The Work of the Mediator—Obedience unto Death (Chapter 8, Paragraph 4)

“This office the Lord Jesus did most willingly undertake…”

Here we see the willing heart of Christ. He was not forced into the role of Mediator; He embraced it out of love. As He said in John 10:18, “No one takes [My life] from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord.” Redemption began not just with a plan but with a willing Savior.

“…which that He might discharge, He was made under the law…”

Galatians 4:4 teaches that Christ was “born of a woman, born under the law.” As the true Israelite and Second Adam, He had to fulfill every demand of God’s law—not for Himself, but on behalf of sinners. Where Adam failed, Jesus succeeded.

“…and did perfectly fulfil it…”

This refers to Christ’s active obedience—His perfect law-keeping from birth to death. He earned righteousness for His people, so that we might be clothed in it (2 Cor. 5:21). His obedience wasn’t merely to die sinless; it was to live perfectly.

“…and suffered most grievous torments immediately in His soul, and most painful sufferings in His body…”

The paragraph soberly recounts the horrors of the cross. Christ bore not only physical pain (crucifixion), but soul anguish. Isaiah 53:10 says, “It pleased the Lord to crush Him; He has put Him to grief.” His inner torment was under the weight of divine wrath.

“…was crucified, and died, and remained in the state of the dead, yet saw no corruption.”

Christ truly died—His human soul was separated from His body. Yet unlike others, His body saw no decay (Acts 2:27). He remained under the power of death for a time, but death could not hold Him.

“On the third day He rose from the dead…”

The resurrection is not an appendix to redemption—it is its divine seal. It vindicates Christ’s righteousness, assures our justification (Rom. 4:25), and proclaims His victory over death.

“…with the same body in which He suffered…”

This affirms the bodily resurrection of Christ—not a spiritual appearance or illusion. His body, though glorified, bore the marks of the cross. This same Christ ascended and will return.

“…with which He also ascended into heaven…”

Christ’s ascension (Acts 1:9–11) marks the completion of His earthly mission and the beginning of His heavenly reign. He now sits at the Father’s right hand, interceding and reigning for His people.

“…and there sitteth at the right hand of His Father…”

The “right hand” is the place of honor and authority. Christ’s work is finished (Heb. 1:3), and He reigns now as King and Priest.

“…making intercession…”

He continues His mediatorial work through intercession (Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7:25). This is not pleading from a distance—it is a constant, loving advocacy. He pleads not our merit, but His own blood.

“…and shall return to judge men and angels at the end of the world.”

The Mediator is also the Judge (Acts 17:31). His second coming will bring final judgment—vindication for the redeemed and righteous wrath for the unrepentant. The One who died for sinners will return in glory.

Application for the Believer:

Rest in the finished work of Christ! He obeyed where you failed. He suffered what you deserved. He rose that you might live. The entire weight of your salvation rests on His shoulders—not yours. You need not fear condemnation, for the One who bore your sin now intercedes for you. Let this truth quiet your fears, ignite your worship, and embolden your witness. And as you await His return, walk in joyful obedience—not to earn favor, but because you are loved and secured in Him. Christ has done all; now we live in the light of His accomplished redemption.