Hebrews 7:25

Tuesday, 4 December 2018

Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25

“Therefore” is based upon the argument presented in the previous verses. The author has shown numerous points which support what he will next say –

1) Jesus is a “priest forever” (7:17);

2) He has “the power of an endless life” (7:16) rather than having His priesthood based on ancestry;
3) He is a priest “according to the order of Melchizedek” (7:17) who was shown to be greater than Father Abraham (7:7);
4) Jesus’ priesthood annuls the laws of the former priesthood (7:18);
5) Jesus’ priesthood brings in “a better hope, through which we draw near to God” (7:19);
6) Jesus’ priesthood came with an oath (7:20);
7) Jesus himself has “become a surety of a better covenant” (7:22).

For these reasons, we can know for certain that “He is also able to save to the uttermost.” As Vincent’s Word Studies notes concerning this word, it is “not perpetually, but perfectly.” There is an absolute guarantee of salvation which comes through His infinitely superior priesthood. The power of the priesthood is absolute, and it is perfect in what it is set forth to accomplish. However, the context must be understood. This saving is only for “those who come to God through Him.”

Jesus’ ministry as High Priest is the effective means of salvation. No one can expect a right relationship with God while attempting to circumvent Jesus. In a pluralistic society, this is rejected, but the Bible makes it perfectly clear that there is one way and one way alone that the human soul can find restoration and a fulfilled relationship with God, and that is only through Jesus. This is confirmed in His own words –

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” John 14:6

Sin exists in all men, and that sin must be dealt with before man can be reconciled to God. However, it is only through the intercessory role of Jesus Christ as High Priest that this can come about. In coming through Jesus, however, there is salvation to the uttermost because – as the author says – “He always lives to make intercession for them.” This takes the reader back to Chapter 5. Christ was chosen as a priest forever, and according to the order of Melchizedek. With that having been stated, the author then went on to explain what that meant for Him –

“…who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.”

In the ordeal Christ faced, He became the representative for all who would believe in Him. His prevailing through the sufferings He faced is what guarantees those who follow Him the same eternal life He possesses. Thus He is the “author of eternal salvation.” The tie which binds His priestly office and the salvation it provides is the intercessory role He fills on our behalf. The obedience He learned is what now carries through to our salvation in Him.

Life application: Only a true knucklehead would study theology, read Jesus’ claims of exclusivity, and then think that God has made an exception in their case. Either Jesus’ words are true or they aren’t. If they are, then Jesus is the only path to God and all other paths lead to condemnation and hell. If they aren’t true, then God has left man without the ability to truly know their eternal destiny. This would show a flaw in the nature of God – something which is impossible. Stand fast in your faith of Jesus and His great ministry and be assured that your faith in Him will be richly rewarded.

Thank You, O God, for the knowledge of salvation which is given to us through the Person and work of Your glorious Son – our Lord Jesus. Thank You also that we have a sure word that is reliable and effective in leading us to Him. We stand undeserving and yet confident! Amen.

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