Christ's Ongoing Intercession: Our Access to God

Summary

The intercession of Christ is a profound and often overlooked aspect of His priestly work. While His atoning sacrifice on the cross was a once-for-all act, His role as our High Priest did not end there. Even now, Christ lives to make intercession for us at the right hand of the Father. This ongoing ministry means that every blessing—whether temporal or eternal, material or spiritual—flows to us on the basis of His finished work. Christ’s intercession is not a passive or distant act; it is active, personal, and constant. He is intimately involved in the lives of His people, securing for us all the benefits of salvation and sustaining us in every trial.

The Old Testament priesthood, with its rituals and sacrifices, was a shadow pointing forward to the reality found in Christ. The priests burned incense and offered sacrifices, symbolizing prayers and intercession for the people. Yet, their ministry was limited—temporary, repetitive, and symbolic. In contrast, Christ’s intercession is perfect, unceasing, and effectual. He has entered the true Holy of Holies, not with the blood of animals, but with His own perfect sacrifice, and He brings us truly into the presence of God. Because of this, we have access to the throne of grace at all times, not just once a year or through a human mediator.

Christ’s intercession is both general and special. In a general sense, He intercedes for all humanity, securing common grace and temporal blessings—even for those who do not know Him. This is seen in His prayer for His tormentors on the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” But there is also a special, particular intercession reserved for His people—His church, His elect. For them, He secures not only acceptance before God but also every spiritual gift necessary for salvation: perseverance, unity, joy, protection, sanctification, mission, and ultimately, glorification.

This intercessory work is both judicial and moral. Christ is our advocate, silencing every accusation of the enemy and making our imperfect prayers and works acceptable to God. He aids us in temptation, sanctifies our service, and ensures that nothing can separate us from the love of God. His intercession is characterized by authority, constancy, and efficacy—He always prays as a Son to the Father, never tires, and His prayers always accomplish their purpose.

As believers, we are invited to join in Christ’s intercessory work. All true intercession, whether for our families, our church, or the world, is either directly or indirectly the intercession of Christ through us. We are called to pray boldly, persistently, and with confidence, knowing that our Great High Priest is always before the Father on our behalf.

Key Takeaways

- Christ’s intercession is ongoing, personal, and rooted in His finished atonement. He is not a distant figure but a living High Priest who actively prays for us, securing every blessing and sustaining us in every circumstance. This reality should transform our approach to God, giving us confidence to come boldly to the throne of grace, knowing we are always welcomed and heard. [02:29]

- The Old Testament priesthood was a shadow of the true priesthood of Christ. While the Levitical priests offered sacrifices and prayers on behalf of the people, their ministry was limited and symbolic. In Christ, we have a High Priest who has entered the true Holy of Holies, bringing us into God’s presence not just symbolically, but truly and eternally. This access is a privilege we should cherish and utilize continually in prayer. [13:03]

- Christ’s intercession is both general and particular. He intercedes for all humanity, securing common grace and temporal blessings, but He also intercedes in a special way for His people, ensuring their perseverance, unity, joy, protection, sanctification, and ultimate glorification. This dual aspect of His intercession reveals both the breadth of His compassion and the depth of His commitment to His own. [25:19]

- The intercessory work of Christ is both judicial and moral. He is our advocate, silencing every accusation of the enemy and making our imperfect prayers and works acceptable to God. Even when we feel inadequate or unworthy, Christ’s advocacy ensures that we are accepted, our prayers are heard, and our service is pleasing to God—not because of our merit, but because of His. [33:04]

- All true intercession is the work of Christ, either directly or through His Spirit in us. As we pray for our families, our church, and the world, we are participating in the ongoing ministry of Christ. This calling is both a privilege and a responsibility, inviting us to join in His mission and to glorify Him by interceding for others with the same compassion and persistence that He shows for us. [01:00:42]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:19] - Christ’s Priesthood: Ongoing Intercession
[02:29] - Blessings Secured by Christ’s Atonement
[04:04] - Christ Lives to Intercede for Us
[05:20] - Christ’s Sympathy and Our Bold Access
[06:11] - Living in Response to Christ’s Intercession
[09:03] - Old Testament Priests as Types of Christ
[10:24] - Christ’s Entrance into the True Holy of Holies
[13:03] - True Access to God Through Christ
[14:06] - Christ’s Superior Ministry and the New Covenant
[16:18] - Relating to God: Old vs. New Covenant
[21:00] - Christ’s General Intercession for All
[24:36] - Christ’s Special Intercession for His People
[27:20] - Christ Prays for Our Unity, Joy, and Protection
[33:04] - Christ as Advocate: Judicial and Moral Intercession
[39:54] - Asking Christ for Peace, Holiness, and Help
[41:28] - Christ and the Spirit: Our Advocates
[47:21] - Authority, Constancy, and Efficacy of Christ’s Intercession
[51:18] - The Efficacy of Christ’s Prayers
[55:44] - Letting Christ’s Intercession Change Our Prayers
[58:37] - All True Intercession Flows from Christ
[01:00:42] - Joining Christ in Intercession for Family, Church, and World
[01:03:17] - Glorifying the One Mediator Through Intercessory Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Intercession of Christ

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### Bible Reading

- Hebrews 7:24-25
"But he, because he continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore, he is able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them."

- John 17:9, 20-21
"I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours... I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me."

- Romans 8:33-34
"Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us."

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Hebrews 7:24-25, what is unique about Christ’s priesthood compared to the Old Testament priests?
2. In John 17, who does Jesus specifically say He is praying for, and what does He pray for them?
3. From Romans 8:33-34, what is the connection between Christ’s death, resurrection, and His ongoing intercession for believers?
4. The sermon described the Old Testament priest entering the Holy of Holies once a year, but Christ brings us into God’s presence “truly and eternally.” What does this mean for our access to God? [[10:24]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says Christ’s intercession is “ongoing, personal, and rooted in His finished atonement.” How does this challenge the idea that Jesus is distant or uninvolved in our daily lives? [[02:29]]
2. Why is it significant that Christ’s intercession is both “general” (for all humanity) and “special” (for His people)? How does this shape our understanding of God’s love and justice? [[25:19]]
3. The sermon describes Christ as both our advocate and the one who makes our imperfect prayers and works acceptable to God. How does this affect the way we approach God, especially when we feel unworthy? [[33:04]]
4. The Old Testament priesthood was described as a “shadow” pointing to Christ. In what ways does the reality of Christ’s priesthood surpass the old system, and how should this impact our prayer life? [[13:03]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon says Christ “lives to make intercession for us.” When you pray, do you picture Jesus actively praying for you? How might this change the way you pray or the confidence with which you approach God? [[04:04]]
2. The Old Testament high priest could only enter God’s presence once a year, but you have access 24/7. Are there ways you still act as if God is distant or hard to reach? What would it look like to “come boldly to the throne of grace” this week? [[18:25]]
3. Christ intercedes for both the lost and His enemies. Is there someone in your life—maybe even an enemy or someone who has hurt you—that you find it hard to pray for? What would it look like to intercede for them as Christ does? [[23:00]]
4. The sermon says Christ’s intercession secures our perseverance, unity, joy, protection, sanctification, and glorification. Which of these do you most need Christ to pray for in your life right now? How can your group pray for you in this area? [[25:19]]
5. When you feel accused or unworthy, do you remember that Christ is your advocate, silencing every accusation? How can you remind yourself of this truth when you struggle with guilt or shame? [[33:04]]
6. The sermon challenges us to join Christ in intercession for our families, church, and the world. What is one specific person or situation you feel led to pray for this week? How can you make intercessory prayer a regular part of your life? [[01:00:42]]
7. The pastor said, “Let his authority, his constancy, and his efficacy change the way you pray.” What is one practical step you can take to let these truths shape your prayers this week? [[55:44]]

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Close in prayer, thanking Christ for His ongoing intercession and asking for help to join Him in praying for others.

Devotional

Day 1: Christ’s Intercession Is Ongoing and Brings Us Near to God
Jesus’ priestly work did not end with His atoning sacrifice; He continues forever as our High Priest, actively interceding for us at the right hand of the Father. Because He lives to make intercession, every blessing—temporal and eternal—is secured for us on the basis of His finished work. This means that, at every moment, Christ is pleading our cause, ensuring that we have access to God’s mercy and grace. We are never alone or forgotten; our Savior’s every breath is for us, and He invites us to come boldly to the throne of grace, confident in His love and understanding of our weaknesses. [02:29]

Hebrews 7:24-25 (ESV)
"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."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you most need to remember that Christ is actively interceding for you right now, and how might this change the way you approach God in prayer today?

Day 2: Christ’s Intercession Is Both General and Particular
Jesus intercedes for all humanity, securing every temporal blessing and opportunity for repentance, but He also offers a special, effectual intercession for His people—His church. This special intercession ensures our acceptance before God, the bestowal of every spiritual gift needed for salvation, and the keeping of our souls. Christ’s high priestly prayer covers our perseverance, unity, joy, protection, sanctification, mission, and ultimate glorification. He knows our needs intimately and prays for us with a love and power that never fails, ensuring that nothing can separate us from the love of God. [25:19]

John 17:9, 20-21 (ESV)
"I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours... I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me."

Reflection: Which aspect of Christ’s special intercession—perseverance, unity, joy, protection, sanctification, mission, or glorification—do you most need to thank Him for today, and how can you express that gratitude?

Day 3: Christ’s Intercession Is Constant, Authoritative, and Always Effective
Unlike earthly priests who grow weary or are limited by time, Christ’s intercession is marked by unceasing constancy, divine authority as the Son, and perfect efficacy—His prayers always accomplish what He intends. He never slumbers or tires, and His requests are always heard and answered by the Father. Because Christ and the Father are one, His intercession secures every blessing and protection for His people, and His hands are always lifted up on our behalf. This truth should embolden us to pray with confidence, knowing that our Mediator is always before the throne, never failing in His ministry for us. [53:46]

John 11:41-42 (ESV)
"So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, 'Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.'"

Reflection: How does knowing that Christ’s prayers for you are always heard and answered encourage you to bring your deepest needs and desires before God today?

Day 4: Christ’s Intercession Makes Our Prayers and Service Acceptable
Even our best efforts and prayers are imperfect, but Christ, as our Advocate, sanctifies and beautifies them, making them acceptable to God. He nullifies every accusation of the enemy, covers us with His righteousness, and aids us in our temptations and weaknesses. Because He was tempted and suffered as we do, He is able to help us in our struggles and present our humble offerings to the Father as pleasing sacrifices. We are built up as a spiritual house, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ, who perfects all that we bring. [37:14]

1 Peter 2:4-5 (ESV)
"As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."

Reflection: What simple act of service or prayer can you offer to God today, trusting that Christ will make it beautiful and acceptable before the Father?

Day 5: We Join Christ’s Intercession for Others
All true intercession—whether for family, church, or the world—is either directly or indirectly the intercession of Christ, as we are united with Him by the Spirit. We are called to be intercessors, bearing the needs of others before God, joining in Christ’s ongoing ministry. This is not only a privilege but also a way to glorify our Savior, as we pray for all people, including those in authority and even our enemies. Our prayers, animated by the Spirit of Christ, participate in His mission and bring His love and power to those around us. [01:02:13]

1 Timothy 2:1-4 (ESV)
"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."

Reflection: Who is one person—family member, church member, or someone in the world—you can intentionally intercede for today, joining Christ in His ministry of prayer?

Quotes

Even though we're in the new covenant, let's not act as if our acceptance is based on our performance. It's totally based on Jesus Christ, right? That he is sufficient. That his work is what makes us pleasing to God. We can't add up works hoping to be approved by God. Our approval is set because Christ's work is finished, right? [00:17:44] (26 seconds)

Christ never ceases his intercession. He's always before the Father, securing benefits for us based on his atonement. [00:09:49]

He brings us truly into the presence of God. When you pray, you have the ear of the Almighty. His undivided attention. Remember when we talked about the nature and attributes of God, we said that God was omniscient. And the omnipresent, he wasn't just everywhere present, but he's fully present. And he's fully present in all of his attributes. So, Olivia, when you pray, you have God's full attention. He knows you. He loves to hear from you when you pray. And you have his undivided attention because he is omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent, right? And that is who Christ is. [00:12:44] (49 seconds)

Christ is forever our advocate. An advocate is one who comes alongside and makes a case for you, who strengthens you, and advocates on your behalf. He is forever our advocate, nullifying accusations against us when the devil says, Sean, you're terrible. What is, he's, yeah, Christ says, yeah, but I saved him. He's my boy, right? This one is mine. He nullifies the accusations against us. [00:33:07]

Christ's intercession is always efficacious. Successfully securing, securing is the third blank, the intended result. Why does it always successfully secure the intended result? It says right here, Christ has merited all that he asked the Father for. He's perfectly fulfilled the law, right?... So his prayer is always efficacious. We often ask, but we ask amiss, is what James says, right? Christ never asks amiss. His will and the Father's will are one, and what he prays for comes to pass. The Father always, this is the fourth blank, always hears and answers the Son. [00:51:18] (81 seconds)

For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weakness, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace and to help in time of need. [00:05:00] (19 seconds)

Christ prays for your joy. When you grieve. When you're hurting. When you're despondent. Christ knows. Did not he grieve in Gethsemane? Did not from his pores pour forth droplets as blood? Right? He understands pain. He understands loss. He understands grief. And he prays for your joy. That you'll have joy in Christ Jesus. Joy isn't based on your circumstances, but it's based on your position in him. [00:27:59] (37 seconds)

When you have an urge to pray, it's because Christ is praying for you in heaven. And simultaneously, while Christ is making intercession for you in heaven, the Holy Spirit is making intercession in your heart, right? So what's a holy thing when you are moved to pray? It's part of the triune work of God. [00:42:44] (26 seconds)

He prays for our mission, our witness before the world. He prays for our unity. He prays for our protection. He prays for our sanctification. He prays for our keeping from the Holy One. He prays for our perseverance. There's no aspect of your life that Christ does not pray for. He's intimately concerned about you. He is the great shepherd and you are his dear sheep. [00:31:12]

For there is one God and one mediator between God and man, the man, Christ Jesus. The application is this. Glorify. Glorify the one mediator between God and man. You glorify him with your lips and praise. You glorify him with your obedience. And you glorify him in joining his work of intercession. Pray for your family. Pray for your church. And pray for the world. [01:04:03] (31 seconds)