The concept of Christ as our High Priest is a central theme in the New Testament, particularly in the Epistle to the Hebrews. This role is foundational for understanding the work of Jesus Christ in His sacrificial death, His ongoing intercession, and His mediatorial role between God and humanity.

Old Testament Background

The role of the high priest in the Old Testament was established under the Mosaic Law. The high priest was the chief religious leader of the Israelites and was responsible for performing sacrifices, especially on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), when he would enter the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16). The high priest was a mediator between God and the people, offering sacrifices and prayers on their behalf.

Christ's Priesthood

The New Testament presents Jesus Christ as the fulfillment and perfection of the high priestly role. Unlike the Levitical priests, who were many in number and served temporarily, Christ's priesthood is eternal and unchangeable. Hebrews 7:24-25 states, "But because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood. Therefore, He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them."

Order of Melchizedek

Christ's priesthood is described as being in the order of Melchizedek, a mysterious figure who appears in Genesis 14:18-20 and is mentioned in Psalm 110:4. Hebrews 7:17 affirms, "For it is testified: 'You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.'" This order is significant because it predates the Levitical priesthood and is characterized by its eternal nature, emphasizing the superiority and uniqueness of Christ's priesthood.

Sacrifice and Atonement

Unlike the high priests of the Old Covenant, who offered animal sacrifices repeatedly, Christ offered Himself once for all as the perfect sacrifice. 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 single, perfect sacrifice effectively atones for the sins of humanity, rendering the repeated sacrifices of the Old Covenant obsolete.

Intercession

As our High Priest, Christ continually intercedes for believers. Hebrews 4:14-16 encourages believers to approach the throne of grace with confidence, knowing that they have a compassionate High Priest who understands their weaknesses. "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."

Mediator of the New Covenant

Christ's high priestly role also establishes Him as the mediator of the New 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." Through His priesthood, Christ inaugurates a new relationship between God and humanity, characterized by grace and truth.

Access to God

The priesthood of Christ grants believers direct access to God. The veil of the temple, which symbolized the separation between God and humanity, was torn at Christ's crucifixion (Matthew 27:51), signifying that through Christ, believers can now approach God directly. Hebrews 10:19-22 exhorts believers to draw near to God with a sincere heart and full assurance of faith, made possible by the blood of Jesus.

In summary, Christ as our High Priest is a profound and multifaceted doctrine that underscores His unique role in salvation history. His eternal priesthood, perfect sacrifice, and ongoing intercession provide believers with assurance, access, and a new covenant relationship with God.