"He always lives to make intercession..."

Hebrews 7:23-25 "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."

My interest in this passage stems from the last verse, which caught my eye today like it never had before.

In what respect must Jesus "always live" to make intercession?

This seems to imply that Jesus will need to be making intercession forever. If so, for whom?

The KJV reads a lil dif and seems not to have as strong an implication that it would be forever but in every way possible so long as it is applicable. At least that's how I understand it. Wouldn't make much sense to continue literally forever as in after the GWT judgment.
This verse is very important as we are told that as Jesus is (presently) so should we be,... and if He ever liveth to make intercession, isn't that what we should be doing as well?

KJV: Hebrews 7:25 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.

I don't see the difference- it's just the awkward "ever liveth" vs the clearer "always lives."

But please oh please I don't want this thread to turn into another KJV debate!

So the question remains- if part of Jesus' eternal purpose is to make intercession for "them," who is them?

Since Hebrews is much about comparing the old and the new, we can see here that the 'former priests' died and had to pass on the duties of the priesthood to the next priest. This priesthood is established after the 'power of an endless life'
Heb 7:16. Since He offered Himself once and sat down, we know it is finished. The 'former priest' were never finished. But 'This man' Hallelujah!, is offering perfect intercession and will never pass it on to anyone else (of course we have fellowship with Him in this labor of intercession). I believe it is just saying that there will be no replacement, for His priesthood is not transferable. I would think the ministry of intercession will have an end once the end of the age is fulfilled.

Love to see the book of Hebrews brother!

Russell

This seems to imply that Jesus will need to be making intercession forever. If so, for whom?

It does seem to indicate that His priestly role for us will last forever. Even in our glorified state we will still need that activity on our behalf. If ever the blood of Jesus Christ should lose its power then even heaven couldn't help us. Thank God for an eternal priesthood!

In Christ,

Amen to that!

Thanks for all the comments.

Ha! Brother Todd,
I assure you that's the last thing I'd want-
Was simply comparing the verbiage,... Having said that and to your original question- whom could Christ make intercession and why would he need to?
That would (to me) seem unnecessary, no?

Hey Julius

I agree it is the church- the question is why must he intercede forever, even after the resurrection?

Julius wrote:"After the resurrection, Satan is still the Accuser of the brethren day and night."

I thought the traditional understanding is that satan is tossed in the lake of fire after the resurrection. So I don't think he will be around to be doing any accusing.