Convictions: The heart of God seeks the salvation of the lost (2:3-4). Paul reminds us of three gospel convictions that reinforce this compassion for the lost. “There is one God” (v5a). The LORD is the only God, the holy God, and there is no other.[1] This is no mere personal monotheism but universal truth that applies to all humanity. Who is the LORD? He is heavenly Father to all who know and trust Him. He is their Shepherd and Guide (Ps. 23:1-4), full of compassion toward those who fear Him (Ps. 103:13-14), their refuge and strength (Ps. 46:1). But the LORD who is light cannot dwell with unholy and sinful men.[2] Indeed, sin separates man from God (Is. 59:2),[3] not only in life but for all eternity (2 Thess. 1:9; Matt. 25:41). But the LORD made a way back through “one mediator” (v5b)[4]: Jesus Christ. This God-man gave His life as a ransom (v6a; Mk. 10:45) for all of God’s elect to restore what was lost in Eden (Gen. 3:8) and what Sinai could not truly achieve: the nearness of God.[5]
Compassion: As with the man with a withered hand, Jesus seeks to alleviate the suffering of lost souls (Mt. 12:9-13). They are hopeless and without God in the world (Eph. 2:12), cut off from the comforts of prayer and peace (Phil. 4:6-7). They need the Savior who alone can restore them to peace with the only true God, the joy of salvation (Ps. 51:12), and the newness of life in Christ.[6]
[1] Cf. Dt. 4:35, 39; 32:39 1 Kings 8:60; Ps. 86:9; Isa. 44:6; 45:5, 6, 22; 46:9.
[2] Cf. Hab. 1:13; 1 John 1:5-7; Ex. 33:5, 16; Josh. 24:19.
[3] This is true of all men because all sinned (1 Kings 8:46; Prov. 20:9; Eccl.
7:20; Rom. 3:9-10, 23).
[4] Cf. John
14:6; Acts 4:12; 10:42-43; 1 John 5:11-12.
[5] The aim of Israel’s redemption was the nearness of God (Ex. 6:6-7; Lev. 26:11-12) signified by the tabernacle (Ex. 25:8-9; 29:45-46). In Christ, we draw near with confidence (Heb. 4:16; 7:25; 10:22), because the new covenant brings (Jere. 31:31-34) true conversion, true reconciliation to God, and true remission of sins. Jesus is the mediator of the new covenant (Heb. 8:6; 9:15; 12:24) who brings sinners to God (1 Pet. 3:18) through His own lifeblood (Heb. 9:22-25; 10:11-21).
[6] Cf. Romans 6:4; 7:6; 12:1-2; 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 6:15; Eph. 4:17-24; 5:8;
Col. 3:10; Titus 3:5.