INTERCESSION AND SACRIFICE

JOHN 17:9–10

“I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours”

(John 17:9).

Jesus prays not for the world but for those whom the Father had given Him. Jesus prayed for His disciples, for all those who believed in Him, and for all those who would believe in Him (vv. 20–21). As our High Priest, He prays that the benefits of His atoning work be applied to His “sheep,” His “church,” His “own,” and we can be sure that His prayer will be answered.

To better understand the logic behind Jesus’ request, let us put it into a syllogism: Premise A: Jesus prays only for the elect, that all the benefits of His atoning work be applied to them. Premise B: Jesus’ prayer will be answered by the Father. Conclusion: Only the elect will receive the benefits of Christ’s atoning work.

There is an unbreakable connection between Christ’s sacrificial work and His intercessory work—a connection that is best understood when seen in the light of the rest of Scripture. In the Old Testament sacrificial system, the burning of incense on the altar represented the prayers of the people (or the intercessory prayers of the high priest). This incense was always connected to the burnt sacrifice. In fact, the incense was burned with coals from the altar (Lev. 16:12). This all symbolized the connection between intercession and sacrifice. The high priest only interceded on behalf of those for whom the sacrifice was given.

In the same way, and as the fulfillment of the symbols, Jesus prays only for those who have been given to Him by the Father. If He intercedes for you, He died for you. If He does not intercede for you (and He clearly states here that He does not intercede for the world), then He did not die for you. As you can see, the unity of the sacrifice and the intercessory prayer of our High Priest is undeniable. This is a very significant point in Christian doctrine, for it proves that Christ’s death on the cross was not designed for just anyone. He died only for the elect (those whom the Father had given Him), just as He prays and intercedes only for the elect.

The certainty or security of our salvation is rooted in God’s electing love, in Christ’s sacrifice, and in His prayers of intercession. Just think, if you are His, He is praying for you, for your redemption, for your perseverance, and for your sanctification!

CORAM DEO

Ecclesiastes 7–9

2 Corinthians 11

WEEKEND

Ecclesiastes 10–12

2 Corinthians 12

Read John 10:11, 14. For whom did Christ lay down His life? Read Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25; 9:24, 1 John 2:1. For whom does Christ intercede? Who is the “us” in these passages? Is it the world or the chosen ones of God who have been given to the Son? Thank Christ today for making certain the salvation of His church.

For further study: Ex. 30:1–9 • Lev. 4:1–7; 16:11–14

WEEKEND