The intercession of Christ

The doctrine of Christ's intercession is one of the most fundamental-and often least understood-pillars in the life of the believer. This redemptive work, which the Lord Jesus Christ continues to perform in heaven, is not only vital for our salvation, but also for our spiritual security, our inner peace and our growth in grace. Whoever does not fully understand this truth, is exposed to easily fall into doubt, inner condemnation and spiritual insecurity, becoming an easy target for the fiery arrows of the evil one.

John Bunyan, the 17th-century English author best known worldwide for his classic The Pilgrim’s Progress , introduces us to this profound subject with the clarity and devotion characteristic of someone who has walked through dark valleys and beheld the light of divine mercy. In his spiritual autobiography titled Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners , Bunyan reveals how he spent years struggling under burdens of guilt, despair, and spiritual fears. Yet it was precisely in the midst of that affliction that he came to know the living Christ—not only as a Savior who died on the cross for his sins, but also as a heavenly Mediator who constantly prays for him before the throne of God.

That transformative experience gave Bunyan a unique perspective on Christ’s intercessory work. And so, at a more mature stage in his Christian and ministerial life, he wrote A Discourse of the Work of Christ as an Advocate , a short but deeply biblical and emotionally comforting treatise intended to comfort, encourage, and strengthen all who are pilgrims journeying toward the Celestial City.

In this book, Bunyan not only describes the theological importance of Christ’s intercession, but also helps us understand how this work has practical implications in our daily lives. He reminds us that Jesus, seated at the right hand of God the Father, does not rest from His priestly ministry: He prays for us, intercedes for our failures, sustains our faltering faith, and presents our imperfect prayers before the Father as fragrant and acceptable offerings.

Bunyan also emphasizes that even the trials and disciplines we face as children of God are part of Christ’s loving care for us. Far from being signs of rejection, these experiences are expressions of His grace, channeled through His continual intercession. Through them, the Lord refines us, humbles us, teaches us, and leads us always back to Himself—our Great High Priest and our only Advocate before the Father.

This message, so necessary in any age, takes on special relevance today, when so many believers live under emotional, spiritual, and existential pressure. To read A Discourse of the Work of Christ as an Advocate is like receiving a personal letter from heaven—written in human words, yet soaked in the balm of the Holy Spirit. It is a gentle but firm reminder that we are not alone in our Christian walk; we have a perfect, powerful, and loving Intercessor who never ceases to watch over us.