What does "permanent priesthood" mean for our understanding of Jesus' role today? Setting the Scene - Hebrews 7 contrasts the mortal, ever-changing line of Levitical priests with Jesus, “a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek” (Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 7:17). - Hebrews 7:24 states: “But because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood.” - “Permanent” translates a word meaning untransferable, unchangeable, incapable of being passed on to another. Defining “Permanent Priesthood” - Unending: Jesus’ priestly office lasts “forever” (Hebrews 7:24). No successor is needed or possible. - Unchangeable: His priesthood will never be altered, diluted, or superseded (Hebrews 13:8). - Exclusive: He alone mediates between God and humanity—“For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). Why Permanence Matters • Certainty of Salvation – Hebrews 7:25: “Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.” – Because His priesthood is everlasting, His salvation is as secure as His life. • Continual Intercession – Romans 8:34: “Christ Jesus… is at the right hand of God and is interceding for us.” – 1 John 2:1: “We have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.” • Finished yet Ongoing Work – John 19:30: “It is finished.” The atoning sacrifice is complete. – Hebrews 4:14-16: He remains our “great High Priest,” granting ongoing access to “find grace for help in time of need.” How Jesus Exercises His Priesthood Today - He represents believers before the Father, pleading His own blood as the sufficient, eternal offering. - He grants uninterrupted access to the throne of grace, eliminating any earthly barrier or human intermediary. - He dispenses mercy and grace moment by moment through the indwelling Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17). - He shepherds His people as a living High Priest who knows their weaknesses and provides timely aid (Hebrews 2:17-18). Practical Encouragements for Believers • Rest in complete forgiveness—no new sacrifice will ever be needed. • Approach God confidently; Jesus’ intercession is constant, never lapsing. • Stand firm in assurance; the permanence of His priesthood guarantees the permanence of His covenant promises. • Draw on His present help; the same High Priest who saved you is actively sustaining you today. |
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