
The centrality of Christ in worship has been discussed to this point, but
the mediation of Christ should be given special attention. Jesus’ mediation is
often considered in soteriological terms rather than in its necessity for
Christian worship. Nonetheless, as Christ’s mediation is necessary in Christian
life, it is also necessary in Christian worship, as worship is the overarching
purpose of life.
Christ mediates the practice of worship in his ever-present work. Jesus
mediates before the Father in that he exists as the arbitrator between his
people and the Father so that what the Father receives is transformed through
Jesus as a pleasing offering. Without such transformation, God’s people could
only offer filthy rags to God. In Christ, however, what is offered to triune
God is good and right.
Additionally, Jesus works with the Holy Spirit to radically transform the
lives of his people. Jesus’ sending of the Holy Spirit is meant to testify to
his own works and glory as God. Further, Jesus’ work testifies to the glory of
the Father so that God’s work in the lives of his people is trinitarian in
nature. Through the Holy Spirit, God’s people rightly worship God as what they
offer to him is transfigured into the righteousness of Christ and the Father
receives it as a blessing to him.
Believers should realize the great need all people have for the mercy of
God, which is abundant in Jesus Christ. Mercy is the greatest need any person
has. In worship, God’s people exercise the copious grace given by God through
Jesus and return a pleasing offering to him. Christ, therefore, mediates not
only a new a better covenant but pleasing worship as the body of Christ
exhibits God’s glory.