Quote:
Originally Posted by aron
In the OT, the priest was a sinner set apart to appear before God and intervene for the fallen. The washings, the sacrifices and clean garments and ointments set the stage for the priest to speak on behalf of those needing atonement.
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In the NT, when Jesus taught the disciples to pray, He prayed, "Forgive us our trespasses". Without Christ in the "us" then I don't think it would be effective. Because God who is holy and good will not and cannot hear the prayers of a sinner. Only Christ can convey these words to the Father's presence. Without Christ in the "us" it's a throne of judgment and condemnation; with our speaking Christ it's a throne of mercy.
"Let us come forward, then, to the throne of mercy." Seems pretty straightforward to me.