Mediator of the New Covenant

November 19, 2017 Background Scripture: Hebrews 12:14, 15, 18 – 29; Psalm 66 Lesson Passage: Hebrews 12:14, 15, 18 – 29 Last week’s lesson presented the New Covenant that God will make with the descendants of Israel. The New Covenant would not be an external covenant written on stone tablets or scrolls as the others were. This covenant would be an internal one written in their hearts. Today’s lesson provides additional details about some arrangements involving the New Covenant. The New Covenant has a mediator assigned as executor. This mediator is completely unbiased and faithful in the administration of the New Covenant. This should be welcomed news for the descendants of Israel. Their ancestors experienced what it was like to be in covenant with a holy God and have no mediator to stand between God and the people. It was not a pleasant experience for them. When God established the covenant with them at Mt. Sinai, His presence descended upon the mountain in view of all Israel. The mountain quaked and billowed smoke and they heard what sounded like the loud continuous blast of a trumpet. The sound of God speaking was unbearable to them. The people of Israel trembled and begged Moses to be a mediator for them because they feared the presence of God on Mt. Sinai. They recognized that they were not able to stand before a holy God and receive the covenant at Mt. Sinai. Further, God gave a warning that if any, man or beast, were to touch the mountain while His presence was upon it, then they were to be stoned to death. Although the covenant was between God and them, they begged for a mediator to stand between God and them. They would not have to beg for a mediator for the New Covenant. God has already assigned a mediator for the New Covenant. This mediator is thoroughly familiar with the details of the covenant because he is the author of the New Covenant. It should be noted that the New Covenant is also the last will and testament of Jesus Christ. As a last will and testament, it could only go into effect upon the death of the benefactor or testator. The covenant was considered to be in effect as soon as the testator died. When Jesus died on Calvary’s cross, the New Covenant went into effect because the testator had died. His shed blood ratified the terms of the agreement. However, when Jesus rose from the dead on the third day, he did so as the mediator of the New Covenant that had been put into effect by his death. Through his eternal life as mediator of the covenant, he upholds and oversees all provisions of the covenant. Since the covenant promises eternal life, Jesus lives forever to ensure its fulfillment. No one who is a part of this eternal covenant should ever fear losing any provision of the covenant because the mediator is not just the executor of the will but he is also the guarantor of it. Israel met God at Mt. Sinai to receive and ratify the Old Covenant. Believers in Christ are brought to the spiritual city of God on Mt. Zion to receive the provisions of the New Covenant which has already been ratified by the blood of the Mediator. Robert C. Hudson October 26, 2017