Mediation of Christ and Atonement
What is the relationship between the atoning sacrifice of Christ on the cross and His mediation in the heavenly sanctuary? Heb. 7:25; 1 John 1:9; 2:1, 2; 4:10.
The death and resurrection of Christ make possible the mediation of Christ before the Father. Christ’s mediation means that human sin and guilt are not irrelevant before the Lord in heaven. It’s only through Christ’s work for us that we receive the benefits of His sacrificial death. Guilt and sin continue to be part of the human experience in the sight of God. That makes the role of our Mediator before the Father an indispensable element in the plan of salvation.
In the Bible the mediation of Christ before the Father is never separated from His atoning sacrifice. The sacrifice was offered on behalf of the human race, but its forgiving power continues to be effective in behalf of those who, in response to the invitation of the Spirit, repent and are converted. Forgiveness is mediated from God to us through Christ (Eph. 4:32). But it is also through Christ that repentance reaches the human heart (Acts 5:31). It also is effective for the forgiveness of sins committed by believers after conversion, because even after conversion sin can beset us. In such cases, John says we have an advocate who can represent us before God and through whom we can be forgiven (1 John 2:1, 2).
It is perhaps for that reason that Hebrews 2:17 uses the verb to make atonement (NIV) in the present tense, suggesting that Christ’s work of reconciliation continues in His high-priestly ministry. This means that although on the cross Christ obtained salvation for all, through His work as Mediator in the heavenly sanctuary He is applying the benefits of the cross to those who believe in Him. Without the mediation of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary, the atoning effectiveness and power of the Cross would not be available to sinners. His mediation is rooted in the Cross. This mediation is not a supplement to Calvary but is in fact the unfolding of the meaning and significance of God’s forgiving power, an unveiling of the depth and permanent atoning power of His sacrificial death.
| Have you sinned, even after you’ve accepted Jesus as your Savior? If so, what comfort do you get, knowing that Christ is mediating God’s forgiveness in your behalf in heaven? Why is that knowledge so important for us to have? |
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