Covenant Theology Conference Prayer Part 4- Praying to the Covenant Mediator with humble boldness. See part 1 and part 2 and Part 3 here. This is a ministry of Trinity Presbyterian Church of Norman.
Someone once asked, “Does prayer change things?” The answer is that prayer principally changes us. As we approach God and pour out our hearts to Him, the good news is that we are changed! Two seemingly contradictory attributes: humbleness and boldness, are both grown in the crucible of prayer.
In prayer, we are especially faced with the internalization of the reality that the Lord Jesus, only, can both bring God to sinful men and women AND bring sinful men and women to God. The Westminster Larger Catechism #36 reads
Q. 36. Who is the Mediator of the covenant of grace?
A. The only Mediator of the covenant of grace is the Lord Jesus Christ, who, being the eternal Son of God, of one substance and equal with the Father, in the fullness of time became man, and so was and continues to be God and man, in two entire distinct natures, and one person, forever.
See the verses below for the documentation of this statement.
1 Tim. 2:5; John 1:1, 14; John 10:30; Phil. 2:6; Gal. 4:4; Luke 1:35; Rom. 9:5; Col. 2:9; Heb. 7:24-25.
Humbly- What business do have to approach God? In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus taught using a story of two men praying. The tax collector stood far off and said, “God be merciful to me, a sinner!” Exactly! The only business we have approaching God is in the name of Jesus. We approach God by virtue of Christ’s righteous mediation for us. The act of prayer should awaken in us the Heidelberg Catechism #2’s triad of necessary things: Grief/Grace/Gratitude.
Q2. What do you need to know in order to live and die in the joy of this comfort?
[1] Rom. 3:9, 10; I John 1:10. [2] John 17:3; Acts 4:12; 10:43. [3] Matt. 5:16; Rom. 6:13; Eph. 5:8-10; I Pet. 2:9, 10.
It is by mercy/compassion from God to us that we can approach Him and that He is giving us the opportunity to hear His Word in these special meetings, the Covenant Theology Conference this weekend. As sinners, we do not deserve any of this, but in the name of Christ, we are justified, adopted, sanctified, and welcomed into God’s presence to enjoy Him and His covenant blessings.
BOLDNESS- Those who come not by our own merit, but by the perfect righteousness of Christ can truly, ask for things that would be unimaginable and treasonous for anyone not covered with Christ’ righteousness. Psalm 2 pictures how God laughs at the rebellious kings who attempt to overthrow His Lordship. They are clowns and deserve His scornful derision. But, if you are in Christ, your mediator’s righteousness pleads for you. He vouches for you. The Lord would never scorn you. He always welcomes you and enjoys your presence with Him! This is the gospel! Your standing with God is not up and down based upon your performance. Your standing is solid and certain and steady because it is through the mediation of another. Hebrews 4:16, therefore, instructs us to approach God’s throne boldly!
What prevents you from asking things of an authority? You may fear being too presumptuous. But with the Lord, by our covenant mediator, we come with a humble boldness. Take some time today to gloriously participate in this ministry of the Covenant Theology Conference by praying for it with humble boldness.
Schedule:
Saturday:
5:15-5:30 pm- Registration.
5:30-7:00 pm Lecture and Q&A on Saturday at the Memorial Union, 2nd Floor, 700 Asp.
Park in the garage just North of the building or on the street to the east of the building. There are elevators and stairs inside the building to take you to the meeting space. Following the lecture, all are invited to walk over with us to Pepe Del Gado’s on campus corner for informal conference activity.
Sunday: Sunday School with Dr. McDowell, 9:30-10:15 428 W. Lindsey.
Worship with Dr Mark McDowell preaching, 10:30-Noon.
Lunch at 428 W Lindsey, following the service.