The concept of Christ's priesthood is central to understanding the New Testament's portrayal of Jesus as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity. This priesthood is primarily expounded in the Book of Hebrews, which presents Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament priestly system. Living in light of Christ's priesthood involves recognizing His unique role and responding to it with faith, obedience, and worship.

Christ as High Priest

The Book of Hebrews articulates that Jesus is our great High Priest, surpassing the Levitical priesthood. Hebrews 4:14-16 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. 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."

This passage emphasizes Jesus' empathy and sinlessness, encouraging believers to approach God with confidence. His priesthood assures us of His understanding and His ability to intercede on our behalf.

The Order of Melchizedek

Hebrews 7:17 declares, "For it is testified: 'You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.'" This reference to Melchizedek, a mysterious figure from Genesis 14, highlights the eternal and superior nature of Christ's priesthood. Unlike the temporary and hereditary Levitical priesthood, Jesus' priesthood is eternal and based on the power of an indestructible life (Hebrews 7:16).

The Perfect Sacrifice

Central to Christ's priesthood is His role as the perfect sacrifice. Hebrews 9:11-12 explains, "But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made by hands, that is, not of this creation. 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."

Jesus' sacrifice is once and for all, rendering the repeated sacrifices of the Old Covenant obsolete. This perfect offering provides believers with eternal redemption and a cleansed conscience, enabling them to serve the living God (Hebrews 9:14).

Access to God

Through Christ's priesthood, believers have direct access to God. Hebrews 10:19-22 encourages, "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way opened for us through the curtain of His body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."

This access is a profound privilege, inviting believers to draw near to God with sincerity and assurance, free from the guilt of sin.

A Call to Perseverance and Holiness

Living in light of Christ's priesthood also involves a call to perseverance and holiness. Hebrews 12:1-2 exhorts, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Believers are encouraged to live lives marked by endurance and holiness, looking to Jesus as the ultimate example and source of strength.

Intercessory Role

Finally, Christ's ongoing intercessory role is a source of comfort and assurance. Hebrews 7:25 affirms, "Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them." Jesus' continual intercession ensures that believers are upheld and supported in their spiritual journey.

In summary, living in light of Christ's priesthood involves embracing His unique role as High Priest, relying on His perfect sacrifice, accessing God with confidence, pursuing holiness, and trusting in His ongoing intercession. This understanding shapes the believer's relationship with God and their daily walk of faith.