Topical Encyclopedia Priesthood of Jesus: AppointmentThe priesthood of Jesus Christ is a central theme in the New Testament, particularly in the Epistle to the Hebrews. Jesus is appointed as a high priest, not in the order of Aaron, but in the order of Melchizedek, which signifies an eternal and superior priesthood. This appointment is divinely ordained, as articulated in Hebrews 5:5-6 : "So also Christ did not take upon Himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But He was called by the One who said to Him: 'You are My Son, today I have become Your Father.' And in another passage God says: 'You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.'" The appointment of Jesus as high priest is rooted in His unique nature as both fully God and fully man, enabling Him to mediate between God and humanity effectively. Hebrews 7:24-25 underscores the permanence and efficacy of His priesthood: "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." Encouragement to Steadfastness The priesthood of Jesus serves as a profound encouragement to believers to remain steadfast in their faith. The assurance of His eternal intercession and the perfect sacrifice He offered once for all provide a solid foundation for perseverance. Hebrews 4:14-16 exhorts believers: "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." The call to steadfastness is further reinforced by the understanding that Jesus, as our high priest, has inaugurated a new and living way through His sacrifice. Hebrews 10:19-23 encourages believers: "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. Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful." In summary, the appointment of Jesus as high priest is a divine act that assures believers of His eternal intercession and the sufficiency of His sacrifice. This truth serves as a powerful encouragement for Christians to remain steadfast in their faith, drawing near to God with confidence and holding firmly to the hope they profess. Nave's Topical Index Hebrews 4:14Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. Nave's Topical Index Library A Faithful Undershepherd The Epistles of Paul. The Puritan Conflict. Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ... Resources Questions about Jesus Christ (All) | GotQuestions.orgHow many prophecies did Jesus fulfill? | GotQuestions.org Is the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar biblical? | GotQuestions.org Jesus: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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