The Eternal Blessings of the Eternal Priest
Have you ever had someone tell you one thing and then acted in a manner contrary to what they told you? Have you ever bought a product with great expectations only to be sorely disappointed once you received the product? I know I have. One time when I was a kid, I purchased a pair of x-ray glasses from a cereal box with the box tops I saved. I cannot explain how let down I was when I put those glasses on and nothing happened!
We all have been let down, lied to, or disappointed. Sometimes these disappointments are intentional and other times they are accidental. In the Old Testament, it was the job of the priests to represent the people before God. The priests received the sacrifice and offerings of the people, then through very specific steps, they offered the sacrifice to God on behalf of the person for the forgiveness of sins. But there was an issue, the priests had to continually be replaced? Why? Because the priests were human just like us. They were not special, they had no magic abilities. The priests served God as he instructed them. Even though the priests did not intentionally let us down, their deaths showed us they were not able to fully and permanently perform the task they were assigned.
Fast forward to Jesus and listen to what the author of Hebrews says,
“There were many priests under the old system, for death prevented them from remaining in office. But because Jesus lives forever, his priesthood lasts forever. Therefore he is able to, once and forever, save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf” (Heb. 7:23-25).
What does this mean for us? This small passage is packed with at least four eternally important truths that are relevant to our lives right now.
1. The death of the former priests kept them from doing the job continually
The old priests died, and their deaths were not their fault, but they died and so they continually needed replacing. The forgiveness of sin centered on sacrificial rituals and they could only be performed by certified and called priests. If the priests could not perform their function, Israel as a nation was in trouble. The priests kept dying and therefore needed to be continually replaced.
2. Jesus’ priesthood lasts forever because he is eternal
The fact that Jesus eternally satisfied God’s requirements for the forgiveness of sin caused God to raise Jesus from the dead three days after he died. This means that Jesus’ death is eternally applied to those who place their faith in him. His resurrection proves the permanency of God’s satisfaction, thus eternally securing our salvation. There will never have to be another priest which means we can continually go to Jesus as our representative to the Father.
3. The salvation Jesus offers is an eternal salvation
The author of Hebrews draws a conclusion in verse 25 with “Therefore.” Because Jesus’ priesthood lasts forever, once we enter into a relationship with Jesus our salvation is also forever. We never have to wonder is we have lost our salvation, even when we sin. When we do sin, we can go to Jesus with humility and confidence knowing he will not throw us away, but the complete opposite. The very fact that Jesus is our eternal priest means he will lovingly and gladly come to our rescue and meet our great need. There is no depth Jesus will not descend, no height he will not ascend, no distance he will not travel to rescue you from sin and brokenness.
4. Jesus prays for you eternally
Another great aspect of Jesus’ eternal priesthood is that he will forever intercede for you to the Father. Think about how wonderful this truth is for our hearts. Jesus, the Savior of your very soul prays for you. When you have lusted in your heart, Jesus prays for you. When you have lied to your spouse for the thousandth time, Jesus prays for you. When you shy back from standing up for the gospel among your friends, Jesus prays for you. When your world is shattered at the death of your child, Jesus prays for you. When the love of your life abandons you, Jesus prays for you. When the doctor tells you the diagnosis is terminal, Jesus is right there praying for you. In your moment of temptation, sin, or brokenness Jesus not only draws near to you, but he also rushes to the ear of the Father and pleads for comfort, relief, courage, and forgiveness.
Be relieved and rejoice at the eternal nature of Jesus. Know that in him your salvation is eternal and with your salvation comes many wonderful benefits. As a child of the King, you are afforded all the King has to offer and nothing of his shall be withheld from you.
God Bless,
Brad