Christ: Our Sole Mediator and Source of Stability

 

Summary

In our gathering today, we explored the profound doctrine of Christ as our sole mediator, a concept that has been pivotal throughout church history. We began by reflecting on Martin Luther's journey, highlighting his initial fear of God and his reliance on mediators other than Christ. This fear and misunderstanding were prevalent in the medieval church, which often pointed to saints and other figures as mediators. However, the Reformation brought a renewed focus on Christ as the exclusive mediator between God and humanity.

We traced the development of this doctrine through historical creeds and confessions, starting with the Apostles' Creed and moving through the Nicene Creed, which beautifully encapsulates the essence of Christ's mediatorial role with the phrase "for us and for our salvation." The Reformation further clarified this doctrine, with figures like John Calvin introducing the concept of the "munus triplex," or the threefold office of Christ as Prophet, Priest, and King. This understanding emphasizes that Christ alone fulfills these roles perfectly, unlike any other figure in history.

The Reformation confessions, such as the Geneva Catechism and the Pinov Confession, reinforced the exclusivity of Christ's mediatorial role. They highlighted that Christ, as our Prophet, reveals the Father and His plan for salvation. As our King, He governs and protects His church, even amidst persecution. And as our Priest, He offers the ultimate sacrifice, granting us peace with God.

This doctrine is not just a theological concept but a source of profound comfort and assurance. In a world that often feels unstable and tumultuous, Christ's mediatorial work stabilizes and strengthens our faith. He is the anchor amidst life's storms, offering us access to the Father and the assurance of salvation.

Key Takeaways:

- Christ as the Sole Mediator: The Reformation emphasized that Christ is the only mediator between God and humanity, countering the medieval church's reliance on saints and other figures. This exclusivity is rooted in biblical teachings, affirming that salvation is found in Christ alone. [29:16]

- The Threefold Office of Christ: John Calvin introduced the concept of Christ's threefold office as Prophet, Priest, and King. This doctrine highlights that Christ perfectly fulfills these roles, unlike any other figure, providing a comprehensive understanding of His mediatorial work. [17:02]

- Stability in Christ's Mediation: In a world filled with instability and turmoil, Christ's role as mediator offers believers stability and strength. His teachings and presence stabilize our faith, providing peace and assurance amidst life's challenges. [22:26]

- Access to the Father through Christ: Through Christ's mediatorial work, believers have direct access to the Father. This access is not limited to a select few but is available to all who are in Christ, offering a profound sense of belonging and assurance. [44:03]

- The Comfort of Christ's Kingship: As King, Christ governs and protects His church, even in times of persecution. His reign assures believers that they are under His care and protection, providing comfort and hope in the face of adversity. [24:24]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:55] - Introduction of Dr. Steven Nichols
- [03:23] - Martin Luther's Fear and Misunderstanding
- [05:13] - Christ Our Mediator
- [06:11] - Development of Creeds and Confessions
- [09:18] - The Reformation's Clarification
- [10:49] - The Threefold Office of Christ
- [13:56] - Old Testament Anointings
- [17:02] - Christ as Prophet, Priest, and King
- [19:08] - The Pinov Confession
- [21:17] - Christ's Ongoing Mediation
- [24:10] - Christ as King and Protector
- [28:38] - Lano Ragnoni's Contribution
- [31:09] - The Exclusivity of Christ's Mediation
- [35:25] - Justification and Peace through Christ

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Christ as Our Sole Mediator

Bible Reading:
1. 1 Timothy 2:5 - "For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus."
2. Romans 5:1-2 - "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God."
3. John 14:6 - "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"

Observation Questions:
1. What was Martin Luther's initial perception of Christ, and how did it change over time? [03:23]
2. How does the Nicene Creed describe Christ's role in salvation? [06:11]
3. What are the three offices of Christ as introduced by John Calvin, and how do they relate to His mediatorial role? [10:49]
4. How does the Pinov Confession describe Christ's ongoing role as a mediator? [21:17]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of Christ as the sole mediator challenge the medieval church's reliance on saints and other figures? [09:18]
2. In what ways does the threefold office of Christ (Prophet, Priest, King) provide a comprehensive understanding of His mediatorial work? [17:02]
3. How does Christ's role as King provide comfort and assurance to believers, especially in times of persecution? [24:10]
4. What does it mean for believers to have direct access to the Father through Christ, and how does this impact their sense of belonging and assurance? [44:03]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you relied on something or someone other than Christ as your mediator. How did that affect your relationship with God? [04:41]
2. How can understanding Christ's role as Prophet, Priest, and King change the way you approach your daily life and spiritual practices? [17:02]
3. In what ways can you find stability and strength in Christ's mediatorial work amidst the current challenges you face? [22:26]
4. How can you actively remind yourself of the direct access you have to the Father through Christ in your prayer life? [44:03]
5. Consider a situation where you feel persecuted or marginalized. How does Christ's kingship provide you with comfort and hope in that situation? [24:24]
6. Identify one area in your life where you need to rely more on Christ's mediatorial work rather than your own efforts. What steps can you take to make this shift? [40:56]
7. How can you share the assurance and comfort of Christ's mediatorial role with someone who is struggling with their faith? [31:09]

Devotional

Day 1: Christ as the Exclusive Mediator
Christ alone bridges the gap between God and humanity, a truth emphasized during the Reformation to counter the medieval church's reliance on saints and other figures. This exclusivity is deeply rooted in biblical teachings, affirming that salvation is found in Christ alone. The Reformation brought a renewed focus on this doctrine, highlighting that no other mediator is needed or effective. This understanding provides believers with a clear path to God, free from the confusion and fear that characterized earlier practices. [29:16]

"For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time." (1 Timothy 2:5-6, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways have you relied on other "mediators" in your spiritual life, and how can you refocus on Christ as your sole mediator today?


Day 2: The Threefold Office of Christ
John Calvin's concept of the "munus triplex" describes Christ's roles as Prophet, Priest, and King, emphasizing that He perfectly fulfills these roles unlike any other figure in history. As Prophet, Christ reveals God's truth; as Priest, He offers the ultimate sacrifice for our sins; and as King, He governs and protects His church. This comprehensive understanding of Christ's mediatorial work provides a rich framework for understanding His unique and all-encompassing role in our salvation. [17:02]

"And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent." (Colossians 1:18, ESV)

Reflection: Which aspect of Christ's threefold office—Prophet, Priest, or King—do you find most challenging to embrace, and why?


Day 3: Stability in Christ's Mediation
In a world filled with instability and turmoil, Christ's role as mediator offers believers stability and strength. His teachings and presence stabilize our faith, providing peace and assurance amidst life's challenges. This doctrine is not just a theological concept but a source of profound comfort and assurance, reminding us that Christ is the anchor amidst life's storms. [22:26]

"Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe." (Hebrews 12:28, ESV)

Reflection: What current life challenge can you bring to Christ today, trusting Him to be your anchor and source of stability?


Day 4: Access to the Father through Christ
Through Christ's mediatorial work, believers have direct access to the Father. This access is not limited to a select few but is available to all who are in Christ, offering a profound sense of belonging and assurance. This truth dismantles any barriers that might have been perceived in the past, inviting every believer into a personal and intimate relationship with God. [44:03]

"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16, ESV)

Reflection: How can you intentionally draw near to God today, knowing that you have direct access to Him through Christ?


Day 5: The Comfort of Christ's Kingship
As King, Christ governs and protects His church, even in times of persecution. His reign assures believers that they are under His care and protection, providing comfort and hope in the face of adversity. This aspect of Christ's mediatorial role is a source of great comfort, reminding us that we are never alone and that our King is always with us, guiding and protecting us. [24:24]

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust Christ's kingship and protection more fully today?

Quotes


Fear gripped Martin Luther when he was a college student at airort he would allow extra time to make his way to his classes so that he could take a circuitous route so that he could avoid what he thought a ghastly image an image of Christ a Christ is Judge sword protruding from his mouth ready to judge and when he finished his balarat studies at airort and completed his his law studies he made a journey home the year was 1505 on the way back to airort he was caught in a horrific thunderstorm he found himself trying to seek shelter along this highway and he finds this rock and in uh sheer desperation thinking that God had Unleashed this thunderstorm uh to take his life Luther uh grasps this rock and he cries out help me Saint an was the only mediator he knew he would not think to cry out to Christ and he certainly would not cry out to God help me St an we know that the mediator is Christ. [00:03:20]

And so we reach back to the Apostles' Creed and we see those lines in the Apostles Creed that outline that mission of Jesus as he was incarnate as he suffered as he died as he was buried and as he rose again again and then we move on to the nyine Creed and Chris mentioned it was a book title my probably my favorite six words in all of theological literature from the nine creed for us and for our Salvation what a beautiful statement of Christ Our mediator we just sung it in this beautiful hymn Jesus what a friend for Sinners and we get to that penultimate verse and we say I am his and he is mine. [00:05:38]

Calvin noticed that Christ is a title Jesus the Christ is a title and it means the anointed one and then Calvin clever Theologian that he was started looking looking through the Old Testament to see the offices where there was an anointing and he soon discovered three prophets were anointed priests were anointed and kings were anointed and Calvin introduces a beautiful Doctrine into the development of theology in the church it is the doctrine of what we call the munist triplex the threefold office of Christ now it's Triplex three-fold it's not three offices Calvin saw the unity of the offices and that's important we'll come back to it. [00:10:13]

Calvin sees that the title Christos means anointed one and he sees that that over the course of of God uh uh re revealing his will revealing himself guiding his people he gave his people the gift of mediators and they were prophets and these prophets would both forth tell and forell would declare God's word and they would prophesy they were there pointing their bony fingers at Israel every time Israel was was staggering away wandering away from the Covenant wandering away from God's law transgressing literally walking over it and there Comes The Prophet judgment will come but call out and deliverance will come. [00:13:46]

The pinov confession tells us that the Son of God performed this office he might so that he might reveal his father to us that he might reveal his entire plan for our Salvation both now and Through the Ages until the consummation he persists In This Very office of mediator so that he may reveal to us the mystery of our Salvation which was established by his father before all eternity through the prophetic Old Testament and Apostolic New Testament scriptures and through the the ongoing Ministry of his word in his church so that he may catch this we have the word we have the ministry of preaching and behind that is Christ the teacher so that Christ May perpetually stabilize train and strengthen our faith. [00:21:19]

The pincho confession goes on to speak of Christ as king think of these polish reformed people and they're in the minority and they're being persecuted we have some friends here from voice of the martyrs they could tell us about our Brothers and Sisters in Christ we we speak of waves and earthquakes they they could put widows in front of us whose husbands were lives were taken because of their faith in Christ this sense of a marginalized suffering persecuted people these are the people for whom the pincho of confession was written and this is what the pincho confession tells us lastly under the title of King we believe and profess that he is the Eternal King of Kings he has conquered Satan in the whole world by his Royal Powers. [00:23:22]

He gathers us into his church already from the beginning of the world until the consummation of the age he governs us with his holy spirit against every tyranny of Satan and the world so that he may defend and protect as the King of Kings and the Lord of lords so that even the Gates of Hell may never be able to Prevail against his church our same King and mediator govern governs Us in his church with his Royal scepter namely his gospel and his most holy Doctrine the King of Kings Reigns not the king of Poland the king of King Reigns we are in his hands we are under his protection even in times es especially in times of suffering and persecution Christ is the King of Kings and the Lord of lords. [00:24:20]

It is therefore not possible nor allowed to come to God by any other means means no more help me say n no mediatrix Doctrine Paul declared it there is one God and there is one mediator the Roman Catholic Church understood that to mean there's one Transcendent mediator with secondary mediators the reformers helped us understand the exclusivity of that I am the way I am the truth I am the life there's salvation found in only one name Peter will thunderously preach and then Paul declares it one mediator so Lano ragn Noy it is therefore not possible nor allowed to come to God by any other means there's no name given to invoke and beseech him or ask any Grace or benefit from him or pray him or ask him any Grace or benefit for Christ Alone is our true mediator and advocate. [00:28:38]

He alone is the head the sumis pontifex back in 1453 the pope took an old holy uh Roman Emperor title rather pontificus Maximus the Supreme high priest the pope took it in 1453 still has it as a title doesn't belong to him belongs to Christ Christ is the sumus ponteix or pontificus Maximus expressing it the same way of his church he alone is the one in whom the father is wholly pleased it's the beloved Son in whom God is well pleased and in him alone the father placed the whole Treasure of His blessings this gets out a horrid medieval doctrine of the treasury of merits those Saints who had their extra Graces to make it a visual impact the Catholic Church actually taught there was a literal treasury in heaven where these Graces existed and they could be dispensed and they were dispensed through the church enter sacraments and there could not be salvation found outside of the Roman Catholic church. [00:30:25]

So again we set the record straight In Christ Alone the father placed the whole Treasure of His blessings establishing that in him alone they should be dispensed and communicated to us so that outside of him see what he does there uh not outside of the church there is no salvation he needs Clarity here outside of Christ there is no salvation nor any good but only condemnation and curse without Christ we are without hope in this world where does this theology come from already explained how it derives biblically but let's just just think about this where in the gospels let's take Luke do you remember where in the Gospel of Luke we first hear this title anointed one not to Mary Mary is told that you will have a son and uh you will call his name Jesus Joshua strong Redeemer but it's to the Shepherds for unto you this day is born in the city of David who was anointed in 1 Samuel chapter 16 as king Christ the lord a savior Christ we learn right from the beginning of the gospels. [00:31:09]

Jesus was not born a prince he was born a king from the moment he's an infant he's the anointed one from the moment he's the infant he's the prophet he's the king but let's let's get to the heart of it he's the priest let's think about that for a while his mediatorial role as priest because at the end of the day what do we need a mediator four well let's let Romans 5 give us the answer Romans chapter 5 verse one Paul says therefore since we have been justified by faith we have peace we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand and we rejoice in Hope of the glory of God uh here we see Christ as our mediator we see that we are Justified and these prepositions are very important through Christ by Christ and Christ is for us and Christ accomplishes the this mediatorial role on behalf of us he is our mediator and he brings us peace. [00:34:25]

We don't need a mediator because we are sick and in need of medicine uh we don't need a mediator because we don't have quite enough Graces to escape Purgatory we need a mediator because we have rebelled against the holy God you if you go back to Romans 1 very quickly at Verse 18 I always found this fascinating we we have the introduction to Romans we have the theme stated of the Gospel there in verse 16 and 17 and now Romans proper begins Ro Romans the argument of Romans begins at Verse 18 the flow of Romans Begins the the introduction the foundation is established Paul's given us the the neon light with the arrow of telling us the direction he's going with this epistle and now he starts Romans 1:18 this is the beginning of it and what hits us as soon as we commence the Wrath of God Paul doesn't beat around the bush Paul doesn't start off in left field and eventually bring us to the point Paul gets to it right down to business there's a massive Boulder that is about to crush you and you know what it's called the wrath of God it's the elephant in the room if if the elephant were infinite in size and how do we go from wrath to peace a mediator literally someone stands in the middle. [00:37:57]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Jan 21, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?