Jesus Christ, the Intermediary and Arbitrator (2)

Gal 3:19-20 “What then was the purpose of the Law? It was added [later on, after the promise, to disclose and expose to men their guilt] because of transgressions and [to make men more conscious of the sinfulness] of sin; and it was intended to be in effect until the Seed (the Descendant, the Heir) should come, to and concerning Whom the promise had been made. And it [the Law] was arranged and ordained and appointed through the instrumentality of angels [and was given] by the hand (in the person) of a go-between [Moses, an intermediary person between God and man]. Now a go-between (intermediary) has to do with and implies more than one party [there can be no mediator with just one person]. Yet God is [only] one Person [and He was the sole party in giving that promise to Abraham. But the Law was a contract between two, God and Israel; its validity was dependent on both].”

 

The original intention of God was to establish a holy people to Himself through Abraham. This was principally because the world was full of sin. But when the chosen people could not live a holy and righteous life, He gave them a law, a code of living, which was supposed to be the basis of their deliverance and salvation but it turned out to be an instrument which constantly reminded them of their sinfulness and convicted them of sin. The law was to be in effect or operation until the Seed, the Heir would come and fulfil the content of the law to the letter and become the new intermediary between God and man.

By so doing, the Law would no longer serves as the instrument of judgment but an instrument of righteousness through Jesus Christ when we believe in Him. The law was a contract between God and the children of Israel of which Moses was the go-between. But Jesus is the intermediary between God and mankind of which His blood was the price paid for redemption. So it was His blood that He shed on the cross of Calvary that atones for the sin of mankind. Thus, He became the Go-between of the new covenant established on the altar of Calvary by the virtue of the blood He sprinkled on the cross of Calvary.      

Who is an intermediary or arbitrator?

 

An arbitrator is an authority and a mediator. He/she is not just one appointed to mediate in a case but is usually one who has a basic qualification in order to perform his/her duty effectively. In other words, he/she is a qualified judge and an adjudicator not an impostor, one who is versed in the law and the decrees of the land. He is a negotiator, a conciliator who commands the honour and respect of both parties in the dispute. He is expected to discharge his function without fear or favour otherwise questions will be raised or doubts cast on his authority. He is also an expert liaison officer and a go-between authority. He must be a man/woman with impeccable character or qualities.

The scripture says there is no other person who qualifies or possesses any of the above qualities or character. This is basically because the price and the demand of the law are too costly for anyone to fulfil. Psalms 49:7-8 puts it this way, “None of them can by any means redeem [either himself or ] his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him- For the ransom of a life is too costly, and [the price one can pay] can never suffice-.” 

But God sent His one and only Son who came and became an intermediary and arbitrator for all mankind. He came and satisfied all the demands and requirements of the law; and died that all might be saved. He rose from death and ascended to Heaven and is seated now at the right hand of the most High God.

The first question any arbitrator faces is that of legitimacy. Where does he/she draw his/her legitimacy? Who authorizes him/her or who gave him/her permission to do what he/she is doing? He will be asked questions like “who made you a judge and a leader over us”. Just like when one of the two children of Israel involved in a fight asked Moses who he was when he intervened to separate them?  Similarly, the bible said when Jesus entered into the inner place of the temple in Jerusalem the Chief priests and the elders came and demanded from Him,
Tell us, “By what power of authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this power of authority? (Matthew 21:23 Amp)”.

The legitimacy of Jesus comes from the God-Head. He negotiated and was given the mandate to come and save mankind from perdition. The chief priest and elders of the people knew that Jesus derived His power and authority from God that was why when He asked them the simple question of whether the baptism of John was from Heaven or from men (Matthew 21:25)? They could not answer Him because they knew John was a messenger of God. The people also knew Jesus received His authority from Almighty God. They reasoned among themselves after His sermon on the mountain and concluded that He taught as “One who had [and was] an authority, not as [did] the scribes (Matthew 7:29 Amp).” Jesus had and was the authority Himself. He is indeed the Inter-mediator and the Intermediary; He is the Arbitrator and the Arbiter. He is the “Go-between” between God and mankind, no other, never can be. Amen!