Hebrews 7:23-25

C.

He is an unchangeable priest. Hebrews 7:23-25.

Text

Hebrews 7:23-25

Hebrews 7:23 And they indeed have been made priests many in number, because that by death they are hindered from continuing: Hebrews 7:24 but He, because He abideth forever, hath His priesthood unchangeable. Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore also He is able to save to the uttermost them that draw near unto God through Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Paraphrase

Hebrews 7:23 Besides, Jesus our High Priest is more powerful than the Levitical high priests in this respect, that they indeed are many priests, because they are hindered by death from continuing;

Hebrews 7:24 But He, because He liveth forever in the body, (see Hebrews 7:25, note), hath a priesthood which shall never pass from Him to any other person on account of incapacity.

Hebrews 7:25 On which account He is even forever able to save all who approach to God through His mediation; always living an High Priest (Hebrews 7:8; Hebrews 7:24.) to make affectionate intercession with God for them.

And they indeed have been made priests many in number, because that by death they are hindered from continuing

The old law had to have many priests because they were subject to death, and successors had to be trained. The new covenant has one eternal Priest since He is not subject to death.

but He, because He abideth forever, hath His priesthood unchangeable

With early priests you might have a sympathetic priest today, and a different one tomorrow. Christ is the same always, perfection always. What a consolation this is !

Wherefore also He is able to save to the uttermost

Christ is able to save, without doubt.

a.

We have One Who is able; all others are unable.

b.

Uttermost means to the extreme, completely.

This is a contrast to the feebleness of the old covenant.

a.

No sinner is too deep in sin to be gone.

b.

No condition of man is too far away for God through Christ to save.

them that draw near unto God

This job is never done. We must always draw near. 1 Corinthians 9:26. Christianity is a growth; we keep on drawing near. Philippians 3:14.

Study Questions

1251.

What is the purpose of pointing out the many priests of the old system?

1252.

How is Christ's priesthood superior in relationship to time?

1253.

What value is there in having Christ as an eternal priest?

1254.

If Christ was perfect on earth, what consolation have we about Him now?

1255.

What assurance do we have that His priesthood will be changeless?

1256.

What is Christ able to do?

1257.

How does the ability of Christ compare to that of the false saviors of men?

1258.

Unto the uttermost has what significance?

1259.

Is the idea of uttermost in contrast to the feebleness of the Jewish covenant?

1260.

Where does salvation take placehere or hereafter?

1261.

What qualification is there to salvation?

1262.

How about the people who never draw nigh?

1263.

Do we ever actually get so close to God that we do not need to keep drawing near? Cf. 1 Corinthians 9:26.