6. Christ was exalted by God for this very reason: 'Therefore he is
6. Christ was exalted by God for this very reason: 'Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him,' Heb.
7:25. How does Christ become so able to save completely? It is 'because he always lives to intercede for them.' For whom? For those who come to God through him. What is Christ's life in heaven for, if not to intercede? And would his Father's love for him, and the greatness of his interest in God, be revealed by granting some small requests, the forgiveness of a few and minor sins? Christ is consecrated as a priest by God's oath, Heb. 7:28; would God swear for a trivial matter, a thing of little importance? What is the purpose of this oath? Compare it with: 'People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath,' Heb. 6:16–18; and the result is that you
'might have great confidence.' What great comfort could there be if only small debts were forgiven? What is the purpose of an oath?
Verse 16 says, to put an end to arguments. People do not argue with God, or doubt his mercy in forgiving minor sins, because they think it will be done automatically. But the great struggle that people have with God is about his willingness to forgive great debts, scarlet sins: the struggle is between God and doubting sinners on this account; therefore, to bring this struggle to an end, God has sworn that Christ will be a priest forever, to end all argument between him and believing sinners. For whom is this great confidence based on God's oath? For those who 'have fled to take hold of the hope set before them,' verse 18. Now, the cities of refuge were not established for ordinary crimes, but for blood, to protect the offender from the avenger.
Shall I add further, God is most pleased with Christ when he makes intercession for the greatest transgressors. Suppose you had been one of Christ's murderers, and had given your vote against him; perhaps you would have thought this a more heinous sin than any you are guilty of. You know Christ prayed for their pardon while he was on the cross; and God gives this as one reason why he would