Topical Bible: the High Priest Christ: On his Throne

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The concept of Christ as both High Priest and King is a profound theological theme that permeates the New Testament, drawing from Old Testament typology and prophecy. This dual role is central to understanding the work and person of Jesus Christ, who fulfills the offices of both priest and king in a manner that surpasses the limitations of the Levitical priesthood and the Davidic monarchy.

Christ as High Priest

The role of the high priest in the Old Testament was to mediate between God and the people, offering sacrifices for sins and entering the Holy of Holies once a year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16). Jesus, however, is described as a High Priest of a different order, that of Melchizedek, which is eternal and superior to the Aaronic priesthood. Hebrews 4:14-15 states, "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."

Christ's priesthood is characterized by His perfect sacrifice, offered once for all. 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." This singular, efficacious sacrifice distinguishes Christ's priesthood, providing a permanent solution to the problem of sin.

Christ on His Throne

The kingship of Christ is a fulfillment of the Davidic covenant, where God promised David that his throne would be established forever (2 Samuel 7:16). Jesus, as the Son of David, inherits this promise, but His reign is not limited to an earthly kingdom. Instead, His throne is eternal and heavenly. Revelation 3:21 affirms, "To the one who overcomes, I will grant the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne."

The imagery of Christ on His throne is also vividly depicted in Revelation 5:6-7 , where He is portrayed as the Lamb who is worthy to open the scroll: "Then I saw a Lamb who appeared to have been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which represent the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth. And He came and took the scroll from the right hand of the One seated on the throne."

The Union of Priesthood and Kingship

The union of Christ's priestly and kingly roles is a unique feature of His ministry. Zechariah 6:13 prophesies this dual office: "Yes, it is He who will build the temple of the LORD, and He will be clothed with majesty and will sit and rule on His throne. And He will be a priest on His throne, and there will be harmony between the two."

This harmony is realized in Christ, who intercedes for believers as a compassionate High Priest while reigning with authority as King. His throne is not only a seat of power but also a place of grace, as Hebrews 4:16 invites believers: "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."

In summary, the depiction of Christ as both High Priest and King on His throne encapsulates His comprehensive work of redemption and His sovereign rule over all creation. This dual role assures believers of His ongoing intercession and His ultimate authority, providing a foundation for faith and hope.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Zechariah 6:13
Even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule on his throne; and he shall be a priest on his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The King on his Throne.
... on the right hand of power." And the High Priest, hearing these ... way; David had thus
clearly foretold the Ascension of Christ, and that His Ascension would ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter vi the king on.htm

The Great High Priest
... The Great High Priest. TP ... Fresh as in the days of old. Christ at God's right hand
unwearied. ... Welcoming each wanderer in; On His heart amidst the glory,. ...
/.../bevan/hymns of ter steegen suso and others/the great high priest.htm

The Enthroned Christ
... the joyful gladness of a Son in His 'own calm home, His habitation from eternity,'
Christ abides in ... Seeing, then, that we have a great High Priest that is ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the enthroned christ.htm

The Great High-Priest.
... is much more than a reward for His redemptive sufferings. ... us.[65] The Apostle has
said that Christ is Son ... He is also High-priest over the house of God, having ...
/.../chapter iv the great high-priest.htm

Christ's Exaltation
... and wants of his people written upon his breast-plate ... Though Christ be in glory,
he knows how to pity and ... We have not an high priest that cannot be touched with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 christs exaltation.htm

The Ascension
... all who follow Christ. His High Priesthood is with authority. "Every high priest
standeth," but He has forever sat down on the right hand of the throne of the ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 16 19-20 the ascension.htm

The Priest of the World and King of Men
... Thou art the King of Glory, O Christ,' for Thou ... 'His words were softer than oil,
yet were they drawn ... the sway of this merciful and faithful High Priest is full ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the priest of the world.htm

The Resurrection of Christ; his Last Interview with his Disciples ...
... were appointed to be "witnesses" of Christ to the ... It was necessary that the great
High Priest of our ... and bloody conflict, should ascend his throne and receive ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture i the resurrection of.htm

Christ's Intercession...
... For we have not a high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our
infirmities; but one that ... Likewise: Christ hath his priesthood unchangeable ...
/.../various/the belgic confession /article xxvi christs intercession.htm

The Trial Before the High Priest.
... At the time of the seizure of Christ all the apostles fled in ... he still had a home
in the official residence of the high priest and that he and his son-in ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the trial before the high.htm