Topical Bible: the High Priest Christ is of Unblemished Purity

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The concept of Christ as the High Priest of unblemished purity is a central tenet in Christian theology, emphasizing His role in mediating between God and humanity. This role is rooted in the Old Testament priesthood but is fulfilled and perfected in Jesus Christ, who is described as sinless and perfect.

Old Testament Background

In the Old Testament, the high priest was a crucial figure in the religious life of Israel, responsible for offering sacrifices and interceding on behalf of the people. The high priest had to be without physical defect, symbolizing the need for purity when approaching God (Leviticus 21:17-23). This requirement foreshadowed the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who would embody perfect purity and holiness.

Christ's Sinlessness

The New Testament affirms the sinlessness of Christ, which qualifies Him uniquely to serve as the High Priest. Hebrews 4:15 states, "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." This verse highlights that although Jesus experienced temptation, He remained unblemished by sin, setting Him apart from all other priests.

The Perfect Sacrifice

Christ's purity is not only in His moral and spiritual perfection but also in His role as the perfect sacrifice. Hebrews 7:26-27 declares, "Such a high priest truly befits us—One who is holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, He does not need to offer daily sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people; He sacrificed for sin once for all when He offered up Himself." This passage underscores that Jesus, unlike the Levitical priests, did not need to atone for His own sins, as He was sinless. His sacrifice was once and for all, sufficient to cover the sins of humanity.

Mediator of a New Covenant

As the High Priest, Christ mediates a new covenant between God and humanity. Hebrews 9:14-15 explains, "How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God! For this reason, Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, now that He has died to redeem them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant." Here, Christ's unblemished nature is pivotal in establishing a new relationship with God, one that offers eternal redemption and inheritance.

Theological Implications

The unblemished purity of Christ as High Priest has profound theological implications. It assures believers of the efficacy of His intercession and the sufficiency of His sacrifice. His purity guarantees that He can stand in the presence of God on behalf of humanity, offering a perfect atonement for sin. This purity also serves as a model for believers, calling them to pursue holiness in their own lives.

In summary, the High Priesthood of Christ, characterized by unblemished purity, is foundational to understanding His redemptive work and ongoing intercession for believers. His sinlessness and perfect sacrifice fulfill the requirements of the Old Testament priesthood and establish a new covenant, offering eternal salvation to all who believe.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 7:26,28
For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Christ in the Covenant
... There he stands, the priest offering his bloody sacrifice; see ... his loins they have
ascended up on high; with him ... All the fulness of Christ to restrain thee, to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/christ in the covenant.htm

Examples of the Various Styles, Drawn from the Teachers of the ...
... wine: and he was the priest of the most high God ... Father addressing the Son says,
Thou art a priest for ever ... hearts at leisure for God and for Christ, and having ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 21 examples of the various.htm

Our Lord's Prayer for his People's Sanctification
... prayer, our Lord, as our great High Priest, appears to ... our Savior was undefiled;
his nature was unblemished by sin ... which ought to be given to Christ and purity ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/our lords prayer for his.htm

The Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566.
... pious eloquence, prudence, and unblemished character (1 ... Christ is our eternal
High-priest, who fulfilled and ... the ancient constitution of the Church of Christ. ...
/.../ 55 the second helvetic.htm

On the Death of the Rev. Mr. George Whitefield
... to London; and on Sunday, January 14, 1739, he was ordained priest at Christ Church,
Oxford ... spirit and practice of this faithful servant of the most high God ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 53 on the death.htm

The Baptist's Testimony.
... life and fair prospects of a priest's family, he ... But considering the high functions
which clustered round the ... It was useless for Christ to declare what could ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol i/iii the baptists testimony.htm