1Heb 9:12, 24; ²Heb 1:3; ³Jn 3:16; 17:9, 20, 24; ⁴Rom 8:33-34; ⁵Rom 5:1-2; 1 Jn 2:1-2; ⁶Heb 4:16; ⁷Eph 1:6; ⁸1 Pet 2:5

We saw in our last study that Christ, our Great High Priest is seated (figuratively) at the right hand side of the throne of God, making continual intercession for us (Rom 8:34). In our present study, we see how the Lord does so.

Firstly, in terms of natural qualification, Christ our Lord is suited to be our representative before the Father because He shares our human nature fully and was in His earthly sojourn tempted at all points like as we are (Heb 4:15-16). And He will not cease to be our intercessor as He will abide forever in His human nature. The writer of Hebrews puts it this way:

Secondly, in terms of meritorious qualification, Christ qualifies to intercede for us on account of His "obedience and sacrifice on earth" on our behalf. By His sacrifice in payment for our sin, He reconciled us to God and won the right to be our intercessor (Heb 1:3); and by His obedience, He purchased the reward of everlasting life for us on the basis of the Covenant of Works.

Thirdly, in terms of petitions on our behalf, the Lord is "declaring His will to have [the benefits purchased by His obedience and sacrifice] applied to all believers." He says in His high priestly prayer (which is a reflection of His intercession at the right hand of the Majesty on High):

Fourthly, in terms of defence, Christ is our advocate "answering all accusations against [us]." These accusations come from Satan "the accuser of the brethren"(Rev 12:10). Satan is no doubt charging us constantly of being unworthy of God’s blessings and favour because of our sins. But Christ our Lord appealing to His vicarious atonement and obedience destroys all Satan’s arguments:

Fifthly, in terms of benefits, Christ our Lord by His intercession procures at least 4 things for us, for:

(1) We have "quiet of conscience, notwithstanding daily failings." Although we fail daily and are conscious of our failings, we can have peace with God through the assurance that Christ not only paid for all our sin, but also is interceding for us (see Rom 5:1-2; 1 Jn 2:1-2). As the apostle Paul puts it: "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit" (Rom 8:1).

(2) We have "access with boldness to the throne of grace." Because our Mediator was tempted at all points like as we are, and yet without sin (Heb 4:15), we can be assured of a sympathetic hearing and presentation unto the Father of all our prayers, which are offered in His name. That is to say we not only have boldness in accessing the throne of grace because we know in our minds that the righteousness of Christ covers us; but we have boldness in our hearts because we know our Mediator understands us experimentally.

(3) Because of Christ’s intercession, we are actually accepted in Him, for the Father never fail to do the will of His Son (Eph 1:6).

(4) And finally, it is also on the account of Christ’s intercession, that we can have any assurance that our worship and good works may be acceptable to the Father. Were it not for Christ, even our righteousness are as filthy rags in the sight of God (Isa 64:6). None of our good works are really good in that sense, for they are all imperfect and marred with sin. All that we do can be acceptable to God who is infinitely holy only through Christ our Lord. The apostle Peter affirms that our spiritual sacrifices are acceptable because they are presented to the Father through Christ our Lord: