"Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them" (Hebrews 7:25).
The word "therefore" is a word of transition. The author of the Book of Hebrews is making a profound statement on the basis of what he has said in the preceding verses. In this text, the author compares and contrasts the High Priestly ministry of Christ with that of the temporary Aaronic or Levitical Priesthood. Death prevented the Levitical priests from carrying out their ministry indefinitely. Each of the priests died and had to be replaced in order for the priesthood to continue. The author of Hebrews wrote this book to exhort the Jewish believers who were reverting to the Mosaic Law during the period of persecution that the Old Covenant had limitations.
However, Jesus Christ because he is eternal, holds His priesthood permanently. He is the superior high priest because He needs no successor. His priesthood is unchangeable and it is also unlimited in its scope. He saves forever. The entire focus of the Book of Hebrews is that Jesus' redemptive work on the Cross and in the resurrection is "once and for all." The book also stresses His continuing work for the church. Raymond Brown observes, "His saving mission complete, [Christ] now supports and sustains through intercessory ministry."[1]
In His earthly ministry, Jesus prayed for Peter that his faith would not falter (Luke 22:31-32). That is what the exalted Christ continues to do for every believer today. Christ intercedes for His church meaningfully, compassionately, and effectively because he has endured similar trials, and has the power to meet their needs. Christians are the most privileged people in the entire world because we have the Savior and Lord who intercedes for us. God the Holy Spirit who lives in us also intercedes for us according to Romans 8:26. Therefore, we have two divine Intercessors--the Indwelling Spirit, and the exalted and eternal High Priest, Jesus Christ our Lord. The question then is, why do many Christians live in fear today? Rather, this should give every believer confident assurance that the mighty hand of God is over all His children. The caution is that the prayers of Christ in His present place of authority and power, however, should not negate our consistent prayers for others. This does not foster a passive outlook on the Christian life. Rather, it ensures the believing community that no matter how malevolent Satan and his cohorts prove to be, they cannot frustrate the cause of Christ in this world and the one to come.
In light of this Christians are not to live in fear of evil people, or the powers of evil. The believer also should not participate in the works of darkness; on the contrary, the believer should be a champion and promoter of righteousness.
The intercessory ministry of Christ proves that Christians are not alone in the world. In addition, the Christian life is not a personal effort or a solo walk. The fact that Christ continues to intercede for us is a great encouragement and consolation for all believers. This also explains that He who has begun a good work in us will complete it. Therefore, walk in the victory of Christ. Christ has defeated Satan and his demons, and He has taken His exalted position, ruling with power and authority. Therefore, live your life like the son or daughter of the King of kings and Lord of lords because He lives to make intercession for you.
No comments:
Post a Comment