Jesus is always able to save those who approach God through him, since he lives forever to make intercession for them.
The Bible Hub website shows a good deal of variety about this verse from the Letter to the Hebrews. I wondered what the word always means and found that the Greek παντελὲς has also been translated as completely, to the uttermost, or forever. The old Catholic version, the Douay-Rheims, read: "Whereby he is able also to save for ever them that come to God by him; always living to make intercession for us."
The word always sounds to me like "in any case" or "whenever you're ready;" and lacks the immediate urgency and commanding authority we've come to expect of Jesus and the Gospel.
παντελὲς is a powerful word by any translation. Forever sweeps through the entire history of the universe; it includes everyone from Adam and Eve to the last human mortal in the distant future. Utterly penetrates deep into the human soul; it seeks, exposes, and heals the old, forgotten secrets which may be wrapped in shame and regret and helplessness. Utterly makes them beautiful, as the Wounds of Christ have become beautiful in our eyes. Everything about a Christian's life must fit into the Gospel of one's life just as the Passion and Death of Jesus belong to his Gospel.
As they tell stories of Jesus, Mary and the Saints, parents and grandparents should tell their children their own faith stories. They have an obligation to...
"Keep repeating them to your children. Recite them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you get up. Bind them on your arm as a sign and let them be as a pendant on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6: 8-9
The catechesis of children is more than reciting rules, ordinances, statues, and laws. It is recounting the wonderful works of God, especially those we have personally known. "I was lost but Jesus found me; I was dead but I awoke."
Finally, this passage assures us that the Lord "who is always able to save us" remains with us forever. Like the Archangel Raphael for Tobiah, he is a companion in all our travels, and our champion through all our adventures and troubles. He knows what they mean, why they happen, and what we should make of them. He will interpret them also for those who learn the stories of our lives.
No one but God sees the panorama of human life in the history of the universe, and Jesus sees it all from his high throne on Calvary. He gathers us into himself and makes us worthy to attend the LORD.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.