PENTECOST 22 – October 24, 2021 – Heb. 7:23-28
“THE PERFECT PRIEST”
Introduction: Grace be to you and peace, from God our Father, and from our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Our text is the Epistle Lesson just read, from Heb. 7. We begin with prayer.
Dear fellow disciples of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ:
- The entire message of Holy Scripture centers in the salvation God promised first to Adam and Eve, as representatives of the whole human race. The promise was reiterated over and over again, generation to generation, by the prophets of God. The Old Testament priesthood was also established to bear witness to what was coming, “THE PERFECT PRIEST.” And of course, that priest is Jesus, the Son of God.
- The context is critical. The sacrifices were for “sins,” first the for the priest’s own sins and then also for the sins of the people. This is also what “THE PERFECT PRIEST” came to do, but to sacrifice Himself for the sins of the world, for the sins of every single human being, once and for all!
- To benefit from the accomplishments of “THE PERFECT PRIEST,” one must be aware of the obvious – our own great sin, guilt, and meriting of severe justice – death, and eternal death in hell. Only from this awareness, this sense of terror over our sin can we truly appreciate and benefit from the work of “THE PERFECT PRIEST.”
- This too is the entire message of Holy Scripture – the horrid and pathetic reality of human sin that exists in each of us. The Old Testament documents with brutal honesty what our sinful nature thinks and does. The New Testament as well fully and clearly reveals our sin and the wrath of God over human sin.
- Our sinful nature is opposed to this exposure, and balks and rebels against it. It compels us to defend ourselves, to find ways to think highly of ourselves, and to be thankful that God offers us just a little help. But this is a rejection of the Word of God, calling Him a liar, and rejecting the real salvation that “THE PERFECT PRIEST” has provided for us. So let us beware of the deceitfulness of our sinful hearts, and properly repent. Then we will embrace the ministry of Jesus our Savior. In our text we are assured that:
I. Christ’s Priesthood Is Permanent, Eternal
Text: “He holds His priesthood permanently, because He continues forever.”
A. He Sacrificed Himself For The Sins Of All People Once And For All, On The Cross
Text: “He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since He did this once for all when He offered up Himself.”
B. So He Is Able To Save All Who Come To God Through Him
Text: “Consequently He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him.”
John 14:6 “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.”
C. In Fact, He Lives Forever To Make Intercession For Us
Text: “He always lives to make intercession for those who draw near to God through Him.”
Romans 8:34 “ Christ Jesus is the One Who died – more than that, Who was raised – Who is at the right hand of God, Who indeed is interceding for us.”
1 John 2:1 “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous.”
Statement: This is the perfect and complete work of redemption, salvation, atonement, and eternal life for all people that “THE PERFECT PRIEST,” our Lord Jesus Christ, has accomplished for us. Of course, then, He is able to save us “to the uttermost” as we draw near to God through Him. And what comfort it is that as our continuing and ongoing Priest He continues to make intercession for us, on our behalf.
Application: If we see our sin aright, and if we see our “PERFECT PRIEST” aright, then our grief, sorrow, and terror turn into utter joy and delight in what Christ has done for us! We no longer have to waste time trying to put a godly spin on our sin and rebellion. We confess it, and rejoice in His forgiveness and mercy. And if genuinely repentant, and genuinely thankful for His grace, the grip of sin is loosened for us, and we are no longer enslaved to it! And this freedom is also delightful. In fact, we begin to reflect the very image of the One we believe in. And as our text reveals:
II. Christ’s Beautiful Character Makes Our Salvation Certain
A. His Person Is
1. Holy
2. Innocent
3. Unstained
4. Separate From Sinners [unrepentant and incorrigible sinners]
5. Exalted
Text: “It was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.”
B. So He Had No Need For Personal Forgiveness Or Redemptive Sacrifice – He Is Sinless
Heb. 4:15, 16 “We do not have a high priest Who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One Who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
C. God’s Oath Makes Jesus Priest Forever
Text: “The law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the Word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son Who has been made perfect forever.”
Statement: In the character and person of Jesus we see what humanity was created to be. We also see what what we are becoming as we continue to look to Jesus, and to rejoice in His love. And as we continue to look at Jesus, the depth and degradation of our sinful nature cannot terrorize us – for we have an advocate, “THE PERFECT PRIEST” making intercession for us at all times!
Application: And all of this is absolutely sure and certain, for it God on His own oath Who has determined all of this blessedness in “THE PERFECT PRIEST,” our Lord Jesus Christ. It was always and ever God’s blessed plan to redeem us and save us from our sin, in the Person of His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. And this He has done beautifully when “once for all He offered up Himself.”
Conclusion: So let us continue growing in honest and accurate confession of our sins and guilt. Let us grow in understanding just how dastardly our sinful nature truly is. But always, we do so with our intercessor, our advocate with the Father, our Lord Jesus Christ at our side.
Let us always remember Him, and what He has done for us as “THE PERFECT PRIEST,” that we always find comfort and joy, peace, confidence, and courage in Him.
And as we look to Him, and live in His grace and mercy, let us also find great joy in seeking to emulate Him – also living lives of holiness, innocence, and devotion to God. It is His good and gracious will that we enjoy this freedom and joy!
Jesus is “THE PERFECT PRIEST,” exactly Who we needed for salvation and rescue! Thanks and praise be to God forever! Amen.
Votum: And the peace of God, that surpasses all human understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds in the true faith, which is in Christ Jesus, even unto life everlasting, Amen.