Hebrews 6:20

Heb. 6:20

Heb. 6:20. Whither the forerunner is for us entered, (even) Jesus, made a high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

In "Justification by Faith Alone" Hebrews 6:20 is seen to confirm the positive aspect of justification, "his acceptance to his reward."

this his justification: hence we are told, that he was "raised again for our justification," Romans 4:25, which is true, not only of that part of his justification that consists in his acquittance, but also his acceptance to his reward. The Scripture teaches us that he is exalted, and gone to heaven to take possession of glory in our name, as our forerunner, Hebrews 6:20, We are, as it were, both raised up together with Christ, and also made to sit together with Christ, in heavenly places, and in him, Ephesians 2:6.

A Northampton sermon of May 26, 1752 (also preached at Stockbridge in August) was based on this text. "Jesus Christ is gone to heaven as the forerunner of the saints." In this passage Edwards explains that Christ

is all the while preparing heaven for the saints from his first ascension to the end of the world and as soon as ever it is fully prepared as he would have it he will come again to receive them.

The Lord is presently completing the number, warring against and preparing for the final triumph over His and their enemies, accomplishing the various successive acts of divine power, wisdom etc., and preparing the kingdom for the saints to rule. An examination and exhortation concludes the sermon.