Paul,

I agree with you in condemning any assertion that there is an "equivalent correspondence" between confession of specific sins and forgiveness of those sins. But you indicate that while Christ's atoning work is finished (the Father has accepted his sacrifice "once for all"), he is also still "interceding." This is also what the Bible says (Hebrews 9-10; 7:25), but what does it mean? --- i.e., his still interceding --- his still pleading the merit of his blood? Is this literal or figurative? Eternal, ongoing until the end of the age, or once and for all? If ongoing, why? Especially if no more "pleading" is actually necessary?
This is what I'm struggling to better understand, and I pray for a teachable mind and spirit.
If you, Pilgrim, or anyone else knows of any good Reformed or ancient works on this subject I would appreciate a point in the right direction. Grudem, Erickson, Garrett, and Sproul are very sketchy. What about Calvin, Berkhof, Hodge, Turretin, or Warfield?

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