Therefore he is also able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, seeing that he lives forever to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25 WEB
In his letter to the Hebrews, Paul devotes the entirety of chapter seven to the priesthood of two men. First, Paul discusses Melchizedek, the priest and king of Salem in the time of Abraham. Next, Paul describes Jesus as the ultimate high priest in the order of Melchizedek. In the priesthood of the resurrected Lamb of God, no more sacrifice is required. When we draw near to God, our Savior sits at the right hand of our heavenly Father interceding on our behalf.
Christ descended from the tribe of Judah. Traditionally, priests came exclusively from the tribe of Levi. Levite priests ministered over Israel from the time of Moses and Aaron. The change in the priesthood represented by Christ began a new period in church history. It marked the beginning of the New Covenant of salvation through faith in Christ. In addition, it does away with the need for an earthly priesthood. Jesus serves as high priest for the entire church.
The Perfect High Priest
This leads us to Paul’s words concerning Christ’s saving “to the uttermost” those who draw near to God through Christ. This simply means that Jesus saves completely. When we draw near to God in recognition of the sacrifice made by Christ, Jesus performs his role as our high priest. As the atonement sacrifice for the sins of mankind, Jesus covers our sins before God. Risen from the grave, Christ lives eternally, praying and petitioning God on our behalf.
Paul’s writing celebrates the superiority of Christ to the old order of priests. As we read in Hebrews 7:26-27, “For such a high priest was fitting for us: holy, guiltless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; who doesn’t need, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices daily, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. For he did this once for all, when he offered up himself. WEB”
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the truth of your holy scripture. Thank you for the gift of salvation.Guide me with the wisdom of your word. Help me to serve your purpose with the life you give me. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: The Light of Men
