Who is our intercessor before God?
When people find themselves in legal disputes, they often require someone to intercede for them before the courts of law. This professional, whom we usually call a lawyer, fulfills the role of presenting arguments on behalf of their client, seeking to have the judge determine justice in their favor.
Jesus Christ, our intercessor and advocate.
Surprisingly, in certain translations of the biblical text, the Scriptures also use the figure of a lawyer to refer to Jesus Christ. However, other versions translate this same concept as "intercessor." In 1 John 2:1-2, the apostle John writes to a group of Christians: "My dear children, I am writing these things so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous One. He is the sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world."
Here it's worth highlighting a couple of elements. First, the clear identification of who the intercessor is: Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. Furthermore, let's pay attention to the biblical instruction: that we not sin. Also, note the context in which the Bible refers to Jesus Christ as an intercessor: when we have actually sinned. Finally, let's see that intercession is carried out in relation to someone, and that is the Father. In short, human beings are called not to sin, but when we do, we must trust in Jesus Christ as our intercessor before the Father.
Human beings are called not to sin, but when we do, we must trust in Jesus Christ as our intercessor before the Father.
The Arguments of Jesus Christ, Our Intercessor.
Now, the best lawyers are those who find the best arguments to present in court. So, what arguments does Jesus Christ, our intercessory lawyer, use before the Father? Could it be that He looks for our achievements and merits to present them as evidence that, even though we sin, we have many academic or financial successes in our lives? Does Jesus Christ use our good works as compensation for those times when we sinned and did things contrary to what God commanded us?
Let's review 1 John 2:2 again: "He [Jesus Christ] is the sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins." Jesus doesn't base His intercession on our good deeds or our achievements. He presents as evidence the work He Himself performed on our behalf: the cross on which He was offered as a sacrifice pleasing to God, which takes away the sin of all who have genuine faith in Christ. The best argument in our favor that Jesus Christ can present is Himself!
The best argument in our favor that Jesus Christ can present is Himself!
Jesus as Intercessor is sufficient.
You may ask: Do I need another advocate to present a better case or have more help? The answer is no.
Jesus as Intercessor is absolutely sufficient. He presents Himself as the only way to the Father (John 14:6); He is the only one who exercises the role of high priest that we need (Hebrews 7:27); only about Jesus does the Bible say that He completely saves those who come to God through Him, for He lives forever to intercede for us (Hebrews 7:25). In short, the only mediator between God and men is the man Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 2:5).
However, it is not only a matter of whether Jesus as an intercessor is sufficient, but also that the consequences of wanting to add anything more to the work of Jesus Christ are fatal. Paul's letter to the Galatians makes it clear that relying on elements beyond faith in Jesus Christ distorts the good news—the Gospel—of Jesus (Galatians 1:7 and 2:16). And as Paul rightly says, there is no other Gospel!
What do we conclude, then? May we believe in Jesus and place all our trust in Him alone to present our case. May Christ's work be sufficient for Him to intercede for us fully and effectively. May we require no other human being for our intercession before the Father, for no one else has been appointed to the role of high priest we needed.
Brothers and sisters, let us not sin; but if we sin, let us trust in Jesus Christ the Righteous, who intercedes for us before the Father.
