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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadBob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Hebrews 7:23 - 7:25
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Heb_7:23-25
23The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing, 24but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. 25Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
Heb_7:23 This is another comparison between Jesus and OT priests. This one deals with their numbers and time in office.
Heb_7:24 This is a rabbinical conclusion based on Genesis 14, where Melchizedek's lineage is not given, and Psalms 110, which is an allusion to Melchizedek and uses the term "forever" (cf. Psa_110:4 b).
Heb_7:25
NASB "to save forever"
NKJV "to save to the uttermost"
NRSV "for all time to save"
TEV "now and always, to save"
NJB "power to save. . .is absolute"
As the above English translations show, this term has several connotations. He is able to save completely, all, forever (cf. Heb_10:14) because He continues "forever" as a better priest. See special topic on assurance at Heb_3:14.
▣ "those" This is a universal invitation! Whosoever will may come (cf. Joh_1:12; Rom_10:9-13; 1Ti_2:4; 2Pe_3:9).
▣ "who draw near to God through Him" Jesus is God's plan of redemption (cf. Joh_10:9; Joh_14:6). Whosoever will may come, but they must come through faith in Him and they must continue in faith (present participle).
▣ "He always lives to make intercession for them" Jesus' work did not end with the cross, but even today He still prays and pleads for believers (cf. Heb_9:24; Isa_53:12; Rom_8:34; 1Jn_2:1).