A note from our Pastor:

“Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.”

1 Timothy 2:6

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

In our study verse this week the Apostle continues with thoughts around Jesus Christ as a our mediator. In his omniscience as God, Jesus Christ knows the thoughts and intents of the hearts of his people. As such, he needs no authority other than being God to make himself our mediator. However, the story of the New Testament is not one of a powerful God doing as he pleases but rather of a loving God acting in mercy for those he loves.

As such, the message of Jesus Christ as our mediator is interconnected with Jesus Christ as the price paid for our salvation. Why does Jesus Christ plead our case? Because he loved us and died for us. Why do we plead the case of others through prayer, because Jesus Christ loved them and died for them.

While considering this verse, we should also take a few moments to consider the implications of misunderstanding the phrase “ransom for all.” Taken out of context, one could easily assume this verse means that Jesus Christ died for all of mankind. This raises clear issues because the scriptures are clear that not all mankind will end up in heaven. Given that truth, if this verse means Christ died for all men then his death was inherently ineffective for some people. Any path that leads to this conclusion is not scriptural.

Rather, this verse means Jesus Christ provided himself as a sacrifice for all types of people. During his ministry he said he came only to the Jews, but this was in regards to his earthly teachings not his eternal salvation. His sacrifice was effectively paid for people of every nation, kindred, language, race, ethnicity, sex, gender, or any other category which can be listed here. And for each person he died for the sacrifice is complete, effective, and cannot be overturned.

What a blessing it is to remember that Christ is our mediator because he already gave of himself for our salvation.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah