Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Who is even at the right hand of God - To which he has exalted our human nature, which he took in conjunction with his Divinity; and there he maketh intercession for us - manages all the concerns of his own kingdom in general, and of every member of his Church in particular.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
yea rather, that is risen again--to make good the purposes of His death. Here, as in some other cases, the apostle delightfully corrects himself (see Gal 4:9; and see on Rom 1:12); not meaning that the resurrection of Christ was of more saving value than His death, but that having "put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself"--which though precious to us was to Him of unmingled bitterness--it was incomparably more delightful to think that He was again alive, and living to see to the efficacy of His death in our behalf. who is even--"also" at the right hand of God--The right hand of the king was anciently the seat of honor (compare Sa1 20:25; Kg1 2:19; Psa 45:9), and denoted participation in the royal power and glory (Mat 20:21). The classical writings contain similar allusions. Accordingly Christ's sitting at the right hand of God--predicted in Psa 110:1, and historically referred to in Mar 16:19; Act 2:33; Act 7:56; Eph 1:20; Col 3:1; Pe1 3:22; Rev 3:21 --signifies the glory of the exalted Son of man, and the power in the government of the world in which He participates. Hence it is called "sitting on the right hand of Power" (Mat 26:64), and "sitting on the right hand of the Majesty on high" (Heb 1:3) [PHILIPPI]. who also maketh intercession for us--using all His boundless interest with God in our behalf. This is the top of the climax. "His Session at God's right hand denotes His power to save us; His Intercession, His will to do it" [BENGEL]. But how are we to conceive of this intercession? Not certainly as of one pleading "on bended knees and with outstretched arms," to use the expressive language of CALVIN. But yet, neither is it merely a figurative intimation that the power of Christ's redemption is continually operative [THOLUCK], or merely to show the fervor and vehemence of His love for us [CHRYSOSTOM]. It cannot be taken to mean less than this: that the glorified Redeemer, conscious of His claims, expressly signifies His will that the efficacy of His death should be made good to the uttermost, and signifies it in some such royal style as we find Him employing in that wonderful Intercessory Prayer which He spoke as from within the veil (see on Joh 17:11-12): "Father, I WILL that they also whom Thou hast given Me be with Me where I am" (see on Joh 17:24). But in what form this will is expressed is as undiscoverable as it is unimportant.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Who is he that condemneth,.... That is, the elect of God: all mankind are deserving of condemnation, and are under the sentence of it, as in Adam; some are foreordained to condemnation; all in final impenitence and unbelief, are condemned already; and the whole world of the ungodly will be condemned at the last day; but none of God's elect are, or shall be condemned: for they are loved with an everlasting love; they are chosen unto salvation; they are in Christ, where there is no condemnation; they are brought to believe in him, and by him are justified from all sin, and so are secure from condemnation. They are indeed deserving of it as others, considered in themselves; and are under the sentence of it, as in Adam, with the rest of mankind; and in their own apprehensions, when convinced of sin, righteousness, and judgment. And are there none that will condemn them? yes, their own hearts often condemn them; they are very forward to condemn one another; the world condemns them, and so does the god of it: but neither Father, Son, nor Spirit, will condemn them; not the Father, for he justifies; nor the Son, for it is Christ that died: that he died is certain; the death he died was the death of the cross; the persons he died for were God's elect; the reason of his dying for them was to make atonement for their sins; this came to pass through his substitution in their room and stead; this death of his was but once, yet of an eternal efficacy, and so a full security of them from all condemnation: for sin, the cause of condemnation, was removed by it; the condemnation itself was bore by Christ in their stead; the law and justice of God were satisfied by it; pardon of sin was procured by his blood; and complete justification obtained by his active and passive obedience; all which is confirmed by his resurrection, session at God's right hand, and intercession: wherefore it is added, yea, rather that is risen again. As the death, so the resurrection of Christ, is the security of God's elect from condemnation; inasmuch as Christ rose again, as a conqueror over death, and over sin, the sting of death, and over Satan, who had the power of death; and also as a surety, having given satisfaction to law and justice: he engaged as a surety for his people; God in justice, and according to his righteous law, dealt with him, and by him as such; he satisfied both, and therefore was set free by them; hence neither law nor justice can condemn; besides he rose again as a common person, head and representative of his people, and for their justification: he first stood charged with all their sins, which by his Father, and with his own consent, were imputed to him; he was condemned and suffered death for them; when he rose from the dead, he was justified and acquitted from them all; and all his people were justified in him, and with him: yea, the resurrection of Christ is rather a greater security from condemnation, than his death; Christ's death expiated sin, but his resurrection brought in the everlasting righteousness; notwithstanding Christ's death, had he not risen again, we should have been in our sins, and so liable to condemnation; Christ's dying showed that he was arrested and condemned, but his resurrection shows that he is discharged, and we in him: who is even at the right hand of God. The ascension of Christ, his entrance into heaven, and session at the right hand of God, are also a very considerable security of God's elect from condemnation; for when he ascended from earth to heaven in human nature, accompanied by angels, of which they and his disciples were witnesses, he led captivity captive, or triumphed over those that led his people captive, as sin, Satan, the law, death, and every other enemy of theirs; he entered into heaven to prepare it for them, to take possession of it in their name, to appear in the presence of God for them, and as having obtained the eternal redemption of them, where he was received with a welcome, as the surety and head of the chosen ones, and then sat down at the right hand of God; which shows that he had done his work, and to satisfaction, is advanced above all, power is given to him, all things are put under him, and he is head over all things to the church: and since he is at the right hand of God, as an advocate and intercessor for his people, it will be to no purpose, and of no avail, that Satan, or any other enemy, is at their right hand to resist them: who also maketh intercession for us; which is done, not by vocal prayer, as in the days of his flesh on earth; or as supplicating an angry judge; or as controverting: a point in the court of heaven; but by the appearance of his person for us, by the presentation of his sacrifice, by offering up the prayers and praises of his people, by declaring it as his will, that such and such blessings be bestowed upon them, and by seeing to it, that the benefits of his death are applied to those, for whom they were designed; which intercession of Christ proceeds upon the foot of a satisfaction made; it always continues, and is ever prevalent, and so has a considerable influence to secure from condemnation. The apostle, in this verse, seems to have in view a passage in Job 34:29; which the Septuagint render, "and he gives peace, and who is he that condemneth?"
God Works in All Things
33Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.34Who is there to condemn us? For Christ Jesus, who died, and more than that was raised to life, is at the right hand of God—and He is interceding for us.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Believer's Challenge
By C.H. Spurgeon2.0K40:54GEN 3:15ISA 53:5MAT 22:44ROM 8:341TI 2:5HEB 7:25REV 12:10In this sermon, Charles Haddon Spurgeon discusses four doctrines that provide strong consolation and protection for believers in times of doubt and attack on their faith. The first doctrine addresses the issue of unbelief, which God foresaw and countered by smiting it four times to ensure its defeat. The second doctrine acknowledges the constant attacks on believers' faith by the world, sin, and the devil, and how God has fortified them with four strong lines of protection. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of these doctrines in fortifying believers' hearts when faced with challenges. He concludes by urging listeners to seek an interest in these precious doctrines and highlights the power and excellence of the doctrine itself.
Oh Woman Great Is Your Faith
By Chuck Smith1.7K29:46PSA 34:17PRO 3:5JER 29:13MAT 7:7MAT 15:28JHN 3:17ROM 8:34PHP 4:19HEB 13:8JAS 5:16This sermon focuses on the story of a desperate mother who approached Jesus for help despite initial silence and apparent exclusion. It highlights the importance of persevering faith, especially in times of silence from the Lord, and the need to press on in prayer and belief. The sermon emphasizes the power of a mother's prayers and the impact of surrendering to Christ, encouraging listeners to seek God's blessings and trust in His grace.
The Story of Esther
By David Guzik1.6K50:31EST 9:1PSA 121:2EZK 18:4MAT 6:33JHN 15:14ROM 8:34HEB 7:25In this sermon, the speaker begins by asking the congregation what God has been arranging in their lives and what they are being set up for. He emphasizes the importance of being in church and the significance of attending despite the time change. The sermon then focuses on the story of Esther and how she had to approach the king to save her people. The speaker highlights the pivotal moment when Esther is faced with the decision to risk her life and approach the king, and how Mordecai encourages her to fulfill her destiny.
Save to the Uttermost
By Chuck Smith1.5K31:24JHN 14:6ROM 8:341TI 1:15HEB 7:25This sermon delves into the concept of salvation and the importance of coming to God through Jesus Christ for complete redemption. It emphasizes the need to recognize our lost state due to sin and the assurance that Jesus is able to save to the uttermost. The sermon highlights the significance of Jesus' intercession for believers, the exclusivity of salvation through Christ, and the power of his prayers for those who come to him.
Preeminence
By Leonard Ravenhill1.4K1:18:02Jesus ChristACT 26:18ROM 8:1ROM 8:34COL 1:13In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the calling of God to turn people from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. He highlights the importance of receiving forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among the sanctified by faith in Jesus. The preacher emphasizes that Jesus' death was not just for giving up bad habits, but to regenerate and make believers holy. He uses the example of John Wesley, an aristocrat who gave up his luxurious lifestyle to follow Christ, to illustrate the freedom and transformation that comes from being in Christ. The preacher concludes by referencing Romans 8, highlighting the absence of condemnation for those who are in Christ and the freedom from chains that believers experience.
In the Shadow of the Cross - Jesus Prays for His Disciples (1)
By J. Glyn Owen7141:11:13DisciplesMAT 6:33JHN 13:1JHN 17:1JHN 17:24ROM 8:34EPH 3:12HEB 7:25In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Jesus' testimonial to the Father on behalf of his disciples. He emphasizes that the disciples have received and kept Christ's words as the word of God. Jesus affirms that they have believed in him as the one sent by the Father and have come to know certain truths about him. Despite their imperfections, Jesus testifies to his disciples and their future growth. The speaker also highlights the importance of staying committed to the teachings of Scripture and not adding personal ideas.
Speaking for God in a Hopeless Time
By Carter Conlon67145:23LUK 24:13JHN 20:13JHN 21:4ROM 8:34EPH 1:17This sermon emphasizes the importance of speaking for God in a hopeless time, drawing inspiration from Jesus' example after His resurrection. It highlights the need for compassion, patience, and simplicity in reaching out to those in despair, focusing on the power of God's word and the victory found in Christ. The message encourages believers to be willing servants, to comfort others as they have been comforted, and to trust in God's guidance and provision in challenging times.
The Lord Is My Shepherd, I Will Fear No Coronavirus
By Aaron Hurst19144:57CoronavirusPSA 23:1PSA 24:7MAT 6:33ROM 8:34REV 4:2In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing the Lord as our shepherd and the King of glory. He emphasizes that the Lord is strong, mighty, and victorious in battle. The speaker then transitions to Psalm 23, focusing on the assurance and comfort that comes from having the Lord as our shepherd. He encourages listeners to trust in God during uncertain times, such as the coronavirus pandemic, and to seek the Lord's guidance and provision. The sermon concludes with a reminder that goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives, and we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Priesthood of Christ
By Leonard Ravenhill7050:40Supremacy Of ChristChristGreat SalvationJHN 3:16ROM 8:34HEB 2:3HEB 3:1HEB 4:14HEB 5:8HEB 7:25HEB 10:12HEB 12:1Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the supremacy of Christ's priesthood over the Aaronic and Melchizedek priesthoods, highlighting that Jesus is the ultimate high priest who is holy, harmless, and undefiled. He explains that unlike earthly priests, who had to offer sacrifices repeatedly, Christ's single sacrifice was sufficient for all, and He continually intercedes for believers. Ravenhill urges the congregation to grasp the magnitude of this salvation and the personal relationship believers have with Christ, who understands their struggles and weaknesses. He challenges the audience to recognize the significance of neglecting such a great salvation and to appreciate the depth of Christ's love and sacrifice.
Looking Unto Jesus
By J.C. Ryle7Faith in ChristPractical ChristianityISA 53:6JHN 13:15ACT 1:11ROM 5:10ROM 8:341CO 11:1PHP 3:20HEB 7:25HEB 12:21JN 2:6J.C. Ryle emphasizes the importance of 'Looking Unto Jesus' as the foundation of a vibrant and practical Christianity. He argues that true faith must extend beyond mere Sunday observance and should permeate every aspect of daily life, providing strength, peace, and guidance through Christ's death, intercession, example, and anticipated return. Ryle highlights that a genuine relationship with Jesus is essential for overcoming life's challenges and achieving spiritual growth. He encourages believers to focus on Christ as their source of hope and to emulate His life as a model for their own. Ultimately, Ryle calls for a return to the simplicity and sincerity of early Christianity, centered on the person of Jesus.
Thinking About Heaven
By Randy Alcorn3MRK 13:32LUK 15:7ROM 8:341CO 13:12EPH 2:7JAS 5:16REV 5:8Randy Alcorn delves into the unconventional portrayals of heaven in his novels Deadline and Dominion, challenging popular misconceptions with a foundation in Scripture. He emphasizes that in heaven, we will have clear vision but not omniscience, continuing to learn and grow in understanding of God and His creation. The sense of wonder in heaven indicates a dynamic and ever-deepening appreciation of God's greatness. Alcorn also explores the belief that in heaven, we will recognize and remember loved ones, recall our earthly lives, and be aware of events happening on earth, even potentially praying and interceding for those still on earth.
A Staircase to Heaven
By C.H. Spurgeon2PrayerMediation of ChristPSA 121:1MAT 7:7JHN 1:51ROM 8:34EPH 2:18PHP 4:61TI 2:5HEB 4:16JAS 5:161JN 5:14C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the connection between heaven and earth through Jesus, who serves as the mediator and the staircase to heaven. He explains that believers can see heaven opened and access it through prayer, as Jesus has revealed the kingdom to them. The imagery of Jacob's ladder illustrates the continuous exchange of prayer and divine blessings, encouraging believers to engage in intercession and share God's gifts with others. Spurgeon calls for a life of communion with God, where believers ascend in prayer and descend to serve humanity. He assures that this divine promise is fulfilled daily as they live out their faith.
The God of All Comfort
By Lehman Strauss2PSA 103:13ISA 66:13JHN 14:16ROM 8:34ROM 15:42CO 1:3EPH 2:4PHP 1:6HEB 4:12Lehman Strauss preaches about the believer's journey to know God better through suffering, emphasizing the comfort found in the Savior, the Spirit, and the Scriptures during trials. He shares his personal experience of finding solace in God's Word and the presence of the Holy Spirit while caring for his wife after her stroke. Strauss highlights the importance of faith in receiving God's comfort and the transformative power of Scripture in times of affliction.
Gethsemane: The Necessity of Standing Alone
By Charles H. Stalker1MAT 9:36MAT 26:36LUK 11:1LUK 22:39ROM 8:26ROM 8:342CO 5:14GAL 5:161TH 5:16JAS 5:16Charles H. Stalker emphasizes the importance of being alone with God during the greatest struggles and battles of life, just as Jesus was alone in His most challenging moments. Stalker highlights the need for personal communion with God to gain victory and courage, even when surrounded by others. He points out the contrast between carnality and holiness, urging listeners to embrace the weeping of holiness over the sleeping of carnality. Stalker stresses the significance of prayer, the Holy Ghost's intercession, and the burden for souls, encouraging believers to prioritize these spiritual disciplines over worldly pursuits.
Jesus Right Hand of God
By George G. Findlay1Ascension of ChristSovereignty of JesusJHN 14:6ROM 8:34EPH 1:20PHP 2:10HEB 12:2George G. Findlay emphasizes the significance of Jesus sitting at the right hand of God, illustrating His everlasting power and glory. He reassures believers that despite the ongoing struggles and delays in Christ's return, Jesus remains sovereign and intercedes for us. Findlay encourages the faithful to look to Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who understands our present challenges and reigns supreme over all. He highlights that through Jesus' ascension, the barriers to heaven are removed, and believers are welcomed as His kin. Ultimately, the name of Jesus serves as our access to eternal life and communion with God.
The Better Ministry of Christ.
By Robert Murray M'Cheyne1Christ as High PriestThe New CovenantEXO 31:18EXO 34:28MAT 11:28JHN 14:6ACT 4:12ROM 8:34HEB 4:14HEB 8:3HEB 10:1Robert Murray M'Cheyne emphasizes the superiority of Christ's ministry as the ultimate high priest, contrasting it with the old covenant priesthood. He explains that while the Jewish priests served as shadows of heavenly realities, Christ embodies the substance of those shadows, offering a true sacrifice and interceding for humanity in heaven. M'Cheyne highlights the necessity of recognizing Christ's role as our mediator and the importance of approaching Him for salvation and peace. He urges believers to understand the significance of having a high priest in heaven who can support and save them in times of need.
United in Justification
By Michael Durham0ROM 1:3ROM 4:25ROM 6:3ROM 6:6ROM 8:341TI 3:16HEB 4:16Michael Durham preaches on the profound impact of our union with Christ in His death and resurrection. Through our identification with Jesus, we have died to sin and are no longer enslaved by its power. Just as we are united in His death, we are also united in His resurrection, experiencing newness of life. The resurrection of Jesus is not only His justification but also ours, as God declared Him righteous and now extends that righteousness to us. This truth liberates us from guilt, shame, self-righteousness, judgmentalism, and the need to earn salvation through our own efforts, as we now have the resurrected Jesus living in us, guiding us in sanctification.
Salvation, the Objective in Evangelism
By Lewis Sperry Chafer0JHN 3:3ROM 8:341CO 12:13EPH 5:18COL 1:271JN 2:1Lewis Sperry Chafer preaches about the comprehensive nature of salvation, which goes beyond just forgiveness of sins to include deliverance from the power of sin and the transformation of believers into the image of Christ. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the various aspects of salvation, such as justification, sanctification, and redemption, all of which are accomplished by the Triune God for those who believe. Chafer highlights the hindrances to evangelism caused by ignorance of the central truths of the Word of God and the promotion of 'another gospel' by religious leaders. He stresses the need for believers to fully yield themselves to the saving power of God and to depend on His strength for victory over sin and holy living.
Of the Intercession of Christ.
By John Gill0Assurance of SalvationIntercession of ChristISA 53:12LUK 23:34JHN 11:41JHN 17:9ROM 8:34EPH 1:31TI 2:52TI 1:9HEB 7:25REV 8:3John Gill emphasizes the significance of Christ's intercession as a vital aspect of His priestly office, illustrating how Christ was appointed to intercede for His people, asking for their salvation and blessings from the Father. He explains that Christ's intercession is not only a present reality but has been active since before His incarnation, and it continues in heaven where He advocates for believers. Gill highlights that Christ intercedes specifically for the elect, ensuring their conversion, comfort, and ultimate glorification, while also detailing the types and prophecies that foreshadow this role. The sermon underscores the unique and perpetual nature of Christ's intercession, which is effective and essential for the believer's relationship with God.
Our Intercessor
By David Wilkerson0IntercessionChrist's Role as High PriestMAT 6:8JHN 14:13ROM 8:34EPH 4:16PHP 4:19COL 2:91TH 5:17HEB 7:25JAS 5:161JN 2:1David Wilkerson explores the profound concept of Jesus as our intercessor, emphasizing that His role is not merely to plead for mercy on our behalf but to actively support and strengthen us in our daily lives. He reflects on the depth of intercession, suggesting that it transcends a simplistic view of Christ begging the Father for our needs, as God already knows and provides for us. Wilkerson encourages believers to understand that Christ's intercession is about the growth and empowerment of His body on earth, highlighting the intimate relationship between Jesus and the Father. He acknowledges the mystery of this divine intercession while affirming its significance in our spiritual journey.
Our Father's Care (Isa. Xlix: 16)
By Seth Rees0PSA 37:23PSA 139:1ISA 41:10ISA 49:16ROM 8:31ROM 8:34HEB 7:25HEB 13:51JN 2:1REV 21:2Seth Rees preaches about God's unwavering love and care for His people, using Isaiah 49:16 as a response to Israel's cry of feeling forsaken. He emphasizes God's personal knowledge of each individual, His everlasting love, and His constant intercession for His children. Rees encourages believers to trust in God's faithfulness, reminding them that their names are graven on the palms of His hands, symbolizing His eternal remembrance and care. He assures that God's plan for each life is meticulously mapped out and guided by His wisdom, even in times of distress or when it seems like everything is falling apart.
Our Model Intercessor
By A.W. Tozer0Christ's CompassionIntercessionEZK 22:30MAT 5:44LUK 23:34JHN 3:16JHN 17:9ROM 8:341TI 2:4HEB 4:15HEB 7:251JN 2:1A.W. Tozer emphasizes Jesus as our Model Intercessor, highlighting His unique role in praying for both sinners and the redeemed. He points out that Christ's prayer for forgiveness on the cross demonstrates His compassion for humanity, suggesting that if He prayed for sinners once, He continues to do so. Tozer explains that as the High Priest, Jesus intercedes effectively for those who believe in Him, while also praying for the lost world, which reflects His deep connection to humanity. This dual role of intercession underscores the importance of Christ's relationship with both the redeemed and the unsaved.
The Importance of Prayer
By R.A. Torrey0Spiritual WarfareThe Power of PrayerROM 8:34EPH 6:18PHP 4:6HEB 4:16JAS 4:2R.A. Torrey emphasizes the critical importance of prayer in the life of a Christian, urging believers to engage in constant, persistent, and sleepless prayer. He highlights that prayer is essential for spiritual warfare against the devil, for receiving God's blessings, and for experiencing the fullness of joy and peace. Torrey points out that both Jesus and the apostles prioritized prayer, and he encourages Christians to follow their example to grow spiritually and to intercede for others. He concludes that prayer is not only a means of communication with God but also a powerful tool for transformation and revival within the church.
Our Ever Living Intercessor
By A.W. Tozer0Christ as High PriestIntercessionEXO 28:29LEV 16:15ISA 53:12MAT 26:28JHN 10:14JHN 17:9ROM 8:34HEB 4:14HEB 7:251JN 2:1A.W. Tozer emphasizes the significance of Christ's high priestly prayer in John 17:9, where Jesus states He prays specifically for His followers, not the world. Tozer clarifies that this does not imply Christ never prays for sinners, but rather highlights the context of His intercession as the High Priest who advocates for those who accept His atonement. He draws parallels to the Old Testament high priest, whose intercessions were limited to Israel, underscoring that Christ's prayer is for those who trust in Him. This sermon invites believers to understand the depth of Christ's intercession and the assurance it brings to those who are His own.
Prevailing Intercession
By Henry Law0EXO 17:11PSA 16:11JHN 14:16JHN 17:24ROM 8:34EPH 2:181TI 2:5HEB 4:16HEB 7:251JN 2:1Henry Law preaches on the powerful lesson from Exodus 17:11, where Moses' intercession with uplifted hands brought victory to the Israelites. He draws parallels to the ongoing spiritual battle believers face against unseen enemies like the race of Cain, Ishmael, and Esau, emphasizing the need to stand firm in faith and prayer. Law highlights the significance of Jesus' continuous intercession for believers at the right hand of God, showcasing His unwavering love and commitment to securing blessings and protection for His people. He delves into the depth of Christ's intercession, revealing how it brings forgiveness, preservation, the gift of the Holy Spirit, acceptance of prayers, and the ultimate promise of eternal presence with Him.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Who is even at the right hand of God - To which he has exalted our human nature, which he took in conjunction with his Divinity; and there he maketh intercession for us - manages all the concerns of his own kingdom in general, and of every member of his Church in particular.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
yea rather, that is risen again--to make good the purposes of His death. Here, as in some other cases, the apostle delightfully corrects himself (see Gal 4:9; and see on Rom 1:12); not meaning that the resurrection of Christ was of more saving value than His death, but that having "put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself"--which though precious to us was to Him of unmingled bitterness--it was incomparably more delightful to think that He was again alive, and living to see to the efficacy of His death in our behalf. who is even--"also" at the right hand of God--The right hand of the king was anciently the seat of honor (compare Sa1 20:25; Kg1 2:19; Psa 45:9), and denoted participation in the royal power and glory (Mat 20:21). The classical writings contain similar allusions. Accordingly Christ's sitting at the right hand of God--predicted in Psa 110:1, and historically referred to in Mar 16:19; Act 2:33; Act 7:56; Eph 1:20; Col 3:1; Pe1 3:22; Rev 3:21 --signifies the glory of the exalted Son of man, and the power in the government of the world in which He participates. Hence it is called "sitting on the right hand of Power" (Mat 26:64), and "sitting on the right hand of the Majesty on high" (Heb 1:3) [PHILIPPI]. who also maketh intercession for us--using all His boundless interest with God in our behalf. This is the top of the climax. "His Session at God's right hand denotes His power to save us; His Intercession, His will to do it" [BENGEL]. But how are we to conceive of this intercession? Not certainly as of one pleading "on bended knees and with outstretched arms," to use the expressive language of CALVIN. But yet, neither is it merely a figurative intimation that the power of Christ's redemption is continually operative [THOLUCK], or merely to show the fervor and vehemence of His love for us [CHRYSOSTOM]. It cannot be taken to mean less than this: that the glorified Redeemer, conscious of His claims, expressly signifies His will that the efficacy of His death should be made good to the uttermost, and signifies it in some such royal style as we find Him employing in that wonderful Intercessory Prayer which He spoke as from within the veil (see on Joh 17:11-12): "Father, I WILL that they also whom Thou hast given Me be with Me where I am" (see on Joh 17:24). But in what form this will is expressed is as undiscoverable as it is unimportant.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Who is he that condemneth,.... That is, the elect of God: all mankind are deserving of condemnation, and are under the sentence of it, as in Adam; some are foreordained to condemnation; all in final impenitence and unbelief, are condemned already; and the whole world of the ungodly will be condemned at the last day; but none of God's elect are, or shall be condemned: for they are loved with an everlasting love; they are chosen unto salvation; they are in Christ, where there is no condemnation; they are brought to believe in him, and by him are justified from all sin, and so are secure from condemnation. They are indeed deserving of it as others, considered in themselves; and are under the sentence of it, as in Adam, with the rest of mankind; and in their own apprehensions, when convinced of sin, righteousness, and judgment. And are there none that will condemn them? yes, their own hearts often condemn them; they are very forward to condemn one another; the world condemns them, and so does the god of it: but neither Father, Son, nor Spirit, will condemn them; not the Father, for he justifies; nor the Son, for it is Christ that died: that he died is certain; the death he died was the death of the cross; the persons he died for were God's elect; the reason of his dying for them was to make atonement for their sins; this came to pass through his substitution in their room and stead; this death of his was but once, yet of an eternal efficacy, and so a full security of them from all condemnation: for sin, the cause of condemnation, was removed by it; the condemnation itself was bore by Christ in their stead; the law and justice of God were satisfied by it; pardon of sin was procured by his blood; and complete justification obtained by his active and passive obedience; all which is confirmed by his resurrection, session at God's right hand, and intercession: wherefore it is added, yea, rather that is risen again. As the death, so the resurrection of Christ, is the security of God's elect from condemnation; inasmuch as Christ rose again, as a conqueror over death, and over sin, the sting of death, and over Satan, who had the power of death; and also as a surety, having given satisfaction to law and justice: he engaged as a surety for his people; God in justice, and according to his righteous law, dealt with him, and by him as such; he satisfied both, and therefore was set free by them; hence neither law nor justice can condemn; besides he rose again as a common person, head and representative of his people, and for their justification: he first stood charged with all their sins, which by his Father, and with his own consent, were imputed to him; he was condemned and suffered death for them; when he rose from the dead, he was justified and acquitted from them all; and all his people were justified in him, and with him: yea, the resurrection of Christ is rather a greater security from condemnation, than his death; Christ's death expiated sin, but his resurrection brought in the everlasting righteousness; notwithstanding Christ's death, had he not risen again, we should have been in our sins, and so liable to condemnation; Christ's dying showed that he was arrested and condemned, but his resurrection shows that he is discharged, and we in him: who is even at the right hand of God. The ascension of Christ, his entrance into heaven, and session at the right hand of God, are also a very considerable security of God's elect from condemnation; for when he ascended from earth to heaven in human nature, accompanied by angels, of which they and his disciples were witnesses, he led captivity captive, or triumphed over those that led his people captive, as sin, Satan, the law, death, and every other enemy of theirs; he entered into heaven to prepare it for them, to take possession of it in their name, to appear in the presence of God for them, and as having obtained the eternal redemption of them, where he was received with a welcome, as the surety and head of the chosen ones, and then sat down at the right hand of God; which shows that he had done his work, and to satisfaction, is advanced above all, power is given to him, all things are put under him, and he is head over all things to the church: and since he is at the right hand of God, as an advocate and intercessor for his people, it will be to no purpose, and of no avail, that Satan, or any other enemy, is at their right hand to resist them: who also maketh intercession for us; which is done, not by vocal prayer, as in the days of his flesh on earth; or as supplicating an angry judge; or as controverting: a point in the court of heaven; but by the appearance of his person for us, by the presentation of his sacrifice, by offering up the prayers and praises of his people, by declaring it as his will, that such and such blessings be bestowed upon them, and by seeing to it, that the benefits of his death are applied to those, for whom they were designed; which intercession of Christ proceeds upon the foot of a satisfaction made; it always continues, and is ever prevalent, and so has a considerable influence to secure from condemnation. The apostle, in this verse, seems to have in view a passage in Job 34:29; which the Septuagint render, "and he gives peace, and who is he that condemneth?"