Saved to The Uttermost

Hebrews 7:23-26 Amplified Bible
23 The [former successive line of] priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were each prevented by death from continuing [perpetually in office]; 24 but, on the other hand, Jesus holds His priesthood permanently and without change, because He lives on forever. 25 Therefore He is able also to save forever (completely, perfectly, for eternity) those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede and intervene on their behalf [with God].
26 It was fitting for us to have such a High Priest [perfectly adapted to our needs], holy, blameless, unstained [by sin], separated from sinners and exalted higher than the heavens;

The New Year has come upon us like a big cat stalking its prey. This time of year always causes us to reflect (which is a good thing) on the past year's decisions and outcomes and to reflect on what needs to change for the New Year. As a Pastor I find myself praying for blessings and favor for everyone in my family, church family, and circle of friends. I truly enjoy seeing others blessed by our Heavenly Father. When I reflected on this passage of scripture God convicted me to not just to pray for blessings & favor but to pray for Salvation to come to those who are yet still lost in their sins. The days of just assuming everyone is saved (right with God) are over. The Gospel message has been diluted and watered down to the point no one can really understand what it means to be saved to the uttermost.
Saved to the Uttermost is the phrasing the King James translation uses for verse 25. The Amplified adds a bit of clarity by reading "completely, perfectly, for eternity". Modern day church has changed so much that the Gospel has gotten lost in exchange for religious practice, worship experience, and feel good acts of service. While these things are not against God, if they are not partnered with the Gospel of Jesus Christ they become meaningless in the grand scheme of things. When we stand before God on judgement day (everyone will have to) good works mean nothing if we haven't accepted Christ as our personal Lord & Savior. God will not allow any other justification for atonement (being at one with God) other than the finished work of the cross of Christ. All of the good works and best intentions is not enough to blot out the handwriting of transgressions that has been recorded against us. Only the blood of Jesus can bring us forgiveness and redemption. If we do not know Christ as Savior then we will stand before God naked and guilty on judgement day. Sin does carry a tremendous weight that crushes all of humanity under it's destructive reality.
Here in lies the problem. Preaching against sin and teaching everyone to live lives that are holy and acceptable with God is becoming a lost practice. Sin is destroying humanity and the church sits back not wanting to offend anyone or to be considered radical in it's faith. Let me share with you what is offensive. For someone to withhold the truth (that can set you free) for the sake of some worldly gain while at the cost of souls slipping off into eternity without God, that is offensive! The very thought of anyone dyeing without knowing Christ as their Savior should break the hearts of every born-again child of God. I know it breaks the heart of God.  
This preacher wants you to be blessed and highly favored by our Heavenly Father. But, most importantly this preacher wants you to know that you are saved to the uttermost. There is only one mediator between God and humanity and that is Christ Jesus our Lord. Let Jesus be your advocate on judgement day, let Jesus be your high priest as you live out your days here on this earth, let Jesus into your heart and lives by accepting (by faith) Him as your Lord and Savior. Christ's death upon the cross broke the curse of sin and removed the penalty of death for all of those who trust in Him. Pray this prayer with me;
Lord Jesus I am in full awareness of my sinful nature and my need for forgiveness. Please Lord have mercy upon me and forgive me of my sins. I need your grace Lord, and I am fully trusting in you right now. Thank you for loving me and for dying for me on the cross. Because of you I now have an eternal hope. In Jesus name I pray, Amen!