Editor’s Note:
Sometime around 1992, the elders of the Spencer church of Christ requested I preach a week’s gospel meeting with that group of Christians. It was the second time I had received that honor, but the first time of working with brother Gary Fiscus. Since that time, Nancy and I have found a very close and loving fellowship with Gary and Jane in Christ Jesus. We share a fervent appreciation for God’s truth, the church which Christ purchased with His blood, and the labors involved as preachers declaring the gospel to all who will hear that saving power of God (Romans 1:16-17). It is a joy to have Gary and Jane return to Orleans for a week’s gospel meeting! This entire congregation has grown to love them as our own and value the humble, yet firm and uncompromising manner by which he shares his wisdom derived from diligent study of God’s word!
For several years, Gary has used questions asked of him to write not only the answers to these concerns but to share that truth with all who care to read his written answer. Copied from his work of 3 September 2022, please be enriched by this sample of his work.
Ask:
“I know you briefly mentioned in a recent Bible class the difference between a mediator and an intercessor. I would like more clarification if you could.”
I think the problem lies here with our cultural need to put everything into an either-or decision. Jesus is both Intercessor and Mediator and working with the Holy Spirit can accomplish this task.
To intercede means to plead our cause to God on our behalf. We have offended Him with our sins. Our transgressions as it were, are laid before God. Mercy for our immoral situation is pleaded for on the condition of repentance. God extends mercy. We repent and obey. Romans 8:34 states, “It is Christ Jesus…who market intercession for us…” We see, however, that at Romans 8:26, “the Spirit Himself maketh intercession for us…” Hebrews 7:25 reads, “Wherefore He is able also to save them … seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.” 1 Timothy 2:5 records, “For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” Jesus, therefore, acts as both Mediator and Intercessor and does so, not in violation of, but in association with the Spirit.
In the context of Romans 8 all three entities of the godhead are mentioned. John says, “they are in agreement,” (1 Jn. 5:8). So, even though they are separate individuals they work in affiliation with each other. Note: The word GOD is plural. It incorporates all three as God, the Father, God, the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
“But,” you say, “1 Timothy 2:5 states there is only ONE Mediator…Christ Jesus.” I believe that Jesus is referred to as “man” so that people could identify His role as a Mediator or Arbitrator. Jesus is called both the “Son of God,” and the “Son of man.” In human form, people could relate to how one might arbitrate. The Holy Spirit (Ghost) is never named as “son of man.” So, both divinity and the humanity of Christ are significant here.
Let me close, however, with a descriptive definition of the difference between a mediator and an intercessor. To mediate means to strive for a settlement between two parties on what is better for both. An intercessor intercedes, i.e., works to avert the consequences of wrongdoing. Simply put, a mediator does more than intercede.
Christ mediates to obtain the blessing of salvation from God to man. He is our Mediator by virtue of His atonement for our sins. He is our Intercessor because of His relationship to God the Father, and God the Spirit. Again, all three work together to afford mankind salvation. –GLF