The Permanence of the Priesthood of Jesus Christ
Hebrews 6:19-8:13
Have you ever experienced a paradigm shift? It is unsettling to realize that your old way of acting, thinking, and living is off the mark and must be replaced with a new way. As mentioned previously in this sermon series, Hebrews shows that a paradigm shift is needed. This is why Hebrews repeatedly compares Jesus Christ with figures like angels, Moses, Melchizadek, and Abraham. Ultimately, the people's way of living must be transformed by the new covenant of Christ.
In these chapters, we will see how our default way of living must also be altered. From our vantage point, it is easy to agree that Christ is greater than Melchizedek and Abraham. However, the implications of the superiority of Christ are much more radical than we realize. We will focus on three things from these chapters.
First, the priesthood of Christ is permanent. During the time of Hebrews, priests and the sacrificial system were so temporary. In order to fellowship with God, sacrifices had to be made repeatedly by priests. But these priests were human and sinful just like everyone else. Consequently, as much as they tried to follow the law, there was not as much confidence in approaching such a holy God, especially with their sin. Christ, on the other hand, is described as the permanent priest who represents us forever. We can therefore have the utmost confidence that we can approach such a holy God, despite our sin, because Christ is the perfect and indestructible priest.
Second, what is Christ doing now in his eternal glory? As mentioned in the first sermon, one of the things that he is doing is continually making intercession for us. The prayers that Christ prays for us are not casual or occasional; they are constant and filled with love.
Third, Christ's priesthood means that there is a new covenant. The old covenant, as excellent and salvific as it was, was structured in a way where people did not always have direct access to God. People's relationships with God were mediated through priests, prophets, and kings. Nor did people have immediate access to God's Word. In the new covenant, the Spirit is dwelling in us in every facet of our lives. He is slowly shaping us so that in each of these facets, Christ might be exalted.
Questions:
1. As is with all paradigm shifts, there is an old/inferior way that must be replaced with a new/superior way. Of course, these shifts take time so we might still struggle with the old/inferior way as we adjust to the new/superior way.
What are some of the inferior securities and hopes in your life and/or relationship with God?
According to Hebrews 7 (esp. 7.23-25), what is our superior security and hope, and how does Hebrews 7 help us appreciate this superior security and hope more?
2. How does it feel when you know that someone is praying for you--especially if that person is praying with frequency and fervor? How does the fact that Christ himself prays for us with even greater frequency and fervor give us confidence?
3. The end of Hebrews 8 points us to the promise of the Holy Spirit who is given to all of us through the new covenant. This promise motivates us to move forward in our relationship with God. As we reflect upon the permanent presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, how is God specifically challenging you?
