Accessed Through God’s Forgiveness
Innocence and Forgiveness are required before one could enter a City of Refuge. Jesus provided the forgiveness allowing us to enter His eternal City of Refuge.
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted His raiment, and cast lots. ~ Luke 23:34
Stephen at his martyrdom quoted the 1st saying of Jesus Christ from the cross.
“Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.” ~ Acts 7:60
City of Refuge Explained
A City of Refuge was a designated location within the Promise Land where people in distress could flee to and remain living in safety and security until the death of the Jewish High Priest. With a new High Priest the refuge would have to vacate the City of Refuge. Fortunately Jesus Christ as our High Priest lives forever therefore our City of Refuge in Heaven will last for eternity.
for the one who killed a person was supposed to live in his city of refuge until the death of the high priest. Only after the death of the high priest may the one who has killed a person return to the land he possesses. ~ Numbers 35:28
Jesus Christ our Eternal High Priest
Who is he (Satan) that condemneth? [God isn’t condemning us] It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is Risen Again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh Intercession for us. ~ Romans 8:34
Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost (eternity) that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth (eternal) to make intercession for them ~ Hebrews 7:25
This verse highlights that Jesus is a perfect High Priest who is able to completely save those who approach God through Him, because He continuously lives (Eternal) to intercede on their behalf.
☆ Key aspects of Hebrews 7:25
• Able to save to the uttermost:
This emphasizes the complete and final nature of the salvation Jesus provides, not limited to a single act but an ongoing work.
• Come unto God by Him:
Salvation is only available through Jesus Christ, as He is the mediator between God and humanity.
• He ever liveth (Eternal) to make intercession for them:
Jesus’ eternal life in heaven enables Him to constantly pray for believers, making Him a powerful and ever-present advocate. – Google AI Gemini
That by two immutable things [the promises of God and the will of God], in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have Fled for Refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an Anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which Enters into that within the veil; Where the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an High Priest forever (Eternal) after the order of Melchizedek. ~ Hebrews 6:18-20
He did this so that they might seek God, and perhaps they might reach out and find Him, though He (God) is not far from each one of us. ~ Acts 17:27 CSB
Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Jesus Christ
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted His raiment, and cast lots. ~ Luke 23:34
Stephen
And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. Acts 7:59-60
Apostle Paul
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. ~ Ephesians 4:32
bear with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. ~ Colossians 3:13 CSB
Apostle Peter
Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins. ~ 1 Peter 4:8
Note: we remain in the Heavenly City of Refuge forever as Jesus the High Priest will live forever.
by David Anson Brown
