What is the meaning of Hebrews 6:20? Jesus our forerunner Hebrews 6:20 opens by calling Christ “our forerunner.” A forerunner goes first so others can follow, not merely as a spectator but as the pioneer of a sure path. • He blazes the way into the Father’s presence, guaranteeing believers will arrive there too (John 14:3: “I will come again and welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am.”). • He models faithfulness amid suffering, leaving “an example, that you should follow in His footsteps” (1 Peter 2:21). • Like the “firstfruits” (1 Corinthians 15:20), His resurrection and ascension assure ours. Because Jesus has already entered heaven, we can “fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2), confident the finish line is secure. has entered on our behalf Christ did not enter for His own benefit; He went in as our representative. • Hebrews 9:24: “Christ did not enter a man-made copy of the true sanctuary, but heaven itself, now to appear on our behalf in the presence of God.” • Hebrews 4:14–16 invites us to “approach the throne of grace with confidence,” because He is already there interceding. • Hebrews 10:19-22 links His entry to the believer’s bold access: “since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus… let us draw near.” Every need, prayer, and moment of weakness is carried into the Father’s throne room by a Savior who stands there for us and as us. He has become a high priest forever The verse next stresses permanence. Earthly priests served only until death; Jesus’ priesthood is unending. • Psalm 110:4 foretold it: “The LORD has sworn… ‘You are a priest forever.’” • Hebrews 7:24-25 explains the result: “Because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood. Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him.” Key implications: – His sacrifice never needs repeating (Hebrews 10:12-14). – His intercession never stops; we are never without representation. – His office never passes to another, so our security is never in question. in the order of Melchizedek Finally, the Spirit ties Christ’s priesthood to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18-20). This mysterious king-priest prefigured Jesus in several ways: • He was both king of Salem (peace) and “priest of God Most High,” hinting that Christ unites royalty and priesthood (Revelation 19:16; Hebrews 1:3). • Scripture records no genealogy for Melchizedek, spotlighting a priesthood not based on ancestry (unlike Aaron’s line) but on divine appointment (Hebrews 7:3). • He blessed Abraham and received tithes, demonstrating superiority to the Levitical system that would spring from Abraham’s descendants (Hebrews 7:7-10). By citing Melchizedek, Hebrews shows Jesus’ priesthood is older, higher, and more universal than the Law of Moses—anchored directly in God’s eternal purpose. summary Hebrews 6:20 assures us that the One who blazed the trail into God’s presence did so for us, remains there for us, and will always minister for us. Because Jesus is our eternal High Priest in the royal-priestly order of Melchizedek, our hope is sure, our access is open, and our salvation is complete. |
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