In what ways does Christ's priesthood offer us confidence in our salvation? Christ’s Priestly Arrival—Hebrews 9:11 “But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come, He entered the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made by hands, that is, not of this creation.” What the verse tells us: • Jesus came—His priesthood begins with a decisive historical entrance. • He is high priest of the good things that have come—salvation blessings already secured. • He ministers in a greater and more perfect tabernacle—a heavenly reality untouched by human frailty. Because Christ’s ministry operates in heaven itself, the security of our salvation rests above every earthly weakness or failure. The More Perfect Tabernacle—Security in Heaven, Not on Earth • Earth-based priests served in a man-made sanctuary that could be defiled and dismantled (Hebrews 9:1-5; 8:13). • Christ’s sanctuary is “not of this creation,” so nothing created—sin, death, Satan—can invade or overturn His work (cf. Colossians 3:3). • Our salvation is therefore locked in a realm where decay and corruption have no claim (1 Peter 1:4-5). Once-for-All Sacrifice—The Unbreakable Foundation “He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption.” (Hebrews 9:12) • “Once for all” means the sacrifice is never repeated; nothing more has to be added (Hebrews 10:14). • “His own blood” is infinitely sufficient—sin’s debt is stamped Paid in Full (Isaiah 53:5; 2 Corinthians 5:21). • “Eternal redemption” underscores permanence; what Christ bought cannot be un-bought (John 10:28). A Living, Ongoing Intercession—Confidence for Today “Because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood. Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.” (Hebrews 7:24-25) • His priesthood doesn’t pass to another; there is no succession crisis. • “Save completely” (or “to the uttermost”) covers every moment—from initial faith to final glory. • Continuous intercession means my failures meet His advocacy, not condemnation (Romans 8:34; 1 John 2:1). Sympathy and Access—Drawing Near without Fear “Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens…let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence.” (Hebrews 4:14-16) • He passed through the heavens—our Representative is already where we long to be. • He sympathizes—His sinless humanity ensures understanding, not dismissal. • Result: we approach—confidence replaces hesitation because grace greets us, not wrath. An Unchanging Priesthood—Eternal Security • Christ is “the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). • His covenant is “better” and “founded on better promises” (Hebrews 8:6). • An unchanging Priest plus an unbreakable covenant equals unshakable assurance. Takeaway—Why We Can Rest 1. Our salvation is anchored in heaven, where Christ ministers. 2. The price is fully paid by His own blood—no outstanding balance. 3. His intercession is constant, safeguarding us from momentary stumbles. 4. His priesthood never ends, so the security it provides never ends. Every reason Scripture gives points in the same direction: Christ’s priesthood is perfect, final, and eternal—therefore our salvation is secure, complete, and utterly reliable. |
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