NPC MediaOur Perfect, Permanent High Priest
Many, indeed, have been made priests, because they are hindered from continuing by death. But he, because he lives forever, has his priesthood unchangeable. Therefore he is also able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, seeing that he lives forever to make intercession for them. For such a high priest was fitting for us: holy, guiltless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; who doesn’t need, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices daily, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. For he did this once for all, when he offered up himself. For the law appoints men as high priests who have weakness, but the word of the oath which came after the law appoints a Son forever who has been perfected.
In ancient times, the people of God had priests who served in the temple, mediating between them and God. Our passage in Hebrews tells us these priests were many, one after another, because death constantly stopped their service. Their priesthood was always changing, always needing new men to step into the role. It was a temporary system, pointing to something greater yet to come.
But then, the Scripture introduces us to a different High Priest: Jesus. Because He lives forever, His priesthood never changes. He is not hindered by death; He is the victor over it! This means His ministry to us is permanent and unbroken. He is always there, living forever to speak to God on our behalf. And because His priesthood is eternal, He is able to save completely, or as the Bible says, 'to the uttermost' those who come to God through Him. This is a salvation that is full, final, and forever.
The writer of Hebrews further explains that Jesus, our High Priest, is holy, guiltless, and undefiled. He didn’t need to offer sacrifices daily, first for His own sins, and then for the sins of the people, like the old priests did. Why? Because He offered 'himself' as the perfect sacrifice. And He did this 'once for all.' Think about that: 'once for all.' This single, perfect offering was enough. It was complete.
This truth should bring great comfort and confidence to us, children of God in Uganda. If Jesus' sacrifice was truly 'once for all,' then what more could ever be needed? It means we don't need to look for additional rituals, special items, or human intermediaries to make God listen, or to complete our salvation. His work on the cross was perfect and sufficient. Let us rest in this finished work, knowing that we have full access to God through our permanent, perfect High Priest, Jesus Christ. His sacrifice was enough then, and it is enough now.
Let's Pray
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the precious gift of Your Son, Jesus, our perfect and permanent High Priest. We are grateful that through His once-for-all sacrifice, we are saved completely and have direct access to You. Help us to rest in the sufficiency of His work, trusting fully in what He has done, rather than seeking to add to it through our own efforts or anything else. May our faith always be in Christ alone. In His mighty name, we pray. Amen.
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