In the opening three chapters of Romans, Paul lays the foundation for his exposition of the gospel of Gods grace, the dark background against which he will set forth all the glory of the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Paul, as prosecuting counsel, has arraigned man before the bar of God. He has exhaustively and conclusively proved that all have sinned, that all have broken Gods law, that the whole world is guilty before God and under His divine wrath. Have the prisoners anything to say? No, their mouths are stopped; they stand speechless, condemned at the bar of Gods law (Rom. 3:19).
O happy day when we saw ourselves there, as guilty and hell-deserving sinners! We were dumb. No more inventing a thousand excuses for sin. No more parading forth our own supposed goodness. No more trusting in ourselves. We were unable to plead our own cause. Our trust was placed in the advocacy of Him who is King of Kings. We have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous (I John 2:1). He appears in the presence of God for us. He undertakes our cause and pleads the infinite virtue of His sacrificial work.
There is no more excellent or comprehensive definition of our Saviours high-priestly ministry in courts above than that of Dr. T. Ridgley: Christ maketh intercession, by His appearing in our nature, continually before the Father in heaven, in the merit of His obedience and sacrifice on earth, declaring His will to have it applied to all believers, answering all accusations against them, procuring for them quiet of conscience, notwithstanding daily failure, access with boldness to the throne of grace, and acceptance of their persons and sacrifices.
Child of God, ever be looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith.
Daily devotions are from the book "Eagle's Wings" published by the Free Presbyterian Church.
© Free Presbyterian Church 1991- All Rights Reserved.
