The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Question #55 in the larger catechism

Q. 55. How doth Christ make intercession?
A. Christ maketh intercession, by his appearing in our nature continually before the Father in heaven, in the merit of his obedience and sacrifice on earth, declaring his will to have it applied to all believers; answering all accusations against them, and procuring for them quiet of conscience, notwithstanding daily failings, access with boldness to the throne of grace, and acceptance of their persons and services.

I'm confused about the phrase "in our nature". How is it that the asceneded Christ can appear in our nature?

By all means, do not be confused!!



What that the phrase "in our nature" means is that the Lord Christ, when he took on human flesh (incarnation), even now after His ascension, retains that human (our) nature. Jesus Christ is 100% God and 100% human and shall ever be so. The SON, the pre-incarnate Christ, is pure spirit, but now is inseparably joined with a human nature as our eternal substitutionary sacrifice. (Jh 1:1-3,14; Acts 1:9-11)

OK. But didn't Christ take on a glorified, immortal body after the resurrection, which he still has? This glorified body is not like our motal bodies, is it? I still don't see how Christ has "our[mortal] nature" even though I understand how he took on and retains human nature though without sin.

Thank you for your help in explaining what is for me a difficult concept.

Yes, Christ's "mortal" body was transformed into an "immortal" body. But that doesn't diminish nor negate the human nature which He has and shall ever have. The Heidelberg doesn't say mortal nature, only our nature. The saints will likewise be given an immortal body when they are glorified but that doesn't mean they will have a different nature.

The apostle Paul explains this transformation which Christ has already had and which we shall have:

See also: Rom 8:11; Lk 20:36; Phil 3:21.