How does Hebrews 3:6 relate to the concept of Jesus as our High Priest? The Verse in Focus “Christ, however, was faithful as a Son over God’s house. And we are His house, if we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope of which we boast.” (Hebrews 3:6) Christ’s Authority and Faithfulness Over the House • Hebrews contrasts Moses, a faithful servant, with Christ, the faithful Son. • A servant serves inside the house; the Son owns, rules, and guarantees the house. • That same Son is later shown (Hebrews 4–10) to be our High Priest. His priestly ministry flows out of His unique ownership of, and responsibility for, God’s household. Linking “House” to Priestly Ministry • Old-covenant priests served in a physical tabernacle. • Christ, as Son, presides over a living household—believers themselves (1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Peter 2:5). • Because He is High Priest “in the true tabernacle” (Hebrews 8:2), His oversight of the house is both relational and sacrificial: He both dwells with us and offers Himself for us. Faithfulness as High Priest • Hebrews 2:17 – “He had to be made like His brothers… so that He might become a merciful and faithful High Priest.” • The same Greek term for “faithful” appears in 3:6, tying His priestly reliability to His faithfulness over the house. • His priesthood guarantees continual access to God (Hebrews 4:14-16), ensuring the house remains secure. Confidence and Hope—the Priest Provides Both • Our “confidence” (parrēsia) points to free, fearless access—language echoed in Hebrews 4:16 and 10:19. • Our “hope” is anchored “behind the veil” (Hebrews 6:19-20) where Jesus, our High Priest, has entered. • Thus, 3:6’s call to hold fast is rooted in the ongoing, interceding work of the Priest who never fails (Hebrews 7:24-25). From Verse to Life • We belong to the house Christ owns and serves; therefore, security is not self-generated but priest-secured. • Perseverance (“if we hold firmly”) is possible because our High Priest sustains faith (Hebrews 12:2). • The verse encourages bold worship and steadfast hope, knowing the One over the house also ministers within it. |
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