THE CURRENT MINISTRY OF JESUS

"Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens" (Heb 7:25-26, NKJV).

Devotion 9 of 11 GOD IS ONE!

Here is an arresting statement--particularly regarding the mediatorial work of Christ. GOD IS ONE! "Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one" (Gal 3:20). "But a go- between is not needed when there is only one person; and God is one" (TEV). "But an intermediary is not needed for one party acting alone, and God is one" (NEB). The meaning of this verse does not lie near the surface. Its profundity may be detected by the number of interpretations that men have given to it. God is showing the superiority of the new covenant and of its Mediator. The first covenant, founded upon the law principle, was fraught with weakness (Rom 8:3). It could neither alter the people nor bring them into the promised land. It was truly "weak through the flesh." Mind you, it had no weakness of its own. It was weak and unprofitable because of the people--the constituents of the covenant. The sense of this proclamation becomes apparent when we realize the New covenant was made actually with Jesus Christ, the Son. He is the Seed "to whom the promises were made" (Gal 3:16). "GOD IS ONE" is a Divine way of showing no mediator was required to MAKE the covenant. It is APPLYING the covenant that requires a Mediator. In this case "God is one" in the Father and the Son; one in purpose and intent. The Son was sent to redeem us and make us sons. The agreement is NOT between God and the people, but between the Father and the Son! Those "in the Son" will realize the writing of the Law in their hearts, and the placing of it within their minds. They will come to know the Lord because of the remission of their sins--and all because they are in the Son! The Son is mediating the covenant--the glorious new covenant! He, and He alone, ensures that we will be brought safely home. Yes, we are involved; our hearts and minds are in the work. But we are trusting in Christ to bring us all the way through! "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit" (1 Pet 3:18). Jesus is right now administering the covenant. The things required for us to be included in the blessing of the covenant are being accomplished by Him. We are being cleansed by His blood and strengthened by His Spirit that we might receive the blessing of the Lord. The Godhead, so to speak, is working together to bring us home. "God is one!" Unlike the Old Covenant, the New one is not "weak through the flesh." Rather, it is firm and unshakeable because of Divine commitment and activity. "God is one!

-- TOMORROW: JESUS IS BUILDING HIS CHURCH --