Hebrews 7:23–28

Explore the Bible
Assistant Professor of Christian Ministries, University of Mobile

Only Jesus Saves

Hebrews 7:23–28

A Permanent Priest (23–24)

Christ’s priesthood is superior because it is permanent. The permanence of Jesus’ high priesthood appears again in Hebrews, this time emphasizing the contrast between the Levitical priests and Jesus. Aaron’s line of priests had a multitude of members because death prevented them from continuing in office. For the Aaronic priests the office continued but the person changed. The law of heredity guaranteed that some descendant of Aaron would fill the office. The successor, however, might lack the qualifications to intercede effectively with God for the people. Simply being a descendant of Aaron did not necessarily mean that the new high priest would do a good job. Jesus, however, continued to fill the office as High Priest. The office of High Priest is permanently secure in the hands of Jesus.

Jesus holds His priesthood without change. We can grasp the idea here when we think of how pastors vary. One is better at visiting and one is stronger at preaching. Some people relate to one while other people relate better to another. In the same way, one priest was a better intercessor than the former. Every descendant of Aaron was different. You and I will never have another high priest. No young, inexperienced priest just out of seminary will ever succeed Jesus. Jesus is superior by virtue of His permanence.

Able to Save (25)

Jesus is able to save to the “uttermost” those who draw near to God through Him. The term “uttermost,” or “always” in the Holman Christian Standard Bible, is unusual, being used elsewhere only in Luke 13:11. The term combines the idea of completeness with the idea of eternality. It means complete, absolute, total, eternal salvation. The words here allow no possibility of our supplementing our salvation by doing good works. Salvation is all Christ’s work, from beginning to end.

Whoever we are, whatever we have done, no matter how wicked our sin — whether it is murder, infidelity, perversion, betrayal, lying or whatever — Christ can save us completely and eternally. Anyone who comes to God for salvation must come through Jesus, for salvation only comes through Christ.

The phrase “is able to save to the uttermost” is present tense. The reference is not just to the initial experience of being saved. It refers to the perpetual experience of being saved. Jesus saves those who trust in Him, not only in the moment of initial commitment but day-by-day and moment-by-moment throughout all time. Jesus’ continual saving work brings about our growing sanctification as we are made more like Him.

Because of His Character (26–28)

Verse 26 summarizes the qualities of an ideal high priest clearly seen in Jesus. First three personal traits describe the ideal high priest. The first trait refers to personal holiness. Jesus was “holy.” He was a perfect accomplishment of all that God required. No one could find in Jesus any flaw or failure. The word “innocent” means without guilt. Jesus had no craftiness or malice. The word “unstained” refers to Jesus as having no moral contamination. Jesus was holy by nature and action.

The second trait teaches that, in relationship to human beings Jesus was set apart from sinners. Jesus was sinless, and this fact set Him apart from sinful human beings. Jesus’ service in the office of High Priest also set Him apart from other human beings. The holy High Priest can perfectly serve the needs of a sinful person to come to the holy God for salvation.

The third trait teaches that, despite Jesus’ likeness to human beings, He nevertheless stands above them, for He was “exalted above the heavens.” Jesus was the unique God-man. His exalted nature should cause us to appreciate more deeply the glory of His ministry.

Jesus’ superiority also is seen in that He had no need for daily sacrifices for Himself since He was sinless. With a perfect High Priest like Jesus, Christians may approach God with confidence. Jesus’ character guarantees our access.