December 12

"Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them."—Hebrews 7:25.

THE epistle to the Hebrews is a strong and beautiful chain of argument, every link of which is so fine, and so connected, that it is not easy to consider one part without injuring the whole. The passage before us is full of encouragement to the penitent sinner: let us draw near and examine it.

THE INTERESTING FACT ASSERTED. Christ's ability to save. This implies the awful condition of mankind by nature, as sunk in sin and exposed to eternal wrath. On what does the power of Christ to save sinners rest?

The perfection of his atonement. This was prefigured in the splendid retinue of Jewish services and ceremonies; there were the various animals offered up in sacrifice according to the Divine appointment; there was the fire ascending from above to consume the offering, and this was typical of the justice of God demanding a satisfaction for sin; then there were the rolling clouds of smoke ascending towards heaven, which pre-figured the acceptance of that grand atoning sacrifice presented on Calvary, which rose as incense to Jehovah of a sweet-smelling savor. But sacrifices are now done away with; the lamb is no longer led to the shrine; the sprinkling of blood is discontinued; the fire is quenched; the shechinah no longer burns, and the incense smokes no more; we can look to the actual sacrifice which has been offered up.

The perpetuity of his life. "He ever liveth." He hath an unchangeable Priesthood: he is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. Hear him exclaim, with an air of majesty becoming a God, "Before Abraham was, I am." He lives to fulfil the duties of his office: he lives to represent his people; and because he lives, they shall live also.

The prevalence of his intercession. "He ever liveth to make intercession for them." When the Jewish priests, on the great day of atonement, offered sacrifice, they appeared before the Lord in the holiest of all, made intercession for the people, and then went out to the multitudes, who were anxiously waiting their arrival, and blessed them in the name of the Lord. Just so did the great High Priest of our profession, when he had made an end of sin by the sacrifice of himself; he ascended up on high to the holy of holies, to make

32* intercession for his people, and ere long he shall come again and bless them with glory, honor, and immortality. "So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him, shall he appear the second time, without sin unto salvation."