Mediation — Disputes with the Protestants

The lecture shows that the word “mediation” has a double meaning: on the one hand, the redemptive or atoning mediation which Christ alone performed, and on the other hand, the functional and mediatory mediation that the Church and its structure and ministers exercise in the life of believers. The speaker affirms that redemption and atonement are not performed by anyone other than Christ, but there are other mediations necessary for salvation and grace to reach people.

Main idea

• There is no denial of the fact that Christ is the “one mediator” in atonement and redemption (the books of Timothy and John are cited), and this is an undisputed truth.

• However, spiritual, educational, and liturgical mediation exists and does not negate Christ’s uniqueness in atonement. The Church and the missionary systems act as channels through which divine help reaches people (preaching, baptism, teaching, anointing, laying on of hands, ordination of ministers).

Spiritual and educational dimensions (from a Coptic Orthodox faith perspective)

• The Church is considered a mediator in teaching the people and bringing faith to them through apostles, teachers, and shepherds, thereby perfecting the saints and building the body of Christ.

• The Church’s sacraments (baptism, anointing, ordination of ministers, laying on of hands) are a means for conveying the work of the Holy Spirit and new life; they are not a rival to Christ’s atonement but a continuation of his work by the means He permitted.

• Intercession and mutual prayer between believers, saints, and shepherds are understood as prayerful mediation not atoning; believers pray and others pray for them, and God responds with mercy.

Arguments against Protestant positions

• Some Protestants claim that faith alone is sufficient and that there is no need for a human mediator between man and God; the speaker replies that faith itself reached people through mediation (preaching, apostles, and the Church).

• The verses cited to affirm the “one mediator” are understood in the context of atonement only, not as justification for abolishing all functions of mediation which Christ arranged for the Church.

Practical/conclusive summary

• We do not deny Christ’s mediation in redemption, but it is necessary to acknowledge the existence of lawful and ecclesial channels for passing on grace: teaching, sacraments, preaching, ordaining ministers, laying on of hands.

• Ecclesial mediation is not a mediation that replaces Christ, but a lawful and pastoral channel given by the Lord so that people may grow in faith and spiritual life.

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