Active Obedience (PT 2)

By Caleb Kolstad

Jesus’ Perfect Life Makes Him the Only Suitable Mediator.

The apostle Paul writes in 1 Timothy 2:5, “For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” Jesus Christ is the only suitable mediator between God and men by virtue of His Deity and His sinless humanity. Christ was equal to God, yet humbled Himself and became a man. “We have here, in summary form, the conception of the second Adam, the inaugurator of a new, redeemed humanity, which Paul expounds in Romans 5:12ff.; 1 Cor. 15:21f.; 45 ff.” Human beings are restored to fellowship with God through Christ and His perfect work on their behalf. “As the sinless God-man Christ is uniquely qualified to serve as a go-between who can bring sinful people into God’s family.” Humanity cannot enter God’s holy presence by their own efforts or merit. They are in need of outside help that only a perfect God-man can offer on their behalf.

Hebrews 9:15 says, “And for this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, in order that since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of eternal inheritance.” “The combination of his full deity and full humanity is what enables Him to give Himself as the all-sufficient sacrifice that constitutes the very basis of the new covenant. It is for this reason, offering his own blood, that he is the mediator of that covenant.” Human priests and mediators will never be needed again because of this perfect One, who gave Himself up as the final sacrifice for mankind.