Romans 8:34 and 1 John 2:1-2 -- Christ's intercession is not ongoing pleading but his perpetual existence as our propitiation

Mike distinguishes two kinds of intercession: (1) The Spirit's intercession (Romans 8:26-27) -- communicates the believer's heart to God in prayer; (2) Christ's intercession (Romans 8:34) -- directly tied to escaping condemnation. Cross-reference: 1 John 2:1-2 -- Jesus is our advocate (parakletos) with the Father, the propitiation for our sins. Mike's interpretation: Christ's intercession is not repeated pleading for forgiveness but his constant presence before the Father as the one who already paid for sin. His risen, scarred body in glory is a perpetual testimony that believers' sins are covered.