Rom. 8:26 says that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us to God “with groanings which cannot be uttered.” But 1 Tim. 2:5 says that “there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.” How can Jesus be the only mediator when the Holy Spirit is also seen as a mediator?
– Sally, Spain
DR. GEORGY’S RESPONSE:
The problem is resolved when one understands the difference between ‘mediating’ and ‘interceding.’ Jesus Christ is the only mediator, whereas the Holy Spirit is an intercessor. Jesus alone died for our sins (1 Cor. 15:3; 1 Pet. 2:24), thus reconciling us to God (2 Cor. 5:19). The Holy Spirit did not die for our sins. He dwells within us, and intercedes on our behalf to the Father based on the redeeming, mediating work of Christ on the cross. Moreover, the intercession of the Holy Spirit is not in heaven, it is within us. But Jesus’ intercessory work is now in heaven (Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7:25; 1 John 2:1).
