The
Larger Catechism
Q.
181. Why are we to pray in the name of Christ?
A.
The sinfulness of man, and his distance from God by reason thereof,
being so great, as that we can have no access into his presence
without a mediator; and there being none in heaven or earth appointed
to, or fit for, that glorious work but Christ alone, we are to pray
in no other name but his only.
1.
Our sin has separated us from God and we have no access to God's
presence apart from a mediator. (John 14:6; Isa. 59:2; Eph. 2:12)
2.
Christ alone is qualified for the work of Mediator between God and
Man. (John 6:27; Heb. 7:25-27; 1 Tim. 2:5; Acts 4:12)
3.
We are to pray only in the name of Christ. Those who don't pray in Christ's name are praying in their own name and will not be heard. (Col. 3:17; Heb. 13:15)
"In this answer the catechism sets forth the absolute uniqueness of Jesus Christ. He is represented as the only possible Savior of the human race. The neither is, nor ever can be, anyone alongside of him." (Johannes Vos, Commentary on the Larger Catechism)
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