The Signs of the Times
August 13, 1902
Christ Our Mediator
The Lord is honored when we trust in Him, bringing to Him all our perplexities. “Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name,” He says, “that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” God's appointments and grants in our behalf are without limit. The throne of grace is the center of attraction, because occupied by One who permits us to call Him Father. “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” ST August 13, 1902, par. 1
Jehovah did not deem the plan of salvation complete while it was invested only with His own love. He has placed at His altar an Advocate clothed with our nature, whose office it is to introduce us to God as His sons and daughters. Christ intercedes in behalf of all who receive Him. He gives to them power to become the sons of God. And the Father demonstrates His love for Christ by receiving and welcoming Christ's friends as His friends. He is satisfied with the atonement made. He is glorified by the mediation of His Son. We are accepted in the Beloved. ST August 13, 1902, par. 2
In Christ's name our petitions ascend to the Father. He intercedes in our behalf, and the Father lays open for our appropriation all the treasures of His grace. “Ask in My name,” Christ says. “I do not say that I will pray the Father for you; for the Father Himself loveth you, because you love Me. Make use of My name. This will give your prayers efficiency and power, the Father will give you the riches of His grace. Wherefore ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” ST August 13, 1902, par. 3
What more could God do for us than He has already done? The rainbow encircling the throne is an everlasting promise that all who approach Him will find pardon. Christ encourages us to pray always. He seeks to draw us to Him, that He may satisfy His desire to help us. He urges us to present our needs. His heart of love is filled with an earnest desire to bring us in close touch with God. ST August 13, 1902, par. 4
When Satan tells you that the Lord will not regard you with favor, because you have sinned, say, “Jesus gave His life for me. He suffered a cruel death that He might enable me to resist temptation. I know that He loves me, notwithstanding my imperfection. I rest in His love. God has accepted His perfection in my behalf. He is my righteousness, and I trust in His merits. He takes away my sin-stained garments, and clothes me with the robe of His righteousness. Clothed with this garment, I stand before the Father justified.” ST August 13, 1902, par. 5
“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him freely give us all things?” “I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” ST August 13, 1902, par. 6
Yes; Christ has become the medium of prayer and of blessing between God and man. He places the whole influence of His righteousness on the side of the suppliant. He pleads for man; and man, in need of divine help, pleads for himself, using the name of the One who gave His life for the life of the world. As we approach God in Christ's name, acknowledging our appreciation of His sacrifice, fragrance is given to our petitions. We are clothed with His priestly vestments. The Saviour draws us close to His side, encircling us with His human arm, while with His divine arm He grasps the throne of the Infinite. ST August 13, 1902, par. 7
Mrs. E. G. White