To the Uttermost

“The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

“For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.  He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself.  For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.

“Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven…”

“Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own, for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.” Hebrews 7:23-8:1; 9:24-28

The concepts of once for all and continually converge in Jesus. The everlasting One is able to save completely, at all times, because of His unique work on the cross. And because of that one-time accomplishment, He permanently, continually intercedes as our Advocate before God’s throne. The mystery of moment and eternity is bound in this indescribable Savior, and extends to the uttermost of our salvation. (Romans 8:34)

Jesus saves us to the uttermost because we are utterly depraved and in utter need. His salvation reaches the depths of who we are without Him. He saves us to the uttermost, covering every sin past, present, and future. His death on the cross finished His atoning work, and when we are sealed with His Spirit, we are sealed forever. Jesus saves to the uttermost, because in His continual intercession for His own, His saints persevere as He keeps us. (Psalm 14:1-3; 121:5-8; John 19:30; Ephesians 1:13-14; Philippians 1:6; 1 Peter 1:3-5)

How will we apply this great truth, that Jesus saves to the uttermost, to our niggling fears and doubts, to our shame and regrets? Where is weak faith trying to crucify Jesus all over again, or claiming His grace is insufficient? How do His once-for-all and to the uttermost inform and affect the way we treat others? (Psalm 32:1-2; Romans 8:1; 2 Corinthians 12:9)

Oh Savior, help me live to the uttermost for You who have given and done all for me.