The title "High Priest" ascribed to Jesus Christ is a profound aspect of His identity and mission, emphasizing His role as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity. The faithfulness of Christ as High Priest is a central theme in the New Testament, particularly in the Epistle to the Hebrews, which elaborates on His qualifications, duties, and the significance of His priesthood.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of Jesus as High Priest is rooted in the Old Testament priesthood, particularly the Levitical priesthood established under the Mosaic Law. However, Christ's priesthood is distinct and superior, as it is according to the order of Melchizedek, a priesthood that predates and transcends the Levitical order (Hebrews 7:17). The faithfulness of Christ in His priestly role is highlighted in several key passages.

Faithfulness in Representation

Hebrews 2:17 states, "So He had to be made like His brothers in every way, so that He might become a merciful and faithful High Priest in service to God, in order to make atonement for the sins of the people." This verse underscores the necessity of Christ's incarnation, enabling Him to fully represent humanity. His faithfulness is demonstrated in His complete identification with human nature, yet without sin, allowing Him to effectively intercede on behalf of mankind.

Faithfulness in Temptation

Christ's faithfulness is further emphasized in His ability to sympathize with human weaknesses. Hebrews 4:15-16 declares, "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." His sinlessness amidst temptation assures believers of His perfect faithfulness and His ability to provide the necessary grace and mercy.

Faithfulness in Sacrifice

The faithfulness of Christ as High Priest is supremely manifested in His sacrificial death. Unlike the Levitical priests who offered repeated sacrifices, Christ offered Himself once for all. Hebrews 9:12 affirms, "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." His faithful obedience to the Father, even unto death, secured a complete and eternal atonement for sin.

Faithfulness in Intercession

Christ's priestly ministry did not conclude with His sacrifice; it continues through His intercession. Hebrews 7:25 states, "Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them." His ongoing intercession is a testament to His unwavering faithfulness, ensuring that believers are continually upheld before the Father.

Faithfulness in Covenant

The faithfulness of Christ as High Priest is also evident in His role as the mediator of a new and better covenant. Hebrews 8:6 explains, "But now Jesus has received a more excellent ministry, just as the covenant He mediates is better and is founded on better promises." His priesthood guarantees the fulfillment of God's promises, providing believers with a secure hope and an eternal inheritance.

In summary, the faithfulness of Christ as High Priest is a cornerstone of Christian theology, offering believers assurance of His perfect mediation, His empathetic understanding, and His unceasing intercession. Through His faithful priesthood, believers are invited to draw near to God with confidence, assured of His grace and mercy.Hebrews 3:2
Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Great High Priest
... The Great High Priest. TP ... Fresh as in the days of old. Christ at God's right hand
unwearied. ... In the glory of the throne,. Still with faithful patience washing. ...
/.../bevan/hymns of ter steegen suso and others/the great high priest.htm

Christ's Intercession...
... from us, rightly says that Jesus Christ in all things was made like unto his brethren,
that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest, to make ...
/.../various/the belgic confession /article xxvi christs intercession.htm

Saints and Faithful
... if either of them is truly applied, 'saints' and 'faithful.'. ... but regards all true
believers in Jesus Christ as being ... quite as much to the high priest's mitre or ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/saints and faithful.htm

Christ's Priestly Office
... It behoved him to be like unto his brethren, that he might be a faithful high priest.'
Hebrews 2:17. Moses was faithful as a servant, Christ as a Son. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/4 christs priestly office.htm

How to Make Use of Christ as the Truth, that we May Get Our Case ...
... (1.) Look out to Christ, as a feeling High Priest, faithful and merciful, who, being
like us in all things, except sin, doth sympathise with, and succour such ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xvii how to make.htm

Whether Christ Opened the Gate of Heaven to us by his Passion?
... 18): "To him that soweth justice, there is a faithful reward." But ... precisely what
the Apostle says (Heb.9:11,12): "Christ being come a high-priest of the ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether christ opened the gate.htm

All the Apostles Urge the Observance of the Order of the Church.
... Philip [3767] our deacon, and Ananias [3768] our faithful brother, that ... not constitute
themselves, but were appointed by Christ, the High Priest of that ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec v all the apostles urge.htm

St. Ambrose Returns to the Main Question, and Shows that Whenever ...
... For Christ's endurance of death was made the death ... a compassionate and faithful Prince,
a Priest unto God ... calling, look upon the Apostle and High Priest of our ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xi st ambrose returns.htm

In what Manner Christ Shall Deliver up the Kingdom to God, Even ...
... God, even the Father." For His faithful ones, whom ... what Augustin means by saying
that Christ "no longer ... he has redeemed, and their High Priest forever, after ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 10 in what manner christ.htm

The Work of Christ.
... of the sinning children of God, the Lord Jesus Christ meets with ... And this work of
Himself as our Priest, the merciful and faithful High Priest and our ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the work of christ/ii the work of christ.htm

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