Topical Encyclopedia The priesthood of Jesus Christ is a central theme in Christian theology, emphasizing His role as the ultimate High Priest who intercedes on behalf of humanity. This priesthood is distinct from the Levitical priesthood of the Old Testament, as it is eternal and perfect. A key aspect of Christ's priesthood is His ascension into heaven, where He continues His intercessory work.Ascension and Heavenly Ministry After His resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven, marking the beginning of His heavenly ministry. This event is recorded in Acts 1:9-11, where Jesus is taken up before the disciples' eyes, and a cloud hides Him from their sight. The ascension signifies Jesus' exaltation and His entry into the heavenly sanctuary, where He serves as High Priest. Hebrews 4:14 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." This passage highlights Jesus' passage through the heavens, affirming His role as the High Priest who has entered the true heavenly tabernacle. Heavenly Sanctuary The Book of Hebrews elaborates on the superiority of Christ's priesthood by contrasting it with the earthly priesthood. Hebrews 8:1-2 declares, "The point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, and who ministers in the sanctuary and true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man." This indicates that Jesus ministers in the heavenly sanctuary, a place of divine origin and authority. Intercession and Mediation Jesus' entry into heaven is not merely a physical relocation but signifies His ongoing work of intercession. 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." This verse underscores the continuous nature of Christ's intercessory role, providing believers with assurance of salvation and access to God. Atonement and Eternal Redemption The sacrificial system of the Old Testament pointed to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. 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' entry into the heavenly sanctuary with His own blood signifies the completion of the atonement and the securing of eternal redemption for believers. Conclusion of the Old Covenant The entry of Jesus into heaven also marks the fulfillment and conclusion of the Old Covenant sacrificial system. Hebrews 10:12-14 states, "But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God. Since that time, He waits for His enemies to be made a footstool for His feet, because by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified." The sitting down of Jesus at the right hand of God signifies the completion of His sacrificial work and the establishment of a new covenant. In summary, Jesus' priesthood, characterized by His entry into heaven, is foundational to understanding His role as the eternal High Priest. His ascension and ongoing intercession provide believers with confidence in their salvation and access to the Father, fulfilling the promises of the Old Testament and establishing a new and everlasting covenant. 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 Hebrews 10:12 Library The Priesthood of Christ On the Offices of Our Lord Jesus Christ The Work of Christ. The Man Christ Jesus The Never Changing One. The Ascension The Kingly Priesthood of the Saints Christ's Priestly Office The Great High-Priest. Twenty-Eighth Day. The Way into the Holiest. 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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