What is the meaning of Hebrews 8:1? The point of what we are saying is this “The point of what we are saying is this” (Hebrews 8:1) signals that everything written earlier in Hebrews has been building toward a central truth. The writer is tying together: • The superiority of Jesus over angels, Moses, and Aaronic priests (Hebrews 1–7). • The promise of a better covenant, anchored in Christ’s perfect priesthood (Hebrews 7:22). So, the verse invites us to pause and focus on one climactic reality, much like Paul does in Romans 8:1 (“Therefore, there is now no condemnation…”) or Peter in 1 Peter 2:6 (“See, I lay in Zion…”). It reminds us that doctrine is never mere information; it calls for confident trust and worship. We do have such a high priest The phrase emphasizes present possession—“We do have.” Not “we will have,” but “we do.” Right now, believers enjoy the ministry of Jesus as High Priest: • Hebrews 4:14–16: “We have a great High Priest… let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence.” • 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.” • 1 John 2:1: “We have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ the righteous One.” By calling Him “such a high priest,” the writer recalls the prior description—holy, blameless, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens (Hebrews 7:26). Jesus’ flawless character and eternal life guarantee the security of His people. who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven Three truths flow from this picture: • Completion of sacrifice – Hebrews 10:12: “This priest… sat down at the right hand of God” because the single offering of Himself finished the work. – John 19:30: “It is finished,” echoed in His seated posture. • Position of authority – Psalm 110:1: “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool.” – Ephesians 1:20–22 shows Christ at the Father’s right hand, “far above all rule and authority.” • Ongoing intercession – Romans 8:34: “Christ Jesus… is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” – Colossians 3:1 urges believers to “set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” Because He is seated, the atoning work is finished; because He is at God’s right hand, He reigns; because He remains a priest, He continually pleads our cause. summary Hebrews 8:1 gathers the letter’s teaching into a single, energizing declaration: the believer already possesses a perfect, eternal High Priest—Jesus—whose completed sacrifice, supreme authority, and ceaseless intercession secure our salvation and invite our confident worship. |
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