From Hebrews: Jesus, The Apostle and High Priest
Orientation
The false assumption is that our perseverance in faith depends on our own strength and resolve.
- This view places the burden of salvation back on the believer.
- It undermines the finished work of Christ and forfeits assurance.
- It leads to the temptation to shrink back, fear God, or revert to law.
I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. (John 17:6)
— John 17:6
Clarification
Jesus does not merely sympathize from afar; He actively intercedes as our High Priest to maintain our profession of faith.
- His intercession silences every accusation from the enemy, flesh, or world.
- He perfects and sustains our faith; we are not left to our own strength.
- This is not a passive comfort but the active foundation of our security.
Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:25)
— Hebrews 7:25
Structure
Jesus, as the sent Apostle and eternal High Priest, secures our final salvation through His perpetual representation.
- As Apostle, He completed redemption (incarnation, death, resurrection).
- As High Priest, He ever lives to intercede, maintaining our profession.
- His incorruptible life, unlike former priests, guarantees we are kept.
Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; (Hebrews 3:1)
— Hebrews 3:1
Weight-Bearing Prose
The core assertion is that Jesus Christ actively intercedes to secure the believer’s perseverance. This is a function of His dual office: as the Apostle, He was sent to accomplish redemption; as the High Priest, He applies it through perpetual representation. Pauline categories are essential here. Our justification is a finished fact (Romans 5:1). Our security is not a future contingency based on our performance but a present reality based on Christ’s ongoing work. The objection—that this might lead to license—misses the point. The intercession of Christ is not for the purpose of overlooking sin but for maintaining the believer’s identity and profession before God. It is His life, His faithfulness, His incorruptible priesthood that keeps us. The alternative, where perseverance depends on the believer, collapses justification into a system of law and destroys assurance. Christ’s intercession is the means by which the sheep given to Him by the Father are not lost (John 17:12).
Integration
Your standing is secure because Jesus is faithful. He is the One who represents you before the Father right now. There is no pressure to advance or to maintain your own grip. The work is His. Your profession of faith is held firm by His priestly ministry. Rest in this. Your assurance is anchored in His life, not your effort. He ever lives to intercede. This is your landing place—a settled confidence in the finished and applied work of Christ. Look away from your own fluctuations to His unchanging intercession. He will lose none given to Him. This is your peace.