Lord's Day 12 — Thursday: Christ Our Priest - Continual Intercession
Lord's Day 12: The Name 'Christ' - Three Offices
Thursday — Christ Our Priest - Continual Intercession
The Catechism
Q31. Why is he called 'Christ,' meaning 'anointed'?
Because he has been ordained by God the Father and has been anointed with the Holy Spirit to be our chief prophet and teacher who fully reveals to us the secret counsel and will of God concerning our deliverance; our only high priest who has delivered us by the one sacrifice of his body, and who continually pleads our cause with the Father; and our eternal king who governs us by his Word and Spirit, and who guards and keeps us in the freedom he has won for us.
Q32. But why are you called a Christian?
Because by faith I am a member of Christ and so I share in his anointing. I am anointed to confess his name, to present myself to him as a living sacrifice of thanks, to strive with a free conscience against sin and the devil in this life, and afterward to reign with Christ over all creation for eternity.
Today's Emphasis
Christ's priestly work did not end at the cross. He continually pleads our cause with the Father, interceding for us at God's right hand. We have a living Advocate who presents his finished work on our behalf every moment.
Scripture Readings
Hebrews 7:24-25
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.
Romans 8:34
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.
1 John 2:1
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
From the Reformers
John Calvin (Institutes of the Christian Religion, II.15.6)
"Hence arises not only confidence in prayer, but also the tranquility of pious minds, while they safely recline on the paternal indulgence of God, and are certainly persuaded that whatever has been consecrated by the Mediator is pleasing to him."
Reflection Questions
• How does Christ's ongoing intercession affect the way you approach God in prayer, especially when you feel unworthy?
• When Satan accuses you or your conscience condemns you, how does it help to know that Christ 'continually pleads your cause with the Father'?
Growing in grace through the Catechism — The Hearthside Team 🔥