In a recent sermon – 1 John 1:1-2 – we were considering the role of: Jesus our advocate. Bible passages like Hebrews 4:14-16 and Romans 8:33-34 paint the picture that Jesus is presently at the right hand of the Father interceding on our behalf. But what does that involve? And more importantly, why is it necessary? Didn’t Jesus secure our salvation by making atonement on the cross?
Dane Ortlund addresses these questions and offers these helpful thoughts:
…intercession applies what the atonement accomplished. Christ’s present heavenly intercession on our behalf is a reflection of the fullness and victory and completeness of his earthly work, not a reflection of anything lacking in his earthly work. The atonement accomplished our salvation; intercession is the moment-by-moment application of that atoning work. In the past, Jesus did what he now talks about; in the present, Jesus talks about what he then did. This is why the New Testament weds justification and intercession, such as in Romans 8:33-34: “Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died-more than that, who was raised —who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.” Intercession is the constant hitting “refresh” of our justification in the court of heaven.
Dane Ortlund, Gentle and Lowly