Our High Priest, deserving our honor and praise
Therefore, he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, since he always lives to intercede for them. For this is the kind of high priest we need: holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. Hebrews 7:25-26 CSB
Because Jesus Christ is our High Priest forever, "He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them." The word, "completely" means that He is able to save us perfectly. Previously, the Old Testament priests would have to offer up sacrifices on behalf of the people over and over again for the forgiveness of their sin. It was temporary. Yet, through Christ dying on the cross, those who accept Him as their Savior, they are saved and always saved. Not only that, but Christ is always praying on our behalf to the Father. While the priests of the Old Testament were limited by their human ability, Christ being eternal and omnipotent can pray continuously for us at all times. Then, in verse 26, we see all these qualities that Christ possess as the ideal High Priest. First, He is "holy," being set apart, in which Jesus exhibits since He is God. Second, "innocent," being blameless without any malice or ill-intentions. Third, "undefiled," meaning sinless and pure. Fourth, "separated from sinners," meaning that Christ is clearly distinct from those that He cares for, for by being sinless, He has the spiritual purity to guide us sinners to repentance. Finally, "exalted in the heavens," meaning that although Christ was human, He was and is God, seated at the right hand of the Father for all eternity, being praised by angelic hosts and saints constantly. Jesus Christ is the perfect, ideal High Priest promised by the Father to intercede on our behalf. As eternal High Priest, He lives not for Himself but for the people who look up to Him for help. “Therefore, he had to be like his brothers and sisters in every way, so that he could become a merciful and faithful high priest in matters pertaining to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people” (Hebrews 2:17). He is the only Mediator, truly God and truly man. Without ceasing He pleads for us; standing between God and man, He constantly intercedes for those who come to God in prayer (see Romans 8:34). God grants us everything we need for the spreading of His name, His kingdom, and His will. He answers our prayers for daily sustenance, remission of sin, and protection from the evil one. God deserves our praise and our honor. Let us offer our lives for His glory.
Blessings,
Isaac De Guzman
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