What is Intercession?
Here is one
of many definitions found for " intercession "
" to go to or meet a person, esp. for the purpose of conversation,
consultation, or supplication "
Let's take a
look at these nine verses found in the scriptures that
contain the word " intercession. "
Therefore will I divide him a portion with the
great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul
unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and
made intercession for the transgressors. ( Isaiah 53:12 )
Therefore pray not thou for this people,
neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to me: for I
will not hear thee. ( Jeremiah 7:16 )
But if they be prophets, and if the word of
the LORD be with them, let them now make intercession to the LORD of hosts, that
the vessels which are left in the house of the LORD, and in the house of the king of Judah,
and at Jerusalem, go not to Babylon. ( Jeremiah 27:18 )
Nevertheless Elnathan and Delaiah and Gemariah
had made intercession to the king that he would not burn the roll: but he would not
hear them. ( Jeremiah 36:25 )
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our
infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself
maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. ( Romans 8:26 )
And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what
is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according
to the will of God. ( Romans 8:27 )
Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that
died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh
intercession for us.
( Romans 8:34 )
God hath not cast away his people, which he
foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession
to God against Israel, saying,
( Romans 11:2 )
Wherefore he is able also to save them to the
uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for
them. ( Hebrews 7:25 )
One of the
first things we see about the word " intercession " is that its use
and definition are similar throughout these verses of scripture. It is used as a noun and an
adverb. In all cases, the word intercession follows or is used together with the
verb make(th), indicating that to intercede requires an action. One cannot
intercede without taking some action. Intercession therefore requires an
effort or action from the person or persons involved. But is that all it is? to act?
Lets look at
two of the types of intercession that are shown in these verses.
The Intercession of Christ
Christ's
priestly office consists of these two parts, (1) the offering up of himself as a sacrifice,
and (2) making continual intercession for us.
When on earth
he made intercession for his people (Luke 23:34; John 17:20; Heb. 5:7); but now he
exercises this function of his priesthood in heaven, where he is said to appear in the
presence of God for us (Heb. 9:12,24).
His advocacy
with the Father for his people rests on the basis of his own all-perfect sacrifice. Thus he
pleads for and obtains the fulfilment of all the promises of the everlasting covenant (1
John 2:1; John 17:24; Heb. 7:25). He can be "touched with the feeling of our infirmities,"
and is both a merciful and a faithful high priest (Heb. 2:17, 18; 4:15, 16). This
intercession is an essential part of his mediatorial work. Through him we have "access"
to the Father (John 14:6; Eph. 2:18; 3:12). "The communion of his people with the Father
will ever be sustained through him as mediatorial Priest" (Ps. 110:4; Rev. 7:17).
The Intercession of the Spirit
(Rom. 8:26,
27; John 14:26). "Christ is a royal Priest (Zech. 6:13). From the same throne, as King, he
dispenses his Spirit to all the objects of his care, while as Priest he intercedes
for them. The Spirit acts for him, taking only of his things. They both act with one
consent, Christ as principal, the Spirit as his agent. Christ intercedes for us,
without us, as our advocate in heaven, according to the provisions of the everlasting
covenant. The Holy Spirit works upon our minds and hearts, enlightening and quickening, and
thus determining our desires 'according to the will of God,' as our advocate within us. The
work of the one is complementary to that of the other, and together they form a complete
whole."
In both of
these examples we see that intercession to the Father is made only through our Lord
Jesus. We also see that as of this very moment, Christ is making this intercession
on our behalf, and has been since His resurrection.
See also that
the Holy Spirit acts as, "our advocate within us", empowering us
to intercede for, "the objects of His care".
Who is doing
the intercession?
Why do we need Christ to do the interceding for us?
First, It is
Christ Jesus who provides access to the Father. We intercede on
behalf of others, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to our heavenly Father, but only through the
intercession or petition of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Secondly, It is Jesus, and only Jesus, by His perfect sacrifice, who is given the authority
to obtain the promise of the everlasting covenant for us.
Key points for the Intercessor
Only Jesus Christ has been, by virtue of His
perfect and willing sacrifice, given
.... The authority to obtain the Father's mercy and
forgiveness for our sins. Therefore,
.... Make your petition to your heavenly Father, by the
empowerment of the Holy
.... Spirit, that your petition may be heard, due to the
intercession of our Lord,
.... Jesus Christ, to the Father.
Only by the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling
in us, do we have the ability, desire and the authority to intercede on behalf of
others. Without the Holy Spirit.... in us, empowering us, our attempts at intercession and
even our self-fulfilling.... prayers cannot and will not be heard.
The Holy Spirit in us
determines our desires. And He will be our advocate.... together with Christ, according to
the will of the Father.
