Our world suggests many ways to peace: through work or meditation, through religion or recreation. There is some temporary comfort, but can they bring lasting peace to a guilty conscience or confidence of being fully accepted by God? The Bible and personal experience agree that the answer is 'No'. Many people are sustained by the love and provision of parents and do not know where to turn when they die. Others hang onto the advice and care of pastors as though their relationship with God depends on their spiritual mentor.

Naturally, we are religious: "He [God] has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end." (Ecclesiastes 3:11). We have a longing to be right with God but cannot work out how to achieve that. So many try religion which offers a way, trying hard to keep the rules. But will those ways get there? The gospel is very good news because our acceptance with God does not depend on what we do, but on what Christ has done (Ephesians 2:8-9). Although His sacrifice is once-for-all-time, His priesthood – presenting His own sacrifice as the atonement for our sins (past, present and future) - is never-ending.

The ongoing intercession of Jesus Christ is a part of His salvation work (Romans 8:34). While we do want to please Him, work with Him and sacrifice our own interests for the sake of His kingdom, we do so out of gratitude and love … the natural outworking of being glad to be in His family. Nothing we can do will save us; but with the assurance of Christ's perpetual priesthood we can have confidence that the blood of Calvary is still effective every day, until we meet Him.

It is sometimes difficult to explain the gospel of grace to religious people. Many default to finding their security in the church or minister, their work or preferred style of worship. The writer of this letter is clear: complete salvation is only found in Jesus who continues to plead with the Father on our behalf. Atonement for sins of the past and sins of the future, either unintentionally or wickedly committed, is complete – secured on the cross and mediated personally for ever. The old hymn says it well, “Before the throne of God above, I have a strong, a perfect plea; a great High Priest, whose name is Love, who ever lives and pleads for me.” So do not retreat away from Jesus. Bring Him all your sins and know that they are covered by His blood, that today He pleads with the Father in your defence (1 John 2:1). So be reassured that Christ's salvation is complete and everlasting. When you have been strengthened by that truth, strengthen others to welcome His salvation too.