If the only privilege that praying in Jesus’ name had to offer was access to the throne of God, it would still be utterly stupendous. The New Testament, however, declares it has additional privileges.
We have an Advocate. “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1). The throne room of a monarch is also his court room. God is both judge and jury in His theocratic kingdom. Ultimately, every person of human history will stand before heaven’s great white throne (Revelation 20:11).
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves (1 John 1:8). If we say that we have not sinned, we make God a liar (1 John 1:10). Because of the righteousness of our legal counsel and our Judge, we are granted leniency/forgiveness when we confess (i.e. plead guilty to) our sins in heaven’s judicial chamber (1 John 1:7). What an Advocate!
We have a Mediator/High Priest. In the Old Testament, only the High Priest could enter the Most Holy Place (i.e. the presence of God) on the annual Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). In the New Testament, our High Priest is so great we have a continuous entrance into God’s presence. As holy priests, we can offer up spiritual sacrifices to God (1 Peter 2:5). What a High Priest!
Access. Advocate. Mediator.
What privileges are found when praying in Jesus’ name.
