The Intercession of Jesus In Heaven for Believers Copyright by Norman L. Geisler 2007

The Intercession of JesusIn Heaven for Believers

Copyright by Norman L. Geisler 2007

The Intercession of JesusIn Heaven for Believers

Copyright by Norman L. Geisler 2007

The Essential Orthodox Doctrines 1. God’s unity 2. God’s tri-unity 3. Human depravity 4. Mary’s virginity 5. Christ’s purity 6. Christ’s deity 7. Christ’s humanity 8. God’s mercy 9. Faith’s necessity 10. Christ’s atoning death

11. Christ’s bodily resurrection 12. Christ’s bodily ascension 13. Christ’s priestly intercession 14. Christ’s second coming [15. Bible’s infallibility] [16. Literal interpretation]

The Essential Orthodox Doctrines 1. God’s unity 2. God’s tri-unity 3. Human depravity 4. Mary’s virginity 5. Christ’s purity 6. Christ’s deity 7. Christ’s humanity 8. God’s mercy 9. Faith’s necessity 10. Christ’s atoning death

11. Christ’s bodily resurrection 12. Christ’s bodily ascension 13. Christ’s priestly intercession 14. Christ’s second coming [15. Bible’s infallibility] [16. Literal interpretation]

OutlineOutlineI. The Biblical Basis

II. The Creedal Statements

III. The Doctrinal Importance

IV. Some Objections

I. The Biblical Basis



IV. Some Objections

I. The Biblical BasisI. The Biblical BasisA. Christ’s Present Work in Heaven

1. Relating to Creation--Upholding the Universe

A. Christ’s Present Work in Heaven 1. Relating to Creation--Upholding the Universe

“He upholds all things by the word of His power”“He upholds all things by the word of His power”—Heb. 1:2—Heb. 1:2

—Col. 1:17—Col. 1:17“In Him all things are held together”“In Him all things are held together”


1. Relating to Creation--Upholding the Universe 2. Relating to Salvation—Upholding Believers


2. Relating to Salvation—Upholding Believers

“Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel on the breastplate of judgment over his heart, when he goes into the holy place, as a memorial before the LORD continually” (Ex. 28:29). The name of each tribe was engraved on the twelve stones. Even so, Jesus our High Priest carries us his people on His heart into the very presence of God.

“Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel on the breastplate of judgment over his heart, when he goes into the holy place, as a memorial before the LORD continually” (Ex. 28:29). The name of each tribe was engraved on the twelve stones. Even so, Jesus our High Priest carries us his people on His heart into the very presence of God.



B. Christ’s Work of Salvation in Heaven 1. What It is Not—accomplishing salvation 2. What It Is—applying salvation



B. Christ’s Work of Salvation in Heaven 1. What It is Not—accomplishing salvation 2. What It Is—applying salvation



B. Christ’s Work of Salvation in Heaven 1. What It is Not—accomplishing salvation 2. What It Is—applying salvation (Not for our justification but for sanctification) a. Justification—saves from the penalty for sin. b. Sanctification—saves from the power of sin. c. Glorification—saves from the presence of sin.

C. Christ’s Work of Sanctification



B. Christ’s Work of Salvation in Heaven 1. What It is Not—accomplishing salvation 2. What It Is—applying salvation (Not for our justification but for sanctification) a. Justification—saves from the penalty for sin. b. Sanctification—saves from the power of sin. c. Glorification—saves from the presence of sin.

C. Christ’s Work of Sanctification

• I. Essential to Justification:• 1. Human depravity

• 2. Mary’s virginity • 3. Christ’s purity • 4. Christ’s deity • 5. Christ’s humanity • 6. God’s unity

• 7. God’s tri-unity • 8. The necessity of God’s grace

• 9. The necessity of our Faith

• 10. Christ’s atoning death • 11. Christ’s bodily resurrection





• 10. Christ’s atoning death • 11. Christ’s bodily resurrection





• 10. Christ’s atoning death • 11. Christ’s bodily resurrection• II. Essentials to Sanctification• 12. Christ’s bodily ascension

• 13. Christ present session •






• 13. Christ present session •






• 13. Christ present session • III. Essentials to Glorification

• 14. Christ’s bodily return






• 13. Christ present session • III. Essentials to Glorification

• 14. Christ’s bodily return

C. Christ’s Work of SanctificationC. Christ’s Work of Sanctification

1. The Distinction

Justification—declaring us righteous

Sanctification--making us righteous

2. The Description of His Intercession

a. It is Physical—in His body

b. It is Spiritual—for Our Salvation

1. The Distinction

Justification—declaring us righteous

Sanctification--making us righteous

2. The Description of His Intercession

a. It is Physical—in His body

b. It is Spiritual—for Our Salvation

Jesus Has a Physical Body in HeavenJesus Has a Physical Body in Heaven1. He was resurrected in a physical body. “Handle me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh

and bones as you see I have” (Lk. 24:39).2. He went into heaven in a physical body. “Now when he had spoken these things, while they

watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight” (Acts 1:9).

3. He will return from heaven in a physical body.“This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go” (Acts 1:11).

“And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives…. And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, from the east to the west” (Zech. 12:4).

4. He remains in heaven now in a physical body

1. He was resurrected in a physical body. “Handle me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh

and bones as you see I have” (Lk. 24:39).2. He went into heaven in a physical body. “Now when he had spoken these things, while they

watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight” (Acts 1:9).

3. He will return from heaven in a physical body.“This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go” (Acts 1:11).

“And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives…. And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, from the east to the west” (Zech. 12:4).




• 1 John 4:2-3.--"Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come [and still is] in the flesh is not of God."

• 2 John 7.--"For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus as coming [and remaining] in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.”

• Rev. 5:6.—“I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne…stood a Lamb as though it had been slain…” [i.e., with crucifixion scars].

• 1 John 4:2-3.--"Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come [and still is] in the flesh is not of God."

• 2 John 7.--"For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus as coming [and remaining] in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.”

• Rev. 5:6.—“I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne…stood a Lamb as though it had been slain…” [i.e., with crucifixion scars].

2. The Description of His Intercession2. The Description of His IntercessionJohn 14:2-3.—“In My Father’s house are many

mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself.”

1 John 2:1.--“And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”

Rev. 12:10.-- “…for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.”

Rom. 8:34.—“It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.”

John 14:2-3.—“In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself.”

1 John 2:1.--“And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”

Rev. 12:10.-- “…for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.”


2. The Description of His Intercession2. The Description of His Intercession

Heb. 6:20.—“The forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.”

Heb. 7:25.—“Therefore, He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He ever lives to make intercession for them.”

Rev. 5:6.—“I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne…stood a Lamb as though it had been slain…” [He is pleading those wounds before the Father].

Heb. 6:20.—“The forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.”


Rev. 5:6.—“I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne…stood a Lamb as though it had been slain…” [He is pleading those wounds before the Father].





The Apostles’ Creed The Apostles’ Creed • I believe in God , the Father Almighty, the

Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord: Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried…. The third day He arose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, whence He shall come to judge the living and the dead….

• I believe in God , the Father Almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord: Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried…. The third day He arose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, whence He shall come to judge the living and the dead….

The Nicene Creed (325) The Nicene Creed (325) We believe in one God…. We believe in one

Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, light from light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father….

We believe in one God…. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, light from light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father….

Orthodox Fathers of the ChurchOrthodox Fathers of the ChurchIrenaeus (A.D. 130-200).—“The Church [believes] in…

the resurrection from the dead, and ascension into heaven in the flesh of the beloved Christ Jesus, our Lord….” (Against Heresies, 1.10.1).

Epiphanius (4th cent).—“The Word became flesh,…the same suffered in the flesh,; rose again, sat down gloriously at the right hand of the Father; is coming in the same body in glory…” (The Creeds of Epiphanius: The Second Formula in Schaff, Creeds 2.37).

Augustine (5th cent.)—“The world has come to believe that the earthly body of Christ was received up into heaven” (The City of God 22.5).

Irenaeus (A.D. 130-200).—“The Church [believes] in…the resurrection from the dead, and ascension into heaven in the flesh of the beloved Christ Jesus, our Lord….” (Against Heresies, 1.10.1).

Epiphanius (4th cent).—“The Word became flesh,…the same suffered in the flesh,; rose again, sat down gloriously at the right hand of the Father; is coming in the same body in glory…” (The Creeds of Epiphanius: The Second Formula in Schaff, Creeds 2.37).

Augustine (5th cent.)—“The world has come to believe that the earthly body of Christ was received up into heaven” (The City of God 22.5).

Orthodox Fathers of the ChurchOrthodox Fathers of the ChurchAquinas (1224-1274).—In the resurrection “The soul

does not take on an airy or heavenly body…but a human body of flesh and bones” (Compendium of Theology, 153).

The Belgic Confession (A.D. 1561).— “Our Lord Jesus Christ will come from heaven, corporally and visibly as he ascended with great glory and majesty…” (Schaff, Creeds of Christendom, 3.433-434).

Aquinas (1224-1274).—In the resurrection “The soul does not take on an airy or heavenly body…but a human body of flesh and bones” (Compendium of Theology, 153).

The Belgic Confession (A.D. 1561).— “Our Lord Jesus Christ will come from heaven, corporally and visibly as he ascended with great glory and majesty…” (Schaff, Creeds of Christendom, 3.433-434).

Orthodox Fathers of the ChurchOrthodox Fathers of the Church

The Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion (A.D. 1562).— “Christ did truly rise again from death, and took again his body with flesh and bones…; wherewith he ascended into Heaven, and there sitteth, until he return the judge all Men…” (Ibid., 489).

The Westminster Confession (A.D. 1647).—“On the third, day he arose from the dead, with the same body in which he suffered; with which he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of his Father…” (Ibid., 620-621).

The Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion (A.D. 1562).— “Christ did truly rise again from death, and took again his body with flesh and bones…; wherewith he ascended into Heaven, and there sitteth, until he return the judge all Men…” (Ibid., 489).

The Westminster Confession (A.D. 1647).—“On the third, day he arose from the dead, with the same body in which he suffered; with which he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of his Father…” (Ibid., 620-621).







III. The Doctrinal ImportanceIII. The Doctrinal ImportanceChrist Had to be Seated in Heaven— 1. To Make the Way Open for Us

2. To Prepare a Place for Us

3. To Send the Holy Spirit to Us

4. To Build the Church Through Us

5. To Intercede for Us

6. To Apply Sanctification to Us

Christ Had to be Seated in Heaven— 1. To Make the Way Open for Us

2. To Prepare a Place for Us

3. To Send the Holy Spirit to Us

4. To Build the Church Through Us

5. To Intercede for Us

6. To Apply Sanctification to Us

1. To Make the Way Open for Us1. To Make the Way Open for Us

Heb. 6:20.—“The forerunner has entered [heaven] for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.”

Heb. 6:20.—“The forerunner has entered [heaven] for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.”

2. To Prepare a Place for Us2. To Prepare a Place for Us

John 14:2-3.—“In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to

Myself.”

John 14:2-3.—“In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to

Myself.”

3. To Send the Holy Spirit to Us3. To Send the Holy Spirit to Us

John 16:7.—“It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper [the Holy Spirit] will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.”

John 16:7.—“It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper [the Holy Spirit] will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.”

4. To Build the Church Through Us4. To Build the Church Through Us

Matt. 16:18.—“…on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.”

John 14: 12,--“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.”

Matt. 16:18.—“…on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.”

John 14: 12,--“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.”

5. To Intercede for Us5. To Intercede for Us





6. To Apply Sanctification to Us6. To Apply Sanctification to Us

Rom. 16:16.— “…that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles…, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.”

Heb. 10:14.—“For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.”

Rom. 16:16.— “…that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles…, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.”

Heb. 10:14.—“For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.”

Jesus as Our Great High PriestJesus as Our Great High PriestHe understands our weakness Heb. 4:15.--“We do not have a High Priest who cannot

sympathize with our weakness, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet apart from sin.”

“ We have no superhuman high priest to whom our infirmities are unintelligible” (Phillips trans.).

He hears our prayers Heb. 7:25.--“Therefore, He is also able to save to the

uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He ever lives to make intercession for them.”

He forgives our sins I Jn. 1:9.--“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to

forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

He understands our weakness Heb. 4:15.--“We do not have a High Priest who cannot

sympathize with our weakness, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet apart from sin.”

“ We have no superhuman high priest to whom our infirmities are unintelligible” (Phillips trans.).

He hears our prayers Heb. 7:25.--“Therefore, He is also able to save to the

uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He ever lives to make intercession for them.”

He forgives our sins I Jn. 1:9.--“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to

forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

High Priests: Aaron and ChristHigh Priests: Aaron and Christ Type Fulfillment

Entered earthly Tabernacle Entered heavenly Temple (Heb. 6:19) Entered once a year Entered once for all time (Heb. 9:25) Entered beyond the veil Rent the veil (Heb. 10:20) Offered for his own sins Offered only for our sins (Heb. 7:27)Offered the blood of bulls Offered His own blood (Heb. 9:12) From Tribe of Levi From Tribe of Judah (Heb. 7:14)Priest for a lifetime Priest for all time (Heb. 7:17)Order of Aaron Order of Melchizedek (Heb. 7:21)

Type Fulfillment

Entered earthly Tabernacle Entered heavenly Temple (Heb. 6:19) Entered once a year Entered once for all time (Heb. 9:25) Entered beyond the veil Rent the veil (Heb. 10:20) Offered for his own sins Offered only for our sins (Heb. 7:27)Offered the blood of bulls Offered His own blood (Heb. 9:12) From Tribe of Levi From Tribe of Judah (Heb. 7:14)Priest for a lifetime Priest for all time (Heb. 7:17)Order of Aaron Order of Melchizedek (Heb. 7:21)

Christ’s High Priesthood after the Order of Melchizedek is--

Christ’s High Priesthood after the Order of Melchizedek is--

1) An eternal priesthood (Heb.7:20; Psa. 110:4).

2) A changeless priesthood (Heb. 7:24).

3) A compassionate priesthood (Heb. 4:15).

4) A sustaining and uplifting priesthood (Gen. 14:18)

“Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God most High” (Gen. 14:18).

“Wine that makes glad the heart of man…and bread which strengthens man’s heart” (Psa. 104:15).

1) An eternal priesthood (Heb.7:20; Psa. 110:4).

2) A changeless priesthood (Heb. 7:24).

3) A compassionate priesthood (Heb. 4:15).

4) A sustaining and uplifting priesthood (Gen. 14:18)

“Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God most High” (Gen. 14:18).

“Wine that makes glad the heart of man…and bread which strengthens man’s heart” (Psa. 104:15).




IV.Some Objections




IV.Some Objections

IV. Some ObjectionsIV. Some ObjectionsA. If Creation is finished (Gen. 2:2-3), Why

is Christ still working on it (Heb. 1:2)?.

Response:

1) He is not working on creation; He is working in creation (Jn. 5:17).

2) He is not creating it but conserving it.

3) He is not causing it to come to be but causing it to continue to be (Col. 1:17).

A. If Creation is finished (Gen. 2:2-3), Why is Christ still working on it (Heb. 1:2)?.

Response:

1) He is not working on creation; He is working in creation (Jn. 5:17).

2) He is not creating it but conserving it.

3) He is not causing it to come to be but causing it to continue to be (Col. 1:17).

IV. Some ObjectionsIV. Some Objections B. If Christ completed our salvation on

the Cross, why is He still acting for our salvation in Heaven.

Response:1) Our salvation was accomplished on the Cross (Jn.

19:30; Heb. 1:3; 10:14), but our salvation is still being applied to us by His work in heaven for us (Heb. 7:25; 1 Jn. 2:1).

2) We get justification from Christ’s once-for-all work on the Cross, but we get sanctification from his continually applying that finished work in heaven.

B. If Christ completed our salvation on the Cross, why is He still acting for our salvation in Heaven.

Response:1) Our salvation was accomplished on the Cross (Jn.

19:30; Heb. 1:3; 10:14), but our salvation is still being applied to us by His work in heaven for us (Heb. 7:25; 1 Jn. 2:1).

2) We get justification from Christ’s once-for-all work on the Cross, but we get sanctification from his continually applying that finished work in heaven.

I know That My Redeemer LivesCharles Wesley

I know That My Redeemer LivesCharles Wesley

I know that my Redeemer lives, And ever prays for me;A token of His love He gives, A pledge of liberty.

I find him lifting up my head, He brings salvation near,His presence makes me free indeed, And He will soon appear.

I know that my Redeemer lives, And ever prays for me;A token of His love He gives, A pledge of liberty.

I find him lifting up my head, He brings salvation near,His presence makes me free indeed, And He will soon appear.

Sinners, Rejoice: Your Peace is Made Charles Wesley

Sinners, Rejoice: Your Peace is Made Charles Wesley

They saw Him in the courts above. With all His recent prints of love;The wounds, the blood! they heard its voice, That heightened all their highest joys;They felt it sprinkled through the skies, And shared that better sacrifice.

They saw Him in the courts above. With all His recent prints of love;The wounds, the blood! they heard its voice, That heightened all their highest joys;They felt it sprinkled through the skies, And shared that better sacrifice.

My Faith Has Found a Resting PlaceMy Faith Has Found a Resting Place

My faith has found a resting place Not in device nor creed;I trust the Ever-living One— His wounds for me shall plead.I need no other argument, I need no other plea;It is enough that Jesus died, And that He died for me.

My faith has found a resting place Not in device nor creed;I trust the Ever-living One— His wounds for me shall plead.I need no other argument, I need no other plea;It is enough that Jesus died, And that He died for me.

Before the Throne of God AboveCharitie Bancroft

Before the Throne of God AboveCharitie Bancroft

Before the throne of God above, I have a strong, a perfect plea,A great High Priest whose name is “Love.” Who ever lives and pleads for me.My name is graven on His hands, My name is written on His heart.I know that while in heav’n He stands, No tongue can bid me thence depart, No tongue can bid me thence depart.

Before the throne of God above, I have a strong, a perfect plea,A great High Priest whose name is “Love.” Who ever lives and pleads for me.My name is graven on His hands, My name is written on His heart.I know that while in heav’n He stands, No tongue can bid me thence depart, No tongue can bid me thence depart.

Before the Throne of God AboveBefore the Throne of God Above

When Satan tempts me to despair, And tells me of the guilt within,Upward I look and see Him there, Who made an end of all my sin.Because the sinless Savior died, My sinful soul is counted free,For God the Just is satisfied, To look on Him and pardon me, To look on Him and pardon me.

When Satan tempts me to despair, And tells me of the guilt within,Upward I look and see Him there, Who made an end of all my sin.Because the sinless Savior died, My sinful soul is counted free,For God the Just is satisfied, To look on Him and pardon me, To look on Him and pardon me.

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The Intercession of Jesus In Heaven for Believers Copyright by Norman L. Geisler 2007