John Bunyan :: Introduction.

INTRODUCTION

CHRIST A COMPLETE SAVIOUR.

“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.

The apostle, in this chapter, presenteth us with two things; that is, with the greatness of the person and of the priesthood of our Lord Jesus.

First, He presenteth us with the greatness of his person, in that he preferreth him before Abraham, who is the father of us all; yea, in that he preferreth him before Melchisedec, who was above Abraham, and blessed him who had the promises.

Second, As to his priesthood, he showeth the greatness of that, in that he was made a priest, not by the law of a carnal commandment, but by the power of an endless life. Not without, but with an oath, by him that said, “The Lord sware, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchisedec”; wherefore, “this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.” Now my text is drawn from this conclusion, namely, that Christ abideth a priest continually. “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.”

In the words, I take notice of four things:

• FIRST, Of the intercession of Christ—He maketh intercession.
  
  

• SECOND, Of the benefit of his intercession—“Wherefore he is able to save to the uttermost,” etc.
  
  

• THIRD, We have also here set before us the persons interested in this intercession of Christ—And they are those “that come unto God by him.”
  
  

• FOURTH, We have also here the certainty of their reaping this benefit by him; to wit, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them—“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.”¹

1. Coming unto God by Christ, essentially involves in it walking in conformity to his image; and all such comers must be perfectly and eternally saved. Why then, O child of God, should you suffer under Giant Despair, in his doubting, fearing castle.—Ed.