266. HEB 4:14. CHRIST A GREAT HIGH PRIEST
Heb_4:14. Christ a Great High Priest
"Seeing, then, that we have a great highpriest that is passed into the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession."’97Heb_4:14.
The subject of Christ’s priesthood is replete with interest to the believer. His condition is hopeless, except as he stands connected with the sacrifice and intercession of Jesus. On that sacrifice he rests his faith and hope, and to that intercession he looks for the acceptance both of his person and services with God. "Seeing, then, that we have a great," &c.
Let us consider,
I. The priestly Dignity of Jesus.
"Seeing, then, that we have a great High Priest."
1. Christ is a Priest.
The term signifies one who ministers in holy things. The priests under the law were distinguished as follows:
(1) They were appointed of God.
(2) Separated to their office and work at a peculiar time.
(3) Consecrated with the washing of water and anointing oil.
(4) Had peculiar apparel and ornaments; the robe, the mitre, and the breastplate.
(5) They taught the people.
(6) Offered sacrifices.
(7) And burned incense before the Lord, it will easily be seen how strikingly all these exhibited the character and work of Jesus.
2. Christ is a High Priest.
Now the High Priest was distinguished from the other priests,
(1) As he was appealed to on all important occasions, and decided all controversies.
(2) He offered the great annual sacrifice.
(3) He only entered into the holiest of all once a year.
(4) He offered the annual intercessory prayer, and came forth and blessed the people in the name of the Lord.
3. Christ is the Great High Priest.
Now Jesus is infinitely greater than the high priests of old. He is,
(1) Greater in the dignity of his person He is the Son of God, heir of all things, Lord of all.
(2) Greater in the purity of his nature. "Holy, harmless, and separate from sinners." "Without spot."
(3) Greater in the value and efficacy of his sacrifice. An equivalent for the world’s guilt. Only once offered, and for all sins.
(4) Greater in the unchangeable perpetuity of his office. "A priest forever." "An unchangeable priesthood," Heb_7:24. He had no direct predecessor, and he shall have no successor. "Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever."
Observe,
II. His high Exaltation.
"Who is passed into the heavens."
Here notice,
1. The place into which he is exalted.
"The heavens." Represented of old by the holiest of all. Described by Jesus as his Father’s house. Also stated to be the "right hand of God." "Right hand of the majesty on high." The throne of God, &c. Heb_1:3; Psa_110:1; Rom_8:34. Exalted above spirits or angels, seraphim or cherubim.
2. The manner of his exaltation.
"He passed into the heavens."
He passed, &c.
(1) According to his own predictions, "Let not your hearts," &c. "Behold, I ascend to my Father," &c.
(2) He passed while in the act of bless ing his disciples, "Having loved his disciples," &c. He came to bless’97he died to bless’97and, while blessing, he was parted from them, &c. Luk_24:51.
(3) He passed visibly, and with great splendor. Heavens opened, cloud of angels descended, and with inexpressible grandeur he arose, while ministering hosts chanted, "Open, ye everlasting gates," &c.
Notice,
3. The great end of his exaltation.
(1) To enjoy the rewards of his sufferings and toils, Php_2:6, Php_2:8, Php_2:9.
(2) To appear before God as the intercessor of his church. There he stands in our nature’97our advocate, pleading our cause. "Who ever liveth," &c. "We have an advocate," &c.
(3) To carry on his mediatorial designs. Hence he is to subdue his foes, prolong his days, see his seed, and witness the travail of his soul until he is satisfied.
(4) To abide as the Mediator between God and men to the end of the Christian state. Now God only treats with us by and through Jesus. And he is the only way of access to the Father, Joh_14:6; Heb_9:28.
Observe,
III. The practical Influence this Subject should have upon us.
"Let us hold fast our profession."
Let us notice,
1. The profession referred to.
It is a profession of faith and hope in Christ, and of love and obedience to him.
2. This profession must be maintained.
Held fast, not abandoned. We shall be tempted, tried, persecuted. Our profession may cost us our property,’97liberty,’97lives. This profession must be held fast by the exercise of vigorous faith, constant love, and cheerful obedience.
We must hold it fast.
(1) For Christ’s sake. Whose we are, and whom we serve.
(2) For the profession’s sake; that Christ’s cause may not be injured, and his people cast down.
(3) Especially for our own sake. It is only thus we can retain Divine acceptance, peace, joy, and the sure prospect of eternal life.
Application
1. Christ’s example is the model of our steadfastness.
2. Christ’s exaltation should be the exciting attraction to steadfastness.
3. Christ’s intercession will always provide the grace necessary to "our holding fast our profession."
Autor: JABEZ BURNS