Complete and perfect
Now the main point of what is being said is this: We have this kind of high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a minister of the sanctuary and the true tabernacle that was set up by the Lord and not man. For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices; therefore, it was necessary for this priest also to have something to offer. Hebrews 8:1-3 CSB
These past months, we have been reading on the work of Jesus as the High Priest forever. Here, the author gives this very clear summary of everything written these past 7 chapters, “We have this kind of High Priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens.” Jesus Christ finished the work set out for Him, making the path of reconciliation available for all, through the perfect sin offering of Himself. We saw this previously in Hebrews 1:3, “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact expression of his nature, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” The posture of being seated shows that Christ’s work has been complete and perfect. The high priests of Aaron’s line were constantly in God’s presence standing, displaying an incomplete task. Now that Christ had finished the work, He is eternally seated at the right hand of the Majesty, a title of reverence to the Father. In regards to verse 2, Aaron and the priests of the Old Testament did their duties as symbols towards what would actually be accomplished by Jesus Christ, providing the way for the forgiveness of sins through the death on the cross, declaring in John 19:30, “It is finished.” Now, the “true tabernacle that was set up by the Lord and not man,” is in heaven, in which Christ serves at the right hand of the Majesty. Then, in verse 3, every high priest was tasked to offer up sacrifices constantly on behalf of sinners, including themselves. This ritual is still done today, known as the Day of Atonement, all laid out in detail in Leviticus 16. Yet, Christ offered up Himself as the perfect sacrifice, not even needing to cleanse Himself of sin for He was sinless. If you are a believer, you can live in confidence knowing that the work is finished, Jesus is eternally seated at the right hand of the Father, making intercessions on our behalf. We do not need to do anything additionally for our salvation once you have repented and believed. The work is done and it is complete and perfect.
Blessings,
Isaac De Guzman
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