The Names of the Mediator (1)

Introduction

One of the key questions in Rev. Hellenbroek’s question book is: “Wherein must the Mediator be known?” Many of us will know the answer: “In His names, in His offices, in His natures, in His states, in His benefits.” Often our thoughts are limited to the most familiar names of the Mediator, but did you know that there are as many as two hundred names for Christ in the Bible? The Lord willing, in this translated series, we want to define these names. (We will follow an English alphabetical order. So, in this way we will differ slightly from the order of the Dutch series).

You will understand that this is only a selection from the extensive list of names of the Mediator. Did we already come to that experiential knowledge of which Hellenbroek speaks? “For there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” It is the desire of both ministers who provided this rubric that His name may be glorified in our lives.

Advocate

“And if any man sin, we have anAdvocatewith the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous” (1 John 2:1b).

John uses the Greek name Paraclete in his letter. The translators translated this as “Advocate.” The apostle speaks of the exalted Mediator. John also uses the name Paraclete in his gospel. There it is translated as “Comforter” and refers to the Holy Spirit. The root meaning of the word Paraclete is “one called alongside to help.” The Holy Spirit is at the

side of God’s children to help and comfort, to encourage and strengthen them in the battle. He is the Paraclete in the heart, but God’s people also have a Paraclete in heaven. That is Christ, and of Him John writes in his letter.

What comfort to those who have no strength, wisdom, and right to bring their case to God. They have an Advocate in heaven. Christ defends their case before the Father. He is the Intercessor for a people who have no rights. The marginal note refers to Romans 8:34: “Who is He that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” This Advocate is so necessary, for we have provoked the Father to anger through our sins. Christ continually displays His merits before the Father so that the Father would regard guilty sinners in His finished work. The Holy Spirit is an Advocate of consolation and Christ is an Advocate of reconciliation.

Has this become a miracle for you? By nature, we manage our own affairs and even think we can do so. It is painful and shocking when we find out that we are unable to plead one case with God. Then we remain alone, and who can exist before God? God is just and we must be silent. Christ steps forward and takes up our case. His name is “Advocate.” He will perform that name for a people who must remain silent according to justice. What He speaks is always accepted by the Father. Christ will never leave nor forsake His people and inheritance.

—November 25, 2010, Rev. C. Neele

Alpha and Omega

“I amAlpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last” (Revelation 22:13). May one discuss the names of the Mediator in the order

May one discuss the names of the Mediator in the order of the alphabet? Yes, Christ Himself set the example in this. From Him came the image of the alphabet. He compares Himself here to the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. If He may be compared to the first and last letter, that includes all the other letters. He is the beginning, the end, as well as everything in between. In my hometown there used to be a small store called A to Z. By this the shopkeeper wanted to say: here everything is available. In Christ everything can be found. He is the Alpha. Nothing precedes that first letter. Thus, Christ is the beginning. He has no beginning, but He is the beginning. He is the Alpha in His decree and in His work. He was first in the work of Creation. He is also first in the work of re-creation. He was first in interceding with His Father in eternity. He is also the first when He picks up a sinner. Many place the beginning of salvation in man, but such tarnish the name Alpha. He also remains first. That is a great lesson.

Christ is also the Omega. It does not say He has an end, but He is the end. He accomplishes the goal before Him. Paul says of Him, “For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things.” In the realm of Creation, Christ has the last word. He will soon come as Judge. He is also the Omega in the work of re-creation. He has promised His Church, “And, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” The poet could see that He is the Omega when he sang, “Yea, Thou wilt finish perfectly what Thou for me hast undertaken.” What comfort this word must have been to John on Patmos. Often God’s children cannot see it. As a small child must learn to read, so must God’s people learn to spell His names, letter by letter. Only the teaching of the Spirit can teach that. Will He be the last in your life? Will He be the Omega for us? Then He must also be the Alpha. —January 7, 2010, Rev. C. Neele

(To be continued)

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