The Intercessory Ministry Of Christ Today

The Intercessory Ministry

Of Christ Today

“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:1-2).

Many, out of ignorance of what the portion of Scripture above is saying interpret it to mean that since Jesus went to heaven, He’s been begging the Father on our behalf to have mercy on us because of our sins. But that’s not true! Jesus is not in heaven trying to defend you from the Father’s wrath, for the Father Himself loves you (John 16:27). Thus He’s there to present you holy and without blame before the Father, and to strengthen your faith during times of trials (Colossians 1:22).

Paul addressing Timothy in 1 Timothy 2:5-6 explains:“For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave himself a ransom for all to be testified in due time.”This is talking about the whole world and God, and that Jesus stood in the gap.

He stood as man’s Kinsman-redeemer, Mediator and Umpire—not for those who are born again, but between God and sinners. But for the new creation, He’s not our Mediator for we don’t need a Mediator anymore. He’s already fulfilled and downed the ministry of mediating.

Romans 5:8 says,“…God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” Christ’s ministry for you now is the ministry of intercession so that your faith may be strengthened. He is today your great High Priest before the Father:“Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus”(Hebrews 3:1).

He’s presently carrying out His priestly ministry of intercession, and that’s not necessarily intercession against sin—the problem of sin has been dealt with. His ministry for you now is that He offers prayer, petition, or entreaty in your favour that your faith may be strengthened no matter the opposition in this world.

The Lord understands the challenges, weaknesses and temptations that we face sometimes, and He’s on hand to bear us up, through intercession, so that our faith will not fail. He did this for Peter while He was still physically present in the earth: “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not…” (Luke 22:31-32). This is the Lord’s intercessory ministry on your behalf! Blessed be God!

Prayer

Precious Lord Jesus,

thank you for carrying out your priestly ministry of intercession in my life today, and every day! Thus, I am strengthened continually in my faith-walk. Thank you Lord for your grace, mercy and love by which I live a life of glory. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY

Hebrews 4:14-16