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We believe that we have no access to God
except through the one and only Mediator and Intercessor:
Jesus Christ the Righteous.62
He therefore was made man,
uniting together the divine and human natures,
so that we human beings might have access to the divine Majesty.
Otherwise we would have no access.
But this Mediator,
whom the Father has appointed between himself and us,
ought not terrify us by his greatness,
so that we have to look for another one,
according to our fancy.
For neither in heaven nor among the creatures on earth
is there anyone who loves us
more than Jesus Christ does.
Although he was "in the form of God,"
he nevertheless "emptied himself,"
taking the form of "a man" and "a servant" for us;63
and he made himself "completely like his brothers."64
Suppose we had to find another intercessor.
Who would love us more than he who gave his life for us,
even though "we were his enemies"?65
And suppose we had to find one who has prestige and power.
Who has as much of these as he who is seated
"at the right hand of the Father,"66
and who has all power
"in heaven and on earth"?67
And who will be heard more readily
than God's own dearly beloved Son?
So then, sheer unbelief has led to the practice
of dishonoring the saints,
instead of honoring them.
That was something the saints never did nor asked for,
but which in keeping with their duty,
as appears from their writings,
they consistently refused.
We should not plead here
that we are unworthy--
for it is not a question of offering our prayers
on the basis of our own dignity
but only on the basis of the excellence and dignity
is ours
by faith.
Since the apostle for good reason
wants us to get rid of this foolish fear--
or rather, this unbelief--
he says to us that Jesus Christ
was "made like his brothers in all things,"
that he might be a high priest
who is merciful and faithful
to purify the sins of the people.68
For since he suffered,
being tempted,
he is also able to help those
who are tempted.69
And further,
to encourage us more
to approach him
he says,
"Since we have a high priest,
Jesus the Son of God,
who has entered into heaven,
we maintain our confession.
For we do not have a high priest
who is unable to have compassion for our weaknesses,
but one who was tempted in all things,
just as we are,
except for sin.
Let us go then
with confidence
to the throne of grace
that we may obtain mercy
and find grace,
in order to be helped."70
The same apostle says that
we "have liberty to enter into the holy place
by the blood of Jesus.
Let us go, then, in the assurance
of faith...."71
Likewise,
"Christ's priesthood is forever.
By this he is able to save completely
those who draw near to God through him
who always lives to intercede
for them."72
What more do we need?
For Christ himself declares:
"I am the way, the truth, and the life;
no one comes to my Father
but by me."73
Why should we seek
another intercessor?
Since it has pleased God
to give us his Son as our Intercessor,
let us not leave him for another--
or rather seek, without ever finding.
For when God gave him to us
he knew well that we were sinners.
Therefore,
in following the command of Christ
we call on the heavenly Father
through Christ,
our only Mediator,
as we are taught by the Lord's Prayer,
being assured that we shall obtain
all we ask of the Father
in his name.
62 1 John 2:1
63 Phil. 2:6-8
64 Heb. 2:17
65 Rom. 5:10
66 Rom. 8:34; Heb. 1:3
67 Matt. 28:18
68 Heb. 2:17
69 Heb. 2:18
70 Heb. 4:14-16
71 Heb. 10:19, 22
72 Heb. 7:24-25
73 John 14:6 |
