Christ's Mediation: Reconciliation Through His Sacrifice
Summary
In this message, we delve into the profound theological insights of the Reformation concerning the work of Christ as our mediator. The Reformation, while not altering the understanding of Christ's dual nature as both divine and human, significantly reshaped the understanding of His work—His life, death, resurrection, and ascension. The Reformation emphasized the multifaceted nature of Christ's work, using various metaphors from the New Testament, such as the courtroom, the temple, and the marketplace, to illustrate the depth of our reconciliation with God.
Central to this understanding is the concept of alienation and reconciliation. Humanity is naturally alienated from God due to sin, and this alienation is mutual, as God's holiness cannot coexist with sin. The Reformation highlighted that reconciliation is initiated by God, who, through Christ, reconciles the world to Himself. This divine initiative underscores that reconciliation is not dependent on human effort but is a gift from God.
The means of reconciliation is vividly portrayed in 2 Corinthians 5:21, where Christ, who knew no sin, was made to be sin for us. This act of substitution is not merely about Christ identifying with humanity but about Him bearing the full weight of our sin, satisfying divine justice. The Reformation taught that this substitution was a willing act by Christ, emphasizing that He was not a victim but a willing participant in the divine plan of salvation.
The consequence of this reconciliation is profound. Not only are our sins forgiven, but we are also clothed in the righteousness of Christ. This imputed righteousness means that we are seen as law-keepers and covenant-keepers in the eyes of God. The Reformation's teaching of "solus Christus" (Christ alone) underscores that our salvation is through Christ alone, without the need for additional mediators or rituals.
Finally, the extent of reconciliation is universal in scope, encompassing all who believe, regardless of race or class. This assurance of salvation is rooted in the effectiveness of Christ's work, which truly saves those who trust in Him. As ambassadors of this message, we are called to share this good news with the world, proclaiming the reconciliation available through Christ.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Nature of Alienation and Reconciliation: Humanity's alienation from God is mutual, rooted in our sin and God's holiness. Reconciliation is initiated by God, emphasizing His grace and the gift of salvation, independent of human effort. [13:51]
2. The Means of Reconciliation: Christ's substitutionary atonement is central to our reconciliation with God. He bore our sins, satisfying divine justice, and this act was a willing sacrifice, not a forced one. [20:01]
3. The Consequence of Reconciliation: Beyond forgiveness, believers are clothed in Christ's righteousness, seen as law-keepers in God's eyes. This imputed righteousness is a profound gift, symbolizing our new identity in Christ. [37:47]
4. The Extent of Reconciliation: The reconciliation offered through Christ is universal in scope, available to all who believe, transcending race and class. This assurance of salvation is rooted in the effectiveness of Christ's work. [42:34]
5. The Call to Be Ambassadors: As recipients of this reconciliation, we are called to share the message of Christ's redemptive work with the world, proclaiming the good news of salvation and reconciliation through Him. [45:20]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:38] - Introduction to the Reformation's View
- [01:16] - The Love of Christ and Our Transformation
- [02:34] - Ministry of Reconciliation
- [03:27] - Christ's Person and Work
- [04:13] - The Hypostatic Union
- [05:40] - Endorsement of Early Church Creeds
- [07:00] - The Work of Christ: A New Perspective
- [09:01] - The Temple and Priesthood Imagery
- [10:27] - Alienation and Reconciliation
- [13:14] - The Problem of Alienation
- [17:15] - Divine Initiative in Reconciliation
- [20:01] - Means of Reconciliation: Substitution
- [26:13] - The Cross and Divine Justice
- [31:25] - Substitution and Satisfaction
- [37:47] - Consequence: Righteousness of God
- [42:34] - Extent of Reconciliation
- [45:20] - Call to Be Ambassadors
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- 2 Corinthians 5:11-21
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Observation Questions:
1. What does 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 say about who initiates reconciliation between God and humanity? [17:15]
2. How does the sermon describe the concept of alienation between humanity and God? [13:51]
3. According to the sermon, what metaphors from the New Testament are used to describe the work of Christ? [07:35]
4. What is the significance of Christ being made "to be sin" according to 2 Corinthians 5:21? [20:01]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon explain the mutual alienation between humanity and God, and what role does God's holiness play in this? [16:26]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Christ's substitutionary atonement was a willing act? How does this impact our understanding of His sacrifice? [35:27]
3. What does the sermon imply about the universality of reconciliation through Christ, and how does this relate to the concept of "solus Christus"? [42:34]
4. How does the sermon interpret the imputed righteousness of Christ, and what does this mean for believers' identity in God's eyes? [37:47]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt alienated from God. What steps can you take to embrace the reconciliation offered through Christ? [13:51]
2. The sermon emphasizes that reconciliation is initiated by God. How does this understanding affect your view of grace and your relationship with God? [17:15]
3. Consider the metaphor of being clothed in Christ's righteousness. How does this change the way you view yourself and your actions in daily life? [37:47]
4. The sermon calls believers to be ambassadors of reconciliation. Identify one person in your life with whom you can share the message of reconciliation this week. [45:20]
5. How can you ensure that your understanding of salvation remains centered on "Christ alone" without relying on additional rituals or mediators? [36:05]
6. The sermon discusses the concept of substitution and satisfaction. How does this deepen your appreciation for the sacrifice of Christ, and how can you express this gratitude in your daily life? [30:45]
7. Reflect on the universality of reconciliation. How can you actively promote inclusivity and unity within your church community, transcending race and class? [42:34]
Devotional
Day 1: Divine Initiative in Reconciliation
Humanity is naturally alienated from God due to sin, and this alienation is mutual because God's holiness cannot coexist with sin. The Reformation emphasized that reconciliation is initiated by God, who, through Christ, reconciles the world to Himself. This divine initiative underscores that reconciliation is not dependent on human effort but is a gift from God. It is a profound act of grace that highlights God's love and mercy towards humanity. Understanding this can transform how we view our relationship with God, recognizing that it is not based on our actions but on His grace. [13:51]
Colossians 1:21-22 (ESV): "And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him."
Reflection: In what ways have you tried to earn God's favor through your actions? How can you rest in the truth that reconciliation with God is a gift, not something you achieve?
Day 2: Christ's Willing Sacrifice
Christ's substitutionary atonement is central to our reconciliation with God. He bore our sins, satisfying divine justice, and this act was a willing sacrifice, not a forced one. The Reformation taught that this substitution was a willing act by Christ, emphasizing that He was not a victim but a willing participant in the divine plan of salvation. This understanding deepens our appreciation for the love and commitment Christ has for humanity, as He chose to endure suffering for our sake. [20:01]
Hebrews 10:10 (ESV): "And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."
Reflection: Reflect on the significance of Christ's willingness to sacrifice Himself for you. How does this change your perspective on His love and your response to it?
Day 3: Clothed in Righteousness
Beyond forgiveness, believers are clothed in Christ's righteousness, seen as law-keepers in God's eyes. This imputed righteousness is a profound gift, symbolizing our new identity in Christ. The Reformation's teaching of "solus Christus" (Christ alone) underscores that our salvation is through Christ alone, without the need for additional mediators or rituals. This new identity transforms how we live, as we are called to reflect Christ's righteousness in our daily lives. [37:47]
Isaiah 61:10 (ESV): "I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels."
Reflection: How does knowing you are clothed in Christ's righteousness affect your self-image and actions? What steps can you take to live out this new identity today?
Day 4: Universal Scope of Reconciliation
The reconciliation offered through Christ is universal in scope, available to all who believe, transcending race and class. This assurance of salvation is rooted in the effectiveness of Christ's work, which truly saves those who trust in Him. This universality calls us to embrace the diversity of the body of Christ and to share the message of reconciliation with all people, regardless of their background. [42:34]
Galatians 3:28 (ESV): "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: Consider the diversity within your community. How can you actively participate in sharing the message of reconciliation with those who are different from you?
Day 5: Ambassadors of Reconciliation
As recipients of this reconciliation, we are called to share the message of Christ's redemptive work with the world, proclaiming the good news of salvation and reconciliation through Him. This calling is not just for pastors or missionaries but for every believer, as we are all ambassadors of Christ. Our lives and words should reflect the transformative power of the gospel, inviting others to experience the same reconciliation we have received. [45:20]
2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV): "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the message of reconciliation? How can you be an ambassador for Christ in your interactions with them today?
Quotes
"All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself, and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." [00:02:42]
"Now, if we think for a minute as to the work of Christ, and think of it in terms of how does the New Testament answer the question as to the work of Christ, and the New Testament does that in a multifaceted way. It does so for example in one instance using the language of the courtroom, and that we as human beings are sinful and guilty, and that we need the grace of God in order to be in a right standing and in a right relationship with God, the language of justification." [00:07:28]
"Or the New Testament uses the language that is associated with the temple, that we are by nature unfit and unclean to come into the presence of God. And that was symbolized in the Old Testament by the ritual of a veil that separated parts of the temple, and separated what was regarded as the presence of God from the people. And furthermore there were priests that separated people from the presence of God." [00:08:11]
"And, the language of the temple suggests that God has cleansed us and washed us by the blood of Christ, and that we have a great High Priest in Jesus Christ who ushers us into the presence of God, so that believing in Jesus the veil has been rent asunder. And that we are all priests, the priesthood of all believers. We're all priests by faith alone in Jesus Christ alone." [00:08:54]
"Or we could go to other parts of the New Testament that take up the picture, of the marketplace, where in New Testament times, men and women were sold as slaves. And the New Testament and the Bible as whole using the language of redemption as the payment price to set us free from our bondage and our captivity." [00:09:17]
"Alienation from God, man is alienated to God, but actually in this passage God is also alienated from man. You notice in verse 15, He died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves, and that's a part of the human problem, the human predicament, that we tend to live for ourselves." [00:13:35]
"Now, we need to ask ourselves the question, who is alienated to who, is it man that is alienated to God, or as I think the passage here suggests, that the basic problem we might say is not simply a human problem. The basic problem is the problem of God's character, and God's nature, and God's holiness." [00:16:09]
"God was in Christ in the whole of Christ's life from the moment of His conception in the womb of the Virgin Mary, from the moment of His birth in a stable in Bethlehem. From the time of His growth as an infant and a teenager, and into adolescence, and into a fully grown human being to His death upon the cross, His burial in the grave, His resurrection from the dead, His ascension to the right hand of God, God was in Christ in the whole of Christ's life." [00:18:52]
"Now, if we were to ask ourselves, how? We're thinking of the means of reconciliation, and if we think of how God brings about that reconciliation, I want us to sort of focus and come in close to verse 21. 'For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.'" [00:19:48]
"God made Him sin, who knew no sin. He reckoned Him a sinner who had never committed any sin, and therefore wasn't a sinner. Think of those words on the cross. 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?' He's quoting from the 22 Psalm. And I think he's doing more than just, well, remembering and recalling a favorite psalm that perhaps He had memorized as a child, and recited to Himself as an adult, and that therefore came back to Him as -- in this -- in His moment of pain and dereliction upon the cross." [00:23:53]
"And the answer of the Reformation was, that this was an act of substitution and satisfaction -- of substitution and satisfaction. Of satisfaction. A word, well, a word that goes back to Anselm of Canterbury in the twelfth century, who wrote a book (a fascinating book) 'Cur Deus Homo,' Why the God man? Or, why did God become man?" [00:30:45]
"Now, in our own time, of course, the doctrine of substitution has been criticized as an act of cosmic child abuse. The violence of the cross is indicative of a God who is abusive of His own Son, and all of the ramifications of that imagery. But you understand here, as the Reformers insisted upon, that when the New Testament uses the language of substitution it is imperative that we understand that that act of substitution was undertaken by Jesus willingly." [00:34:44]
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