Video preaching

Alive for ever to make intercession

Living to intercede                Hebrews 7:24-25

The words of this text evidently deal with the truth of Christ’s rising again from the dead. In fact, He lives in the power of an endless life, v16!

The resurrection of the Lord Jesus is not just an historical event that is important in the doctrine of the gospel because of its history, or because of what it meant at the time of its occurrence. It is relevant and vital to the experience of the Christian now and for ever. That He is alive now is critical to my salvation now.

I  AN EVER-LIVING PRIEST

  1. Contrast. The point of contrast the Apostle is making here is between Christ the risen Priest and the many (Levitical) priests, v23, who had lived and died in preceding generations. The truth of v24 is the basis of the great statement in v25.
  2. He continueth ever. ‘He remains/abides to eternity…’ Death has no more dominion over Him. Cp Rom 6:9, Rev 1:18. By His death the Lord Jesus so completely conquered death that it has no more power over Him—rather He is Master of death.
  3. He has therefore an untransferrable priesthood. The great function of the priesthood was mediation between God and man. The Lord Jesus is the unique mediator, 1Tim 2:5, 1Jn 2:1-2. He has no successor. His work does not ever pass into the hands of another! He retains it in His own hands for ever. There is only one priest able to save!

II  HE IS ABLE TO SAVE ON THIS ACCOUNT.

  1. He has power to save. Cp Is 63:1. This is His peculiar and unique ability. Cp Acts 4:12. This power is seen in contrast to the weakness of every other device men may use to try and accomplish salvation. Cp v18-19, Ps 49:6-9, 22:29.
  2. He saves to the uttermost. The ideas of an endless, irreversible, complete and full salvation is in view. Cp Jn 10:28, Jude 1:24.
  3. He saves those who come to God by Him. All who make use of His priestly mediation to draw near to God experience this salvation. Cp Jn 6:37, Rom 10:13. There is no other way to God, Jn 14:6. An additional aspect of the character of this salvation is here brought out—fellowship with God. The ability of Christ is to this great end of bring estranged sinners back to God. It is for this purpose that He died and rose.

III   HE HAS THIS POWER BECAUSE HE LIVES TO PRAY FOR THOSE HE SAVES.

The Levitical ritual forms the backdrop to these statements and instructs us in the significance of Christ’s work. The value of atonement underpins the intercession that is offered. Cp Lev 4:5-7.

  1. He lives to make intercession. This is the function that the Saviour discharges in heaven. Cp 9:24, Rom 8:34. He has entered into the holy place made without hands to appear in God’s presence for His people. There He prays in an effective manner. Cp Jn 11:42,
  2. He represents those whom He saves. There is a very specific/particular focus in His mediation. Cp Jn 17:9, 20.
  3. His life is wholly invested in this work. He has no other purpose to live for!

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