Hebrews 7:25
Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.
Therefore He is able to save completely
The phrase "He is able" comes from the Greek word "dunamai," which implies having the power or capability. This emphasizes the omnipotence of Christ, who possesses the divine ability to accomplish salvation. The word "completely" is translated from "pantelēs," meaning entirely or to the uttermost. This suggests not only the completeness of salvation in terms of time—eternal salvation—but also in terms of scope, covering every aspect of human need. Historically, this reflects the Jewish understanding of a perfect and complete sacrifice, which Jesus fulfills as the ultimate High Priest.

those who draw near to God
The phrase "draw near" is derived from the Greek "proserchomai," which means to approach or come near. This is a term often used in the context of worship and sacrifice in the Old Testament, where the faithful would draw near to God through the temple rituals. In the New Covenant, believers draw near to God through faith in Christ, who is the mediator. This reflects the historical shift from the Old Covenant, where access to God was mediated through the priesthood, to the New Covenant, where Christ Himself is the mediator.

through Him
"Through Him" underscores the exclusivity of Christ as the mediator between God and humanity. The Greek "dia" indicates the channel or means by which something is accomplished. This aligns with Jesus' own words in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." Historically, this was a radical departure from the Jewish reliance on the law and the Levitical priesthood, emphasizing that salvation is found solely in Christ.

since He always lives
The word "always" is translated from "pantote," meaning at all times. This highlights the eternal nature of Christ's priesthood, contrasting with the temporary and mortal priesthood of the Levites. "Lives" comes from "zaō," indicating not just existence but a vibrant, active life. This reflects the resurrection power of Christ, who, unlike earthly priests, conquered death and lives eternally. Historically, this assurance of a living intercessor would have been profoundly comforting to early Christians facing persecution.

to intercede for them
"Intercede" is from the Greek "entugchanō," meaning to make a petition or appeal on behalf of another. This term is rich with the imagery of advocacy, where Christ stands before God on behalf of believers. In the historical context of the early church, this would have been a powerful assurance of Christ's ongoing work and presence, providing believers with confidence in their salvation. Scripturally, this aligns with Romans 8:34, where Paul speaks of Christ interceding for us, reinforcing the continuous and active role of Jesus as our High Priest.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The central figure in this verse, Jesus is portrayed as the eternal High Priest who intercedes for believers. His priesthood is superior to the Levitical priesthood.

2. God
The Father, to whom believers draw near through Jesus. The relationship between God and believers is mediated by Christ.

3. Believers
Those who draw near to God through Jesus. They are the recipients of salvation and intercession.

4. Intercession
The ongoing work of Christ, who lives to intercede for believers, ensuring their salvation is complete.

5. The Levitical Priesthood
The backdrop against which Jesus' superior priesthood is contrasted. The Levitical priests could not offer complete salvation.
Teaching Points
Complete Salvation
Jesus' ability to save "completely" assures believers of the totality and permanence of their salvation. This should bring comfort and assurance to Christians, knowing their salvation is secure in Christ.

The Role of Intercession
Christ's intercession is ongoing, highlighting His active role in the believer's life. This should encourage believers to rely on Jesus' continual support and advocacy.

Drawing Near to God
The invitation to draw near to God through Jesus is open to all. Believers are encouraged to cultivate a close relationship with God, facilitated by Christ's mediating work.

The Superiority of Christ's Priesthood
Understanding the superiority of Christ's priesthood over the Levitical system should deepen appreciation for the New Covenant and the access it provides to God.

Living in Assurance
Believers can live with confidence and assurance, knowing that Jesus' intercession is effective and eternal, providing a foundation for faith and practice.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding Jesus' role as an eternal High Priest impact your daily walk with God?

2. In what ways can you actively "draw near to God" in your personal life, and how does Jesus facilitate this process?

3. How does the concept of Jesus' complete salvation challenge or affirm your understanding of eternal security?

4. Reflect on a time when you felt the need for intercession. How does knowing that Jesus intercedes for you change your perspective on that situation?

5. How can the assurance of Jesus' ongoing intercession influence your approach to prayer and worship?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Romans 8:34
This verse also speaks of Christ's intercession, emphasizing His role at the right hand of God, highlighting the ongoing nature of His advocacy for believers.

John 14:6
Jesus as the way to the Father connects to the idea of drawing near to God through Him, underscoring His unique role as mediator.

1 Timothy 2:5
This verse reinforces the concept of Jesus as the sole mediator between God and humanity, aligning with His role in Hebrews 7:25.

Psalm 110:4
This Old Testament reference to the order of Melchizedek is foundational for understanding Jesus' eternal priesthood.
A Great SaviourR. Brown.Hebrews 7:25
A Living Saviour, Therefore a Complete SalvationC. New.Hebrews 7:25
A Saviour to the UttermostJohn Aldis.Hebrews 7:25
A Tested RemedyHebrews 7:25
All Who ComeT. Heath.Hebrews 7:25
Christ Able to SaveT. Kidd.Hebrews 7:25
Christ as IntercessorR. M. McCheyne.Hebrews 7:25
Christ Interceding in Heaven for His PeopleW. Cunningham, D. D.Hebrews 7:25
Christ Saves Fully and EvermoreG. Marsden.Hebrews 7:25
Christ the Saviour of SinnersJames Kirkwood, M. A.Hebrews 7:25
Christ's IntercessionGeorge F. White.Hebrews 7:25
Christ's Perfect Power to SaveW. Jones Hebrews 7:25
Christ's Power to Save SinnersW. Thorpe.Hebrews 7:25
Christ's Prevailing IntercessionJames Jeffrey.Hebrews 7:25
Christ's SalvationG. Innes, M. A.Hebrews 7:25
Christ's Saving AbilityJ. Burns, D. D.Hebrews 7:25
Christ's Saving PowerC. Stanford.Hebrews 7:25
Coming to GodW. Birch.Hebrews 7:25
God Offers a Whole SalvationA. Raleigh, D. D.Hebrews 7:25
God's Illimitable Power to SaveBp. Thorold.Hebrews 7:25
IntercessionSunday School ChronicleHebrews 7:25
Intercessor and MediatorG. Crabb.Hebrews 7:25
Of Christ's Making IntercessionD. Clarkson.Hebrews 7:25
Salvation in ChristW. E. Boardman.Hebrews 7:25
Salvation to the UttermostW. Rudder, D. D.Hebrews 7:25
Salvation to the UttermostC. H. Spurgeon.Hebrews 7:25
Salvation to the UttermostF. R. Havergal.Hebrews 7:25
Salvation to the UttermostC. W. Bibb.Hebrews 7:25
Soul RestorationHomilistHebrews 7:25
The Ability of Jesus Christ to Save to the UttermostHebrews 7:25
The Almighty SaviourJames Sherman.Hebrews 7:25
The Great IntercessorThe Evangelical Pro,chefHebrews 7:25
The Intercession of ChristHebrews 7:25
The Intercession of ChristEssex Congregational RemembrancerHebrews 7:25
The Power of Christ to SaveC. Moinet, M. A.Hebrews 7:25
The Saviour IntercedingJ. Summerfield, M. A.Hebrews 7:25
The Saviour's IntercessionJ. W. Hardman, LL. D.Hebrews 7:25
The Suitableness of Christ as a Saviour to All Who Believe in HimN. M. Harry.Hebrews 7:25
The Two IntercessorsW. Jay.Hebrews 7:25
To the UttermostSir E. Bayley, B. D.Hebrews 7:25
Why not be SavedW. Birch.Hebrews 7:25
Further Proofs of the Superiority of Christ's Priesthood Involved in the Symbol of MelchizedekC. New Hebrews 7:11-25
The Immortal Priesthood of Christ Enhanced by Weighty ConsiderationsJ.S. Bright Hebrews 7:23-25
People
Aaron, Hebrews, Levi, Melchisedec, Melchizedek
Places
Jerusalem, Salem
Topics
Able, Always, Approach, Completely, Consequently, Draw, Forever, Fully, Hence, Intercede, Intercession, Plead, Prayer, Save, Saviour, Seeing, Uttermost, Whence, Wherefore
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Hebrews 7:25

     1105   God, power of
     2212   Christ, head of church
     2324   Christ, as Saviour
     2360   Christ, prayers of
     2505   Christ, ascension
     2560   Christ, resurrection
     5103   Moses, significance
     5566   suffering, encouragements in
     5776   achievement
     5942   security
     6028   sin, deliverance from
     6682   mediation
     6750   sin-bearer
     8106   assurance, nature of
     8214   confidence, basis of
     8611   prayer, for others

Hebrews 7:17-28

     5431   oaths, divine

Hebrews 7:23-25

     6606   access to God

Hebrews 7:23-28

     1680   types

Hebrews 7:24-25

     2012   Christ, authority
     2018   Christ, divinity
     2354   Christ, mission

Hebrews 7:24-26

     2018   Christ, divinity
     2336   Christ, exaltation

Hebrews 7:24-28

     2306   Christ, high priest

Hebrews 7:25-26

     2063   Christ, perfection

Hebrews 7:25-28

     2066   Christ, power of

Library
Salvation to the Uttermost
Well, then it is salvation I desire to preach to you. We have, in our text, two or three things. In the first place, we are told who they are who will be saved, "them that come into God by Jesus Christ;" in the second place we are told the extent of the Saviour's ability to save, "He is able to save to the uttermost;" and in the third place, we have the reason given why he can save, "seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them." I. First, we are told THE PEOPLE WHO ARE TO BE SAVED. And the
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 2: 1856

The Man Christ Jesus
"Consider how great this man was" in the combination of his offices. He was duly appointed both priest and king: king of righteousness and peace, and at the same time priest of the Most High God. It may be said of him that he sat as a priest upon his throne. He exercised the double office to the great blessedness of those who were with him; for his one act towards Abraham would seem to be typical of his whole life; he blessed him in the name of the Most High God. "Consider how great this man was"
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 31: 1885

Priest and victim
"He offered up himself."--Hebrews 7:27. I DO NOT KNOW when I have ever felt a more decided conflict of emotions in my own heart than I do just now. Happy is the man who has such a message as that in my text to deliver to his fellow-men; but burdened is the man who feels that the message is far too great for his lips, or, indeed, for any human tongue to convey. To be allowed to announce to men that our Lord Jesus Christ "offered up himself" on their behalf is, indeed, an errand which angels might
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 46: 1900

Twenty-Fifth Day for More Conversions
WHAT TO PRAY.--For more Conversions "He is able to save completely, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession."--HEB. vii. 25. "We will give ourselves continually to prayer and the ministry of the word.... And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied exceedingly."--ACTS vi. 4, 7. Christ's power to save, and save completely, depends on His unceasing intercession. The apostles withdrawing themselves from other work to give themselves continually to prayer was followed
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

Guiltless and Without Sin.
"For such an High Priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens."--Heb. vii. 26. Throughout the ages the Church has confessed that Christ took upon Himself real human nature from the virgin Mary, not as it was before the fall, but such as it had become, by and after the fall. This is clearly stated in Heb. ii. 14, 17: "Forasmuch as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself took part of the same . . . . Wherefore in
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

The Power of an Endless Life
Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. --Hebrews 7:16. The message and hope of immortality are nowhere more distinctly conveyed to our minds than in connection with that resurrection morn when Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene. The anniversary of that day will ever be the festival of the human soul. Even those who do not clearly understand or fully accept its meaning in history and religion,--even children and ignorant folk and doubters and
Henry Van Dyke—What Peace Means

Christ Our High Priest.
"Now, if there was perfection through the Levitical priesthood (for under it hath the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should arise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be reckoned after the order of Aaron? For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. For he of whom these things are said belongeth to another tribe, from which no man hath given attendance at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord hath sprung
Frank G. Allen—Autobiography of Frank G. Allen, Minister of the Gospel

The Great High Priest
T. P. Heb. vii. 24, 25 Sweet to trace His toiling footsteps Here amidst the desert sands; Bear in memory all His sorrow, Thorn-clad head and pierced hands! Learn His love beside the manger, Learn it on the stormy wave, By the well, and in the garden-- Learn it by the Cross and grave. Yet not only in remembrance Do we watch that stream of love-- Still a mighty torrent flowing From the throne of God above. Still a treasure all uncounted-- Still a story half untold-- Unexhausted and unfathomed, Fresh
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others

The Doctrine
OF THE LAW AND GRACE UNFOLDED; OR, A DISCOURSE TOUCHING THE LAW AND GRACE; THE NATURE OF THE ONE, AND THE NATURE OF THE OTHER; SHOWING WHAT THEY ARE, AS THEY ARE THE TWO COVENANTS; AND LIKEWISE, WHO THEY BE, AND WHAT THEIR CONDITIONS ARE, THAT BE UNDER EITHER OF THESE TWO COVENANTS: Wherein, for the better understanding of the reader, there are several questions answered touching the law and grace, very easy to be read, and as easy to be understood, by those that are the sons of wisdom, the children
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Christ a Complete Saviour:
OR, THE INTERCESSION OF CHRIST, AND WHO ARE PRIVILEGED IN IT. BY JOHN BUNYAN Advertisement by the Editor. However strange it may appear, it is a solemn fact, that the heart of man, unless prepared by a sense of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, rejects Christ as a complete Saviour. The pride of human nature will not suffer it to fall, as helpless and utterly undone, into the arms of Divine mercy. Man prefers a partial Saviour; one who had done so much, that, with the sinner's aid, the work might be
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Early Years of Jesus
Matt. i. 1 to ii. 23; Luke i. 5 to ii. 52; iii. 23-38 58. It is surprising that within a century of the life of the apostles, Christian imagination could have so completely mistaken the real greatness of Jesus as to let its thirst for wonder fill his early years with scenes in which his conduct is as unlovely as it is shocking. That he who in manhood was "holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners" (Heb. vii. 26), could in youth, in a fit of ill-temper, strike a companion with death and then
Rush Rhees—The Life of Jesus of Nazareth

Waiting on God
Psalms 62:5.--My soul, wait thou only upon God, for my expectation is from Him. The solemn question comes to us, "Is the God I have, a God that is to me above all circumstances, nearer to me than any circumstance can be?" Brother, have you learned to live your life having God so really with you every moment, that in circumstances the most difficult He is always more present and nearer than anything around you? All our knowledge of God's Word will help us very little, unless that comes to be the question
Andrew Murray—The Master's Indwelling

Christian Standing and Christian Progress
PHILIPPIANS iii. 12-16 Christian exultation--Christian confidence--"Not in the flesh"--"In Jesus Christ"--The prize in view--No finality in the progress--"Not already perfect"--The recompense of reward--What the prize will be In a certain sense we have completed our study of the first section of the third chapter of the Epistle. But the treatment has been so extremely imperfect, in view of the importance of that section, that a few further remarks must be made. Let us ponder one weighty verse,
Handley C. G. Moule—Philippian Studies

Jesus, the Mediator of the New Covenant
"I give thee for a covenant of the people."--ISA. xlii. 6, xlix. 8. "The Lord shall suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in."--MAL. iii. 1. "Jesus was made Surety of a better covenant."--HEB. vii. 22. "The Mediator of the Better Covenant, established upon better promises . . . The Mediator of the New Covenant. . . Ye are come to Jesus, the Mediator of the New Covenant."--HEB. viii. 6, ix. 15, xii. 24. WE have here four titles given to our Lord Jesus in
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants

Twenty-Sixth Lesson. I have Prayed for Thee;'
I have prayed for thee;' Or, Christ the Intercessor. But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.'--Luke xxii. 32. I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you.'--John xvi. 26. He ever liveth to make intercession.'--Heb. vii. 25. ALL growth in the spiritual life is connected with the clearer insight into what Jesus is to us. The more I realize that Christ must be all to me and in me, that all in Christ is indeed for me, the more I learn to live the real life of faith, which,
Andrew Murray—With Christ in the School of Prayer

The Intercession of Christ
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! T he Redemption of the soul is precious. Fools make mock of sin (Proverbs 14:9) . But they will not think lightly of it, who duly consider the majesty, authority, and goodness of Him, against whom it is committed; and who are taught, by what God actually has done, what sin rendered necessary to be done, before a sinner could have a well-grounded
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

How Christ is to be Made Use Of, in Reference to Growing in Grace.
I come now to speak a little to the other part of sanctification, which concerneth the change of our nature and frame, and is called vivification, or quickening of the new man of grace; which is called the new man, as having all its several members and parts, as well as the old man; and called new, because posterior to the other; and after regeneration is upon the growing hand, this duty of growing in grace, as it is called, 2 Pet. iii. &c. is variously expressed and held forth to us in Scripture;
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

The Epistle to the Hebrews
THE Epistle to the Hebrews is in many ways one of the most perplexing books of the New Testament. It stands quite alone and is peculiarly independent, yet it has affinities with almost every strain of thought to be found elsewhere in primitive Christianity, and points of historical attachment for it have been sought all round the compass. [60] Thus there are those who think its true line of descent is to be traced to James, Cephas, and John -- the three apostles who seemed to be pillars in the mother
James Denney—The Death of Christ

The Right Understanding of the Law
Thou shalt have no other Gods before me.' Exod 20: 3. Before I come to the commandments, I shall answer questions, and lay down rules respecting the moral law. What is the difference between the moral laud and the gospel? (1) The law requires that we worship God as our Creator; the gospel, that we worship him in and through Christ. God in Christ is propitious; out of him we may see God's power, justice, and holiness: in him we see his mercy displayed. (2) The moral law requires obedience, but gives
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

The Copies of Things in the Heavens
'And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 2. On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation. 3. And thou shalt put therein the ark of the testimony, and cover the ark with the vail. 4. And thou shalt bring in the table, and set in order the things that are to be set in order upon it; and thou shalt bring in the candlestick, and light the lamps thereof. 5. And thou shalt set the altar of gold for the incense before the ark of the testimony, and put
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Meditations of the True Manner of Practising Piety on the Sabbath-Day.
Almighty God will have himself worshipped, not only in a private manner by private persons and families, but also in a more public sort, of all the godly joined together in a visible church; that by this means he may be known not only to be the God and Lord of every Singular person, but also of the creatures of the whole universal world. Question--But why do not we Christians under the New, keep the Sabbath on the same seventh day on which it was kept under the Old Testament? I answer--Because our
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

An Admonition to them who Come to visit the Sick.
They who come to visit ihe sick, must have a special care not to stand dumb and staring in the sick person's face to disquiet him, nor yet to speak idly and ask unprofitable questions, as most do. If they see, therefore, that the sick party is like to die, let them not dissemble, but lovingly and discreetly admonish him of his weakness, and to prepare for eternal life. One hour well spent, when a man's life is almost out-spent, may gain a man the assurance of eternal life. Soothe him not with the
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

He is Lovely in his Relations.
First, He is a lovely Redeemer, Isa. 61:1. He came to open the prison-doors to them that are bound. Needs must this Redeemer be a lovely one, if we consider the depth of misery from which he redeemed us, even "from the wrath to come," 1 Thess. 1:10. Consider the numbers redeemed, and the means of their redemption. Rev. 5:9, "And they sang a new song, saying, 'You are worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for you were slain, and have redeemed us to God by your blood, out of every
John Flavel—Christ Altogether Lovely

Links
Hebrews 7:25 NIV
Hebrews 7:25 NLT
Hebrews 7:25 ESV
Hebrews 7:25 NASB
Hebrews 7:25 KJV

Hebrews 7:25 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Hebrews 7:24
Top of Page
Top of Page