For Whom Is The Promise Given?
Now we are prepared to ask, for whom is this "He is able" exclamation given? Whom does Christ save to the uttermost? The author of Hebrews draws us on, telling us it is for "those who come to God through Him" (
7:25). The Greek word for "those who come," proserchomenous, is from a verb meaning to come with consent. The idea is that we come in response to a call, an invitation. We would not come if we were not first called; we could not elect to respond if we were not elected. The Father is behind it all.
We turn to Jesus' promise to underline this astounding grace. "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out" (
John 6:37). In the Greek, "no means" is a double negative for an unlimited positive: I will "no, not" cast out. For you and me, Christ's invitation is initially and consistently "Come!" "Come to me all you who are weary and heavy laden."
Advertisement
The gift of faith is given to us so we can come to Him. Not even the ability to respond is our self-generated achievement. "Nothing in my hand I bring; simply to the cross I cling." The ultimate loss of control brings our lives under Christ's control -- now and forever.
How does Christ do it? The last phrase of this "He is able" assurance in
Hebrews 7:25 tells us: "since He always lives to make intercession for them." As our High Priest, Christ is constantly interceding for us. He is our link with the Father's heart, bringing our needs to Him and then bringing to us the Father's guidance, wisdom, and power.
Christ is our eternal cheerleader. He's for us, not against us. He desires His best for us and is working in and around us to accomplish it.
Why be a Christian? Christ Himself is the answer. A personal relationship with Him is life's greatest joy. He alone has the power to save us now, in the days to come, and when we face the transition we call death. He is pulling for us each step of the way. This is why we should be a Christian.
It's the most powerful life, the most joyous life, the most exciting life, the most creative life, the most challenging life, and the most hopeful life! It's the only way to come alive and stay alive -- now and forever.
From Lord of the Loose Ends by Lloyd Ogilvie, (c) 1991, Word Books, Dallas, Texas.