The Salvation of Our Great High Priest

John White
 

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“Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” – Hebrews 7:25

Context of Hebrews 7:25 found in reading Hebrews 6:19 – 7:28 to see how our Great High Priest introduces a better hope (v.19) guaranteeing a better covenant (v.22) is able to save us to the uttermost.

“When it is said “able to save,” it means literally “able to keep on saving.” Salvation is threefold—past, present, and future. It includes deliverance from the penalty of sin (past); from the power of sin (present); and from the presence of sin (future). Each of these is clearly taught in Scripture, and “salvation” in its fullest meaning includes them all. In this Epistle the main thought is invariably of the salvation which is at once continuous, permanent, and perfect, and in this text, in particular “keep on saving,” the truth is that of the believer’s continual deliverance, just as the Apostle argues that those who have been reconciled to God by the death of His Son will inevitably be “kept safe in His life” (Moule) because of our Lord’s Resurrection (Rom. 5:6–10). But it is not only a continuous, it is a complete salvation. He is able to save “to the uttermost.” The phrase means “completely,” and is only found in one other place in Scripture, where we have a very striking contrast (Luke 13:11+). The poor woman was unable to lift up herself “completely,” or “to the uttermost,”—that is, she was unable “to the uttermost,” but Christ is able “to the uttermost.” What does this mean? Surely, first of all, it means “to the uttermost” of our need through sin, whether this is ours through inherited disposition or through acquired characteristic. Then it means “to the uttermost” of our circumstances, whatever they may be, in all their difficulty, complexity, and pressure. Then it means “to the uttermost” of our time, covering past, present, and future. Looking back over the past, we have been saved from the condemnation and guilt of sin; looking round upon the present, we are being saved from the power, love, and defilement of sin; looking forward to the future, we shall be saved from the very presence of sin in the glorified state above. Not least of all, this phrase means “to the uttermost” of place. For just as our Lord sent His disciples to the “uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8+), so, wherever His children go today, they experience His salvation regardless of locality, since He is the same everywhere, in His saving, sanctifying, and satisfying power.” (W H Griffith Thomas)

Past salvation: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9

Present salvation: “By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.” – 1 Corinthians 15:2

Future salvation: “Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!” – Romans 5:9 ; “And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.” – Romans 13:11 ; “For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,” 1 Thessalonians 5:9

• What does knowing the activity of Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest, in the past, in the present, and in the future help you…
   
• Worship Jesus Christ?
  
  
  
   
• Walk with Jesus Christ?
  
  
  
   
• Work for Jesus Christ?
  
  
  
   
• Witness for Jesus Christ?
  
  
  
   

“Come near to God and he will come near to you.” – James 4:8a