Last week's post laid groundwork for this: Christ is our mediator. The role of Christ as mediator is mentioned several times in Scripture, but rarely explored in sermons or commentaries. The job of a mediator is to help negotiate an agreement between opposing parties. That is, a mediator helps opposing parties settle out of court. It is natural for us to view God as a judge: he is portrayed that way. In fact, Jesus portrays himself as a judge under the New Covenant. But the New Covenant -- a mediated settlement between God and man -- has been put in place by Christ.
In court, opposing parties may each think their case is right. But when we have wronged God, we might view our certainty of innocence with some skepticism.
In earthly terms, court is often the setting for drama: it's impossible to know what will happen in court. If there is a contract, is it valid? Is it enforceable? A contract will have terms; are they acceptable? And so there is no guarantee of the outcome of a trial, regardless of expectations.
One of the main benefits of a mediated settlement is that it sets the outcome on pre-arranged terms. In Christ, we have a settlement agreement, a covenant.
And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. (Matthew 26:27-28)
In Christ, we have settled out of court with God. The terms were: forgiveness; mercy; grace.
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