The Glorious Benefits of Christ’s Mediation

In the grand tapestry of God’s redemptive plan, there are few truths more comforting than the mediation of Jesus Christ. The Westminster Larger Catechism, in its 57th question, asks, “What benefits hath Christ procured by his mediation?” The answer resounds with clarity and hope: “Christ by his mediation hath procured redemption, with all other benefits of the covenant of grace.” This truth is not a mere theological proposition but a wellspring of assurance for every believer, anchoring our faith in the finished work of our Savior. Through His mediation, Christ has secured for us a redemption that is complete, eternal, and overflowing with the blessings of God’s covenant love. Let us explore this glorious doctrine.

The Nature of Christ’s Mediation

To grasp the benefits of Christ’s mediation, we must first understand what His mediation entails. Christ, as the God-man, stands as the only Mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5). In His person, He bridges the infinite chasm sin created between a holy God and fallen sinners. His mediation encompasses His roles as Prophet, Priest, and King, through which He reveals God’s will, offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice, and rules over His people with sovereign grace. This mediation is not partial or temporary but perfect and eternal, securing every promise of God for those who trust in Him.

Hebrews 9:12 declares, “He entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.” Here, Paul unveils the heart of Christ’s mediatorial work: His sacrificial death. Unlike the repeated sacrifices of the Old Testament priests, which could never take away sins, Christ’s offering was singular and sufficient. His blood, shed once for all, has secured an eternal redemption. This redemption is not a possibility but a certainty, not a temporary reprieve but an everlasting deliverance from the guilt, power, and penalty of sin. Through His mediation, Christ has paid the debt we could never pay, satisfying divine justice and reconciling us to God.

Redemption: The Foundation of All Benefits

The catechism’s answer begins with redemption, the cornerstone of Christ’s mediatorial work. Redemption, in the biblical sense, is the act of purchasing or ransoming someone from bondage. Humanity, enslaved to sin and under the curse of the law, stood in desperate need of a Redeemer. Christ, by His death on the cross, paid the price to set us free. His blood was the ransom, His life the payment, and His resurrection the proof that the transaction was complete.

Hebrews 9:12 emphasizes the finality and efficacy of this redemption. The phrase “once for all” underscores that Christ’s sacrifice needs no repetition. The blood of goats and calves, offered under the old covenant, was but a shadow pointing to the reality of Christ’s atoning work. His blood, offered in the true heavenly sanctuary, has secured redemption that endures forever. This redemption delivers us from the wrath of God, frees us from the dominion of sin, and grants us eternal life in the presence of our Creator. It is a redemption that cannot be undone, for it rests on the unchangeable work of the Son of God.

But what does this mean for us today? It means that every believer, no matter how great their sin or how deep their failures, can rest in the assurance that Christ’s blood is sufficient. There is no sin too heinous, no guilt too heavy, that His redemption cannot cover. The believer’s standing before God is not based on their own righteousness but on the perfect, finished work of Christ. This is the ground of our peace, the foundation of our hope, and the reason we can approach God with confidence.

All the Benefits of the Covenant of Grace

The catechism goes further, stating that Christ’s mediation secures not only redemption but “all other benefits of the covenant of grace.” This is a breathtaking truth, for the covenant of grace is God’s gracious promise to save His people through Christ. It is a covenant rooted in God’s eternal love, sealed by Christ’s blood, and applied by the Holy Spirit. Every blessing we receive as believers—forgiveness, justification, adoption, sanctification, and glorification—flows from this covenant, and Christ’s mediation ensures that every promise is fulfilled.

2 Corinthians 1:20 beautifully captures this reality: “For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.” Every promise of God, whether for pardon, provision, or preservation, finds its fulfillment in Christ. He is the “Yes” to every divine commitment. The promise of forgiveness? Yes, in Christ, who bore our sins. The promise of the Spirit? Yes, in Christ, who sent the Comforter. The promise of eternal life? Yes, in Christ, who is our life. Through His mediation, every benefit of the covenant of grace is secured for us, not because of our merit but because of His.

This truth transforms how we view the Christian life. Every spiritual blessing we enjoy, every moment of communion with God, every step of growth in holiness, every assurance of future glory, is a gift purchased by Christ’s mediation. When we pray, it is through Christ that we are heard. When we are sanctified, it is through Christ that we are made holy. When we stand before God on the final day, it will be through Christ that we are declared righteous. The covenant of grace is not a vague hope but a certain reality, for Christ has secured its every benefit.

Living in Light of Christ’s Mediation

What, then, should be our response to such a glorious truth? First, we must trust in Christ alone. His mediation is sufficient; there is no need to add our works or merits to His finished work. To trust in anything else is to diminish the glory of His sacrifice. Second, we must live with gratitude. The benefits of the covenant of grace are not earned but given freely through Christ. This should fill our hearts with worship and our lives with thanksgiving. Third, we must proclaim this truth to others. The world is filled with those who are still in bondage to sin, unaware of the redemption Christ has secured. We are called to share the good news that through Christ’s mediation, all who believe can receive eternal life.

Finally, let us rest in the assurance of Christ’s mediation. The storms of life may rage, and our faith may falter, but the benefits Christ has procured are unshakable. His redemption is eternal, His promises are sure, and His mediation is complete. As we navigate the trials of this world, let us fix our eyes on Him, the Mediator who has secured our salvation and every blessing that flows from it.

Conclusion

The mediation of Christ is the heartbeat of the gospel. Through His perfect life, sacrificial death, and triumphant resurrection, He has procured redemption and all the benefits of the covenant of grace. Hebrews 9:12 assures us that His blood has secured an eternal redemption, and 2 Corinthians 1:20 declares that every promise of God finds its fulfillment in Him. Let us, therefore, cling to Christ, rejoice in His finished work, and live in the light of His glorious mediation. For in Him, we have everything we need for this life and the life to come.

Soli Deo Gloria