The article by Alexander Carson addresses the theological concept of mediation, particularly in the context of the Israelites at Mount Sinai. Carson argues that the Israelites, terrified by the manifestation of God's holiness, requested Moses to serve as their mediator in receiving the law, illustrating the limitations of human righteousness before a holy God. He presents scriptural references such as Deuteronomy 5:22-33, where God speaks to the people out of the fire, demonstrating their inability to approach Him directly due to their sinfulness. The author underscores the significance of Christ as the ultimate Mediator in that, while the law was given to Israel, it is fulfilled not through their own merit but through their union with Christ, who perfectly upholds the law on their behalf. This doctrine emphasizes the necessity of grace and points to the gospel's central theme of redemption through Christ rather than human efforts.
Key Quotes
“The terrors of the Lord would destroy them were they to approach in their own righteousness or profess to keep the law as a ground of salvation.”
“God constituted him a type of the great Mediator and in that light he was acceptable and sufficient.”
“None of all the earth could thus approach and live.”
What does the Bible say about Moses receiving the law from God?
The Bible presents Moses as a mediator who received the law from God on behalf of the Israelites, showcasing the need for a mediator in approaching God's holiness.
Deuteronomy 5:22-27, Exodus 20:18-21
How do we know that Christ is our Mediator?
Christ is recognized as our Mediator because He fulfills the law perfectly and intercedes for us at the right hand of God.
1 Timothy 2:5, Hebrews 9:15, Romans 5:1-2
Why is understanding the role of a mediator important for Christians?
Understanding the mediator's role is crucial because it emphasizes our reliance on Christ rather than our own efforts for salvation.
Hebrews 4:14-16, Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 8:34
The Israelites, terrified by the dreadful appearance at Sinai, requested Moses to approach to God in their place, and receive the law for them. In this they were no doubt influenced merely by their own feelings. But it was providentially effected in order to afford a type of the gospel. The true Israelites received God's law, and perfectly fulfil it, not personally by themselves, but in their Mediator Christ, with whom, by a divine constitution, they are one. The terrors of the Lord would destroy them, were they to approach in their own righteousness, or profess to keep the law as a ground of salvation. Not one of them all could look at God in this way. This great truth is taught us in a figure in this terrible display of the holy and righteous God promulgating his law. "These words the Lord spake unto all your assembly in the mount out of the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice: and he added no more. And he wrote them in two tables of stone, and delivered them unto me. And it came to pass, when ye heard the voice out of the midst of the darkness, (for the mountain did burn with fire,) that ye came near unto me, even all the heads of your tribes, and your elders; and ye said, Behold, the Lord our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that God doth talk with man, and he liveth. Now therefore why should we die? for this great fire will consume us: if we hear the voice of the Lord our God any more, then we shall die. For who is there of all flesh, that hath heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire (as we have) and lived? Go thou near and hear all that the Lord our God shall say : and speak thou unto us all that the Lord our God shall speak unto thee; and we will hear it, and do it. And the Lord heard the voice of your words, when ye spake unto me; and the Lord said unto me, I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which they have spoken unto thee : they have well said all that they have spoken." What was Moses that he should undertake such an office? In himself he was utterly unfit for the office. Did he not exceedingly fear and tremble? Was he not sinful dust and ashes, as well as the rest of his brethren? God constituted him a type of the great Mediator, and in that light he was acceptable and sufficient, though his brethren had requested him to approach for them, yet their own observation on the occasion implied that none of all the earth could thus approach and live.
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