Hebrews 7:25, commentary and pictures

He is able to save completely, without limit, all who come to God through him in faith, because he ever lives to make intercession for them. He is alive as risen and ascended, not dead, continually pleading as present Saviour and great High Priest, Mediator and Advocate before the Father in the heavenly sanctuary, and his priesthood continues forever unchangeable. His intercession in heaven is as essential to salvation as his death on the cross, for by dying he began the work and by rising and entering heaven he completes it, pleading his wounded body, blood, suffering and righteousness as the price paid for pardon and cleansing. Coming to God by him means receiving him as personal Saviour, confessing and forsaking sin, trusting wholly in his merits, and abiding in him, while no repentant sinner who comes in contrition will be turned away however great the sin. He keeps interceding in the most holy place until every case is decided, so now while mercy lingers is the time to repent and have sins blotted out, for when intercession ends there is no pardon left.

Words and Plain Sense

He is able to save completely, to the uttermost, without limit, all who come to God through Him in faith, because He ever lives to make intercession for them. His priesthood lasts forever and cannot be transferred, and He stands alone as the great High Priest who alone makes the perfect atonement, while the earlier high priests were only types whose daily services for their own sins and then the people's vanished when He appeared holy, harmless, undefiled, higher than the heavens, and offered Himself once for all. His spotless life, obedience, and death purchased redemption and secured another trial, and He intercedes not merely as petitioner but as conqueror claiming victory, presenting His spotless merits with prayers, confessions, and thanksgiving so pardon covers transgression, saving those who receive Him as the One who takes away sin while unrepented sin is not covered. Though His work moved from earth to the heavenly temple where He and the sanctuary cannot be seen, His followers lose nothing with no break in fellowship and no less power, for while He serves above He still serves His church on earth by His Spirit to the end. Even a soul misled by harmful influences and drawn into sin need not despair, and those with few numbers, lack of preparation, and discouraging appearances must look away from discouragement and stop worrying themselves out of the Saviour's arms, for the bank of heaven has not failed and its resources cannot be overdrawn.

He ever lives as risen and ascended, not dead or in Joseph's tomb, continually pleading and interceding as a present Saviour, so those who come shall live also. He is not to be looked for in the new tomb or empty sepulcher, but is risen and ascended on high where He continually lives to intercede, and because He lives those who come to God by Him shall live also. This living intercession is a hope to be grasped that will hold the soul like a sure, tried anchor, so there is no mourning as hopeless and helpless but grateful song that He is risen, and believing will see the glory of God and be crowned with glory, honor, and immortality at His return. Because He gave His life, looking to Him instead of continually looking to self brings comfort and encouragement in sickness, for He begins and completes faith, and people can rely on Him for salvation, grace, righteousness, peace, and love, entrusting helpless souls to Him with full assurance for comfort and peace.

He exercises the offices of great High Priest, Mediator, Advocate, Surety, Representative, Friend and Counselor before the Father, the throne, the mercy-seat in the heavenly sanctuary within the veil, at God's right hand, and His priesthood continues forever. He is the Divine Intercessor pleading before the throne for sinful men, standing between fallen people and God so through Him people can come to the Father and find access, meaning a person who sins is not without hope. The ascended Jesus has entered heaven to make intercession and is near to those who come, and as Mediator before the mercy-seat in the heavenly sanctuary He is beheld not with the natural eye but with the eye of faith, to whom prayers are directed and whose benefits are claimed with assurance as the priest directed prayer by faith to the unseen mercy-seat when offering incense. He alone is able to save and intercede, representing before God those in whom He has restored God's moral image, and He alone can pardon transgression because He became the propitiation for sins, presenting the great Sacrifice and infinite price paid, holding out salvation even to the most hardened with provision to be exalted to share the throne and become heir of immortal riches.

The way to God is open to every person including the guilt-burdened sinner, and salvation is received by faith in Him as the ransom God provided. He is able and willing to save everyone who comes to God through Him, with His cross making pardon possible as heavenly Intercessor, saving sinners as they turn faith from self to Him as Sin-bearer and behold His redeeming love. His full saving power gives reason to trust God and wait patiently in sickness and uncertainty by submitting without unbelief or judging by appearances, trusting God may act for good and His glory, yet assurance of salvation does not mean every sick person will be healed since healing is not always best and receiving it could foster self-esteem, for He is a compassionate Saviour who can save both soul and body.

As compassionate High Priest He understands infirmities because tempted as they are and knows how to help the tempted, watching over erring children when they repent, love Him and desire to serve. Though high and holy He pities weakness and stoops to help, having been tempted in all points as humans are yet without sin in thought, word, or deed, never passing through the experience of sinning Himself, and because He remained sinless under temptation He is able to succor the tempted and take away sins. Having fulfilled one phase of priesthood by dying for the fallen race, He has passed into the heavens to take government of the heavenly host and now fulfills another phase by pleading before the Father the case of the repenting, believing sinner and presenting the offerings of His people, comprehending all in saving to the uttermost. Because He pleads for souls inclined to err and easily tempted, for the sick who need a physician rather than the whole, even perplexities and disappointments can develop Christian experience under the Lord's guidance.

His promise is sure and steadfast however high and holy, that He is the completeness of believers fitting them to partake of the divine nature, making whoever has the heart sanctified through truth one with Him in God, revealing meekness and lowliness and the wisdom first pure then peaceable. His laying down His life for the sheep reveals God's love and provides fallen people opportunity to return to loyalty to God, presenting His merits as Conqueror claiming trophies of victory, as Captain of salvation made perfect through suffering whose sacrifice melts and subdues the heart. Power saving to the uttermost is promised so even the weak may be strong in gospel hope by laying hold of it, with coming meaning coming in God's appointed way fulfilling every requirement, claiming the richest promise as one's own by taking it in love and belief, giving thanks while pressing to the mark of the prize of the high calling.

Helpless souls should rely on Him rather than on a minister, for He alone is strong enough to save completely those who come to God through Him. He loves people and gave His life, and at ascension took humanity to heaven where today He stands as Elder Brother pleading, holding out power to live pure holy lives needed to be ready to meet the King, making the family of heaven and earth one so His Father and God becomes ours, forming a character like His own in those who come in humility and contrition without cherishing sin. The Lord God of Israel as Redeemer can be depended on to save fully and help in affliction, so those sick can hope and pray for successful treatment and lasting relief and give thanks when healing comes.

He officiates in the sanctuary above at God's right hand interceding for those suffering physically and spiritually and invites sufferers to come to Him who died but is alive forevermore, and those who restore the sick to health cooperate with Him in that work and in restoring God's image in the soul. He is able to save completely because as holy Substitute He presented perfect humility and sinless obedience, with divine power placed on repentant believers so through Him they may share the divine nature, and His suffering and death together with obedient life in human nature make obedience possible. His sinless humanity and atoning sacrifice are essential to confident faith, and do not lessen His ability to save, but make believers righteous in Him.

He has pledged full salvation for every person with sacrifice as the innocent suffering for the guilty ample and consistent with God's justice and holy law, offered to all but leaving refusers responsible for refusing it. He loves to intercede, and believers are to cling to Him and strive to overcome looking forward to His welcome into the city of God. He is the source of strength and efficiency for all who come to God by Him, able to save all who trust His power, with trust not in man or flesh but in Him alone, so those who pray much, believe, and draw with earnest faith upon promised help will see saving grace, take courage, and not become discouraged.

He is the greatest of all physicians of soul and body who came to redeem from Satan's power, without which there would be no hope of eternal life, so the sick are to be directed to Him for cure of soul and body and not taught to look to human beings or erring minds for healing. Assurance of depending on Him rather than boasting in own wisdom leads those recognizing weakness to trust Him who is mighty to save completely, depending wholly on His merits since apart from Him no good thing can be done and everyone will be dealt with according to works. He pleads in heaven while the Holy Spirit works in people to will and do His good pleasure with all heaven interested in salvation so there is no reason to doubt help, and those who teach must have vital connection as a wellspring through Him as a well of water springing up to everlasting life.

As ever-living Intercessor and Advocate He gives joy of faith and firm confidence with daily accountability, and because He intercedes rather than accuses His people are to become advocates for those who err and promote union, closing the door to evil surmising, healing old wounds, and cultivating patience, faith, hope, and love while holding confidence firmly. Coming to God by Him means coming to the Father through Him as the Way, so as prayers of sincere and contrite ones ascend He takes sins away and says to let them stand innocent, filling hearts with glorious light of truth and love so the threshold of heaven is flushed with glory shining on every soul opening heavenward. His intercession for fellow ministers even those opposing the work gives reason to believe they can be converted, so believers should pray with and for them, come near, keep acquaintance, and show the same deep earnest interest in shepherds as in others, looking to Him with confidence rather than dwelling on limited gifts.

God is able to save completely those who come to Him through Christ, with saving power not inherent in people but found in God, so recognizing human weakness teaches dependence even when evil and perplexity threaten. God is mighty to save completely all who come to Him, with saving help as living loving response to suffering and appeals of the helpless, calling people to depend on God rather than human power or force which cannot supply needed compassion and deliverance. Saving power is found in God alone and human weakness teaches dependence, while trust must not be in man or flesh but in Jesus alone. His intercession gives believers access and confidence to come now trusting He will receive and save rather than despair, for prayer is not payment or penance since He paid penalty and His blood cleanses, presenting sincere prayers through merit of atonement which the Father accepts.

Priesthood and Heavenly Ministry

His priesthood continues forever, is unchangeable and cannot be transferred to another, and He stands alone in divine majesty and glory above all other high priests as the only true High Priest over the house of God. He was already this Priest when brought to the temple as an infant only a few weeks old, for He is also the Ancient of days whose goings forth have been from of old, even from everlasting, the long-expected Messiah. As the great High Priest He alone makes the perfect and complete atonement for sin, holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners and made higher than the heavens. He presents His own merits as Conqueror claiming the trophies of victory, and He has wrought out a perfect character for sinners while being touched with the feeling of their infirmities, having been tempted in all points like them.

The earlier high priests were only types whose daily services vanished when He appeared, for they offered first for their own sins and then for the people's, whereas He offered up Himself once for all. By His own blood He entered the heavenly sanctuary once and obtained eternal redemption, so the Jewish sacrifices, the daily and yearly typical atonement, and the earthly priesthood with its sacrificial service have ended and no longer possess virtue or power to give access to God. His self-offering on the cross was the one perfect and only effective sacrifice for sin, and no further sacrifice is needed as believers wait for His return. Even a soul misled by harmful influences and drawn into sin need not despair, for this holy High Priest intercedes and offered Himself once for all.

Having fulfilled one phase of His priesthood by dying on the cross for the fallen race, He passed into the heavens to take government of the heavenly host and now fulfills another phase by pleading before the Father the case of the repenting, believing sinner and presenting to God the offerings of His people. After dying and rising the third day He ascended to His Father to intercede for wayward, guilty man, as He had told the angels before coming to earth when He spoke of His mission as teacher, His death hung between heaven and earth bearing the weight of the sins of the whole world, and His rising again. His ascension carried Him to heaven to continue the work of atonement as humanity's Advocate and Intercessor with the Father, and His life alone could serve as the ransom that saves many. After His departure He sent the Comforter to be with believers, and His intercession with the union for which He prayed brings light, peace and comfort.

Though His work moved from the earthly to the heavenly temple where He and the sanctuary cannot be seen, His followers lose nothing, with no break in fellowship and no less power because He is out of sight. While He serves above He still serves His church on earth by His Spirit, remaining with His people to the end, filling human workers with His own energizing presence, remaining deeply concerned with the work for which He gave His life and watching its progress from heaven. His saving power is presented in connection with His place in heaven behind the open door in the sanctuary above, where the glory of God shines in His face, and believers are to lift their eyes from the lowlands of earth to Him there, keep Him first in thought, talk of His goodness and power, and come with praise and thanksgiving. His visible ascension made heaven the home of the living resurrected Saviour and made prayer personal communion, giving confidence to pray in His name trusting petitions will be answered.

He is alive without ceasing in the sanctuary in heaven doing solemn work for us, offering His own blood every moment before the mercy seat to plead for us, as minister of the true tabernacle which the Lord pitched and not man. Standing at the altar He momentarily offers up sacrifice for the sins of the world, offering up His shed blood as a lamb slain and presenting the oblation for every offense and every shortcoming of the sinner, claiming for each sinner who receives Him as personal Saviour all the graces promised in His covenant as the reward of His sacrifice. His unbroken pleading gives worth to every moment and calls teachers and pupils who take His yoke to give themselves to diligent work of the same earnest character as their living Head. His present work includes pleading for people in the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary and forgiving their sins, and His intercession rests on His spotless life and the wounds of His body which plead for humanity because He purchased its redemption at infinite cost.

His intercession for man in the sanctuary above is as essential to the plan of salvation as His death on the cross, for by His death He began the work and after His resurrection He ascended to heaven to complete it. By faith believers enter within the veil where the Forerunner has entered for them, where the light from the cross of Calvary is reflected and clearer insight into the mysteries of redemption is gained, and through His mediation the sincere desire of all who come to Him in faith may be presented before God. His sacrifice meets the full and broadest demands of the broken law of God, salvation is accomplished at infinite expense to heaven, and He has opened the way to the Father's throne. Understanding His ministry as all-powerful Mediator and great High Priest is necessary for the faith God's people need and for preparation for the Judgment, for He is the only hope of salvation bearing sin as humanity's substitute and surety so that through faith sins may be pardoned and people may return to loyalty to God. After ascending He continues the work of atonement begun on earth, having brought salvation by answering the claims of the law and offering Himself perfectly for humanity.

He is the only Advocate, High Priest and Mediator, needing no human virtue, priestly mediation, mass, additional sacrifice, human middleman, dead prophet or buried saint between the sinner and Him. His present work in the most holy place fulfills the Day of Atonement service, and prayer and confession are to be offered to Him, with coming to God through Him including obedience to His Word. He represents the Father to humanity and represented humanity in His life and work, having lived as humanity's substitute and surety whose obedience is counted as righteousness, and because He conquered where Adam failed He gives probation in which people may return to loyalty by keeping God's law. He represents before God those in whom He has restored God's moral image, alone pardons transgression as propitiation for sins, stands as advocate before the Father continually pleading, and is the only hope received by looking to Him and believing rather than dwelling on weakness and sinfulness.

Though He has taken human nature He has not laid it aside, and all power on behalf of humanity with all things has been committed to Him so He can complete redemption as humanity's substitute and surety. He gave up His high command and clothed His divinity with humanity to stand at the head of the human race, died the Just for the unjust, suffered and shed His blood for remission of sins to make atonement, removing the barrier that separated from God so His saving hand can be grasped and cleansing from sins that dishonored God. His death opened a new and living way to God with no wall of partition between Jew and Gentile and access for everyone without human priest or ruler, distinct from the corrupt earthly priesthood whose officeholders could be unworthy and incapable of representing the heavenly service. As the Lamb slain for sin and living Advocate in the heavenly courts He mediates between fallen people and God, so even those who sin are not without hope but can find access to the Father through Him.

His continuing intercession was not at first understood but became clear as the Scriptures defining the position opened to those who sought light. It is received by those who follow Him by faith into the heavenly sanctuary and accept His work as High Priest, while rejecting that light leaves people without the benefits of His mediation after the former system of sacrifices and offerings could no longer provide access to God. After His resurrection He first ministered in the holy place presenting His people's prayers, repentance and faith before God made acceptable through the merits of His sacrifice, then entered the Most Holy Place to make atonement for sin and cleanse the sanctuary, completing the plan of redemption through the final atonement. In the present antitypical Day of Atonement He receives the prayers of contrite hearts and presents them to the Father mingled with the incense of His righteousness, so as Israel humbled and confessed on the typical day, believers are to approach with confession and repentance and through His intercession pardon is recorded and confessed sins forgiven.

The risen Saviour intercedes in heaven and will keep interceding until He returns to take His people to Himself. The risen and ascended Christ continues to identify with suffering humanity and plead before God, presenting the merits of His blood and the wounds in His hands and feet as the price paid for redemption and receiving their prayers. This is a message of joy that makes friends and converts, proclaimed even in exile when thought old and past service, and His continuing intercession gives His followers confidence and joy as they await His return.

As consecrated High Priest with divine authority He gives His elect church into the Father's arms and gathers His flock as faithful Shepherd under the shadow of the Almighty into a strong and sure refuge. His intercession asks the Father to keep through His own name those given Him, that His disciples and all who shall believe through their word may be one as Father and Son are one, that He may be in them and they made perfect in one, and He continues this work even as He goes forth to meet the last battle with Satan. He pleads for His church before the Father, identifying His interests with theirs and advocating the rights and titles He purchased with His blood, asking that His people be with Him and share His glory. Those who suffer with Him on earth will reign with Him in His kingdom, He does not receive His full honor until His church is justified and accepted before the heavenly universe, and as Anointed Priest living to intercede for every individual soul He made reconciliation for sin and brought in everlasting righteousness which believers receive to share with the world.

His intercession prevails with God and brings infinite grace, connected with the holy fragrance of His character which believers may earnestly seek from God. Having ascended to the Father and taken His place at God's right hand to represent and plead for humanity, fitted by experience of human weakness, sorrow and temptation after answering the claims of the law and becoming a perfect offering, He saves those who come to God through Him. His intercession in our behalf will always prevail, giving assurance that God will hear and answer prayer in His name, because the love God showed in giving His Son to die proves He will hear petitions.

Sacrifice and Atonement Basis

His spotless life, obedience and death on the cross purchased redemption and secured another trial for humanity, and through His self-humbling He made salvation and reconciliation possible. Though one with God and equal with God, the Majesty of heaven stepped down from His throne, left crown and royal scepter, clothed divinity with humanity, and offered His life on Calvary as a complete and infinite sacrifice. He reveals the Father and reconciles hopelessly ruined, law-breaking enemies of God to God, making those He saves new creatures renewed in the Creator's image and exalting them to sit with Him on His throne. His love for each person is shown by giving His own life for them, for each is of infinite value to Him.

His intercession is that of a pierced and broken body, a spotless and victorious life, the pleading of all the wounds of Calvary offered with prevailing power in behalf of sinners. He presents His wounded hands and feet, His shed blood, suffering, death, merits and righteousness as evidence of the price paid to obtain pardon and cleansing. Because He lived among humanity, shared its suffering and was tempted, He can receive repentance and answer prayers before God, securing the church pardon and the gifts of God's power. While probation lasts sinners are invited to come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need, and to come to Him as a perfect Saviour who will in no wise cast out any who come.

He intercedes not merely as a petitioner trying to persuade the Father to show compassion, but as a Conqueror claiming His victory and the trophies and people won through it. As Captain of salvation made perfect through suffering, His sacrifice on Calvary reveals a love that melts and subdues the heart. His blood pleads with power and efficacy for the backslidden, the rebellious and those who sin against great light and love, and He has never lost a case committed to Him while Satan stands to accuse and Christ stands at God's right hand to plead.

Only His death and intercession together can pay sin's great debt and save lost humanity from hopeless sorrow and misery. The transgression was so great that an angel's life could not pay the debt, even though angels cared so much that some would have yielded their glory and given life for perishing man. This gift came at great cost after a struggle whether to let guilty man perish or to give the beloved Son to die for him, for God's law as unchanging as Himself could not be changed or set aside to save man. To save to the uttermost means to pay that full debt, ransoming many by death and bringing them back to favor with God through continuing intercession, with victory over him who holds the power of death making it possible for the redeemed to live forever. On that ground the Father commits the fallen race into Christ's hands, delays execution of death, and promises through Christ to receive into favor and restore holiness to as many as accept the atonement and obey His law.

His blood alone purifies and cleanses every stain of sin, and His righteousness alone is accepted by the Father on behalf of believers who have no righteousness of their own. Appropriated by living faith His blood is the believer's hope and sustains life, speaking for the believer as faith claims its cleansing virtue and keeping the conscience clean and at peace with God. His death is the penalty-bearing sacrifice and perpetual offering, so the penitent who acknowledge Him as personal Saviour may have prayers accepted, sins blotted out and holy oil bestowed. His merit and righteousness, not anything another person can give or do, avail to remove sin's stain and are placed to the believer's account in full measure.

His power to save completely rests on the inexhaustible fund of perfect obedience accruing from His obedience, self-denial and self-sacrifice. He has pledged Himself as Substitute and Surety who neglects no one, and has pledged infinite power, faithfulness, love and mercy without limit to save to the uttermost all who sincerely repent, come to God through Him and keep close to Him. That cleansing includes pardoning the most guilty, purifying the most polluted, and giving forgiveness, justification and sanctification, with inward cleansing shown by outward cleansing of life keeping the believer safe as an overcomer. His covenant commitment to mediate makes His righteousness and intercession the only hope, and salvation is accomplished as they believe, with the repentant who confess receiving forgiveness with pardon recorded for Christ's sake. Coming to God by Him means beholding Him on the cross, looking away from poor sinful self to the Sin-bearer with broken heart, so bright beams of righteousness enter the heart and redeeming love saves the sinner. Through His intercession people may lay hold of eternal life, for He died to uphold God's unchanging law and remove obstacles sin placed between humanity and eternal happiness.

Fallen people cannot save themselves, for sin has weakened their powers and left them unable to achieve moral goodness on their own, and no work of man can pay transgression. The law has no power to save lawbreakers from the penalty of disobedience, so wrongdoers must repent, humble themselves before God whose just wrath they incurred, let go of pride and conceit, recognize helplessness and sin, and exercise faith in His blood as the only means of pardon. By repentance and faith they are freed from condemnation, and through His grace enabled to render obedience, for He supplies what they cannot. God has devised no other way of salvation, yet human pride seeks salvation in some other way unwilling to be counted as nothing and unwilling to recognize Him as the only Saviour, the same pride Satan appealed to when telling our first parents they would not surely die and would be as gods. No one can begin turning to God or repent apart from Him, for the Spirit awakens desire and God's favor leads to repentance and pardon, and faith looks beyond Satan's power to Him who is beginning and end of salvation rather than earning it by self-righteousness or prior progress. He lived as humanity's Substitute and Surety and conquered where Adam failed, His obedience counted as righteousness, giving a probation in which people may return to loyalty by keeping God's law, with no human middleman, dead prophet or buried saint between sinner and Advocate.

His pleading is at times made with groanings that cannot be uttered, as seen in Gethsemane when He took the sin of the whole corrupt world upon Himself while the cup trembled in His hand and destiny hung in the balance. There blood came through the pores of His skin and moistened the sod, He staggered to sleeping disciples, was strengthened by an angel, submitted His will to the Father, then took the cup and drank suffering for others while battling darkness lest He expire under agony. This fulfills a pledge made in heaven's councils before creation when, the question arising what if man should sin as Satan sinned, He pledged to give Himself, His life, as ransom with the Innocent bearing the guilty's sins, and after Adam fell He fulfilled it to redeem the lost, laying the saved under everlasting obligation to serve God wholeheartedly. Moses entreating after Israel's great sin in making gods of gold, asking forgiveness or to be blotted from the book, illustrates that love and intercession, and Moses as humble importunate suppliant pleading for God's presence to go to Canaan was a type of the great Intercessor whom the Father always hears.

He retained royal right and divine power to forgive even while suffering on the cross, and no human act or suffering could cut off power flowing through Him from the Father. While men had power over His human body to wound and strip Him, He remained the divine Sin-bearer, glorified in humiliation and Conqueror though appearing conquered. Thus humiliated and apparently defeated He asserted right to forgive, giving the penitent thief perfect peace of acceptance, promising paradise before His coronation and demonstrating His death gives life. Risen at God's right hand He continues working for salvation, and the thief will enter paradise when rising with those who believe in Him as resurrection and life.

His mighty saving power in giving His own life and flesh for the life of the world and for the sheep bridges the gulf sin made between God and man, making provision for reconciliation and union of human with divine nature. In His own divine person He links created with Uncreated and finite with Infinite, opening a way for the disobedient to return to allegiance and raising the human family from ruin. This power sanctifies believers, gives power to overcome evil, escape corruption and become partakers of the divine nature, revealing God as light and love and becoming the heritage of every believing soul. The same mediatorial work confirms beings of other worlds in innocency, loyalty, purity and character, placing a safeguard around the pure and preserving order, while every world engages the care of Father and Son constantly exercised for fallen humanity. With human arm embracing Adam's children and strong divine arm grasping the Infinite throne, by continual life and pleading He unites earth to heaven and finite man to infinite God, in deep intercession broad as earth and reaching to high heaven.

His death purchases salvation and reconciles believers to God, His resurrection is for their justification, and His life working in theirs brings salvation to completion with enduring immortal inheritance and everlasting life. His atonement and intercession secure salvation by faith, with acceptance in Him through His blood and advocacy continuing His atoning work alongside the Spirit's work on hearts. He presents before the throne the great Sacrifice and infinite price paid, holding out salvation even to the most hardened, opening the way to share God's throne and become heirs of immortal riches. As propitiation He alone can pardon, representing before God those in whom He restored God's moral image. The penitent lays hold by faith of His righteousness, placing His death and intercession against defective life to be freed from blemish and claim pardon.

Because of His atoning sacrifice God promises to forgive those who repent, so the penitent should confess and seek forgiveness with sins going beforehand to judgment with pardon written against names for Christ's sake. He gave His life as ransom not to justify people in sin but so repentant sinners receiving and believing in Him as propitiation may have sins taken away and cease from sin. In the present day of atonement He receives prayers of contrite hearts and presents them mingled with incense of His righteousness, so as Israel humbled and confessed on the typical day, believers approaching with confession have pardon recorded and confessed sins forgiven. He is a sin-pardoning Saviour offering blood of atonement and interceding now, and forgiveness comes not by trying to make oneself better but by repenting, forsaking sin and relying as one is on mercy and revealed love, with His intercession enabling forgiveness, cleansing and the abiding Spirit.

His perfect work finished in death on the cross, His sacrifice and intercession at the Father's right hand are the only hope of salvation, received by grace through faith with hope of eternal life depending wholly on Him. In Him mercy and justice meet as He bears patiently with the imperfect, ready to save bringing peace and forgiveness as a complete Saviour whose blood cleanses from all sin and whose love draws toward Christian character. Relying on His merits alone, believers stand close beside Him as Advocate and Surety where His light guides and protects, for joining humanity with divinity He is the only hope of a perishing world making humanity complete. Without His death the whole family would have perished with no right to heaven, and His living advocacy gives spiritual blessings, pardoning, keeping from falling and sin, enabling partaking of divine nature, receiving perfection and sonship, living because He lives, and at last presenting faultless with exceeding joy.

Coming and Receiving Salvation

He saves completely those who come to God through him in faith, receiving him as personal Saviour who takes away sin, and that trust is to be personal rather than depending on another to do the work. Coming requires complying with conditions, accepting the favor offered and placing confidence in him, confessing and forsaking the sins that make miserable, for his righteousness does not cover sin that remains unrepented. Those who so receive him as Redeemer trusting him to take away sin receive pardon and cleansing when they let him, are counted one with him in union like a child's dependence, with heart and will joined to the Substitute who is justification and redemption, and that trust sustains life and service unto being brought into the city of God with joy. Those who refuse him reject the only means provided by Father and Son for salvation and lose eternal life, leaving no other hope for the soul.

This keeping through his intercession holds those redeemed by his blood against Satan's efforts to destroy, yet it depends on choosing him, abiding in him, and entrusting the soul to God, for none is kept while refusing that dependence. Coming means placing the will on the side of God's will, looking away from self unto him and living, humbling self as a little child to be received and blessed and strengthened, refusing unbelief in thought and speech, taking God at his word and leaving self in his hands to be taught and led. Through the blood of the atonement believers thus become partakers of the divine nature and children of God, assured God loves them as he loved his Son, one with Jesus walking where he leads, with power to dispel Satan's dark shadows so the sunlight of glory shines into the heart. Coming is relying on him without doubt and not seeking righteousness in self, resting securely in his compassionate loving care, for unbelief and doubting his promise dishonor him.

All are to come as they are without waiting for feeling or ecstasy, including the young, letting go of pride, recognizing helplessness, humbling the heart before God, taking hold of his strength, making peace with him, and confessing shortcomings to be freed from guilt. He helps those who so come and washes away every stain however scarlet, cleansing fully repented sin and clothing the repentant with his righteousness as Advocate bringing the virtue of his righteousness to their behalf, his strength sufficient for those who lay down pride and rely on him. All who come confessing with broken heart and relying wholly on his merits receive forgiveness, as Peter's denial was forgiven, with rich blessings and precious victories for those who improve the opportunity. Those who instead choose pride, blame of others, sitting in the seat of the scornful, and continuing transgression refuse to humble their hearts, take up the burden of sin again, dishonor God, and rob their souls of the salvation he waits to bestow, for those seeking salvation must cease transgressing and become loyal and true.

The poor, suffering, sinful, and even those who knew him but clung to sin may come admitting helplessness, for he receives the helpless and turns away no weeping contrite one who comes sincerely. When a sinner admits helplessness and asks to be saved he is accepted in the Beloved with darkness replaced by light of his presence, and by looking to him in living faith people receive healing from sin's wounds and the life and blessing of God. He can deliver from despair, sin, and demons when a person gives self to him and trusts him, which no earthly friend can do, and his mercy, love, and forgiveness cover even the blackest stains. Those who recognize guilt and helplessness can come as they are with no plea of their own and receive blessing by faith, going boldly to the throne of grace to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need, while the self-righteous who feel no need do not ask and leave empty.

He draws people to himself and coming is like stepping onto a ladder from earth to heaven with God above and his glory shining on every step, where he looks with grace on those who climb and gives divine help when they falter. Those who respond turn from sin, and those who persevere in faith and keep trusting will enter his everlasting kingdom, will not perish, and none can take them from his hand. Receiving and honoring him as Saviour and Redeemer keeps the hope of restoration to favor and the advantage of the knowledge he came to bring as light shining amid moral darkness, while refusing to receive and honor him loses that hope and advantage. Such saving is given to those willing to be saved by putting aside self-sufficiency, pride, large measurement of self, and working alone for personal glory, becoming as little children, pressing close in love and helping one another, resting the soul on him in complete submission without blending with the world, and learning constantly of him unto full stature.

Coming means yielding the will to his will and surrendering self instead of turning away, and resisters are urged to surrender rather than continue resisting light and evidence after the greatest demonstration in Spirit and power, for God lives to save and if they perish it is because they are determined to resist. Claiming to be among the chosen is not itself evidence of saving power without separating from the world as required, since efforts to erase that distinction widen distance from God. No one can trifle with his soul's salvation, for death can come without warning, so each must stand daily on the right side, put on the whole armor against darkness working in human flesh, connect with Christ and angels, repent heartily, cleanse the temple from sin and falsehood, and stop planting wood, hay, and stubble to be burned at final reckoning. His saving power is an arm to lean on with confidence even when terror falls on the wicked, giving hope beforehand of standing among the peaceful and holy.

By a life of perfect obedience in human nature, tempted in all points yet without sin and overcoming by prayer and strong supplication, he procured redemption for all who will be obedient, putting away sin by sacrifice on Calvary. Those who receive him receive power to become sons of God, with the divine nature imparted, Christ formed within as hope of glory, energized by his Spirit as they seek with the whole heart, overcoming Satan's assaults and escaping corruption through lust. His death reconciles sinners to God and his life saves as worked out in character, bringing justification and developing his life in theirs, so even the poor in temporal things become rich spiritually as royalty with title to immortal inheritance measuring with his life. Looking to him leads to putting away sin and receiving the Father's glory who loves them as his Son, cleansing from sin not by worthiness but by believing God and relying on his power, giving help and hope in temptation because he knows the struggle and his strength enables victory.

Sinners may by faith take refuge in his intercession, pleading for the Holy Spirit to lead, teach, and quicken, and by repenting, breaking off sins, and relying on his merits may avoid fearful consequences and receive everlasting life. Those who daily exercise faith in his complete power will be given power to become sons of God, for power to overcome Satan striving for mastery is with God and human strength is only through Christ. Dependence on his saving power leads to recognizing weakness and hungering and thirsting for righteousness, and resting in that power in complete submission gives peace, joy, and rest with growth in grace unto full stature without being drawn into temptation. Accepting him as appointed Saviour lifts from degradation, frees from Satan's power, and brings to the exalted life designed, while refusing him rejects the only provision, and apostasy does not prove genuine faith dangerous for his saving word stands sure.

Prophecy Judgment and End

His saving to the uttermost by intercession is ministered in the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary, and benefits only those who enter there with him by faith. The way into the most holy is shown by the third angel's message, reached by receiving the first message and the second message and the midnight cry; those who reject them and see no light in the third message darken understanding, have no knowledge of the move made in heaven, and cannot be benefited by his mediation there. Like the Jews who after the great Sacrifice kept offering useless sacrifices, nominal churches that crucified these messages offer useless prayers to the holy-place apartment he has left. They are left to Satan, who assumes a religious character and comes as an angel of light to fasten them in his snare with spiritualism, false reformations, and his power and signs and lying wonders.

In 1844 he entered the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary to begin the investigative judgment, completing ministry in the first apartment and beginning a further phase where he still pleads his blood before the Father on behalf of sinners. His final work of priestly ministry is now going forward in connection with the judgment, so his people are to keep eyes fixed on him there. While this work proceeds each person's case is pending before God and judgment is according to deeds. In this time of atonement people are to confess and repent of sins so they may be atoned for and blotted out.

In the judgment he appears before God as advocate to plead in behalf of those who come to God by him, because he lives forever to make intercession and is able to save completely. The righteous dead are not present in person when their records are examined, since they are raised only after they are judged worthy of the resurrection of life. His present work includes pleading for people in the most holy place and forgiving their sins. Coming to God means relying on him without doubt, not seeking righteousness in oneself, for doubting his promise dishonors him.

He stands in the Most Holy before the ark containing the law of God making final intercession for all for whom mercy still lingers and for those who have ignorantly broken the law. His atonement is for the righteous living and also for the righteous dead, including those who died without receiving light upon the commandments and sinned ignorantly. Those who embrace the third angel's message have their minds directed to him there. His pity for the remnant not yet sealed leads him to plead the merits of his shed blood before the Father asking that they be spared, restraining the powers represented by the four winds until God's servants receive the seal in their foreheads.

He is still interceding as High Priest in the most holy place until every case is decided for salvation or destruction. Only then does he lay aside priestly garments, end intercession, and bring the time of divine wrath and the seven last plagues. That saving work to the uttermost has a close with tears, agonizing prayer, burden-bearing, warning, and the sweet voice of mercy inviting sinners coming to God to choose life while heaven unites with him; when the last tear is shed, the last prayer offered, the last burden borne, and the last warning given, the plan of salvation is accomplished and mercy invites no more. Then there is no blood left to cleanse and no Saviour left to plead, no priest to present sacrifices, confessions or prayers, for he lays off priestly attire and clothes himself in kingly robes with many crowns and leaves heaven, and the plagues fall on those who desired life without effort, leaving them with fear and horror in the time of too late. While he ministers he receives prayers and confessions, pardons sin, and brings sins to the point of being blotted out, so the work of rescuing souls must be done before he leaves the sanctuary.

His intercession makes this a present time to seek pardon and turn from sin while mercy remains, for it will not continue indefinitely. This pleading is present mercy given during the perils of the last days, and will soon finish when It is done is proclaimed, mercy leaves the throne above the ark, and every person is left fixed as unjust or righteous forever. When it ends grace, peace and pardon are forever withdrawn and he will have passed beyond reach of prayers, pleas and entreaties. He now stands before the Father pleading his blood, sufferings and death for perishing souls in order to save completely those who come to God by him, and while he pleads God's messengers wait ready to carry saving truth so souls may be sealed with the seal of the living God. That present pleading calls those professing present truth to dispose of this world's goods and hand over God's money lent to them as stewards to send the truth, and this lingering of mercy is the time to make thorough work for eternity. Being a partial, formal believer practicing only some Bible injunctions is not enough, and those who neglect or treat warnings with indifference and who cherish or excuse sin seal destiny, are weighed in the balance and found wanting, and lose eternal life.

When great wickedness provokes wrath he pleads for man pointing to the rainbow in the cloud as evidence of great mercy and compassion for erring man. The rainbow round about the throne in heaven and above his head is a symbol of mercy encompassing the earth, and an emblem of glory and mercy from God resting there for the benefit of repentant humanity. The assurance is applied to Israel that as God delivered them from Egyptian bondage he would also establish them in the promised land and raise them to leadership among the nations, for God is willing and able to save completely those who place trust fully in him. His mighty hand is still stretched out to save everyone who comes to him, the world first given evidence and convinced of sin, then the Lord receiving those who repent and condemning those who despise mercy.

While his ministry continues the Holy Spirit restrains evil to some extent through rulers, laws, and God-fearing leaders and statesmen influenced by holy angels, with laws limiting wrongdoing and opposing measures that would hinder the work. This restraint allows the third angel's message to do its work and be proclaimed; when the final warning and loud cry is given, some leading men will accept it and stand with God's people through the time of trouble. In that final time of trouble he will sustain the faithful, God's mighty angels will protect them, and Satan's forces cannot destroy even the weakest of those who trust in him. His death made a way of escape for fallen humanity, and his continuing intercession provides help against temptation and opposition so those who come can conquer and be exalted to his right hand, leading the willing upward step by step in the light of the Son of Righteousness, present in divine power to help in every emergency as Advocate when Satan opposes.

His people can calmly rely on him whose saving power reaches to the uttermost even amid terror of the day when wrath falls on the wicked. Trust in this mighty Saviour is to be sought and relied on before that evil day comes. His continuing life and intercession secure this refuge, so unkindness and contempt from others must not turn people away from the path to him.

Blessings of Complete Salvation

His living intercession secures His pledge to present His church without spot and to perfect grace in every soul, taking people with defects to purify and make them complete in Him, and those who receive Him He presents to God as sons and daughters, paying their ransom with His blood and giving them by His merits power to become members of the royal family with honor exceeding angels, exalted to share His throne and heir immortal riches. The Father welcomes His friends as His own, is satisfied with the atonement and glorified by incarnation, life, death and mediation, while provision holds out salvation even to the most hardened multitude as earth is connected with heaven by angel messengers and all deeds lie open before Infinite Justice.

His power frees from hereditary and cultivated habits and tendencies so none need remain enslaved to appetite, passion or despair after repeated failure, but can resist evil and overcome through strength God is ready to give rather than finite own strength, lifting from degradation and depths of sin to exalted, noble, virtuous life as children of God and heirs with Christ to life measuring with the life of God. His self-giving love gives fallen people opportunity to return to allegiance, and those seeking refuge in faith are joined to Him and to God under covenant promise that wrath will not fall on them, yet they are to cooperate through diligent striving, watching and prayer since human effort alone has no power.

Because divinity and humanity are united in Him He pities weakness and stoops to help, having been tempted in all points as humans are yet without sin in thought, word or deed, never passing through the experience of sinning Himself, and being touched with infirmities He knows how to succor the tempted and take away sins. His intercession is that of pierced and broken body, spotless victorious life and pleading of all wounds of Calvary with prevailing power as Advocate and great High Priest, thinking of each tempted one individually, knowing every necessity, caring, loving and dying for them. While probation lasts sinners are invited to come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain mercy and find grace to help, to commit keeping of the soul to God without grieving as if one's own saviour and without doubt, giving comfort, hope, courage and divine strength, which leaves no reason for self-exaltation but every reason for humility, self-distrust and trust in sufficient grace.

As Mediator at the Father's right hand He keeps in view those redeemed with His blood, protects them from Satan, holds them against efforts to destroy them, and those breaking from Satan's service to stand under His banner are kept by Him and made His sure defense in trial. Safety rests on choosing Him, abiding in Him, entrusting the soul to God and walking with God in waiting, for no one is kept while refusing that dependence, yet with His firm hold weak faith can face Satan's attacks with confidence toward the reward. He is near to those who come, His ministry connected with blessing experienced, and He leads followers upward and onward in light of the Sun of Righteousness giving security amid last-days dangers.

Having died to make way of escape He now lives to intercede giving help against temptation and opposition so through Him they can conquer and be exalted to His right hand, leading the willing upward step by step while Satan resists. His continuing life makes Him source of spiritual strength and help in every emergency, securing all needed so faith can endure trials, resist temptation, bear disappointment, and comfort and strength attend pointing the weary, burdened, poor, brokenhearted and perplexed to Him.

The verse assures those in despair over defects and doubts that He lives to intercede, so they can look to Him with confidence rather than dwell on defects, having assurance and confidence in the living Redeemer today rather than only past evidence. His ascension to intercede and the union for which He prayed bring light, peace, comfort and the Comforter, giving reason to live with joy and hope rather than gloom, to dwell on plan of salvation and promises, and to respond with gladness, gratitude and praise.

This assurance calls Christians to keep helping and praying for erring people even when hopeless rather than abandon them to temptation, since He died for them, His blood can cleanse every stain however scarlet, and through His strength they can change to noble virtuous life accepted in Him. Even a soul misled by harmful influences and drawn into sin need not despair, for as holy High Priest who offered Himself once for all He is willing to forgive those coming for pardon including those trapped in destructive habits and even one hovering between life and death. Coming requires complying with conditions, confessing and forsaking sins that make miserable, accepting favor and placing confidence in Him, for only through Him is hope, and He identifies with present and eternal good raising believers above wealth, titles and dignity to walk as heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ.

As Great Physician and great Restorer He brings healing to diseased minds and bodies, longs to save, and is the One to whom people should turn for help and life in faith rather than relying on unbelieving physician or other human power to save life. He hears earnest prayer, protects life, works through physicians and angels, and imparts life to those trusting, cooperating, obeying health laws and striving for holiness, while understanding His power guards against Satan's deceptive miracles. The physician can comfort and lift the sufferer's mind by directing to Him for salvation, even at point of death.

Because He paid redemption price and made atonement His intercession prevails to the end to take away sins and keep from falling under temptation those purchased by His blood, inviting defiled sinners to come, and His infinite sacrifice loses none of its force by lapse of time through centuries. Salvation does not depend on human effort or on holding Him firmly but on the One behind promises who holds believers fast with love of an elder brother so none can pluck them from His hand, neither life nor death nor height nor depth separating from love of God in Christ while union is maintained, provided they obey His will. In temptation the believer holds fast faith in Him who firmly holds and never abandons the soul maintaining faith, and His living intercession meets increased need from hard heart and every internal foe, taking stone heart to give flesh, giving special grace for peculiar faults as the believer resists evil, refuses Satan's works, cries for help to sacrifice idols and put away darling sins.

Laying hold on His strength is privilege in trial, meaning not living by feeling but by faith when changes of feeling, discouragement, depression, grief from unadvised words, sorrow, disappointment and temptation to give up come, letting those drive to Him instead of being cast down, presenting the case at the throne and casting helpless soul on Him for strength to endure and overcome the same battle He fought and won. Awareness of weakness should lead to plead His atoning sacrifice and rely on merits finding rest, peace and joy, His hand always within reach to uplift, strengthen and save, and wisdom to think more decidedly on Him fortifies mind and heart. In seasons when hope fails and He is hidden the helpless unworthy can rely wholly on merits of crucified risen Saviour and will not perish, for as incarnate sin-bearer tempted like His brethren He undertook their cause so repentant sinners receiving Him as personal Saviour are not orphans left to bear curse, sharing human affliction while interceding in heaven.

Remembering He lives to intercede is reason to praise, lift eyes from lowlands to Him in sanctuary above behind open door where glory shines in His face, keep Him first in thought, talk of goodness and power, come with thanksgiving, and live with confidence. Truly believing He lives and they shall live also impresses others especially patients in sickroom where recognizing God's presence gives power for good, and beholding His sufficiency and glory they are to make it known, awakening gratitude and testimony that reveals God's love beyond Satan's shadow. Because He lives doubting trembling ones can come wholeheartedly and receive blessing with hope, strength and courage amid trials.

He comforts and sustains those seeking help, removes garments of sin and clothes in righteousness, having bought them with blood, and identifies with their good raising above distinctions to walk ennobled as heirs with provision to share throne. Through Him provision is made to share throne at infinite price, His people engraved on His hands at untold agony may lay self at His feet to take His character, and this calls for unwavering faith and close connection. Coming in helpless need of power God alone can give, His pleading and blood avail to clothe with righteousness.

He interceded for Peter when denying Him so left to himself Peter would have been overcome but prayer and saving power brought help in God's way, and so He intercedes for failing followers that they not be left to be overcome but fully saved. He offers advocacy to one opening heart to Satan's suggestions and evil-surmising, knowing end from beginning and urging entrusting cases to Him, so it is not yet too late to make matters right. He will not leave those entrusting souls to Him, whether in heaven or on earth to be trusted wholly without wavering.

He is near as sure defense, prays they be kept from evil, sanctified through truth and with Him, alone supplying the Spirit whose continuing supply keeps right, and His unchanging nature means love does not change so they can rest in care and praise without fear of losing grace. He keeps sinners from sin through grace, draws through trials away from evil refining character so trusting ones need not be confounded, and staying close brings safety with unlimited mercy pardoning even most guilty and purifying most polluted. His living mediation ends self-love bringing peace and safety amid last-days dangers.

His continuing intercession gives courage to persevere, help in trouble, comfort in grief and strength to weary brokenhearted with assurance He will not leave comfortless, inviting discouraged burdened to return for He knows anguish and will not leave broken. He lives continually to provide grace and power as circumstances require, His risen life making able to save, and trusting means deliberately turning mind, thoughts and words toward Him ready to bless, His death for blessing and His joy remaining. His intercession is source of help and hope in temptation, knowing struggle and enabling victory, giving helpless reason to keep trusting when despair comes since He cares and His gift offers everlasting life.

He pities and loves those making mistakes and doing wrong, does not leave to perish but pleads with Father, and when sorry and asking He forgives. He knows circumstances of every soul, turns no weeping contrite one away, freely pardons all coming for forgiveness and restoration, and stands at altar of incense presenting prayers of those desiring help rather than destroying haters of God. He pleads case of every tempted soul lifting refuge-seekers above accusing and strife of tongues so no man or evil angel can impeach, uniting to divine-human nature to stand beside Sin-bearer in light from throne, while those condemning with severity and accusing brethren pointing to polluted garments stand with Satan and grieve Him, though the condemned may stand justified receiving sympathy of Him and angels.

His atonement and intercession secure salvation, forgiveness and immortality received by faith, keeping believers steadfast amid temptation with hope as anchor, and by taking hold of His power believers conquer self and become strong with His righteousness revealed. As mighty Healer none like Him helps and saves all giving hearts to Him, encircling in mercy, loving freely, washing sins and cleansing in blood of Lamb, giving assurance He receives those coming now so afflicted can be pointed to Him with confidence He will receive them too. He helps in every time of need interceding when tempted or fallen, giving sinners hope rather than despair.

After ascension He lives as Intercessor whose divine presence does not separate from suffering, for He knows sorrows, temptations, conflicts and anguish having endured them, offering help in trouble. His intercession was shown in nights of prayer for world He came to save followed by return to active work. The cross points upward to living Advocate pleading, keeping mind in constant communication with heaven drawing from earthly concerns, offering light, hope, courage, consolation and joy rather than sorrow, lifting above worldly affections and pursuits.

He lives in heaven as friend at court and Advocate for those coming to God, and being meek and lowly puts believers where angels can speak and they know they have Him, saving by helping and strengthening in necessities, lifting out of self and weakness, carrying workers so they go not alone but angels go before, sending to all parts with promise of presence even giving strength at nearly eighty-two years to bear message. Souls are to be pointed to what He is doing now rather than to places where He once walked, for His present work as living Mediator of better covenant is wholly effective and matters more than visiting earthly sites. Drawing near through faith is joined with His guiding and sanctifying work for erring souls.

His intercession expresses unfailing love so neither hardship nor anything else can separate believers from Him, and God's pitying love reaches them in all needs and imperfections through Him as Advocate. Learning from Him in meekness and lowliness as basis for depending on Him as Redeemer makes more like Him so self gives way to God's glory and believers may be one. He as greatest educator and true Saviour saves to uttermost all coming confessing sins, and His mediatorial work bringing recovery and exaltation will triumph in completion with sanctified human channels drawing others to Him.

He lives continually to provide believing children grace and power as circumstances require, making Him source of strength and help in every emergency to whom weary, burdened, poor, brokenhearted and perplexed are to be pointed. He restores sick in mind and body, God alone healing, imparting life to those trusting, cooperating, obeying health laws and striving for holiness, and looking to Him soothes and uplifts mind so a physician connected with Him should direct sufferers and relatives to Him with words of life. His risen life dispenses blessings in rich currents as need requires speaking loving invitation to come that soul may live, and His prevailing intercession brings infinite grace connected with holy fragrance of character to be earnestly sought.

His pleading of blood keeps pardon and salvation still available to sinner returning wholeheartedly, repenting and trusting promises in humble faith. His continuing intercession means it is not too late to come and receive life, giving reason to praise and live with confidence rather than fear. When He sees backsliding and forsaking He places hands before God pleading they be given another opportunity, saying He has graven them on palms and wants to exert influence to bring them back.

He saves those coming accepting Him as Saviour now, His crucifixion marks showing those His belong to Him, acceptance with God in Him through blood not apart, faith resting on promises rather than feelings, and salvation kept through faith to be revealed in last time. Hope of eternal life centered in Him keeps lives secure amid darkness and trouble, and He as Source of strength points beyond tomb where He is not but lives to intercede working with His people. Faith must look to crucified Redeemer on whom all power is laid instead of self, with no virtue in faithlessness nor hope in looking at sinful life, and however scarlet faults all coming confessing receive forgiveness and cleansing, giving confidence even in suffering.

Through Him all believing will be crowned with glory, honor and immortality when He returns, risen and ascended continually living to intercede. His mediation makes possible sharing grace and having happiness and peace in future life, having given life for humanity and living continually to intercede for those coming to God.

Prayer Mission and Daily Trust

As minister he presents his own spotless merits together with his people's prayers, confessions and thanksgiving like sweet incense, making their offering acceptable so that pardon covers every transgression, and the Father hears sincere contrite prayers joined with his voice whom he always hears.
When a child of God approaches in penitence asking pardon he takes up the case presenting the plea as his own request, offering his merits and righteousness with sincere prayers so that even inarticulate prayers reach God, receiving the petitions of those for whom he prayed on earth as prayers of faith are brought to him in the sanctuary, acceptable only when offered in humility and contrition in his name and through his mediation.
As High Priest who purchased believers with his blood he takes up petitions, places his righteousness alongside the sincere petitioner, joins his prayer with theirs and makes prayer in his name efficient, encircling the petitioner close by his side with his human arm while grasping the throne of the Infinite with his divine arm, laying open all treasures of grace without limit to be claimed by taking him at his word.
He presents and purifies everything offered, for religious services, prayers, praise, penitent confession, obedience and thanksgiving ascending as incense are defiled passing through corrupt human channels and can never be of value unless purified by blood, so he holds before the Father the censer of his own merits in which there is no taint of earthly corruption, gathers prayers, praise and confessions with his spotless righteousness perfumed with his propitiation upon glowing fire, and they rise wholly acceptable as a fragrant cloud around the mercy seat with gracious answers returned.
The Father accepts the Son's intercession and does not reject his request, entrusting grace to give without limit to those who ask in faith, laying open all treasures to be appropriated and shared, ready to help bear burdens for those seeking to please God and securing by mediation what faith claims.
Prayers are addressed to God through him as Mediator before the mercy seat in the heavenly sanctuary, and his continuing work was a joyful subject of preaching and prayer; as the earthly priest prayed by faith toward the unseen mercy seat when offering incense, so believers cannot see him with natural eyes but see him by faith, direct prayers to him and confidently claim the benefits of his mediation.
He is a personal Saviour, and requests made to God in his name are acceptable so that believers may claim promises and receive grace when they ask in faith; his visible ascension made heaven the home of the living resurrected Saviour and made prayer personal communion giving confidence petitions will be answered.
He is the link between God and humanity and the medium of prayer and blessing, binding finite people to God; communication is opened through him alone and without his mediation no sacrifice is acceptable, pictured by holy fire kindled by God that burned day and night never extinguished and by incense kindled from it, while any worship by common fire has no divine Saviour and is as the offering of Cain, yet with his human arm embracing Adam's children and his divine arm grasping the throne he unites earth to heaven and finite man to the infinite God.
He prays that his people be kept from evil, sanctified through truth and with him; he alone supplies the Spirit whose continuing supply keeps them right, and those asking in faith receive the Spirit to teach and sanctify, while the Spirit intercedes differently by working upon hearts drawing out prayers and penitence, praise and thanksgiving and awakening gratitude.
His saving ministry as crucified for sins, risen from the dead and ascended on high to live forever to intercede is the science of salvation to be learned and taught, centering in the cross as revelation of God's love and displaying infinite wisdom, infinite love, infinite justice and infinite mercy, humbling every soul, making the gospel the power and wisdom of God, restoring to a state corresponding to divine perfection and establishing character in holiness with more knowledge of God.
Ministers entrusted with the flock are to follow him by bearing the people's cases to Jesus and pleading for them just as he pleads to the Father; his intercession is like the minister's work, and human agents using sanctified abilities in cooperation with divine power serve as channels to draw others to him, while angels serve under his commission to help seekers of relief, spiritual life and knowledge into refuge, peace, light and joy.
He works with human agents giving divine power and effectiveness that human effort, learning, authority and eloquence cannot provide by themselves; his living strength supports them, angels serve under his commission, and believers who go to work for others especially those newly come to faith set to work to present truth as it is in Jesus will find him helping without fail, so that in labor together with God the despondent forget despondency, the weak become strong and the ignorant become intelligent.
Because he lives to intercede believers can petition earnestly for unbelieving friends and associates, commit themselves and those they serve to him, plead first with God then with people, and share saving power from experience by word and example; his power not a minister's ability carries worker and burden, and self-reliance leaves little room to receive aid.
His continuing work calls followers to help carry the gospel to the whole world in the short time before his near coming so souls for whom he died may be saved; the crucified and risen Saviour is to be preached to all including wealthy men when asking help for sanitariums and missions to arouse hope and faith, and his intercession for co-workers and even for those of every class and opposing ministers saves many souls, proving God wants them saved.
This truth is to be spoken personally in home visits and personal interviews rather than only preached, not in talk about worldly matters, for a few simple words from a heart filled with his love spoken calmly and tenderly with prayer do more than the most powerful sermon and spring up to bear fruit; gospel workers must continually trust his saving power rather than exalt self, and laying hold by faith and seeking the Lord is needed against satanic agencies with clean-cut testimony, watching, prayer and sound doctrine producing sound practice without fear as trouble hastens.
He is to be held up before the world as the One able to save completely, and possessing him is the first work and revealing him the next by dwelling on holy things, filling the mind with his Word, trusting, praising and speaking of salvation rather than exalting self; seekers must put away sin which God hates, choose him as portion, arouse for life and press to the mark allowing nothing to interpose.
His heavenly ministry means he is near to those who come, and his intercession is connected with blessing experienced; his presence fits disciples for labor and enables endurance of reproach and persecution, ready to give the Holy Spirit when hearts open, giving access by faith into grace and heaven's treasure house so there is no excuse for neglecting supplies, and with faith centered in him the militant church stands unmoved and becomes triumphant.
His intercession supplies spiritual strength to those pointing weary, burdened, poor, brokenhearted and perplexed people to him, and calls for corresponding intercession on earth to be desired day by day with earnestness and entire dependence especially for institutions for suffering humanity; worship, prayer and holy song acknowledge him as Giver, workmen as laborers together with God mingle his merits with all they do so fruits of the Spirit appear, drawing near with sympathy and not remaining distant, with sins going beforehand to judgment and pardon written for his sake.
He pleads for the sick believer, for he is not dead in Joseph's tomb but alive; the verse applies to bringing illness to him in faith trusting him as Physician who can save and help, looking to him instead of self for comfort, with physicians directing sufferers to him for salvation rather than to mediums or deceptive powers, and medical workers under his direction as Great Physician building confidence in his presence at the sickbed.
In sorrow and threatened loss his arm is not shortened so he hears and saves, never permitting affliction without the Spirit's consolation; his compassionate response approves trust and would have the afflicted hope, for the risen Restorer longs to save, even one hovering between life and death may be pointed to him, and the spared patient's gratitude is to be directed to God on whom life depends.
He now makes personal intercession before the throne for rebellious sinners in infinite love and never makes a mistake; he notes every word and tone, hears every harsh severe judgment passed on those he presents and every sigh of pain caused by harshness, and his Spirit is grieved by fractious spirit and want of love and tenderness, while his work obtains forgiveness for transgression and for influence leading others to disregard law.
Those for whom he pleads are to choose his side and from experimental knowledge help the betrayed race as co-workers, for delay in returning is dangerous giving triumph to the enemy and leaving under condemnation; because he works, those coming must will God's will, strive to be like him, promote unity, reveal winning love, become advocates for the erring, close the door to evil surmising, heal wounds and pass on encouragement like cold water to the weary.
He is the strong mighty Helper needed in perplexity, the direct source of strength and only sure dependence; ministers and conference presidents must come themselves to learn where help comes from instead of departing by depending on man, ministers are to point people to this living Saviour showing how to find him, and each must look to Jesus keeping personal responsibility hid with him rather than yielding mind to men or putting confidence in people.
Trust in him constantly by the believer's side is the way rather than presuming preservation while deliberately entering temptation; safety amid attacks rests on his merits, and through his name with watchfulness people can overcome to the end, receiving salvation by trust not personal strength.
He is the support and consolation trusted by faithful witnesses; as Son of the Most High, Saviour of the world and Jacob's ladder connecting earth with heaven relied on by patriarchs, prophets and apostles, his power to save completely even when faith costs life is proved by steadfast sufferers in destitution, affliction, torment on rack, stake, dungeon, dens and caves, of whom the world was not worthy, declaring with strengthening assurance that they know whom they believed.
Because he bought his people with blood and now pleads in the sanctuary above they are not their own, and time, talents and energies belong to him requiring consecrated lives subduing self and overcoming temper, bitterness, wrath and lack of self-control; his living presence not remaining in the tomb brings peace, joy and confidence even in affliction, calling to walk in light, bear delays patiently without murmuring and show his praises.
He remains a compassionate Redeemer after ascension, still looking with tender love on those he came to redeem and reaching out where they are; he loves the tried with all fullness, watches the precious believer as closely as the sparrow, comforts and sustains those seeking help, removes garments of sin and clothes in righteousness, calling for unwavering faith and close connection.
He is given in incomprehensible love to be Mediator and God's representative, invested with fullness of divine love, Advocate at the right hand whose righteousness sinners need but the self-righteous satisfied with self-deceived standards do not realize; God placed at his altar an Advocate clothed in humanity to introduce receivers as sons and daughters, paying ransom and giving power to become royalty, with the Father satisfied and glorified receiving his friends as his own.
He intercedes for ministers of other churches and denominations, even those opposing the work, proving God wants them saved to obtain immortality through faith and obedience and to have part in giving meat in due season; therefore Christians should come near, keep acquaintance, labor earnestly, pray for and with them and manifest deep earnest interest as shepherds whose responsibility is solemn.
He is Mediator and Intercessor in heavenly courts and the only hope when ministers and doctors depart from faith, understanding every phase, purifying his people and perfecting saints while testing truth is opposed; his advocacy offers help to one still struggling under Satan's power, and his intercession should not be in vain but lead professed believers no longer to contradict profession by unbelief but to show the Spirit's fruit dead to sin and living with him.
He is Advocate in the inner courts offering the incense of his own merits; the temple is opened and its threshold flushed with glory for every church loving God and keeping commandments, and through study, meditation, prayer and the golden eye-salve faith cuts through Satan's shadow to see him, filling the heart with the immensity of God's love, ending murmuring over disappointments and bringing songs of praise.
His living intercession gives access to the Father, for prayer is not payment or penance since he paid penalty and his blood cleanses; he presents sincere prayers through merit of atonement which the Father accepts, and now stands at the right hand to present confession and humiliation for those who bring the Lord into meetings seeking guidance with humbled hearts, finding him gracious to receive them.
He now stands before the Father pleading his blood, sufferings and death for perishing souls to save completely and redeem to God; he pleads so his blood may avail, and while the Spirit pleads within every blessing comes through him, so wisdom is to be sought from God rather than false guides, and while he pleads messengers wait ready to carry saving truth that souls may be sealed and stewards dispose goods to send it.
He gave his life as ransom and does not leave penitent believing souls unaided but is ready to help those trusting compassion, grace and love; he now intercedes with righteousness atoning for sins so none depend on own righteousness but trust wholly and constantly in him who understands necessities and gives keeping power, with the saved seeking to please him by keeping all commandments.
He is Advocate and Intercessor in heavenly courts, and those serving with him are honored co-laborers whose property, influence, position and abilities belong to God entrusted for service; having died, risen and ascended he calls his redeemed to belong wholly to him, join his work, take his yoke and carry it on.
Hope of eternal life centered in him is secure amid darkness; the gospel saves to the uttermost all who believe and is to be preached in true bearings with loving deeds opening the door for the living Word, leading sufferers to him as Great Physician with healing for doubt and world-weariness, including temperance work against intemperance in eating and drinking especially liquor in connection with his soon coming, rescuing hundreds and thousands with results eternity alone reveals.
The Lord has oversight as power beyond human control in whom trust can be placed; he is good and if his people walk carefully will reveal power saving to the uttermost all who love and obey, for God can save completely with living loving response to helpless appeals, calling to depend on God rather than self, human power, law or force.
His infinite love gives reason to seek God's presence with faith and fervency, with the Spirit working within and by contemplating him changed into his character refraining from complaint; because he works now the cry of the perishing finds swift entrance and he delivers the needy, and those coming must will God's will, prepare for service, work for one another, promote union and pass on his encouragement.
Because he willingly gave himself to save to the uttermost he requires unreserved surrender of time, substance and influence as a savor of life with whole weight thrown on his side in self-denial; trust, submission, learning and obedience rest on his merits and intercession by which he keeps the reliant from falling.
He is not dead but alive as resurrection and life where he serves as Intercessor; though Satan throws dark shadow to hide light faith must cleave through, believers must cling to the Mighty One, cooperate against the enemy, put him on and be temperate, standing as his helping hand and co-laborers uplifting the sorrowing through medical missionary work that undoes burdens and frees the oppressed.
He still lives to intercede for children, to be taught to give knowledge of God and form divine character while teachers present them in prayer; children are to ask forgiveness trusting mercy, and the doubting trembling have reason to look to him and give thanks, casting helplessness on him through affliction and doubt without anxiety since he pardons and restores the erring.
He comforts the sufferer who looks to him, soothing and uplifting the mind; a physician connected with him should direct sufferers and relatives to him with words of life about complete salvation, for his earthly healings demonstrated power to take sin from the heart and his command over unclean spirits showed authority to deliver the possessed.
He descended to depths becoming poor so people might become rich not in earthly treasure but in eternal things, warning the pleasure-absorbed by setting eternity and heaven's glory before them; presenting the great sacrifice and infinite price he holds out salvation even to the hardened with provision to share the throne and immortal riches, while by angels earth connects with heaven and all deeds lie open before Infinite Justice, resting on self-giving love in shame and poverty.
He took away the world's sin carrying guilt with all power in his hands to save completely; heaven waits yearning for prodigals to return, and God's children especially in sanitariums are to redeem neglect by loving service and earnest pleading to bring sinners to him and back to the fold, transforming face to face, heart to heart into his image from selfish to sacrificing with large-hearted love for all nations.
His saving power rests on love and continuing work bringing back from sin to share glory and make a praise in the earth; because he lives they shall live also, and truly believing and showing it impresses others especially in the sickroom where recognizing God's presence gives power for good, while receiving salvation as grace helps recognize the Father's loving character and lead others to know him.
God's presence and power to save completely should be manifested openly among his chosen peculiar people as tokens of favor; it is seldom seen where truth is heard without conforming life and being sanctified by obeying it, where profession denies him in works, form is mistaken for spirit and power, and the poor wretched blind naked need all things in great unknown darkness while resting satisfied as if accepted.
His continuing intercession is evidence of God's love grounding confidence; human weakness does not prevent successful coming to the Father because he died to intercede, and he calls to accept purchased salvation so neglecting slights mercy, compassion and love.
Each must trust him personally as personal Saviour rather than depend on another to do the work; his advocacy and price show God offers fallen people salvation through his righteousness, and people come through him as Mediator depending on him alone, with the Spirit giving life as the sinner's hope.
Those in whose heart grace is daily done rely wholly on his merits as the offering standing between God and man; his intercession supplies strength to those pointing the weary and brokenhearted to him, joining ministry to his heavenly work with sympathy and uniting to represent him in medical missionary work, successful by bringing perishing souls to the Chief Shepherd who alone saves confessing comers.
He is the greatest educator and true certain Saviour saving confessing comers to the uttermost; his mediatorial work brings recovery and exaltation and will triumph in completion, and the sick and burdened coming can be of good courage without worry or overtaxing strength, casting cares on the great Burden Bearer who cares for blood-bought souls, hears prayer and guides continually.
He is alive interceding for the discouraged doubting person, loving and knowing her and every pang, not leaving her bruised and broken; he calls her not to despair or let go but to come back with burdens and be cheerful with hope even in sickness and gloom, steadying wavering faith with peace the world cannot give, trusting as children trust a father rather than telling trouble to humans who cannot take God's place.
He is a compassionate loving Redeemer willing to receive people as they are to save through abundant mercy; they should come in faith looking away from self, rather than dwell on wrath, weakness, feelings or sight, refuse unbelief, take him at his word and rest securely, for understanding his power requires faith and growth lest the view remain indistinct.
He is a crucified Saviour of love, compassion and mercy who will save to the uttermost, whom evil angels would hide making God appear only as justice; to distrust his power dishonors God bringing needless mental suffering, while heavenly angels drive back evil ones pointing the tempted to heaven and the crown, and the risen Saviour longs to save bringing healing.
He has power to deliver from despair, sin and demons when a person gives self and trusts, which no earthly friend can do; he is ready to help presenting prayers, subduing evil in nature and freely pardoning every contrite soul taking hold of strength, receiving the helpless and covering even blackest stains.
He has power to fully save weak erring people lacking faith and courage, seeing weakness yet in patience, love, mercy, compassion, forbearance and pity not casting off but remaining unchangeable as in the past; this gives hope in sleepless sickness while teaching personal weakness and his power, for people come helpless needing power God alone gives, bought by his blood and clothed with his righteousness.
He continually intercedes hearing the cry of the ready to perish with compassion for the tempted, ignorant and straying, always ready to help in troubles; because he suffered being tempted, was made like those he helps and was compassed with infirmities, the cry finds swift entrance and he delivers the needy, poor and helperless, and his work is incentive to help others.
People come needing him because helpless without power God alone can give; he pleads for them, his blood bought them and he clothes them with righteousness, and as the one Mediator who alone can help wisely and fully they are to go to him, depend, trust, tell failings and receive instruction from his words.
His pleading rests on blood, suffering and death and accompanies carrying saving truth so people may receive the seal; through faith appropriating his merits people become laborers together with God carrying the gospel begun by him, having graven them on palms at untold agony and waiting for self laid at his feet for his character, while messengers wait ready to seal souls.
He is able to meet every particular need arising from human weakness; his earthly life seeking fresh strength to endure trial is example for believers daily to seek help, grace and power and entrust helpless selves to him, and he is beside them giving needed grace, help and comfort in trouble.
Because he ever lives to intercede as Mediator for souls bought at infinite price pleading not as petitioner but as conqueror claiming his own, the heart belongs to him by redemption and is to be rendered back as willing holy offering, since nothing can be given to God he has not first given.
The Father and Son are united working without interruption, beginning saving work when sin entered before incarnation leading Israel to trust; prophets witnessed, sacrifices, incense and holy ministry pointed to his death, righteousness and saving work for every nation fearing God, and while pleading for those in danger providing grace to endure or escape they must not reject mercy lest they perish but promptly forsake sins and repent while he intercedes.
His power did not excuse those refusing to come choosing other company, nor do others' unholy denials change truth; therefore clinging to God remains right, apostasy does not prove faith dangerous, and his word backs saving power.
He is mighty to save and hears earnest prayers for suffering people just as on earth in human form, staying the destroyer's hand to relieve suffering and save life; he works through angels with physicians and workers giving skill to rescue, as at the Battle Creek Sanitarium fire, extending truth's light worldwide with results eternity alone reveals.
His shameful agonizing death shows travail to save and makes pardon possible; coming means beholding him on the cross at the altar of sacrifice where weakness is exposed and strength revealed, looking away from self to the Sin-bearer with broken softened heart, fixing faith's eye on him and receiving redeeming love pouring into the thirsty soul unto victory.
He is Son and Saviour interceding with nights of prayer followed by active work, Jacob's ladder relied on by patriarchs; his power is proved by steadfast sufferers declaring complete salvation even when faith costs life.
God placed at his altar an Advocate clothed in humanity; as intercessor he introduces receivers to God as sons and daughters accepted in the Beloved, having paid ransom and giving power to become royalty, with the Father satisfied and glorified, urging continual prayer and drawing near to help, while his sacrifice reveals the Father's desire to save bringing eternal life.
Truth received sanctifies, leading lovers to seek purity, holiness and share light; his risen ascended identification with suffering, presenting blood and wounds as price, receives prayers and gives confidence, joy and reason to keep faith in undertaken work.
Because he lives to intercede he can save souls for whom believers labor; his power not a minister's ability carries worker and burden, and the self-reliant leave little room for aid, so ministers must come to the direct source instead of depending on man.
He comforts and sustains removing sin and clothing in righteousness, calling for unwavering faith and close connection; as living Intercessor not in the tomb he works with his people, source of strength in every need for tempted and fallen, unfailing helper to whom helplessness is brought to the throne.