Jesus' Desire is for You
WLC 55 Part 3
Westminster Larger Catechism Question 55
Q. How doth Christ make intercession?
A. 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, and procuring for them quiet of conscience, notwithstanding daily failings, access with boldness to the throne of grace, and acceptance of their persons and services.
Presbyterians often, and rightly so, speak frequently and dwell reflectively on the glory of justification. The supernatural miracle that happens to all who are called to believe in Jesus Christ. We receive pardon from sins and a clear conscience before God (Rom. 6:23; Heb. 10:22). This is a wonderful doctrine that I treasure dearly. At the same time, it can often feel very legal and transactional. The language of justification is of course judicial language. Our WSC 33 defines it this way, 33. What is justification? Justification is an act of God’s free grace, wherein he pardoneth all our sins, and accepteth us as righteous in his sight, only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and received by faith alone. You may be grateful but wonder if my salvation terms are simply legal or is there more to it than that? Did Jesus offer his sacrifice from a cold sense of indifference, a duty owed but not offered from the heart? James Thornwell spoke of the philanthropy of Jesus’ sacrifice, “He is not to bring his sacrifice from a cold and repulsive sense of duty, nor from abstract regards to the dignity or glory of the deed; but he must be governed by a real philanthropy - he must have love and pity in his heart - he must weep for the transgressor while he makes atonement for the guilt.”1
He does not come with a cold sense of justice and little concern for those whom he represents. The famous prayer he offered in his final hours from John 17 shows us the deep love and concern he has for his own, “Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world” (John 17:24). Paul said Jesus “lavished on us” the riches of His grace (Eph. 1:7-8). Jesus’ “will” His “desire,” for they are the same word, is to have his great sacrifice applied to all who believe in Him that they should not perish (John 3:16). Thornwell is again helpful, “The priestly spirit, which is essential to the priestly office, exacts delight in the work, and all sacerdotal functions would behove to be suspended should the priest fail in the spirit of his vocation. The joy of the Mediator in the work, therefore, and the vindication of God from all suspicion of cruelty, injustice or severity, is complete and triumphant when the Saviour’s death is made a sacrifice - a free-will offering to God.”2
He appears in our nature before God the Father because His desire is your salvation. What a joy that His will is for us! He ever lives to intercede for He desires all who believe in Him to be with Him (John 17:24). Saints, if your conscience is burdened this day. If your assurance is diminished or failing, take heart that Jesus’ desire is for you and it is His will that salvation be applied to you. Listen for your Savior and by faith hear His pardoning voice this day.
The Collected Writings of James Henley Thornwell, 2:275.
Ibid, 277.