One mediator
by Stuart Gray
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For there is one God and one mediator between God and humankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people (1 Timothy 2:5,6a).
Read 1 Timothy 2:1–7
Today’s reading raises a difficult question. Are Christians the only ones who will see salvation and eternal life? The text says, ‘For there is one God and one mediator between God and humankind, the man Christ Jesus.’
But the next verse says, ‘… who gave himself as a ransom for all people.’
A definitive answer to the question is way above my pay grade, so I would like to take a wider look at the passage and explore what Paul is saying to us.
First of all, Paul urges us to pray for all people. That’s a big ask. During intercessions, when we have the opportunity to pray for those in our hearts, I soon run out of names of family and friends and a few general categories. But Paul says to pray for all people.
And he has distinctions in prayer: supplications, requests for specific needs; prayers, general worshipful communication with God; intercessions, pleading on behalf of others; and thanksgivings, expressions of gratitude.
Paul says we should pray for all those in authority so we can live in ‘all godliness and holiness’.
And the reason for this? Verses 3 and 4 say, ‘This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.’
Again, Paul says God wants all people to be saved and know the truth. And the truth Paul refers to is that there is one mediator between God and humankind. This is ‘the man Christ Jesus who gave himself as a ransom for all people’.
It is clear that Christians are to place their trust in Christ alone as mediator, but God wants the salvation of all people. Thankfully, it is not our role to judge individuals. Our faith is in God’s justice and mercy.
As Christians, we can bear witness to Christ crucified, the mediator between perfect God and sinful humankind; we can respect and love people of other faiths and leave the final judgement to God.
Heavenly Father, we pray that the Holy Spirit works through us to be witnesses to Christ crucified. Help us to treat all people with love and respect. In the name of Jesus, our Lord and Saviour. Amen.
Stuart lives with his wife Pamela Dalgliesh in Mansfield, in the beautiful High Country of Victoria. In between helping to maintain a large garden and domestic orchard with 80 fruit trees, Stuart is a volunteer mentor for learner drivers, a Red Cross patient transport driver and is involved in a very active Mansfield Anglican church community. Stuart loves travelling, being outdoors and maintaining a fit and healthy lifestyle.
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