not a man, as I am...”. Job recognized that sinful man in his natural state cannot approach the holy God. This is because:

1. Man is a sinner:

"For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23

2. God cannot behold iniquity:

"Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and can not look on iniquity...”

Habakkuk 1: 13

3. Sin has separated God and man:

"But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God.” Isaiah 59:2

CHRIST: THE ONLY QUALIFIED MEDIATOR:

1. Being the Son of God, He acknowledges the righteous demands of a just God who demands eternal punishment for sin.

2. Being the Son of Man, He understands the weakness of human flesh, having "been tempted in all points, like as we are, yet without sin.”

3. Having redeemed us by His blood, He thereby justifies us before God: "For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled; we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.” Romans 5: 10-11 NASB

CHRIST IS BOTH OUR MEDIATOR AND OUR ADVOCATE! Having reconciled us to God through His mediation (I Timothy 2:5), He becomes our Advocate: "If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous...” I John 2:1