Topical Bible: the High Priest Christ: Appointment of, and Encouragement to Steadfastness

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Appointment of Christ as High Priest

The role of the High Priest in the Old Testament was a sacred office, established by God to mediate between Himself and the people of Israel. This office was a foreshadowing of the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who was appointed not by human lineage but by divine decree. The Book of Hebrews provides a comprehensive understanding of Christ's appointment as High Priest, emphasizing His unique qualifications and eternal priesthood.

Hebrews 5:5-6 states, "So also Christ did not take upon Himself the glory of becoming a high priest, but He was called by the One who said to Him: 'You are My Son, today I have become Your Father.' And in another passage God says: 'You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.'" This passage highlights that Christ's priesthood is not based on the Levitical order but on the order of Melchizedek, a priesthood characterized by eternal and divine appointment.

Furthermore, Hebrews 7:24-25 declares, "But 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." This underscores the perpetual nature of Christ's priesthood, affirming His role as an eternal mediator who intercedes on behalf of believers.

Encouragement to Steadfastness

The appointment of Christ as High Priest serves as a profound source of encouragement for believers to remain steadfast in their faith. The assurance of His eternal priesthood and His continuous intercession provides believers with confidence and hope.

Hebrews 4:14-16 exhorts believers, "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." This passage encourages believers to hold firmly to their faith, knowing that Christ, as High Priest, understands their struggles and provides the grace needed to persevere.

Moreover, Hebrews 10:23 urges, "Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful." The faithfulness of Christ as High Priest assures believers that the promises of God are secure, motivating them to remain unwavering in their commitment to Him.

In summary, the appointment of Christ as High Priest is a divine act that establishes Him as the eternal mediator between God and humanity. His priesthood, characterized by an unending intercession and a deep understanding of human frailty, offers believers the encouragement to remain steadfast in their faith, assured of His continual presence and support.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 4:14
Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Epistles of Paul.
... fifth chapter to give directions respecting the appointment and treatment ... might give
their undivided faith to Christ, our great High-priest, who ministers ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxx the epistles of.htm

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ...
... to be the servant of the most high God, for ... 3) He therefore that approacheth the
presence of Christ in prayer, or any other divine appointment, must take ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a holy life the beauty.htm

The Puritan Conflict.
... on his death-bed for a Romish priest to give ... a greater man than Baxter: 'In Christ
Jesus neither ... Archbishop of Canterbury, 1633; impeached of high-treason, 1641 ...
/.../ 92 the puritan conflict.htm

Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ...
... reception of the body and blood of Christ with hearts ... And as they said this suddenly
the priest Cato appeared ... all that was appropriate to his high dignity; and ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iii the dissolution of.htm