a mediating ransom

For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.

1 Timothy 2:5-6

There is only one way to be saved from sin and hell and to know the truth. Paul boldly asserts the gospel with this kind of direct authority. God wants all people to be saved. And He provided the means for people to be saved (see 1 Timothy 2:3-4). But they must truth Jesus as the only Savior.

In order for salvation from hell and forgiveness of sin to be effected, God had to send His Son both as the mediator (the bringer of peace and forgiveness) and the ransom price for our sin (because sin requires the eternal judgment of death and hell). Jesus is both our means of salvation and the mediator of it. He is our great "go between" as both God and human being, serving as the saving bridge of life between God and those who seek God for salvation. And we must run across that bridge to be saved. God can only be known through the mediating sacrifice of His Son. No effort of my own could cross that gap. But God in love sent His Son so that all people might have the opportunity to come to Him.

Jesus confidently commanded this even before He died for us. He claimed to be the exclusive means of mediation between God and man: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). And what Jesus is has not changed. No other way leads to God. There are not many ways to saving life in God, but exclusively, by Jesus, only ONE!

That is why, dear Christians, we must make the gospel known. It is the only means for people to know life, find eternal salvation, and live in the truth. And it ain't about being "spiritual". It is all about being needy and trusting in what Jesus, our Mediator has done for us because He alone is our salvation.