Understanding the Role of a Mediator in Salvation
A mediator is an individual who intervenes between two parties in disagreement, aiming to reconcile them [1]. In a theological context, this role is central to the concept of salvation, particularly concerning the relationship between God and humanity. The New Testament identifies Jesus Christ as the singular mediator between God and humanity [4, 5, 6].
The concept of a mediator is not explicitly named in the Old Testament, but the idea is present in passages like Job 9:33, which speaks of an "umpire" or "daysman" [1]. In the New Testament, Moses is referred to as a mediator in Galatians 3:19, acting as an "internuncius" or ambassador between God and the Israelites [1, 6]. However, Christ's mediation is distinct and superior. Hebrews 9:15 states that "Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, now that He has died to redeem them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant" [3]. This new covenant is described as "far better" because it is founded on "better promises" [15].
Christ's mediatorial office encompasses three distinct functions: prophet, priest, and king [2]. These are not separate offices but rather different aspects of his single mediatorial role [2]. As a priest, Christ offered himself as a sacrifice and continually intercedes for believers [8]. His intercession, which he exercised on earth (Luke 23:34; John 17:20) and now performs in heaven, is based on his perfect sacrifice [8]. As king, Christ is the sovereign head over his Church and over all things on its behalf (Ephesians 1:22; 4:15) [2].
The necessity of a mediator arises from the separation between God and humanity due to sin. As John Gill notes on Galatians 3:20, a mediator implies two parties that are at a distance or in disagreement [16]. Christ's work of sacrifice established the covenant relationship between people and God [15]. Through his atoning work, Christ brings reconciliation (Ephesians 2:13-18) [6].
Salvation, in its highest sense, refers to the deliverance from the guilt and pollution of sin achieved by Jesus Christ [9]. It is a work of redemption made effective for individuals through the power of the Holy Spirit [7]. This salvation is not earned by human actions but is a gift of God's grace, received through faith [10, 11]. Believers are "created anew in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:10), experiencing a transformation from an old sinful nature to a new nature [13, 14]. This new life is a complete departure from sin and death, transferring believers into a realm of life and purity [11]. Through Christ, Gentiles who believe are fully accepted into God's family, becoming children of God alongside believing Jews [12]. The transforming work of God's Spirit is an integral part of this gift of salvation [14].
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Mediator — One who intervenes between two persons who are at variance, with a view to reconcile them. This word is not found in the Old Testament; but the idea it expresses is found in Job 9:33, in the word "daysman" (q.v.), marg., "umpire." This word is used in the New Testament to denote simply an internuncius, an ambassador, one who acts as a medium of communication between two contracting parties. In this sense Moses is called a mediator in Gal. 3:19. Christ is the one and only mediator between God and man (1 Tim. 2:5; Heb. 8:6; 9:15; 12:24). He makes reconciliat”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Kingly office of Christ — One of the three special relations in which Christ stands to his people. Christ's office as mediator comprehends three different functions, viz., those of a prophet, priest, and king. These are not three distinct offices, but three functions of the one office of mediator. Christ is King and sovereign Head over his Church and over all things to his Church (Eph. 1:22; 4:15; Col. 1:18; 2:19). He executes this mediatorial kingship in his Church, and over his Church, and over all things in behalf of his Church. This royalty differs from that whic”
- Hebrews “Hebrews 9:15 (BSB) — Therefore Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, now that He has died to redeem them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.”
- King James Version “[KJV] 1 Timothy 2:5 — For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;”
- I Timothy “I Timothy 2:5 (KJV) — For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Christ, the Mediator — In virtue of his atonement -- Eph 2:13-18; Heb 9:15; 12:24. The only one between God and man -- 1Ti 2:5. Of the gospel covenant -- Heb 8:6; 12:24. Typified Moses. -- De 5:5; Ga 3:19. Aaron. -- Nu 16:48.”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Saviour — One who saves from any form or degree of evil. In its highest sense the word indicates the relation sustained by our Lord to his redeemed ones, he is their Saviour. The great message of the gospel is about salvation and the Saviour. It is the "gospel of salvation." Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ secures to the sinner a personal interest in the work of redemption. Salvation is redemption made effectual to the individual by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Intercession of Christ — Christ's priestly office consists of these two parts, (1) the offering up of himself as a sacrifice, and (2) making continual intercession for us. When on earth he made intercession for his people (Luke 23:34; John 17:20; Heb. 5:7); but now he exercises this function of his priesthood in heaven, where he is said to appear in the presence of God for us (Heb. 9:12, 24). His advocacy with the Father for his people rests on the basis of his own all-perfect sacrifice. Thus he pleads for and obtains the fulfilment of all the promises of the everlas”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Salvation — This word is used of the deliverance of the Israelites from the Egyptians (Ex. 14:13), and of deliverance generally from evil or danger. In the New Testament it is specially used with reference to the great deliverance from the guilt and the pollution of sin wrought out by Jesus Christ, "the great salvation" (Heb. 2:3). (See [546]REDEMPTION; [547]REGENERATION.)”
- Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 2:5: 2:5 gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead (literally made us alive together with Christ): Joined with Christ, believers share in his resurrection, now and in the future (see 2:6; Rom 6:4-14; Col 3:1-4). • It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved: See Eph 1:2; 2:8-9.”
- Titus (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Titus 3:5: 3:5 not because . . . but because: The contrast is between human actions that might be thought to merit salvation and God’s grace (see Gal 2:16). Salvation is through faith in God’s mercy alone (Eph 2:8). • He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth: See Ezek 16:9; John 3:1-15; Eph 5:26; Heb 10:22; 2 Pet 1:9. • and new life through the Holy Spirit: This signifies a complete departure from the life of sin and death and a transfer into the realm of life and purity (see also Rom 12:2; 2 Cor 5:17; Col 3:10).”
- Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 2:19: 2:19 Gentiles who believe are no longer strangers and foreigners (2:11-12, 17). Through Christ, they are fully accepted into God’s family. They become children of God, just like believing Jews (see Rom 8:14-17).”
- Colossians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Colossians 3:9: 3:9-10 your old sinful nature . . . your new nature: Paul contrasts old and new identities (see also Rom 5:12-21; 6:6; Eph 4:22-24). Believers strip off their old life and put on Christ’s new life, allowing him to be Lord and to guide the way they live.”
- Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 4:24: 4:24 A believer has a new nature: God’s Spirit expresses his life within the believer (see Col 3:10; cp. Gen 1:26; Rom 12:1-2; Gal 5:22-23). The transforming work of God’s Spirit is part of the gift of salvation (Eph 2:8-10).”
- Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 8:6: 8:6 the one who mediates: A mediator works with two parties to bring them to agreement. Christ’s work of sacrifice established the covenant relationship between people and God. • a far better covenant with God: See “The New Covenant” Theme Note. This covenant is better because it is based on better promises (see 8:7-13).”
- Galatians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Galatians 3:20: Now a mediator is not a mediator of one,.... A mediator supposes two parties he stands between, and these at a distance from, or disagreeing with each other; where there is but one party, there can be no need of, nor any reason for, a mediator; so Christ is the Mediator between God and men, the daysman, Job 9:33, that lays his hands upon them both; and Moses, he was the mediator between God and the Israelites: but God is one; not in person, for there are three persons in the Godhead, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, and these three are one, in nature and”