How do we know Jesus' prayer on the cross was for us?
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Jesus prayed for His people, indicating that His intercession includes all whom the Father has given Him.
Understanding whether Jesus' prayer for forgiveness on the cross extends to us ties back to the doctrine of election and intercession found in Scripture. In John 17:9, Jesus explicitly states, 'I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.' This indicates that Christ's prayers are directed specifically towards His elect. The assurance of being one of those for whom He prayed can be found through transformation in our lives, reflecting belief in His complete work of redemption. If you are responding in faith and have been transformed by His grace, it is a strong indicator of being included in His intercessory work.
Scripture References:
John 17:9, 1 Thessalonians 1:4
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