Mediation; Mediator
Mediation; Mediator [1]
The means of effecting the reconciliation was mainly the death on the cross . Paul emphasizes the mediating value of the death both on its objective (God-ward) side and on its subjective (man-ward) side. First , it is the objective ground of forgiveness and favor with God. On the basis of what Christ has done, God ceases to reckon to men their sins ( 2 Corinthians 5:19 ). Paul's view of the death may be seen by considering some of his most characteristic expressions. ( a ) It is an act of reconciliation . This involves a change of attitude, not only in man, but in God, a relinquishing of the Divine wrath without which there can be no restoration of peaceful relations (though this is disputed by many, e.g. Ritschl, Lightfoot, Westcott, Beyschlag), but not a change of nature or of intention, for the Divine wrath is but a mode of the eternal love, and moreover it is the Father Himself who provides the means of reconciliation and undertakes to accomplish it ( 2 Corinthians 5:19; compare Colossians 1:20 , Colossians 1:21; Ephesians 2:16 ). (b) It is an act of propitiation ( Romans 3:25 , ἱλαστήριον , hilastḗrion , from ἱλάσκεσθαι , hiláskesthai , "to render favorable" or "propitious"). Here there is a clear though tacit reference to a change of attitude on God's part. He who was not formerly propitious to man was appeased through the death of Christ. Yet the propitiatory means are provided by God Himself, who takes the initiative in the matter ("whom God set forth," etc.). ( c ) It is a ransom . The Mediator "gave himself a ransom for all" ( 1 Timothy 2:6 ). The idea of payment of a ransom price is clearly implied in the word "redemption" ( Romans 3:24; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14 , ἀπολύτρωσις , apolútrōsis , from lútron , "ransom"). It is not alone the fact of liberation (Westcott, Ritschl), but also the cost of liberation that is referred to. Hence, Christians are said to be "redeemed," "bought with a price" ( Galatians 3:13; James M.A. DD General Editor. Entry for 'Mediation; Mediator'. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/isb/m/mediation-mediator.html. 1915.Copyright Statement These files are public domain and were generously provided by the folks at WordSearch Software. Bibliography Information Orr
