188. ROM 8:34. EXALTATION AND INTERCESSION OF CHRIST

Rom_8:34. Exaltation and Intercession of Christ

"Who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us."’97Rom_8:34.

In the former part of the verse the apostle states the facts of Christ’s death and resurrection as the foundation of the believer’s non-condemnation or justification before God. He then proceeds to show how this foundation is rendered more firm and illustrious by the exaltation and intercession of Christ at the right hand of God. Notice,

I. Christ’s exalted Station.

"Who is even at the right hand of God." Now observe Christ’s exaltation took place,

1. When he had completed all his mediatorial undertakings on earth.

He had finished all the work his Father had given him to do. No further claims upon him. His engagements completed. The learned writers pay particular attention to this; see Joh_17:4; Php_2:6 : Heb_1:3. His exalted station implies,

2. The Father’s perfect approbation of Christ.

He was ever his delight, &c. Dwelt in his bosom. &c. He proclaimed him his beloved at Jordan. On the Mount of Transfiguration. He did so also by raising him from the dead. He did so more especially when he exalted him to his own right hand. His exaltation was,

3. The commencement of his blessed and glorious reward.

Rest after his toil. Glory after his ignominy. Joy after his sufferings. Yet it was only the commencement of his reward. For he is to see his seed, prolong his days, &c. &c. Isa_53:10, &c. To reign until his enemies become his footstool, &c. Psa_72:8-20. His exaltation includes,

4. Universal dominion, and equality with the Father.

He is exalted, not to Jehovah’s feet, but to his throne, to sit at the right hand of the Majesty on high, exalted above patriarchs, prophets, Abraham, Moses. Above angels’97above seraphim and cherubim, &c. To receive the homage of all creatures, and of all worlds. But notice,

5. That he is there officially.

As the High Priest of the new dispensation. To carry on his mediatorial designs, and to consummate the arrangements of his grace. Hence observe,

II. Christ’s glorious Engagements.

"Who also maketh intercession for us." Here then is an allusion to the high priest of old, who once a year entered into the holiest place, with the blood of the annual sacrifice, to plead on behalf of the people. Now Christ’s intercession consists,

1. In his appearing in the presence of God for us.

Appearing with his priestly robes. With the blood of the covenant. Appearing as the great Sacrifice for sin, with all his wounds and scars. His torn and lacerated person. His hands and feet bearing the marks of the nails. His opened side, &c.

"Five bleeding wounds he bears,

Received on Calvary," &c.

2. In the expression of his mind that mankind may enjoy the benefits of his death.

"Lord, let it alone this year," &c. "Father, forgive them," &c. "Father, I will," &c. Joh_17:24. We need not suppose that he intercedes by the expression of words, but by the expression of his mind, which is ever known, and ever agreeable to the Father. His intercession consists,

3. In presenting his people and their service with acceptance to God.

As our high priest, he has all his people on his heart. And through him they are accepted of God. He too presents all their services, and by the fragrance of the incense of his merit they are well-pleasing to God. See Rev_7:3.

Application

Consider, 1. How dignified our advocate. The Son of God. 2. How constant his intercession. Not one day in a year’97but he ever liveth, and makes intercession incessantly for his people. 3. How extensive. The whole church is interested in it, and the world enjoy the benefits of his intercession. 4. How effectual. Consider his wisdom’97fidelity’97merit’97love, &c. 5. How precious. To the mourner, seeking God. To the believer, in duties and ordinances. When tempted’97afflicted’97dying, &c. Yes, Christ has died, therefore am I forgiven. He has risen, therefore am I justified and raised to spiritual life. He is exalted, therefore I too shall be with him to behold and to participate of his glory. He also maketh intercession for me, so shall I be accepted of God, en joy all the blessings of his mediation, both in the present world and in that which is to come.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS