Jesus Christ holds a distinct position as the intermediary between humanity and God, advocating for us. His familiarity with our challenges and temptations stems from his own experiences during his time on Earth. By praying to God through Jesus, we connect with someone who can relate to our frailties and extend compassion and grace. His ongoing advocacy on our behalf in heaven solidifies his role as the ideal go-between us and God.
The act of intercession by Jesus Christ does not mean that we do not need to confess our sins or repent of them. Instead, it means that when we do confess our sins and ask for forgiveness, Jesus intercedes for us as an advocate. His sacrifice on the cross paid the price for our sins so that we might be reconciled with God.
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The Purpose And Significance Of Jesus Interceding For Us
For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed at the proper time.
— 1 Timothy 2:5–6
Jesus’ intercession [1] for believers is a significant aspect of their salvation, as he intercedes on their behalf before God. Through his intercession, believers can have assurance of their salvation because they know that Jesus is constantly advocating for them before God.
By shedding his blood and dying on the cross, Jesus paid the penalty for our sins, reconciling us to God. As a result, we are no longer separated from God and can approach him with confidence through faith in Christ.
Because of Christ’s intercession, believers can have confidence in their salvation, as stated in the Bible. They know that nothing can separate them from the love of God (Romans 8:38–39) and that they have been sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13–14).
Examining Biblical References To Jesus Intercedes For Us
Romans 8:34 and Hebrews 7:25 are two biblical references that highlight Jesus’ intercession for us. Both verses emphasize the significance of Jesus’ role in our lives.
In the Old Testament, high priests were ordained to act on behalf of the people. The book of Hebrews specifically emphasizes Christ’s role as our high priest, who intercedes on our behalf. Hebrews 7:25 reads: “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him because he always lives to intercede for them.” This verse highlights how Jesus’ intercession allows us to be saved when we seek and draw closer to God through him.
Furthermore, according to Romans 8:34, “Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” This verse tells us how Jesus’ intercession protects us from condemnation and judgment.
How Does Jesus Intercede For Us?
The former priests were many in number because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
— Hebrews 7:23–25
God sent his Son, Jesus, to pay for our sins and show us the path to forgiveness, redemption, and eternal life. Jesus’ intercession for us is a powerful and comforting reality found in the Holy Bible. When we pray, Christ intercedes for us, bringing our needs and requests to God’s attention.
Through his sacrifice on the cross, Christ made it possible for us to approach God with confidence. When we come to him in prayer, we can trust that Jesus is standing beside us and interceding on our behalf. This gives us permission to access God’s mercy and grace, which are freely available to all who believe in him.
How To Access Jesus’ Intercession
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
— Hebrews 4:16
Prayer serves as a vehicle to connect with Jesus and experience his intercessory power. It is a means to communicate, seek guidance, and find solace in the midst of life’s uncertainties. Prayer strengthens our faith, aligns our hearts with God’s purposes, and invites his transformative work into our lives.
As humans, we are all sinners and fall short of the glory of God. Our sins have separated us from God, making it impossible for us to approach him on our own without Christ’s intercession.
Jesus’ intercession is necessary for our salvation and redemption. Romans 8:34 reminds us that “Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” Through his death and resurrection, he has made a way for us to be reconciled with God.
Through Jesus Christ’s intercession, we have access to God’s grace and forgiveness. Because of what Jesus Christ has done for us through his sacrifice on the cross, we can boldly approach God’s throne of grace, knowing that he will extend mercy and forgiveness to us.
Most importantly, Jesus understands our struggles. Jesus knows what it feels like to be human because he lived as one while on Earth. He faced temptation just like we do, but he never gave in to sin. Because of this, he can empathize with our weaknesses and offer comfort and support when we need it most.
Accessing Jesus’ intercession requires faith and a personal relationship with him. Through prayer, believers can bring their requests, concerns, and thanksgiving to Jesus, knowing that he intercedes on their behalf before the Father. It is essential to approach Jesus with sincerity, humility, and a heart open to his guidance and will.
Conclusion
Jesus’ intercession for believers is a powerful and essential aspect of the Christian faith. Through his sacrifice on the cross, Jesus made a way for us to approach God’s throne with confidence and receive mercy and grace in our lives.
The importance of Jesus’ intercession cannot be overstated. Without it, we would be left trying to earn salvation through our own efforts—an impossible task. Instead, we are able to approach God boldly through faith in Christ’s finished work on the cross.
Knowing that Christ is interceding for us gives us assurance that our prayers will be heard and answered according to his will.