The role of the High Priest in the Old Testament was a position of immense spiritual significance, serving as the mediator between God and the people of Israel. This office was traditionally filled by descendants of Aaron, the brother of Moses, and was characterized by a hereditary succession. However, the New Testament presents Jesus Christ as the ultimate High Priest, consecrated not by lineage but by divine oath, marking a transformative shift in the understanding of priesthood.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of Jesus as the High Priest is primarily expounded in the Book of Hebrews. Hebrews 7:20-22 states, "And none of this happened without an oath. For others became priests without an oath, but He became a priest with an oath through the One who said to Him: 'The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind, ‘You are a priest forever.’' Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant."

This passage highlights the unique nature of Christ's priesthood. Unlike the Levitical priests, whose office was based on ancestry, Jesus' priesthood is established by a divine promise, underscoring its eternal and unchangeable nature. The reference to Psalm 110:4, "The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind, ‘You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek,’" further emphasizes the eternal and superior nature of Christ's priesthood.

The Order of Melchizedek

The mention of Melchizedek is significant. Melchizedek, a mysterious figure who appears in Genesis 14:18-20, was both a king and a priest, and he blessed Abraham. Hebrews 7:1-3 describes him as "without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever." This order is characterized by its timelessness and divine appointment, contrasting with the temporal and hereditary Levitical priesthood.

The Oath and Its Implications

The divine oath that consecrates Christ as High Priest signifies several key theological implications:

1. Eternal Priesthood: The oath ensures that Christ's priesthood is eternal, unlike the temporary and successive nature of the Levitical priesthood. Hebrews 7:24 affirms, "But because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood."

2. Superior Covenant: The oath establishes Jesus as the mediator of a superior covenant. Hebrews 8:6 states, "But now, Jesus has received a more excellent ministry, just as the covenant He mediates is better and is founded on better promises."

3. Perfect Sacrifice: As High Priest, Jesus offers Himself as the perfect and final sacrifice for sin. Hebrews 9:12 declares, "He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption."

4. Intercessory Role: Christ's priesthood includes His ongoing intercession for believers. Hebrews 7:25 assures, "Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them."

Conclusion

The consecration of Christ as High Priest with an oath marks a pivotal development in biblical theology. It signifies the fulfillment and surpassing of the Old Testament priesthood, establishing Jesus as the eternal mediator of a new and better covenant. Through His priesthood, believers have direct access to God, assured of eternal redemption and continual intercession.Hebrews 7:20,21
And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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The Priesthood of Christ
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On the Offices of Our Lord Jesus Christ
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Hebrews vii. 14-Nov
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Election and Ordination of Bishops: Form of Service on Sundays.
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Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals.
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Of the Sacraments.
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The Lord's Supper
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The Deputation from Jerusalem - the Three Sects of the Pharisees ...
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