Week 9: Chapter 8 — The Persistent Priest

1.Hebrews 7:24–25 teaches that because Jesus "continues forever," his priesthood is permanent and he is able to save "to the uttermost" those who come to God through him. Ortlund lingers on the phrase "to the uttermost" — it means all the way, completely, without limit. What does it mean for your salvation that it rests on a permanent rather than temporary priesthood?

2.The chapter points out that Old Testament priests died and had to be replaced, creating an inherent instability in the system. The gospel replaces this succession of temporary priests with one permanent Priest. How does the permanence of Christ's priesthood speak to your fear that you might eventually be beyond his reach or too far gone for his care?

3."He always lives to make intercession" (Hebrews 7:25). Ortlund emphasizes the present-tense, ongoing nature of this intercession. What does it mean to you right now — in your current struggles, failures, and confusion — that Christ is actively interceding for you at this very moment?