19. Chapter One
Chapter One W ho also intercedes for us.—Romans 8:34
This passage connects to the previous one, providing further support. Two aspects of the text will be discussed: First, the concurrent influence of Christ's intercession on our salvation.
Secondly, the assurance that faith can derive from this for our justification.
We have seen Christ seated at God's right hand as a judge and king, possessing all authority to save or condemn; he holds all power in heaven and earth to grant eternal life to those who believe, and this gives us confidence.
Now let's consider his intercession, and its impact on our justification and salvation. This intercession not only seals everything, but it is as significant as any of the previous actions. As we have heard, there was an allsufficiency in his death—"Who will condemn? It is Christ who died"—and
even more so in his resurrection—"indeed, he is risen"—and even more so, that he lives and is at God's right hand, Romans 5:10. The apostle goes even further to "a salvation to the utmost," attributed to his intercession in Hebrews 7:25, "Therefore he is able to save completely, because he always lives to intercede." So, if you could imagine anything that none of the previous three actions could do or achieve for us, his intercession could do it to the utmost, for it is the ultimate and highest. If money could buy our salvation, his death has done it, which he offered as a price and a corresponding ransom (as stated in 1 Timothy 2:6). If power and authority could accomplish it, his position at God's right hand, endowed with all power in heaven and earth, will be exerted to the utmost to achieve it. If favor and pleas added to all these (which often do as much as any of the others) were necessary, he will use the utmost of this as well, and will forever intercede. So, if love, money, or power (any or all of them) can save us, we can be certain of being saved, "saved to the utmost," in all ways, by all means; saved repeatedly.
To clarify this last general point, Christ's intercession, and the influence and assurance it provides for our faith and justification, I will discuss two things, both specific to the text.
1. First, I will demonstrate how, in addition to all those other actions of Christ for us, this intercession is also added by him to effect our salvation and secure our hearts in it. This is what the word "also" in the text implies,
"Who also intercedes for us."
2. Secondly, I will show the assurance that faith can derive and draw from this intercession of Christ, or his prayers for us in heaven; "Who will condemn? It is Christ who intercedes for us."