Christ’s Eternal Priesthood

1But in addition to the things which having been spoken this is the principal thing: We have such a high priest, who sat on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, 2The minister of the holy things, and of the true tabernacle, which God pitched, and not man. 3For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices: whence it is necessary to have something even that which he may offer. 4If then indeed he was on the earth, he would not be a priest, there being those offering gifts according to law, 5whosoever serve the pattern and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses about to complete the tabernacle was commanded: for, he says, See that you shall make all things after the pattern which was shown to you in the mount:

The New Covenant

6but now he has obtained a more excellent ministry, insomuch that he is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been founded on better promises.

7For if that first covenant had been faultless, a place would not have been sought for the second.

8For finding fault with them, he says, Behold the days are coming, says the Lord, and I will perfect upon the house of Israel and upon the house of Judah, a new covenant:

9not according to the covenant which I made with their fathers, in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they abode not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, says the Lord.

10Because this is my covenant which I will establish with the house of Israel after these days, says the Lord; having given my laws in their mind, I will also write them on their heart; and I will be to them a God, and they shall be unto me a people.

11And they shall no longer teach each one his neighbor, each one his brother, saying, Know ye the Lord: because all shall know me, from their small even unto the great.

12Because I will be merciful unto their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.

13In that he calls it new, he has made the first one old; but that which is old and antiquated is nigh unto vanishing.