“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, KJV 1900)
When you think of the word uttermost, what comes to mind? For me it takes me to astronomy and thinking about the uttermost ends of the universe. It is a concept that boggles the mind. Scientists have calculated the size of the universe to be 93 billion light-years in diameter. Yet, they can only qualify this to mean the observable universe because that is as far as they can see. The actual size of the universe is unknown. Let me just conclude that the uttermost end of the universe is beyond human comprehension.
The author of Hebrews gives us this magnificent verse of Scripture. Jesus, our great high priest, is able to save us to the uttermost. In verse 25, the word the KJV translates as uttermost is the Greek, panteles. The ESV translates it the same. However, the NASB translates it as “forever,” the NSRV translates it as “for all time,” and the NIV translates it as “completely.” The HCSB translates this portion of the verse as “He is always able to save.” The word, panteles, encompasses all these thoughts. According to Strong’s it means “all complete, perfect” it comes from two words, pas, referring to all and telos, referring to the end or termination.
I believe the word “uttermost” best captures the awesome grandeur of what Jesus does as our great high priest in saving us. Not only does he save us permanently, that is forever, but He saves us completely and perfectly and forever. There is no greater work of saving those who come to God by Him, than that which Jesus has done. Moreover, He continues to keep us secure as He, the living, omniscient and omnipotent God always intercedes for us. He is the perfect mediator of a perfect covenant.
Let us praise God that we have such a perfect high priest in the heavens.
Renewing the Heart 