What does Hebrews 7:25 mean?

Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25

Explanation

Hebrews 7:25 is a verse that highlights the continuing role of Jesus Christ as both savior and intercessor. The first part of the verse, “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him,” speaks of the total and complete salvation Jesus offers to those who seek God through Him. The phrase “to the uttermost” suggests a salvation that is not only comprehensive in scope but also eternal in duration.

The latter part of the verse, “seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them,” underlines the eternal priesthood of Christ. This means that Jesus, who has risen and lives forever, continually advocates on behalf of those who place their trust in Him. The concept of intercession here refers to Jesus’ role as a mediator between God and humanity.

Historical Context

Hebrews 7 is part of a broader argument that takes place in the Epistle to the Hebrews, a New Testament book written to a group of early Jewish Christians. The author of Hebrews is making a case for the superiority of Jesus Christ’s priesthood compared to the Levitical priesthood of the Old Testament. Within the historical context, the Jewish audience would be well familiar with the concept of the Levitical priesthood, which offered sacrifices for the people’s sins.

At the time, many Jewish Christians may have been tempted to revert back to their traditional religious practices. This verse, and the chapter it is situated within, serves to reassure believers that Christ’s priesthood is not only sufficient but superior, and it is everlasting.

Theological Insights

Different theological traditions interpret Hebrews 7:25 variously, but common to many is the doctrine of the sufficiency and perpetuity of Christ’s atonement and intercession.

• In Catholic theology, this verse underpins the belief in the eternal priesthood of Christ and supports practices such as the Eucharistic sacrifice, which reflects Christ’s ongoing offering for humanity.

• Reformed theology often emphasizes the “once for all” sacrifice of Christ, and views this intercession as a continual application of the benefits of that sacrifice to the believer, securing their ultimate salvation.

• Arminian theology may focus on the conditionality implied by “those who come unto God by him,” stressing the need for individual response to Christ’s offer of salvation.

Practical Applications

In everyday life, Hebrews 7:25 can be a source of comfort and assurance to believers who may doubt their salvation or their standing before God. It reinforces that the work of Jesus is complete and ongoing.

• It encourages individuals to approach God with confidence, knowing that Christ intercedes for them.
• It motivates believers to maintain a relationship with God through prayer, aware that Jesus mediates their prayers.
• It can also inspire pastoral care, as the intercessory role of Jesus underscores the importance of praying for and supporting others.

Cross-References

• Romans 8:34 – “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.”
• 1 Timothy 2:5 – “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;”
• Hebrews 4:14-16 – “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession…Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

Language Study

• “Save” (Greek: σώζειν, sozein): To rescue or deliver; in the Christian sense, encompassing both initial salvation from sin and its ongoing effects.
• “Uttermost” (Greek: παντελὲς, panteles): Completely, perfectly, or forever; indicating the completeness of the salvation Jesus offers.
• “Intercession” (Greek: ἐντυγχάνειν, entugchanein): To intervene, mediate, or plead on another’s behalf, depicting an ongoing action.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Ancient religions had various concepts of mediators between gods and humans. Unlike in many ancient myths where the mediator is a temporary figure or one amongst many, Hebrews presents Jesus as the unique and eternal mediator.

• In some Greek myths, heroes or demigods acted as intermediaries, but unlike Jesus, they were not seen as sustaining an everlasting intercessory role.
• In Judaism, the High Priest was an intercessor but only within the confines of the temple and under the limitations of human mortality and the Law.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse does not directly intersect with scientific inquiry, which deals with empirical observation and human understanding of the natural world, it does speak to human yearnings for meaning, hope, and connection that can include spiritual dimensions outside the realm of science.

In a world where science provides explanations for many phenomena, Hebrews 7:25 offers a non-scientific, faith-based assurance addressing the existential and moral dimensions of human existence.

Commentaries

• Matthew Henry’s commentary emphasizes Jesus’ role as a compassionate and unchangeable High Priest who saves completely and forever, stressing the comfort this should bring to believers.
• The Pulpit Commentary discusses the everlasting priesthood of Christ, contrasting it with the transient nature of the Levitical priesthood, and its implications for the efficacy of Christ’s atonement.
• William Barclay notes the revolutionary nature of the concept of Jesus’ living intercession, especially in the context of a religious system where sacrifice was central to atonement, highlighting the continuous nature of his priestly ministry.