Character Perfection and Christ's Final Intercession

Hebrews 7:25

25 Why he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come to God by him, seeing he ever lives to make intercession for them.

God requires the perfection of Christian character in this life to prepare us for the future immortal life, but this is only possible through the merits of Jesus Christ, our eternal AdvocateRH May 12, 1896, par. 4+1.

The Requirement of Character Perfection

God’s law is the standard of righteousness and the mirror that reveals our defects Psalms 119:1-2ST May 5, 1887, par. 14. While we are in this world, we are to strive for perfection of character by bringing every motive and desire into conformity with the principles of rightTEd 12.3+1. This development is not an easy matter or something inherited by accident; it is earned through hard, stern battles with self and hereditary tendencies, all while relying on the grace of ChristCOL 331.1. We must never be content with a sinful life, as every defect in character is an open door for the tempter to destroy us5T 472.1. By repentance and faith, we are enabled to render obedience to all the commandments of God and be found without blame before Him 1 John 1:95T 472.1.

The Role of the Intercessor

Jesus Christ is our living Intercessor and Advocate before the Father today1SAT 292.2+1. He has carried the sins of the whole world and pleads His own spotless merits in our behalf7BC 930.17+1.

• His Enduring Nature: Jesus retains His human nature and remains the Saviour of mankind foreverST July 15, 1908, par. 7.

• The Power to Overcome: He does not merely forgive us; He pledges to fill the office of personal Intercessor to provide an infinite fund of moral power so that we may overcome every sinGCB October 1, 1899, par. 17.

• The Merits of His Blood: Even as we strive for perfection, we are wholly without merit of our own and must be clothed with the spotless robe of Christ’s righteousness to be accepted by GodBEcho May 21, 1900, par. 10+1.

Living Without an Intercessor

There is a specific future period known as the "greater time of trouble" that begins when Jesus finishes His work as High Priest and lays aside His priestly robes1EGWLM 51.4.

• The Close of Probation: When the cases of all who have professed Christ are decided, probation will close and the door of mercy will be shutHF 265.2.

• The Final Test: At that time, Satan seeks to hold people in darkness until the Saviour’s mediation is ended and there is no longer a sacrifice for sinDD 5.1+1.

• Standing in His Strength: Those who have followed the light concerning Christ's mediation and have purified their souls through obedience will be eternally secure from the tempter's devicesRH January 9, 1908, par. 10+1. While they will then stand without a mediator in the sanctuary, they remain united to Christ by faith, and his righteousness remains their assurance foreverDA 123.3+1.

Understanding Hebrews 7:25

The scripture remains eternally true that He is able to save to the uttermost those who come to God by Him, seeing He ever lives to make intercession for them Hebrews 7:25.

• A Complete Victory: Christ's intercession is not that of a mere petitioner, but of a Conqueror claiming His victory7ABC 479.2+1.

• Continuous Efficacy: Although the specific phase of mediation in the heavenly sanctuary will reach a completion, the virtue of His finished redemption and the fragrance of His righteousness continue to cover His people7BC 930.17+1.

• Our Eternal Link: Christ has carried His humanity into eternity and stands as the representative of our race, linking humanity with divinity forever7ABC 488.3+1.

By looking away from ourselves to Jesus, we plant our feet in His footprints and travel on securelyRH May 12, 1896, par. 4. He is our faithful High Priest today, tomorrow, and forever more21MR 422.6. 😊

True education and spiritual growth lead us to reach for the perfection of Christ's character, which involves a complete surrender of self and the overcoming of every sinful tendency through the indwelling of the Holy SpiritCE 28.3+2. Absolute sinlessness can be defined as a state where the soul is so fully united to Christ that not even a thought yields to temptation, and the character is found without spot, wrinkle, or guile before the throne of God Revelation 14:5DA 123.3+1.

The Standard of Perfection

Perfection is the only standard that can meet the requirements of Heaven2SP 224.1. This does not imply a state of self-sufficiency; rather, it is a constant growth in grace where we reflect the image of our divine Lord in our humble sphere2SP 224.1+1.

• A Daily Work: We are to be in the school of Christ, daily unlearning wrong habits and putting on the white garments of His righteousness6LtMs, Lt 12, 1890, par. 66+1.

• The Power of Christ: Jesus came in the likeness of sinful flesh to condemn sin, showing that through His power, sin has no more dominion over us15MR 300.4+1.

• Complete in Him: While we are in this life, we can be complete in Christ, taking our increased capabilities with us to the courts aboveCT 18.2.

Defining Sinlessness and Overcoming

To be without fault means to have the mind of Christ so fully that there is nothing in us that responds to Satan’s sophistryDA 123.3+1.

• Yielding to Temptation: Christ did not consent to sin by even a thought, and he came to make us partakers of the divine nature so we might reach this same standardDA 123.3.

• Overcoming Sinful Tendencies: While past sins are handled through repentance and pardon, our sinful tendencies are to be overcome daily through help from GodMMM 404.33.

• The Seal of God: When God's servants reach the point where they reflect the perfection of His character, they will be sealed, and the recording angel will declare, "It is done"3SM 427.2.

Preparation for the Second Coming

As the second coming of Christ draws near, there is a special work of purification to be accomplished in the churchHF 219.2+1.

• The Last Message: The third angel's message is designed to prepare a people with perfection of character to unite with the family of heaven15MR 362.1.

• Without Fault: Those who stand through the closing scenes of earth's history must be found without fault before the Lord at His appearing 2 Peter 3:14GC88 g.4.

• The Final Decision: The coming of Christ does not change our characters; it only fixes them foreverT32 222.2. Therefore, the process of gaining perfection must be carried on in this life20LtMs, Lt 67, 1905, par. 20.

The Necessity of Humility

Those who are truly striving for the perfection of character never boast of their own holiness4LtMs, Ms 25, 1886, par. 3.

• Self-Examination: Many lean on false hopes or old experiences, but we must search our hearts as with a lighted candle to ensure every fault is removed1T 188.2+1.

• Total Dependence: We are wholly dependent on matchless grace for our perfection of character, and we must walk as humble beings saved by that grace alone12LtMs, Lt 29, 1897, par. 34.

• A Living Connection: Perfection is attained through a living connection with God, where the Holy Spirit is implanted in the heart, leading to faithful servicePCL 153.1+1.

We are encouraged to press forward in faith, for while we are weak, Christ is a special help in every time of needST February 7, 1878, Art. A, par. 8+1. By looking to Him, the perfect example, we may reach the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ1888 1364.1+1. 🌟