0.3. Introduction

Introduction

After describing the remarkable and profound actions of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ—his obedience leading to death, resurrection, ascension to heaven, seating at God’s right hand, and intercession for us, which have been thoroughly discussed—I will now present this subsequent discourse. It pertains to the heart of Christ as he presently resides in heaven, seated at God’s right hand and interceding for us. It reveals how his heart is affected and filled with gracious disposition towards sinners on earth who approach him: how willing he is to receive them, how prepared he is to welcome them, and how tenderly he pities them in all their weaknesses, be it their sins or their misfortunes. The purpose and benefit of this discourse are to embolden and encourage believers to approach the throne of grace more confidently, seeking the aid of such a compassionate Saviour and High Priest. By understanding how sweetly and tenderly his heart inclines towards them, even in his glorious state, they can overcome the significant obstacle that remains unseen but impedes their path to faith. It is the notion that, since Christ is now absent and exalted to a position of immense glory, seated at God’s right hand, they are unsure of how to approach him freely and with hopeful expectation to secure their salvation, as those unfortunate sinners who were once physically present with him on Earth.

If only we had the opportunity, they think, to converse with him during his earthly days, just like Mary, Peter, and his other disciples did, we would have felt confident in approaching him and receiving anything from him. After all, they witnessed him as a man, much like themselves, who possessed meekness and gentleness. At that time, he took on the burden of sin and experienced various forms of suffering. But now, he has ascended to a distant realm, adorned with glory and immortality, and we are uncertain how this transformation might have affected his heart. The aim of this discourse is therefore to assure humble souls that his heart, in terms of compassion and mercy, remains unchanged from his time on earth. He continues to intercede with the same compassionate heart as he did before, displaying the same meekness, gentleness, and willingness to be entreated, and showing tenderness in his innermost being. Consequently, they can approach him with fairness regarding their salvation, with hope and on terms as accessible as if they had been present with him on earth, maintaining a close familiarity with him in all their needs. This knowledge brings immense comfort and encouragement to those who have relinquished all other pursuits in favor of a life of faith and whose souls yearn for a deep and intimate communion with their Saviour, Christ.

Now I will present two types of demonstrations that can aid our faith in this matter: the first being more external and outward, and the second more internal and inward. The former demonstrates that it is indeed true, while the latter delves into the reasons and justifications for its truth.

I. First, let us explore these external demonstrations. They are derived from various instances and actions of Jesus during his different phases: his farewell before his death, his resurrection, ascension, and his current position at God’s right hand. I will guide you through the same topics discussed in the previous treatise, albeit with a different purpose. I will extract observations from his words and actions during those significant periods that directly persuade us of the matter at hand—namely, that now, in heaven, his heart remains as graciously disposed towards sinners who approach him as it was when he walked the earth. To establish a foundation or introduction for these initial demonstrations, I will cite the following scripture. As for the latter demonstrations, I will employ another scripture more suitable for that portion of this discourse.

"When Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end." (John 13:1)