Sunday 9 August 2009

Is Christ the mediator between only 144,000 and God? (1 Timothy 2:5)

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, a man, Christ Jesus. (1 Timothy 2:5)

Mediator between God and Men

The context of Paul’s words from verses 1-4 clearly shows that “men” here means all mankind. Notice verses 1 and 2 - Paul asks that we pray for all sorts of men.

I therefore exhort, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, offerings of thanks, be made concerning all sorts of men (lit. “all men,”) concerning kings and all those who are in high station; in order that we may go on leading a calm and quiet life with full godly devotion and seriousness.

This raises a question - is it really acceptable to pray for all humans, since most do not accept God and Christ? Should we really give “offerings of thanks” for these people? Is that really acceptable? Paul’s answer comes in the next verse, verse 3.

This is fine and acceptable in the sight of our Savior, God,

Why is it fine and acceptable, to pray for such people, who have not accepted Christ, who do not know God, who might even lead immoral, dissolute lives? People Paul knew, “kings” and “those in high station” like Herod Agrippa, Felix? In verse 4, Paul gives the answer.

whose will is that all sorts of men (lit. “all men”) should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth.

In verse 5, he continues, showing what God has done to make his “will” possible.

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, a man, Christ Jesus, who gave himself a corresponding ransom for all—this is what is to be witnessed to at its own particular times.

Since Christ is a corresponding ransom for all mankind, it is fine and acceptable to pray for all men. Paul’s usage of the expression “one God” is also telling. Paul shows Jehovah is the God and Creator of all mankind, not solely the Christians he is writing to. Christians should not make the same mistake the Jews do, considering Jehovah to be their God, but not of the whole world.

Paul is not talking about Christ being mediator of solely the 144,000 - that would work against the logic of the whole argument he has just made, and the context of his statement. Jesus is the mediator between all mankind and Jehovah. Of which covenant? The new covenant - but it is important to understand the new covenant is not restricted to the 144,000 - rather it applies to all mankind. This can be discussed in another post.

The 144,000 are “ministers of the new covenant” made with all mankind, just like Aaron and his sons were the ministers of the old covenant made with all Israel. (2 Corinthians 3:6) And just as Israel was baptized into Moses and later entered into the Law covenant (old covenant), people of all mankind enter into the new covenant when they accept Christ, are baptized in water, thus baptized into Christ, identifying with his death, burial and resurrection. The purpose of the new covenant is clearly stated – the forgiveness of sins of all mankind. (Luke 22:20, Matthew 26:28) The new covenant is different to the covenant for the kingdom that Jesus makes in Luke 22:29, 30 in which the 144,000 are kings and priests with Christ. (The number 144,000 is symbolic and refers to the conquerors from among the Body of Christ that is present on the earth. Please see the article Who are the 144,000?)

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