02.26. The Intercession of Christ.
Chapter 26 The Intercession of Christ.
1. In what sense is Christ to continue a priest forever? This is asserted by Paul, Hebrews 7:3; Hebrews 7:24, to contrast the priesthood of Christ with that of Aaron, which consisted of a succession of mortal men in their generations. His priesthood is perpetual, because, 1st. By one sacrifice for sin he hath forever perfected them that are sanctified;
2nd. He ever liveth to make intercession for us;
3rd. His person and work as mediator will continue for all eternity the ground of our acceptance, and the medium of our communion with the Father.
2. Did he intercede for his people on earth?
He did exercise this function of his priesthood on earth, Luke 23:34; John 17:20; Hebrews 5:7; the principal scene of its exercise, however, is his estate of exaltation in heaven.
3. What is the view which the Scriptures present of the intercession of Christ?
1st. He appears in the presence of God for us, as the priestly advocate of his people, and presents his sacrifice.—Hebrews 9:12; Hebrews 9:24; Revelation 5:6.
2nd. He acts as our advocate with the Father, and on the basis of his own perfect work under the terms of the covenant of grace, claims as his own right, though as infinitely free grace to usward, the fulfillment of all the promises of his covenant. 1 John 2:1; John 17:24; John 14:16; Acts 2:33; Hebrews 7:25.
3rd. Because of his community of nature with his people, and his personal experience of the same sorrows and temptations which now afflict them, he sympathizes with them, and watches and succors them in all their varying circumstances, and adapts his ceaseless intercessions to the entire current of their experiences.—Hebrews 2:17-18; Hebrews 4:15-16; Matthew 28:20; Matthew 18:20.
4th. He presents, and through his merits gains acceptance for the persons and services of his people.—1 Peter 2:5; Ephesians 1:6; Revelation 8:3-4; Hebrews 4:14-16.
4. For whom does he intercede? Not for the world, but for his own people of every fold, and of all times.—John 10:16; John 17:9; John 17:20.
5. Show that his intercession is an essential part of his priestly work.
It is absolutely essential, Hebrews 7:25, because it is necessary for him as mediator not merely to open up a way of possible salvation, but actually to accomplish the salvation of each of given to him by the Father, and to furnish each with an “introduction”
6. What relation does the work of the Holy Ghost sustain to the intercession of Christ?
Christ is a royal priest.—Zechariah 6:13. From the same throne, as king, he dispenses his Spirit to all the objects of his care, while as priest he intercedes for them. The Spirit acts for him, taking only of his things. They both act with one consent, Christ as principal, the Spirit as his agent. Christ intercedes for us, without us, as our advocate in heaven, according to the provisions of the eternal covenant. The Holy Ghost works upon our minds and hearts, enlightening and quickening, and thus determining our desires “according to the will of God,” as our advocate within us. The work of the one is complementary to that of the other, and, together they form a complete whole.—Romans 8:26-27; John 14:26.