Pastor Terrie Beede continued the "Studies in Theology" series at Calvary Chapel Milwaukee with session 18, focusing on "The Doctrine of the Son, Part 6: The Work of Christ (The Atonement and Intercession)". The series draws its foundational guidance from 1 Timothy 4:16, which instructs ministers to "take heed unto thyself and unto the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this, thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee". This charge underscores the minister's responsibility to adhere to and faithfully teach sound doctrine, ensuring both their fulfillment of duty and the congregation's nourishment in truth.
This session built upon previous studies in the "Doctrine of the Son" series, which had covered Christ's person in the Old Testament (including prophecies of His humanity and deity, and the role of the pre-incarnate Son as the Angel of the Lord), His humanity in the New Testament, His deity in the New Testament, and the necessity of His two-fold nature (being both fully God and fully man in one person). The previous session (Part 5) had also introduced the work of Christ through His three primary offices: Prophet, Priest, and King, emphasizing that Jesus executed these roles in the office of a servant, which was described as "the greatest office of all".
The study of God the Son aligns with Article Four of the Calvary Chapel Milwaukee statement of faith, which affirms belief in Jesus Christ as God's only begotten Son, including His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, teachings, substitutionary atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension, perpetual intercession, and personal visible return to Earth.
The central focus of this session was the atonement of Christ and His ongoing intercession. Pastor Beede delved into:
• The meaning of the atonement: The English word "atonement" originated in the early 1500s and literally means "at onement" (at-one-ment). It signifies the act of putting someone at peace with another, or reconciling them into union or unity.
• The causes and necessity of the atonement: The session aimed to explore why the atonement occurred and why such a sacrifice (of God's only Son) was necessary.
• The nature of the atonement: What the atonement consists of was also examined.
• The work of Christ in the atonement: This included both the work Christ accomplished in the past and the work that is ongoing through the atonement.
• The results of the atonement: The atonement leads to the restoration of believers' legal standing before God, the restoration of their relationship with God, and the restoration of God's legal claim on them. Ultimately, it promises the restoration of all things.
The session also addressed the intercession of Christ, noting that while it is in some respects a separate work, it is inseparably entwined with the atonement. Christ's intercession is a priestly function, as He continues to intercede for believers as the high priest, uniquely qualified to do so. This deep understanding of Christ's work, particularly His atonement and intercession, is fundamental to Christian faith and practice.