Hebrews 5:1-3 For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God… I. CHRIST'S PARTICIPATION OF OUR NATURE, AS NECESSARY TO HIM FOR DISCHARGING OF THE OFFICE OF A HIGH PRIEST ON OUR BEHALF, IS A GREAT GROUND OF CONSOLATION UNTO BELIEVERS, A MANIFEST EVIDENCE THAT HE IS, AND WILL BE, TENDER AND COMPASSIONATE TOWARDS THEM. II. IT WAS THE ENTRANCE OF SIN THAT MADE THE OFFICE OF THE PRIESTHOOD NECESSARY. III. IT WAS OF INFINITE GRACE THAT SUCH AN APPOINTMENT WAS MADE. Without it all holy intercourse between God and man must have ceased. For neither — 1. Were the persons of sinners meet to approach unto God; nor — 2. Was any service which they could perform, or were instructed how to perform, suited unto the great end which man was now to look after; namely, peace with God. For the persons of all men being defiled, and obnoxious unto the curse of the law, how should they appear in the presence of the righteous and holy God (Isaiah 33:14; Micah 6:8). IV. THE PRIEST IS DESCRIBED BY THE ESPECIAL DISCHARGE OF HIS DUTY, OR EXERCISE OF HIS OFFICE; WHICH IS HIS OFFERING. BOTH GIFTS AND SACRIFICES FOR SIN. V. WHERE THERE IS NO PROPER PROPITIATORY SACRIFICE THERE IS NO PROPER PRIEST. Every priest is to offer sacrifices for sin; that is, to make atonement. VI. JESUS CHRIST ALONE IS THE HIGH PRIEST OF HIS PEOPLE. For He alone could offer a sacrifice for our sins to make atonement. VII. IT WAS A GREAT PRIVILEGE WHICH THE CHURCH ENJOYED OF OLD, IN THE REPRESENTATION WHICH IT HAD BY GOD'S APPOINTMENT, OF THE PRIESTHOOD AND SACRIFICE OF CHRIST. IN THEIR OWN TYPICAL PRIESTS AND SACRIFICES. VIII. MUCH MORE GLORIOUS IS OUR PRIVILEGE UNDER THE GOSPEL SINCE OUR LORD JESUS HATH TAKEN UPON HIM, AND ACTUALLY DISCHARGED THIS PART OF HIS OFFICE, IN OFFERING AN ABSOLUTELY PERFECT AND COMPLETE SACRIFICE FOR SIN. Here is the foundation laid of all our peace and happiness. IX. WHAT IS TO BE DONE WITH GOD ON THE ACCOUNT OF SIN, THAT IT MAY BE EXPIATED AND PARDONED, AND THAT THE PEOPLE OF GOD WHO HAVE SINNED MAY BE ACCEPTED WITH HIM AND BLESSED, IS ALL ACTUALLY DONE FOR THEM BY JESUS CHRIST THEIR HIGH PRIEST, IN THE SACRIFICE FOR SIN WHICH HE OFFERED ON THEIR BEHALF. (John, Owen, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: |
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