A Permanent Priesthood and Salvation: Hebrews 7:23-25
“23) The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing, 24) but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. 25) Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:23-25
There biggest problem with the priesthood of Aaron was that they kept getting old and dying off. Mortality consumed them. They existed in greater number because they were prevented by death from continuing.
Now think about this, they could offer people nothing greater than what they themselves found, which was death. It was a hopeless system.
By contrast, Jesus rose from the dead. He not only holds His priestly office forever, He offers eternal life to those who believe in Him. He gives life to those who fallow Him.
This translates to assurance of salvation for the born-again believer. Verse 25 says, “He is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him.” Jesus Himself is the basis of our salvation. Another translation says, “He saves to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him.”
Hebrews 7:22 now comes into focus; “… Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.” Our salvation is not based on our works, it is based on the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. We do not earn our salvation, Jesus purchased it for us!
Notice the last phrase in verse 7; “… He always lives to make intercession for us.”Jesus never stops working on our behalf. If you belong to Him, He is interceding before the Father for you!
This phrase has an umbilical cord that connects it to Romans 8:26-28. Because of this ongoing intercession role of Jesus on our behalf, we know by experience that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.
This means that God never stops working in the life of the true believer. God wants every believer to be a demonstration of His goodness, power and abiding presence. He wants us to shine as lights in an otherwise dark world.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
