Monday, March 11, 2024

The Ultimate Priest


 Hebrews 7:23 The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, 24 but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. 25 Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

In this chapter the writer piles up evidence to show that Jesus Christ is far above any priest, in particular, those of the line of Aaron.  First, He is from the line of Melchizedek, which means King of Righteousness and King of Peace, both messianic concepts. This also puts him in a priestly line preceding that of Aaron - back to the time of Abraham, the Father of Faith. Thirdly, His priesthood is not just by physical descent, but by the fact that He rose again from the dead. He was not appointed by man, but by God.  This then also makes His priesthood ongoing, and since He never dies, He outlives the whole line of the Aaronic priesthood.  Further yet, He can do all by Himself what it took a whole rotation of priests to do. Finally, His sacrifice was once for all; He does not need to repeatedly offer sacrifices day after day, year after year.  He is the ultimate, final Priest. 

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