Introduction
The eighth chapter of the Baptist Confession addresses the subject of “Christ the Mediator.” It presents a broad description of Jesus Christ’s person and work. The heart of the chapter is Jesus’ “perfect obedience and sacrifice of himself, which he through the eternal Spirit once offered up unto God,” [through which he] “fully satisfied the justice of God, procured reconciliation, and purchased an everlasting inheritance in the Kingdom of Heaven for all those whom the Father hath given unto him.” We will look at this great doctrine through the lens of 1 Timothy 2:5.
The hymns selected for this service declare the wonders of Jesus’ atoning sacrifice that reconciles us to God.
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
Prelude
Call to Worship: Micah 7:18-20
Invocation
PROCLAMATION
Hymn 13 Rejoice, the Lord is King!
Note: Our “glorious hope” rests in the King who will “take His servants up to their eternal home.” Jesus made this possible by his atoning sacrifice that “purged our stains.” And Jesus secures this hope by his present session: He “took his seat above” where he intercedes for us.
Worship through Giving
Hymn (Insert) His Robes for Mine
Note: How is it that God can forgive sinners like us and bring us to God? By faith, we are united with Christ. His righteousness is credited (imputed) to us and our sin was laid on him (imputed). Martin Luther called this a “marvelous exchange,” marking it as the grand core of gospel truth.
(Please note that the line in the chorus, “God estranged from God,” is a poetic expression of the mystery of the incarnation that emerges at the cross. Technically, God the Son was never estranged from God the Father).
Scripture Reading Romans 3:10-26
Note: Paul described the depraved condition of all humanity. Then he answered the implied question, how can God justify (declare righteous) the ungodly? He can do so only because of the atoning death of Jesus. In an act of divine justice, God condemned sin in the Man, Christ Jesus. Since Jesus paid the debt of sin, God may now declare his people righteous.
Pastoral Prayer
Hymn 174 Arise, My Soul, Arise
Note: Because of Christ’s atoning sacrifice, the guilt that separated us from God is gone! Christ’s continuing intercession sustains and keeps us. This is a hymn of joy over the forgiveness and security Christ gives. Thus, our confident cry, “Arise, my soul, arise! Shake off thy guilty fears.”
Message: The One Mediator
1 Timothy 2:1-7
Pastor Steven Thomas
RESPONSE
Hymn 288 I Hear the Words of Love
Note: The lyrics of this hymn transport us to the cross of Christ. As onlookers, we hear Jesus’ “seven sayings” uttered as he died and realize that because of “the mighty sacrifice,” we have “peace with God.” This is the gospel. But the author adds that this is “everlasting peace.” “[We] change, He changes not,” therefore, our peace with God is as “stable as His steadfast throne.”
Prayer Response: John Miles
Benediction: John Miles