He Is Able!

“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.” Hebrews 7:25

What a joy-inducing, hope-infusing, freedom-bringing verse this is for those who “draw near to God through [Jesus].” There are at least 3 soul-enriching truths here for the believer’s comfort, confidence, and continuation in Christ.

First, we are comforted in that salvation does not rest in our hands. Our salvation is not up to our abilities and power. The inspired text says, “he is able to save.” Our salvation rests in the sovereign Savior. The word of the gospel is not, “Do this and live,” but “Come to me.” He is able to save. We are weak. We are fickle. We are sinners. We would give out, grow weary, change our minds, lose our loyalty, and surrender to the flesh, except for this glorious truth: He is able to save!

Second, we can deal with our remaining sins, even frustratingly stubborn and besetting sins, with confident hope because “he is able to save to the uttermost.” The Lord Jesus saves completely. His work of salvation is a thoroughgoing and complete work of salvation. He won’t leave anything undone. To be sure, it is a progressive work of sanctification that will be brought “to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil. 1:6), but it is also a present work that confidently leads us to share in our Lord’s victory over sin.  There is no stain so dark that the blood of Jesus can’t cleanse it away. There is no habit so strong that the immeasurably great power of the resurrected Christ can’t overcome it. He is able to save to the uttermost!

Third, no matter how discouraging, dark, or desperate our present conditions are (whether due to sin or suffering, temptation or trial) we will continue in Christ “since he always lives to make intercession for them.” Before Peter denied Jesus, Jesus told him, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail” (Luke 22:31-32). Jesus knew that Peter would fall hard, so he interceded for Peter that he would be able to get back up and keep on going. Peter’s faith did not fail because Jesus had prayed for him.  Jesus, our great High Priest, is praying for us, too. He “always lives to make intercession.” As true believers we will fall, even fall hard, but we will get back up and continue on in Christ for he is praying for us.

Beloved, fix your gaze not on yourself, your sin, or your circumstances but on your Christ–crucified, risen, and interceding. He is able!