Romans 8:33-34 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifies.… Christ Jesus does not lead a life merely of blessedness in heaven, but a life of office. He hath an unchangeable and everlasting priesthood. The one part of His priesthood He finished here on earth, when he offered up Himself to God a sacrifice; and the other, the interceding work of His priesthood, He still carries on in heaven. Intercession, in general, signifies a pleading and entreating with one person in behalf of another. We being unworthy of access to God in our own name, Christ Jesus is our intercessor to plead our cause with the Father, and to procure and dispense to us the blessings of His purchase. He virtually makes continual intercession for us, by appearing in our nature and name, presenting Himself in that body in which He suffered on earth, standing in the midst of the throne as the Lamb that had been slain. His intercession is founded on His atonement. By this intercession of Jesus Christ God is glorified. It is a striking testimony to God's awful majesty and infinite purity that He has appointed a standing Mediator between Him and us, and will confer no grace upon us but through Him; and it is, at the same time, an eminent instance of His love and grace, that He has appointed such a glorious Intercessor to plead our cause in heaven, oven His own Son. By this also Christ Himself is highly honoured. His saving power is demonstrated: "He is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them." The efficacy of His sacrifice, His love to His people, and the great influence and interest He has in heaven, are continually shown forth. This doctrine of Christ's intercession tends to excite in us a due mixture of reverence and confidence towards God. Should it not support the awakened sinner under a sense of guilt, prevent his despairing of mercy, and encourage him to come to the Father by the Son of His love? (T. Ferme, M.A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.WEB: Who could bring a charge against God's chosen ones? It is God who justifies. |
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