January 24

Uttermost Salvation

Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them. — Heb 7:25 BSB

We are drawn to God because He draws us. Just as the sun exerts its gravitational pull on every planet and particle in the solar system, so God continually draws us toward Himself. Throughout eternity, we will draw closer to Him, though there will always be an infinite distance to traverse. When Jesus was lifted up on the Cross, He began to draw all people to Himself, and that magnetic pull has continued through the centuries.

There is no need for us to be afraid of God—He is Love! While He is a consuming fire to our sin, His nature is infinitely lovely. Moses trembled when he approached Mount Sinai, but as we draw near to God, we encounter three circles: the countless hosts of angels, the Church of the Firstborn, and the spirits of the just made perfect. Among these are our loved ones who have gone before us. Surely, in such a company, we can approach God without fear. The One in whom they live is infinitely beautiful, and we can trust that He is the same for us.

Our fears are calmed by the risen and living Savior. First, He lives forever to make intercession for us, and second, He continues His sanctifying work in us. Salvation has three stages: first, we are delivered from the penalty of sin; second, the process of purification goes deeper into our nature; and third, our bodies will be renewed through resurrection. The grace of Christ will continue to deepen throughout eternity as we grow in our knowledge and love of God.

Prayer

I draw near to You, Almighty and Ever-living God, in the name of Jesus Christ, my High Priest and Mediator. Forgive and accept me for His sake. Amen.