Jesus as Our Intercessor
Last updated: 2026-04-13
Jesus' intercession at the right hand of the Father means he continually presents his finished work as our legal representative, ensuring that all the benefits of his sacrifice are applied to believers. This exaltation proves that his work is accepted and that he remains our active Advocate before God.
⚖️ A Perpetual Advocate
Christ’s intercession is not a plea of weakness, but a declaration of his finished authority. As our Mediator, he appears in his humanity before the Father, grounding his appeal in the perfect merit of his obedience and sacrifice. According to the 1689 LBCF Ch.8 §4, Jesus underwent the punishment due to us and rose from the dead, ascending to the right hand of the Father to secure our standing. Because he is there, he answers every accusation brought against us. As described in the Westminster Larger Catechism Q.55, he procures for us 'quiet of conscience' and 'access with boldness to the throne of grace,' even amidst our daily failures, because we are accepted in him.
Sources: 1689 LBCF Ch.8 §4 · Westminster Larger Catechism Q.55
📖 Scriptural Assurance
The Scriptures affirm that this intercession is the reason for our eternal security. Because he ever lives to make intercession, our salvation is not dependent on our wavering obedience, but on his unchanging presence. As the Apostle writes, Hebrews 7:25, 'Wherefore also he is able to save to the uttermost them that draw near unto God through him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.' This is the gospel: you are more loved in Christ than you dared hope, for your Savior represents you perfectly even when you feel most flawed.
Sources: Hebrews 7:25
Christ's ongoing intercession provides believers with the ongoing application of his accomplished redemption, ensuring our access to God, the forgiveness of daily failings, and the security of our perseverance. This work is the continuation of his priestly office, guaranteeing that the benefits purchased by his death are actually bestowed upon his people.
🛡️ A High Priest Who Never Sleeps
Christ’s intercession is not a weak or uncertain plea, but the confident, authorized presentation of his finished sacrifice. Because he lives forever as our High Priest, he is able to save completely those who draw near to God through him. As the Westminster Larger Catechism — Question 55 teaches, he answers all accusations against us and procures our boldness to approach the throne of grace, despite our daily failings. We find comfort in knowing that our standing before God rests on his merit, not our performance.
Sources: Hebrews 7:25 · Westminster Larger Catechism — Question 55
🔗 The Inseparable Bond of Grace
There is a vital connection between Christ’s death and his life in heaven. John Owen reminds us that the Death of Death in the Death of Christ insists that the oblation (the cross) and the intercession are one entire means of salvation. If Christ died for a person, he will surely intercede for them; if he intercedes, the grace he purchased is applied. As Romans 8:34 proclaims, the Savior who died and rose is the very same one who now intercedes for us. This leaves no room for the fear that our sins might outrun his advocacy.
Sources: Romans 8:34 · The Death of Death in the Death of Christ · Death of Death in the Death of Christ
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