§. 101. Of the meaning of these words, wherefore he is able also to save.
Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost, that come unto God by 〈◊〉〈◊〉, •…•…∣ing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
IN this verse an inference is made upon Christs everlasting Priest-hood. This is e∣vident by the first illative conjunction a 1.1 Wherefore, hereof see Chap. 2. v. 17. §. 166
The reference may in generall be extended to all that hath been before said of the excellency of Christs Priest-hood. Because he is the Son of God, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…∣to heaven, made a great High-Priest, for ever, after the order of Melchisedec, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and remaining after Levi, making all things perfect, being instituted by the solemn and sacred oath of God, and endureth ever, he is able to save, &c.
But in that the Apostle in the latter part of this verse expresly mentioneth he is ever living to make intercession, a more particular and speciall reference is here in∣tended, namely to the verse immediately going before, thus, Christ ever endured 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hath an unchangeable Priest-hood, Therefore he is able to save, &c.
This copulative particle translated, also, implyeth that Christ ever endured 〈◊〉〈◊〉 only for his own honour: but also, for our good.
The verb translated, b 1.2 able, doth most properly imply power, and ability 〈◊〉〈◊〉 do a thing: but withall it compriseth under it a fitnesse and readinesse to do a 〈◊〉〈◊〉. See Chap. 2. v. 18. §. 183.
Here it may intend both: especially in relation to the foresaid generall •…•…∣rence.
Of the various acception of this word c 1.3 save, see Chap. 5. v. 7. §. 42. Here it is taken in the largest extent, for preservation from all misery: and for setling in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 happinesse. This salvation is the end and benefit of Christs Priest-hood. He 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Priest, and he continueth Priest, to save man. Of the salvation whereunto we 〈◊〉〈◊〉 brought by Christ. See Chap. 5. v. 9. §. 50.
d 1.4 The copulative particle, commonly translated, and, in this place hath 〈◊〉〈◊〉 especiall emphasis: and is not unfitly translated also. It pointeth at one main 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Christs being such a Priest as he was: even to save, &c.