1696. The Altar of Incense–christ Our High Priest–The Place of Intercession
The Altar of Incense–christ Our High Priest–The Place of Intercession
"Wherefore He is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them" (Heb_7:25).
The description of the Altar of Incense is given in Exo_30:1-10. We will not enlarge upon this theme as we propose to give a whole lesson to its consideration.
The Altar of Incense was made from wood, covered with gold. Once more we have the man, Jesus Christ, and Christ Jesus, the Son of God.
The Altar was placed nearest the vail, because from thence we enter into the presence of God. The vail itself was rent in twain when Christ died upon the Cross giving us full access unto the Father through the Lord Jesus Christ.
We wish to speak more particularly, just now, of Jesus Christ in the presence of God for us. He is there carrying on intercession in our behalf.
He is our great high priest.
1. He is a sympathetic High Priest. "For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet apart from sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (Heb_4:15-16).
Jesus Christ was once among men; tested as men are tested, apart from sin. He was subject to hunger and thirst, to weariness and to pain. He knew what it was to be maligned and misunderstood. He knew what it was to be deprived of the luxuries of life, for He became poor.
There is no phase of service, or, of suffering, that comes to the believer, that Christ did not know.
The question which confronts us, however, is, "Has Christ forgotten?" We answer, assuredly, No. He knows and He cares, He is a sympathetic High Priest.
"Oh, yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief,
When my days are dreary, and my long nights weary,
I know He cares for me."
2. He is a faithful High Priest "Who was faithful to Him that appointed Him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house" (Heb_3:2).
This is the kind of High Priest, that represents us in the court of Heaven. We may forget Him, but He never forgets us. Great is His faithfulness, it is renewed every morning, it is fresh every evening.
3. He is an acceptable High Priest. God the Father hath received the Lord Jesus Christ into Heaven, and given Him a seat at His own right hand. God did not enthrone an impostor.
We have One representing us in the court of Heaven with whom the Father is well pleased. For this cause we know that there is no one who can lay anything to the charge of God's elect.
4. He is an able High Priest. The ability which Christ has to represent us before the throne of God is based upon the Blood which He shed and which He carried into the Holy of Holies.
God could not overlook our sins; but Christ, as He pleads, presents the proof of the satisfaction for sins, which His Cross provides.
"Five bleeding wounds He bears,
Received on Calvary,
They pour effectual prayers,
And ever plead for me.
'Forgive him, Oh forgive,' they cry,
Nor, let the guilty sinner die."
Jesus Christ is able to save because of His sacrifice.
5. He is a victorious High Priest. Before Jesus Christ sat down at the right hand of the Father, He passed up through the Heavens; He went up through principalities and powers and the world-rulers of this darkness. He sits today, at the right hand of God, a victor over satan and over all his forces.
6. He is an ever-living High Priest. He hath an untransferable priesthood. "They truly were many priests because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: but this Man, because He continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore He is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them" (Heb_7:23-25).
The Lord Jesus will never drop our case. He will manage our affairs for us, and will see us through to the completion.
Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR