What does "one who lives on" reveal about Jesus' divine nature? Setting the scene in Hebrews 7 • Hebrews 7 contrasts mortal Levites with “one who lives on.” • Verse 8: “In the one case, the tenth is collected by men who die; but in the other case, by Him who lives on.” • The writer is speaking of Jesus, identified with Melchizedek’s timeless priesthood (Psalm 110:4). The phrase “one who lives on” • Literally, “the living one” (present tense), stressing continuous, unending life. • Not merely life after death, but life that cannot end or diminish. • Places Jesus outside the category of all created, time-bound priests. Divine attributes unveiled 1. Eternality – Hebrews 7:16 speaks of “the power of an indestructible life.” – Revelation 1:17-18: “I am the First and the Last… now I am alive forever and ever!” 2. Self-existence (aseity) – John 1:4: “In Him was life.” – Echoes the divine name in Exodus 3:14, “I AM WHO I AM.” 3. Victory over death – Romans 6:9: “Since Christ was raised from the dead, He cannot die again.” – John 11:25: “I am the resurrection and the life.” 4. Immutability – Hebrews 13:8: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” 5. Sovereign authority – Revelation 1:18: “I hold the keys of Death and of Hades.” 6. Permanent intercession – Hebrews 7:24-25: because He lives forever, “He always lives to intercede.” Old covenant priesthood vs. Christ’s eternal priesthood • Levitical priests: – Many in number. – Limited by death. – Offered repeated sacrifices. • Jesus: – One priest forever. – Life is indestructible. – Single, all-sufficient sacrifice (Hebrews 10:12). What this reveals about Jesus’ divine nature • Only God possesses eternal, self-sustaining life; Jesus shares that very life. • His priesthood is not a human office granted for a term but an expression of who He is—God the Son. • His unending life guarantees unending salvation: “He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him” (Hebrews 7:25). • The title “one who lives on” points to His deity as much as to His humanity, affirming both His resurrection and His everlasting, divine existence. Implications for believers today • Assurance: salvation rests on an eternal Priest who can never die or be replaced. • Access: because He “always lives,” believers always have an Advocate before the Father. • Hope: the living One shares His life with us—“Because I live, you also will live” (John 14:19). |
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