Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Hebrews 7:25

"Wherefore also he is able to save to the uttermost them that draw near unto God through him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them." — Hebrews 7:25 (ASV)

From Christ’s unchanging priesthood the author draws an important conclusion about the salvation Christ accomplishes. The verb “to save” (GK 5392) is used absolutely, which means that Christ will save in the most comprehensive sense; he saves from all that humanity needs saving from. The expression rendered “completely” is an unusual one; it signifies that Christ’s salvation is a complete deliverance, no matter what the need of the sinner. It may also have a temporal sense and mean “forever” or “always.” The verb “is able” (GK 1538) refers to power. Christ’s inviolable and permanent priesthood means that he has the capacity (as others have not) of bringing a complete salvation to all who approach God through him.

The author then mentions that Christ lives “to intercede” (GK 1961) for those who come to him (cf. Romans 8:34). He is supreme, and his very presence in heaven, seated at God’s right hand, as the one who died for the human race and rose again is itself an intercession. We should not infer from this verse that our Lord has to maintain a kind of continuous liturgical action in heaven for our benefit.