“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” 1 Timothy 2:5For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
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“And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant,” Hebrews 12:24And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things that that of Abel.
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Mediator as applied to Christ, is borrowed from persons, whose office it is to reconcile such parties as are at variance, being as it were in the middle, betwixt both, soliciting the cause of each to the other, till they bring them to concord or agreement. The term is applied to Moses typically, Deuteronomy 5:4The LORD talked with you face to face in the mount out of the midst of the fire,
See All...,5 with Galatians 3:19Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
See All...; but really and antitypically to Jesus Christ, Hebrews 12:24And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things that that of Abel.
See All..., Colossians 1:20And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
See All..., Romans 5:10For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
See All...,11 and 1 John 2:1My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
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| A MEDIATOR | PARALLEL |
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| A Mediator implies a difference between two parties, Galatians 3:20Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.
See All.... | Sin made a great breach between God and man: “God is angry with the wicked every day,” Psalm 7:11God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.
See All.... Hence by nature mankind are said to be the “children of wrath," Ephesians 2:3Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. See All.... “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God:” Romans 8:7Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. See All.... |
| A Mediator properly signifies a middle-man, a reconciler. | “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” 1Timothy 2:5For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
See All.... He is not only God, but man; not only man, but God: a blessed reconciler of man to God, and of God to man. Galatians 4:4-5 [4] But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, [5] To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. See All.... |
| A Mediator oftentimes is appointed to make up differences that arise between two parties upon a breach of covenant. | The difference originally that is between God and man, did arise from man’s breaking God’s covenant, Isaiah 24:5The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.
See All.... God and man were in peace and concord, whilst man stood in the state of innocency; but when he fell, Christ came to make up that breach. |
| A Mediator must be a person willing to undertake the great work and transaction of making peace. | Jesus Christ was willing to undertake the work of Mediator, to make peace between God the offended Creator, and man the offending creature. "Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.” Hebrews 10:7Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.
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| A Mediator ought to be an indifferent or impartial person, free from all exceptions. | Jesus Christ is a person free from all exceptions whatsoever. God approved of him, Acts 2:22Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
See All..., and man hath no cause to except against him, but contrariwise to be abundantly thankful to God for choosing him to this work and office, because none else could be found in heaven or earth; “And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book …the Root of David hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.” Revelation 5:3-5 [3] And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. [4] And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. [5] And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. See All.... |
| A Mediator ought to be a well-wisher to peace, a person that loves it, and longs after it; nothing being more acceptable to him, than to be a peace-maker. | Jesus Christ is called the “Prince of peace,” Isaiah 9:6For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
See All..., never did any give such clear, full, and undeniable proofs and demonstrations of his being a Well-wisher to, and lover of peace; witness all he did and endured, or past through, from first to last, that he might accomplish this work of making peace, Ephesians 2:14For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; See All.... |
| A Mediator must have the great transaction of making peace committed to him, or be invested with full power and authority to do it. | God hath given Christ full power and commission to accomplish this work of Mediatorship. He is anointed and ordained to be a Prince and Saviour. “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” Matthew 28:18-20 [18] And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
[19] Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
[20] Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
See All.... “for him hath God the Father sealed,” John 6:27Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. See All.... |
| A Mediator ought to be a condescending person, not to have his own will to be done in any respect, further than the nature of the cause will require it. | Christ showed himself to be a marvelous condescending Spirit: “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:” Philippians 2:6-7 [6] Shall not all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him, and say, Woe to him that increaseth that which is not his! how long? and to him that ladeth himself with thick clay!
[7] Shall they not rise up suddenly that shall bite thee, and awake that shall vex thee, and thou shalt be for booties unto them?
See All.... “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich,” 2 Corinthians 8:9For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. See All.... “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me” John 6:38For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. See All.... “nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done,” Luke 22:42Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. See All.... |
| A Mediator is not chosen, unless there appear great need of it, and that the business cannot be accomplished otherwise. | There was great need of, or it was very necessary that there should be a Mediator betwixt God and man: |
First, on God’s part it was necessary, in respect of his own glory.
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In respect of the glory of his wisdom. This of bringing forth and ordaining a Mediator, was the marvelous contrivance, and the highest manifestation of divine wisdom: for hereby a way is found to justice and mercy, and make them meet together in sweet harmony; that the punishment of sin might be borne, and yet the sinner, pardoned freely in a way of mercy, Romans 3:26To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
See All.... Hence, (as the apostle showeth) “the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:” Ephesians 3:10To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
See All...b-11. - It was for the glory of his mercy and goodness, which moved wisdom to seek out and provide this blessed Mediator, and glorious means of reconciliation, when God might justly have left fallen man, as he did the fallen angels. Moreover, this of a Mediator shows us, that God must be dealt with in a way of free grace, entreaty, and request. Hence we read, how frequently Christ prayed and interceded for us, yea, what strong cries and tears he offered up in the days of his flesh, Hebrews 5:7Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;
See All.... Whatsoever blessed relief, pardon, peace, mankind receives, it is wholly in a way of mercy and free grace through the mediation of the Lord Jesus Christ. “By grace are you saved,” Ephesians 2:8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
See All.... “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,” John 3:16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
See All.... - It was for the glory of his justice, which must be dealt with in a way of satisfaction; grace will be dealt with in a way of entreaty: therefore the covenant is established in the hands of a Mediator, that is able to lay down a price or ransom: 1Timothy 2:6Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
See All.... “That he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus,” Romans 3:26To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
See All.... Nay, when the Lord Jesus undertook on our behalf, to come up to the demand of justice, it is said, “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all,” Romans 8:32He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
See All.... “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree,” 1Peter 2:24Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
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The sovereignty of God is manifested in its glory, that through a Mediator he is pleased to extend mercy to mankind, when none is afforded to the angels that sinned: and that Jesus at his command should “ Lay down my life for the sheep,” John 10:15As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
See All.... - It magnifies the glory of God’s power and all-sufficiency, who can raise up and restore man to greater happiness than ever he had before his fall, when devils and sin had done their worst, 1John 3:8He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
See All.... - The like might be said of the holiness, patience, and faithfulness of God.
Moreover, this undertaking adds to the glory of Christ Jesus, who is the Mediator himself; God had hereby a design to magnify the name of his Son, the second Person of the Trinity, in our nature.
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In that he is constituted (by undertaking this honourable office) King, Priest and Prophet, Acts 5:31Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
See All.... - In respect of that great power which is given to him, to make peace between God and man; to have the keys to open and shut; and to give eternal life to as many as he pleaseth, or are given by the Father to him, Ephesians 2:14For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
See All..., Revelation 1:18I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
See All..., John 3:35The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.
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See All.... - Nay, his glory shines forth herein to such a degree, that it is the duty of all men to “Honour the son, even as they honour the Father,” John 5:23That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.
See All.... - Christ hath hereby the honour of accomplishing the whole affair, being “author and finisher of our faith,” Hebrews 12:2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
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Secondly, In respect of man, there was great need of such a Mediator.
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God would not treat with sinners upon any other terms. There is no knowledge of God which is saving, nor union with him, without a reconciliation. “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ,” Ephesians 2:13But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
See All.... “Neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him,” Matthew 11:27All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
See All.... - Without a Mediator, to atone and make peace between the Father and us, there is no communion with him: “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” Amos 3:3Can two walk together, except they be agreed?
See All.... Nor eternal life: such as are without Christ, and without God, must die (that is, be damned) in their sins, John 8:24I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
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| A MEDIATOR | PARALLEL |
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| A Mediator must be fitly qualified for this work; a person very wise, for justice, and yet greatly inclined to mercy; that so he may answer the expectation of each party, so far as is necessary. | Christ was every way qualified and fitted for this work. He was not only wise, but the Wisdom of God, 1Corinthians 1:30But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
See All...; much for justice, but yet inclines to mercy, and pity to the poor, Romans 3:26To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. See All.... And then again, how was he fitted by his being God? It is from the worth and excellency of his Person, that the price comes to be satisfactory, Matthew 3:17And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. See All..., 1Peter 1:19But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: See All.... Besides, had he not been God, as he could not have expiated sin, so he could not have overcome death, and other enemies he was to encounter with, that he might accomplish our redemption. |
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He must be a man because he is to plead for us, and be sacrificed on the cross in our stead; he must bleed, as well as intercede for man. “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission,” Hebrews 9:22And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
See All.... He must be man, that he might receive the Spirit for us, and we from him who is the Son, receive it with the adoption of sons, and thereby be sure of the eternal inheritance, John 17:10And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.
See All..., Galatians 4:4-5 [4] But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, [5] To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
See All..., Hebrews 9:15And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
See All.... - He must be God and man in one person: “Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one,” Galatians 3:20Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.
See All..., and by this means he is fitly qualified for this office. He must be a person at an equal distance from, and drawing near and allied to both parties; have interest in, and participating of the nature of each. Hence it is thought that he is called our daysman (kinsman) that might lay his hand upon us both, Job 9:33Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both.
See All.... Having access unto them: knowing what will stand with the honour of the one, and be for the relief and profit of the other.
| A MEDIATOR | PARALLEL |
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| A Mediator must be faithful, seeking the interest, right, honour, and weal of both parties. | Christ is faithful both to God and man, greatly for the honour of the one, and as much for the comfort and salvation of the other. He is said to be “faithful to him that appointed him,” Hebrews 3:2Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.
See All.... And in respect of man he is called a, “faithful high priest,” Hebrews 2:17Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. See All.... |
| A Mediator many times meets with great trouble and difficulty, in undertaking the composing of some differences. | Jesus Christ met with much trouble in the days of his flesh, in managing our business as Mediator, from the devil and wicked men, Matthew 4:1Then was Jesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
See All...; he found the world very averse to accept of terms of peace; and not only so, but they offered violence to him, and grievously abused him. |
| A Mediator ought to be endued with much patience, meekness and long-suffering, not only bearing frowns from one party, or the other, but also in his long waiting upon either of them, to yield to terms of peace offered to them. | Jesus Christ was meek and lowly in heart, Matthew 11:29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
See All...: he patiently bore the hidings of his Father’s face. How quietly did he bear and endure the punishment due to us for our sin? Not withstanding “and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not, Isaiah 53:3He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. See All.... “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth,” Isaiah 53:7He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. See All.... |
| A Mediator must be undaunted and courageous, unwearied, not tired out, nor let the work fall. | Jesus Christ, as he was potent, so he was of a very courageous and undaunted spirit: “He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law,” Isaiah 42:4He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.
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| A Mediator should be mollifying, that is, of so pacifying a temper, as to labour for such mediums that the streams of strict justice may run in a way of mercy, especially (considering the weakness and impotency of one party) for peace sake. | Jesus Christ was a pacifying Mediator; for instead of a personal satisfaction from the sinner, God accepts of his mediation: “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him,” 2 Corinthians 5:21For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
See All.... Instead of an inherent righteousness, God accepts of a righteousness imputed; and accepts of sincerity instead of a perfect keeping the whole law; and through his mediation obtains pardon for human frailties, Romans 4:5But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. See All..., 9:32 See All..., Hebrews 8:12For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. See All.... |
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A Mediator hath usually a set time prefixed, finally to finish and accomplish his work.
Jesus Christ, our Mediator, hath a time set him, to finish his mediatorial kingdom and office, which will cease at the end of the world, 1 Corinthians 15:28And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
See All.... | Jesus Christ, our Mediator, hath a time set him, to finish his mediatorial kingdom and office, which will cease at the end of the world, 1 Corinthians 15:28And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
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| A Mediator makes use of strong and powerful arguments, to bring the adverse party to terms of peace and friendship. | Jesus Christ our Mediator uses most weighty and powerful arguments, such as in the word of God set forth the excellency of his person, the preciousness of his blood; the oath, covenant, and promises of God; the miserable condition of man. |
| A Mediator, whose mediation is rejected, (after long patience) leaves the offending person open to the severity of the law. | Jesus Christ when he is rejected, after his long patience and forbearance, will leave all offending and impenitent sinners to the severity of the law and wrath of God, Romans 9:22What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
See All..., Hebrews 10:26-27 [26] For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, [27] But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. See All..., John 3:36He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. See All.... |
| A Mediator is made sole judge in those great matters he is chosen about, and is to make righteous decision between party and party, and to give the definitive sentence at last. | Jesus Christ is ordained the sole Judge by the Father, of the quick and the dead, and will in due time make a righteous decision between God and sinners, and pass that dismal definitive sentence on such as accept not of those terms of peace that he offers to them. “For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son”, “And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man,” John 5:22For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
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| A Mediator after he hath done and finished his work of mediation, gives up his trust, and ceaseth to be a Mediator any more in that affair. | Jesus Christ, after he hath finished his work of mediation, at the end of the world will yield up his office unto the Father, and cease to be Mediator any more. “And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all,” 1 Corinthians 15:28And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
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| A Mediator leaves no liberty of appeal, after he hath passed the definitive sentence. | Jesus Christ, after the last judgment, and definitive sentence is past, will leave no relief for sinners; then will that text be fulfilled, which says, “and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still,” Revelation 22:11He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.
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INFERENCES
- See what the abominable nature of sin is; it is that which made the breach betwixt God and man, and filled the heart with enmity against the Majesty of heaven, Romans 8:6For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
See All.... - From hence also we may admire the love of God, in sending such a blessed Mediator to make peace for us, John 3:16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
See All.... - This also shows the firmness and stability of the covenant of grace. Christ keeps and preserves peace betwixt the covenant-parties, being the Mediator thereof, Hebrews 9:15And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
See All...; the inheritance is from hence sure to all such as are called. - It shows the woeful state of such as reject this Mediator, and will not accept of those gracious terms of peace he offers to them, Hebrews 2:3How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
See All.... They must submit to him, and take salvation, as it is offered by the Father through him, or perish, John 12:48He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
See All.... - Let us take heed we own no other to be our Mediator, as Christ is our Mediator. Ministers may pray for us, and one saint may mediate and intercede to God for another: but none have power to make peace, or to give to God a ransom for his brother, Psalm 49:7-8 [7] None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him:
[8] (For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:)
See All.... “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” 1 Timothy 2:5For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
See All.... Christ mediates by the price and virtue of his own blood, which alone is that propitiatory sacrifice, by which we have peace and acceptance with God the Father. - Let all labour to accept Christ Jesus as Mediator; which none can do, unless they receive him as King, Priest and Prophet.