[Oct. 27th, 1861.]
The figurative representations of Scripture are intended not to impress the imagination but instruct the understanding. They must therefore be interpreted so as to convey definite truth. They are not to be understood literally; nor is the analogy which they suggest to be pressed too far. Nevertheless they are never to be explained away as mere figures of speech. As the intercession of Christ is represented as the ground of confidence and a source of consolation, it must be understood to express, 1. The relation in which Christ stands to his people. 2. The nature of one part of the work which he discharges on their behalf.
I. The relation which Christ as intercessor sustains to his people;—or, the relation which is implied in the work of intercession. It is that of an advocate to his client. The former personates the latter; puts himself in the client’s place.
It is while it lasts, therefore, the most intimate relation. The client does not appear. He is not heard. He is not regarded. He is lost in his advocate, who for the time being is his representative. This is the relation in which Christ as our advocate stands to us. He appears before God for us. We are lost in him. He, not we, is seen, heard and regarded. It is not necessary that the client be personally present. His advocate supplies his place. Christ thus assumes our position.
II. The work of an advocate is twofold.
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It is to vindicate an accused person from the crimes laid to his charge, to secure for him the verdict of not guilty. In other words, it is to save him from the infliction of the penalty with which he is threatened.
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It is to establish the claims of his client, to secure for him the quiet enjoyment of his inheritance or property.
When Christ therefore is said to be our advocate or intercessor, it means that he performs for us these two offices. He secures for us the verdict of not guilty. He obtains our justification, at the bar of God. And he secures for us the enjoyment of all those blessings to which we are entitled according to the terms of the covenant of grace. These are not only our justification, but the gift of the Holy Ghost, which secures regeneration, sanctification, knowledge of the truth, consolation, guidance and perseverance in grace unto the end; together with that measure of temporal blessings which shall best minister to our holiness and usefulness; and finally the consummation of the work of salvation in heaven.
III. The qualifications for an advocate are,—1. The right to appear in court. This does not belong to every one. It must be admitted by competent authority. And this admission is founded on evidence that the applicant or candidate professes the requisite qualifications. Thus we have no right to appear before God. Christ was appointed by God for this office. And his appointment supposes that he has the requisite qualifications. He has the right of entry to the courts of the Lord, as the representative of his people.
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Knowledge. a. Of the law; of the demands of justice; of the administration of the government to which the court belongs. b. Complete knowledge of his client’s case. c. Knowledge of the way in which his case can be properly presented and urged. This knowledge on Christ’s part is omniscience. It is coupled with sympathy both divine and human.
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An adequate plea. No advocate is competent to plead a client’s cause successfully unless he has a sufficient plea to offer in his behalf. Christ has this plea in his own perfect righteousness, and in the promise of God. On these grounds he secures our justification and the bestowment on us of all the blessings of redemption.
IV. Characteristics of Christ’s intercession.
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He is the only mediator or advocate. There is no other who is authorized or qualified to act in our behalf. And no other is necessary.
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His intercession is perpetual. He ever maketh intercession for us.
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It is successful. It has never failed and it can never fail.
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It is freely offered to all and freely rendered.
V. Duties of a client to his advocate.
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He must commit his case into his hands without reserve, and not depend on himself or any one else.
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Trust and confidence. He must rely on his ability to conduct his cause, and not attempt to take it out of his hands.
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Gratitude and love.
This, therefore, is a perpetual and everflowing source of consolation.
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