The Seven Baptisms Mentioned in the New Testament

 

In this article I would like to chat to you about the seven baptisms that are mentioned in the New Testament, some of them referring to Old Testament events. These baptisms, in no particular order, are:

1.The Baptism of Jesus (Water)

2.Baptism of the Holy Spirit

3.Baptism of Moses

4.Baptism of Suffering

5.Baptism of John (Repentance)

6.Baptism of Fire

7.Baptism in the name of Jesus

Before we go any further let's take a look at the Greek word for baptise used in the New Testament which is "baptizó".

It means: to dip in or under, sink, submerge (completely cover), to fully immerse something in something else, to cleanse by dipping or submerging, to wash, to make clean with water;

So from this we see that a Christian baptism into something or someone (Jesus) means to give oneself fully to Jesus so that you become fully immersed in and covered Him in everything you are and in everythin you do! He must become everything we must become nothing!

John 3:30 (ESV)

He must increase, but I must decrease.”

1.The Baptism of Jesus (Water)

This was when Jesus was baptised by John in order to fulfill all righteousness.

Matthew 3:13-17
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. 14 And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?”
15 But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him.
16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. 17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

This was the Baptism of the Holy Spirit for Jesus the man - this was pleasing to God

What is this Baptism?

Before we look at what water baptism is, I believe that it is most important for us to first establish what it is not, using the Bible as our point of reference.

It is not infant christening.

The practice of the christening of babies and infants is not found in the Bible and therefore it is not a Biblical practice or instruction from God.

Infant Christening is a man-made tradition that came into being in the early Church through the emergence of Roman Catholicism. But as born-again Christians it is our duty to follow the teachings of the Bible and not the teachings of man.

Infant baptism or christening is not necessarily sinful, but it does not constitute a spiritual cleansing from sin. This can only be done by a person’s acknowledgement and renouncing of their sin before God and the acceptance of Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour.

Infants and babies cannot do this as they have not yet developed an understanding or logical knowledge of this action.

What water baptism is

Now, let me first say here that as born-again Christians we are followers of Jesus Christ and His teachings which are found in the Bible – the entire Bible, both Old and New Testaments:

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT)

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work

And as we are His disciples, we should be following His example in all He did.

Jesus was water baptised to fulfil all righteousness and it is our duty as His followers to be water baptised just as He was. (This is one of several reasons)

He was baptised as a man (a human being) to identify with us, even though he was not a sinner (1 John 3:5 (NIV) But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin), and to set us an example in all righteousness.

Matthew 3:13-17 (NIV)

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. 16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

From the five verses above, we can extract several points that a new believer needs to be aware of that will show the significance and correctness of a believer being water baptised:

• Jesus specifically came to John to be baptised - vs 13 – As His disciples we should do the same.

• Jesus was being obedient to the Father as His being water baptised would fulfil all righteousness – vs 15.

• The act of believers being water baptised is pleasing to God as in Christ Jesus we become the sons (children) of God vs 17. Scripture confirms that we become children of God when we are born again:

John 1:12-13 (NIV)

12 Yet to all who did receive him (Jesus), to those who believed in his name (Jesus), he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

So, from this we can see that water baptism is pleasing to God and follows in the footsteps and example of Jesus our Lord and Saviour.

Water baptism is an act of faith and obedience to the commands and example of Jesus.

Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Water baptism is a public declaration by a believer:

Baptism publicly declares to the world that you are a follower of Jesus Christ.

It is a public confession of your faith in, and commitment to Jesus Christ.

It is the next step after salvation through repentance by faith and is an important foundation for the Christian life that you are about to embark on.

What is the meaning and significance of water baptism?

Water baptism in the life of a believer is a move from sinful death to a righteous, everlasting life in Christ Jesus:

Colossians 2:12-14 (NLT)

12 For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. 13 You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. 14 He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.

From the above verses we are told of the symbolic significance water baptism has for us as born-again believers in that it identifies us with the death of Jesus, our Lord and Saviour, on the cross and His burial and resurrection from the dead:

• Our submersion in the water is symbolic of our burial of our old, sinful life.

• Emerging from the water is symbolic of our resurrection to our new life of forgiveness of our sins by God in Christ Jesus.

Romans 6:4 (NIV)

4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order

that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

When should a believer be water baptised?

Why wait? As soon as you have given your life to Jesus, decide to be water baptised! It is an act of obedience and walking in obedience to the will of Christ is or should be the ultimate aim of all believers - full obedience to the teachings of Jesus.

Acts 22:16 (NIV)

And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.

2.Baptism of the Holy Spirit

This is a Baptism that Christ Himself bestows upon the Church.

Matthew 3:11-12

11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

What is this Baptism?

Although the Trinity or the Godhead is one God, when He (God) relates to the world (us), He is three distinct persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the Holy Trinity. So, in the Trinity, God the Father is the supreme creator, Jesus the Son is our Saviour and also Creator, and the Holy Spirit is the power of God and thus Jesus in action, He is also our comforter and guide and is also called the Spirit of Truth.

God sees believers as sinless only because we belong to Jesus, and now, because Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven, He has sent the Holy Spirit to be with us as our counsellor and to lead us in all truth to fulfil God’s purpose for us here on earth. He is alive within us – our born-again spirit.

Everything the Holy Spirit does is for the Glory of Jesus and, with the Holy Spirit guiding us, everything we as believers do should also be to glorify Jesus!

Baptism with the Holy Spirit is when a believer, a born-again Christian, receives power from on high – from God.

Luke 24:49 (NIV)

I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.

Matthew 3:11 (NLT)

I (John the Baptist) baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone (Jesus) is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

The verses above clearly show us that Baptism with the Holy Spirit empowers us to be effective witnesses on earth in the name of Jesus. This power enables us to do the same things Jesus did and much more!

John 14:12 (NIV)

Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

The verse below tells us that Jesus had to go back to the Father in heaven after His crucifixion and subsequent resurrection so that He could send the Holy Spirit to us so that we will be fully equipped to do the ministry that the Father has prepared for every one of His children to do!

John 16:7 (KJV)

Nevertheless I (Jesus) tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter (the Holy Spirit) will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

In the next verse, Jesus himself tells us that he will give us power. How does he do this? Read the next section and you’ll find out!

Luke 9:1-2 (NKJV)

Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. 2 He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

How are we baptised with the Holy Spirit?

Who are we baptised in the Holy Spirit by?

Taking the second question first, it is Jesus who baptises us in the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 3:11 (KJV)

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. But he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

In the above verse it is John the Baptist talking and the person he is referring to as the one that will come after him is Jesus.

And again, in the verse below it is confirmed that it is Jesus that baptises us with the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:33 (NIV)

Exalted to the right hand of God, he (Jesus) has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.

Right, now let’s move on to the first question, how are we baptised in the Holy Spirit?

a.  By an impartation through spiritual words, e.g. preaching or prayer.

Acts 10:44-48 (NIV)

44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message.

b. By an impartation through the laying on of hands

An impartation of the Holy Spirit from one person to another by the laying on of hands.

Acts 19:6 (NIV)

When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.

The speaking of tongues after the laying on of hands, is one physical evidence of being baptised with the Holy Spirit.

c.  By a combination of a and b – prayer and then the laying on of hands.

Why is it important for us to be baptised with the Holy Spirit?

• To follow the example of Jesus

John 1:32 (NIV)

Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him.” This is a little different)

• To receive power from God to enable us to be overcomers of this world in Christ Jesus and to be His witnesses to the world.

Acts 1:8 (NIV)

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

Luke 24:49 (NIV)

I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.

• To be able to do great things in the name of Jesus.

Acts 1:8 – as above.

To be enabled to live life in the Spirit.

Romans 8 Read the whole chapter.

• For the spiritual gifts to be manifest in us and through us to others.

1 Corinthians 12:7-11 (NLT)

7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by [f]the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

• It is the Holy Spirit that gives us ‘spiritual’ life in Christ Jesus:

James 2:26 (NIV)

As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

• The baptism with the Holy Spirit is a gift from God.

Luke 11:13 (NIV)

If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!

3.Baptism of Moses

1 Corinthians 10:1-4 For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, 2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 and all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ.

In the above four verses the Apostle Paul explains what the Baptism of Moses is and it's significance to Israel under the Old Covenant of the Law of Moses. All the Israelites that God delivered from Egyptian slavery followed Moses to the promised land under the cloud and passed through the Red Sea.

Exodus 13:21-22 (NKJV)

21 And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night. 22 He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people.

All Israel witnessed the power of God when He parted the Red Sea and they passed through the waters on both sides which is a picture of baptism. They followed Moses and so were identified as His followers.

Exodus 14:21-22 (NKJV)

Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea into dry land, and the waters were divided. 22 So the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.

Today we go through the waters of baptism not as followers of Moses but as followers of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour, our King and Saviour!

4.Baptism of Suffering

Mark 10:38-39 Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” And they said to him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized…

The Amplified Bible gives a fuller translation of the verses above:

Mark 10:38-39 (AMP)

38 But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism [of suffering and death] with which I am baptized?” 39 And they replied to Him, “We are able.” Jesus told them, “The cup that I drink you will drink, and you will be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized.

In Mark 10 Jesus and the disciples are on the road to Jerusalem after leaving the region of Judea when He took them aside and started telling them what was about to happen to Him in Jerusalem - the suffering, trials and tribulation that He was going to be subjected to!

From Mark 10:35-40 we read the account of John and James asking Jesus if one of them can sit on His right and the other on His left in His Glory and His Kingdom.

In verses 38-39 Jesus says to them, "You do not know what you are asking and are you able to .............."be baptised with the baptism with which I am baptise?"

Both James and John respond positively to the Lord's question saying in verse 39, "We are able."

Jesus then tells them both (prophetically) that they will indeed receive the same baptism as Him!

James was murdered at the hands of Herod. He was the first Apostle to be martyred for preaching the gospel.

Acts 12:1-2 (NKJV)

1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church. 2 Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword.

Although John was not martyred and lived a long life, he suffered much persecution of the length of his live including an attempt by Nero to boil him in oil .He was then exiled to the isle of Patmos where he continued his ministry!

Suffice it to say the other Apostles and many other followers of Jesus also suffered persecution in many different form because of His name - preaching the gospel of salvation in Christ Jesus alone. The Church has suffered persecution over the ages and still does today and will to so until He comes again!

The Bible tells us that we will suffer for His name!

Philippiands1:29 (ESV)

29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,

Acts 5:41 (AMP)

So they left the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy [dignified by indignity] to suffer shame for [the sake of] His name.

Romans 8:17 (ESV)

and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

John 16:33 (AMP)

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]

5. Baptism of John - Repentance

Mark 1:4-8 John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

At this time John was calling the Jews to repent and be baptised for the forgiveness of their sins. Baptism was not an unfamiliar practice to the Jews as many of them were used to ceremonial washings and baptisms (called mikveh in Hebrew) in a ceremonial bath at their synagogues. The mikveh is still practiced amongst many Jewish communities today particularly amongst orthodox Jews.

It was standard practice at the time of John the Baptist for any converts to Judaism to go through the ceremonial washing of full immersion baptism before being accepted among the Jewish community!

So when John the Baptist appeared calling the Jews to repent and be baptised for the forgiveness of their sins, he created great interest amongst the population and many came to repent and be baptised. Coupled with this is the fact that he preached about the "one who was to follow him who was greater than he!" Many Jews were familiar with Isaiah's prophecy and were expectant of the coming Messiah but unfortunately they didn't recognise him when he appeared!

Isaiah 40:3 (ESV)

A voice cries:

“In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord;

make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

6. Baptism of Fire

Matthew 3:11-12 (AMP) I “As for me, I baptize you with water because of [your] repentance [that is, because you are willing to change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret your sin and live a changed life], but He (the Messiah) who is coming after me is mightier [more powerful, more noble] than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to remove [even as His slave]; He will baptize you [who truly repent] with the Holy Spirit and [you who remain unrepentant] with fire (judgment). 12 His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear out His threshing floor; and He will gather His wheat (believers) into His barn (kingdom), but He will burn up the chaff (the unrepentant) with unquenchable fire.”

The two verses above are part of John's confrontation of the Pharisees and Sadducees. John tells them that he baptises them with water after they repent of their sins. He then goes on to tell them that the One (the Messiah) who comes after will baptise them with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

I have spoken about the Baptism of the Holy Spirit already so now I will concentrate of the Baptism of Fire.

So, from verse 11 in the scriptures above we are told that the Baptism of Fire is not for those who truly repent of their sin - the believers, but for those who refuse to repent - unbelievers.

Every man will face God's judgement on Judgement day (the Great White Throne Judgement), both believers and unbelievers and every man will have to give an account of himself (for the way he has lived his life). Those who have repented and accepted Christ as Lord and Saviour of their lives will go to Heaven and everlasting life with God. But those who haven't will be consigned to Hell and everlasting death - complete separation from God - this is the Baptism of Fire from which there is no turning back!

Romans 14:11-12 (ESV)

11 for it is written,

“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,

and every tongue shall confess to God.”

12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.

Revelation 20:11-15

11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. 13 And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. 14 Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

7. Baptism in the name of Jesus - for today's believers

Act 2:36-38 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” 37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

In the verses above the Apostle Peter is addressing the Jews that were listening to his sermon at Pentecost which we read about starting from Acts 2:14-41.

Many of the listeners were deeply convicted by Peter's sermon what they needed to do to change!

Peter's response to their question was this: "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

Now how does this baptism differ from John's baptism? Well quite simply John's baptism was for repentance and forgiveness of sins and was not done in the name of Jesus as He had not yet revealed Himself as the Messiah and His ministry had not yet began!

Baptism in the Name of Jesus is a water baptism and is for repentance and the forgiveness of sins but it was only after this sermon by Peter that people were baptised in the name of Jesus. This signified that Jesus was greater than all things (including John's baptism) and in Him alone are we saved and only in Him do we live and move and have our being!

Acts 17:28 (ESV)

for

“‘In him we live and move and have our being’;

as even some of your own poets have said,

“‘For we are indeed his offspring.’

For the Jews to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ was an expression of their belief and complete trust in Him and a complete understanding that Jesus is the Messiah that they had been waiting for, for centuries!

My fellow believers let us fully immerse ourselves in Christ Jesus so that we can live our lives in the Spirit and so that we can glorify His name and build each other up in unity of the Spirit! We will then be a Powerful Church!

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father
I thank you for my salvation in Christ Jesus and for the gift of the Holy Spirit in me. I pray Father that by your Holy Spirit that you would help me fully immerse myself in Christ Jesus in all that I am and in all that I do. Amen

To Jesus belongs all glory, honour and praise!

Jesus, the Name above all names!

Remember: Reading this article is no substitute for reading and studying the Bible for yourself! I am flawed the Bible is not!

Unpacking the Book of Hebrews: Chapter 9

Dear Reader

Please bear in mind that the Book of Hebrews is written to Jewish converts to Christianity, many of whom were contemplating going back to Judaism (The Law) because of the persecution they were subjected to by those outside the Christian Faith.

Note: In the body on this article the verses from Hebrews are in italics, the explanation of the verse/s follows in straight text with additional scriptures shown in bold italics.

Background to Chapter 9
In this chapter the writer draws a comparison of features between the Old and New Covenants explaining how much greater the New Covenant is over the Old!

Features of The Old Covenant

The Earthly Holy Place

1 Now even the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly place of holiness. 2 For a tent was prepared, the first section, in which were the lampstand and the table and the bread of the Presence. It is called the Holy Place. 3 Behind the second curtain was a second section called the Most Holy Place, 4 having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron's staff that budded, and the tablets of the covenant. 5 Above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail.

In verses 1-5 the writer briefly describes the physical aspects of "the place of holiness" or the "tent of meeting" if you prefer in the Old Covenant. The Tabernacle had two sections, the first section was called the Holy Place and the second was called the Most Holy Place It was a place of worship and the offering of sacrifice for personal and corporate sin for the Israelites.

Only the High Priest could enter the Most Holy Place, the Holy of Holies! The Most Holy Place contained the most sacred items of worship, the golden altar of incense and ark of the covenant which itself held the manna that God created in order to feed the Israelites in the wilderness, Aaron's budded staff and the tablets on which were written the 10 commandments. Once a year, on the Day of Atonement the High Priest would enter the Holy of Holies to make the required animal sacrifices for the sin of the people!

For more information on the construction and order of the Tabernacle please read for yourself Exodus 25-40.

6 These preparations having thus been made, the priests go regularly into the first section, performing their ritual duties, 7 but into the second only the high priest goes, and he but once a year, and not without taking blood, which he offers for himself and for the unintentional sins of the people. 8 By this the Holy Spirit indicates that the way into the holy places is not yet opened as long as the first section is still standing 9 (which is symbolic for the present age). According to this arrangement, gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the conscience of the worshiper, 10 but deal only with food and drink and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until the time of reformation.

In verses 6-10 the writer explains how the priests of the Old Covenant times operated within the regulatory confines, imposed by God, on how the personal and corporate sin offerings were to be made. These sin offerings were made through the blood of animals according to God's regulations. Only the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies (the second section of the Tabernacle where God's presence dwelt)) once a year to make atonement for the sins of the Israelites as a nation.

In this way the Holy Spirit shows us that the the way to the Father (into the new covenant Holy of Holies) could not achieved whilst the first section, the old covenant, still stood. Which is symbolic of this present age where we can only come to the Father through the son, once we are born again!

For more information on how the Old Covenant sacrifices were made according to the regulations given to Moses by God, please read Leviticus 1-7.

Features of the New Covenant

Redemption Through the Blood of Christ
11 But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation)
,
Jesus, our Lord and Saviour, is the perfect High Priest, He is without sin.

1 Peter 2:22 (ESV)

He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.

Jesus became the perfect Tabernacle and was not made by human hands, He was born of the Spirit!

Matthew 1:18 (ESV)

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.

Luke 1:30-33 (ESV)

30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

12 he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.

Jesus took the sins of every man that has ever been upon Himself and shed His blood on the cross for us and thus secured for us eternal redemption from our sins and eternal reconciliation for us with God when we accept Him as Lord and Saviour and repent of our sins.

John 3:16 (ESV)

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

1 Peter 2:24 (ESV)

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

Ephesians 1:7 (ESV)

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,

13 For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.

The sacrifice of animals to cover man's sin was only a temporary measure and did not secure for us eternal redemption, but the shedding of the blood of Jesus for all our sin once and for all, secures us eternal redemption when we confess our sin before God, turn away from our sins and accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour!

Jesus is now seated at the right hand of God in the Most Holy Place and is our mediator and He intercedes on our behalf before the Father which grants us permission to enter the Father's presence, as when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour we become God's children too and coheirs in all He has from the Father!

Mark 16:19 (ESV)

So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.

Romans 8:34 (ESV)

Who is to condemn? 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.

Colossians 3:1 (ESV)

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

Galatians 3:26 (ESV)

for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.

15 Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.

In verse 15 Jesus as "the mediator of a new covenant" is likened to the making of a will whereby an inheritance is guaranteed to an inheritor. In this case Jesus is the New Covenant (the will make) and us as born again Christians are the inheritors of all that God has for us in Christ Jesus. Thus an inheritance can only by received on the death of the one who made the will - for us this is our new covenant in Christ Jesus who died for us on the Cross!

Jesus’ death on the cross which paid the price for our sin also accomplished redemption for those under the first covenant. Every sacrifice for sin made in faith under the Mosaic command was an initial IOU which was paid in full at the cross. Jesus paid the price for the sin of all mankind throughout the ages!

1 Peter 3:18 (AMP)

For indeed Christ died for sins once for all, the Just and Righteous for the unjust and unrighteous [the Innocent for the guilty] so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the Spirit;

16 For where a will is involved, the death of the one who made it must be established. 17 For a will takes effect only at death, since it is not in force as long as the one who made it is alive.

So in verses 16 and 17 we see that our promised inheritance could only be achieved through His death on the cross as a will only comes in to effect on the death of the one who made it!

Acts 26:18 (AMP) - Jesus speaking

to open their [spiritual] eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness and release from their sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified (set apart, made holy) by faith in Me.’

Ephesians 1:13-14 (AMP)

13 In Him, you also, when you heard the word of truth, the good news of your salvation, and [as a result] believed in Him, were stamped with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit [the One promised by Christ] as owned and protected [by God]. 14 The Spirit is the guarantee [the first installment, the pledge, a foretaste] of our inheritance until the redemption of God’s own [purchased] possession [His believers], to the praise of His glory.

18 Therefore not even the first covenant was inaugurated without blood. 19 For when every commandment of the law had been declared by Moses to all the people, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water and scarlet wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, 20 saying, “This is the blood of the covenant that God commanded for you.” 21 And in the same way he sprinkled with the blood both the tent and all the vessels used in worship. 22 Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.

In verses 18-22 the writer explains that the old covenant was established through the High Priest sprinkling everything with blood which brought temporary purification and forgiveness of sins through the shedding of the blood of sacrificial animals.

23 Thus it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these rites, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.

In the old covenant It was acceptable for the copies of the spiritual heavenly things in the earthly sanctuary to be “purified” with imperfect sacrifices. But the heavenly things themselves could only be purified with a perfect offering - the blood of Jesus the perfect sacrifice. Jesus who was without sin or deceit of any kind!

24 For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. 25 Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own, 26 for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

After His resurrection Jesus ascended into heaven from whence He came and is now seated at the right hand of the Father. He is in the Most Holy Place in the throne room of God far removed from the earthy replicas!

Jesus' sacrifice of His own blood was once off because of His perfection, He is sinless. He does not have to repeatedly shed his blood as had to be done in the imperfect old covenant and done by imperfect men!

The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross and the shedding of His blood did away with sin and death once and for all! For a born again Christian death has no sting and eternal life in Christ Jesus is our assurance!.

John 11:25-26 (AMP)

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in (adheres to, trusts in, relies on) Me [as Savior] will live even if he dies; 26 and everyone who lives and believes in Me [as Savior] will never die. Do you believe this?”

1 Corinthians 15:54-55 (AMP)

54 And when this perishable puts on the imperishable, and this mortal puts on immortality, then the Scripture will be fulfilled that says, “Death is swallowed up in victory (vanquished forever). 55 O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”

27 And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, 28 so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.

Here, to expand on verses 27 and 28 I will take the liberty of quoting the late, great evangelist Charles Spurgeon:

“A man dies once, and after that everything is fixed and settled, and he answers for his doings at the judgment. One life, one death – then everything is weighed, and the result declared: ‘after this the judgment.’ So Christ comes, and dies once; and after this, for him also the result of what he has done, namely, the salvation of those who look for him. He dies once, and then reaps the fixed result, according to the analogy of the human race, of which he became a member and representative.”

To receive eternal life in Christ Jesus we must accept Him as our Lord and Saviour, admit before God that we are sinners and repent, repent means to turn away from, of those sins!

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father

I thank you for my salvation in Christ Jesus and for the bllood that He shed on the cross so that I receive forgiveness of my sins and eternal life. Amen

To Jesus belongs all glory, honour and praise!

Jesus, the Name above all names!

Remember: Reading this article is no substitute for reading and studying the Bible for yourself! I am flawed the Bible is not!

Unpacking the Book of Hebrews: Chapter 8

 

Please bear in mind that the Book of Hebrews is written to Jewish converts to Christianity, many of whom were contemplating going back to Judaism (The Law) because of the persecution they were subjected to by those outside the Christian Faith.                                      

Note: In the body on this article the verses from Hebrews are in italics, the explanation of the verse/s follows in straight text with additional scriptures shown in bold italics.

Background to Chapter 8

In this chapter the writer again emphasizes the point of Jesus being the High Priest of a better covenant than the Law of Moses. He reiterates that Jesus is alive and is seated at the right hand of the Father interceding on our (the Church's) behalf! Jesus has made the Law obsolete as He was the only one who could fulfill it in every way. No earthly priest could do that!

Jesus, High Priest of a Better Covenant

1 Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, 

In verse 1 the writer starts of by telling us that the main point of the previous chapter is that Jesus is our (every born again Christian - the Church) High Priest forever! He is now seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven in a place that no earthly priest could ever attain.

In this verse too, God the Father is referred to as "the Majesty", majesty with a capital M!

Now the Greek word used for "Majesty" here is "megalósuné" (pronounced meg-al-o-soo'-nay) and it's meaning is divine greatness - being God the Father. This underscores Christ's supremacy both in heaven and on earth! Through Him and for Him all things were made! Jesus and the Father are one!

Colossians 1:15-20 (ESV)

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by[f] him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

2 a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man. 

Verse 2 highlights the heavenly tent or tabernacle that God set up in heaven and that Jesus does not and did not serve as an earthly priest. He serves in the heavenly temple set up by God. The earthly tent that Moses set up was jut an earthly replica of the heavenly tabernacle

The work of the earthly priests was never finished as man continually sins. But with Jesus as our High Priest the work was finished at the cross as He was sinless and in Him alone we have our salvation and reconciliation with God! I and the Father are one.

John 10:30

I and the Father are one.”

3 For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices; thus it is necessary for this priest also to have something to offer. 

In verse 3 we are told that every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices and thus it was necessary for Jesus to have something to offer. What Jesus had to offer was far greater than what any earthly priest could do and far more beneficial to man!

Jesus offered Himself up as the perfect sacrifice for the sin of mankind so that we can be reconciled to God. His sacrifice was a gift to us from the Father as Jesus gave himself up willingly and out of His pure love for us. Amen!

4 Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer gifts according to the law. 5 They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, “See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.” 

In verses 4 and 5 the writer tells us that Jesus' priesthood, unlike the Levitical priesthood, was not in accordance with the Law of Moses! The priesthood of the Law was only a shadow and copy of the heavenly Tabernacle and priesthood, which God revealed to Moses on Mt Sinai.

Exodus 25:40 (ESV)

And see that you make them after the pattern for them, which is being shown you on the mountain.

The heavenly priesthood is far superior to the earthly priesthood!

6 But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. 7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second.

In verses 6 and 7 the writer tells us that the New Covenant that Jesus provides is a much greater and more effective ministry than the Old Covenant (the Law) ever was as it is based on far superior promises. 

The main promise being everlasting life in Christ Jesus who took the sins of the world upon Himself that when we repent of our sins and accept Him as Lord and Saviour, we are born again and will see the kingdom of God.

John 3:3 (ESV)

Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

The Old Covenant being flawed could not provide salvation for man, only the New Covenant (being flawless) of life in Christ Jesus saves mankind! Jesus is the only name by which man can be saved.

Acts 4:12 (AMP)

And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among people by which we must be saved [for God has provided the world no alternative for salvation].”

8 For he finds fault with them when he says:

“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord,

    when I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel

    and with the house of Judah,

9 not like the covenant that I made with their fathers

    on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt.

For they did not continue in my covenant,

    and so I showed no concern for them, declares the Lord.

10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel

    after those days, declares the Lord:

I will put my laws into their minds,

    and write them on their hearts,

and I will be their God,

    and they shall be my people.

11 And they shall not teach, each one his neighbor

    and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’

for they shall all know me,

    from the least of them to the greatest.

12 For I will be merciful toward their iniquities,

    and I will remember their sins no more.”

In verses 8-12 the writer explains, by quoting a prophecy from Jeremiah 31:31-34, wherein the Lord says He will replace the old covenant with a new one and He also makes a number of personal promises in these passages.

These are:

• I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts.
• I will be their God and they shall be my people.
• Everybody will know Him personally.
• He will be merciful.
• He will remember their sins no more.

This is the New Covenant of repentance of sins and acceptance of Christ as Lord and Saviour. Faith in Christ Jesus and in Him alone!

13 In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.

In verse 13 the writer tells the Hebrews who are thinking of returning to the Law that Christ Jesus has made the Old Covenant obsolete and useless and no longer valid. Salvation can only be found in Christ Jesus who fulfilled the Law in every way! Without Jesus there is nothing to go back to!

Jesus himself tell us this:

Matthew 5:17 (AMP)

“Do not think that I came to do away with or undo the Law [of Moses] or the [writings of the] Prophets; I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.

Prayer

Dear Father in Heaven 

Thank you for Jesus my Lord and Saviour. Thank you that it is by His name alone that I am saved, and it is only through Him that I receive your sonship and can share in your spiritual blessings that are for Your children only. Help me, Father by the power of your Holy Spirit to walk in a manner that is worthy of my salvation in Christ Jesus and keep me from developing a sinful, rebellious heart of unbelief and help me to come before you in humility.  Help me Lord ro immerse myself in your Word and wall on the path to spiritual maturity so that I can be a blessing to others and glorify the name of Jesus. Help me in my unbelief I pray!. Amen.

To Jesus belongs all glory, honour and praise!

Jesus the Name above all names!

Remember: Reading this article is no substitute for reading and studying the Bible for yourself. My word is flawed - the Bible is not!

Unpacking the Book of Hebrews: Chapter 7

Please bear in mind that the Book of Hebrews is written to Jewish converts to Christianity, many of whom were contemplating going back to Judaism (The Law) because of the persecution they were subjected to by those outside the Christian Faith.                                      

Note: In the body on this article the verses from Hebrews are in italics, the explanation of the verse/s follows in straight text with additional scriptures shown in bold italics.

Background to Chapter 7

In this chapter the writer returns to a theme that he first introduced to us in chapter 2 verse 17 in which he sates that Jesus is our High Priest and he also expands upon the theme he introduced in chapter 5 verse 6 about Jesus being "a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek."

The Priestly Order of Melchizedek

1 For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2 and to him Abraham apportioned a tenth part of everything. He is first, by translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, that is, king of peace. 3 He is without father or mother or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever. 4 See how great this man was to whom Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth of the spoils! 

In verses 1-4 the writer gives us a little more information about the mysterious priest Melchizedek from what is written in the Old Testament. He met Abraham when he was returning home from defeating the alliance of the four kings (see Genesis 14:17-20) who had taken Lot, Abraham's nephew, captive. In these verses from Genesis we learn that Melchizedek was:

• A priest of the Most High God
• His name means king of righteousness
• King of Salem (an ancient name for Jerusalem), salem (a derivation of the Hebrew word "shalem"), it means peace so he was also the king of peace
• He is without genealogy - without mother or father and has neither beginning nor end 
• He resembles the Son of God in that he continues as a priest forever
• Melchizedek is considered to be a great man of God

When we look at the above attributes of Melchizedek that the Bible gives us, we can see that he is a shadow of or a type of Christ. And like Jesus did with his 12 disciples he broke bread with Abraham and pronounced a blessing over him, and Abraham, in recognition of the spiritual greatness of Melchizedek, gave him a tithe of a tenth of his spoils of war!

Melchizedek in his blessing of Abraham gave praise and glory to God for giving Abraham the victory over the four kings! Melchizedek was fully in line with the will of God.

Genesis 14:17-20 (ESV)

17 After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King's Valley). 18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.) 19 And he blessed him and said,

“Blessed be Abram by God Most High,

    Possessor of heaven and earth;

20 and blessed be God Most High,

    who has delivered your enemies into your hand!”

And Abram gave him a tenth of everything. 

The inferior is blessed by the superior

5 And those descendants of Levi who receive the priestly office have a commandment in the law to take tithes from the people, that is, from their brothers, though these also are descended from Abraham. 

In verse 5 the writer explains that the Levitical priesthood was established through the Mosaic Law and the Law commanded them to take tithes from their fellow Israelites even though they were all Abraham's descendants.

6 But this man who does not have his descent from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. 7 It is beyond dispute that the inferior is blessed by the superior. 

In verses 6 and 7 we learn that as Melchizedek is not descended from Abraham, he received tithes from Abraham, who carried God's promise of being a father to many nations, and blessed him. This shows that Melchizedek was greater than Abraham and that Abraham was inferior to Melchizedek as he gave tithes to him and was blessed in return - the inferior is blessed by the superior!

8 In the one case tithes are received by mortal men, but in the other case, by one of whom it is testified that he lives. 9 One might even say that Levi himself, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, 10 for he was still in the loins of his ancestor when Melchizedek met him.

In verses 8, 9 and 10 the theme of Melchizedek being greater than Abraham is continued. The Levitical priesthood, down through the ages, received the tithes of Israel as mortal men as they are all descended from Abraham. 

The Levitical priests, because of their mortal lineage through Abraham, thus paid tithes through Abraham because the Levitical priests throughout the ages were still in Abraham's loins, so to speak, when Abraham met Melchizedek.

Jesus Compared to Melchizedek

11 Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron? 

Verse 11 tells us that if we could receive salvation (being perfect) through the Law (the Levitical priesthood) there would be no need for us to have a Saviour and thus no need for another High Priest to arise in the order of Melchizedek! The Levitical priesthood never made anything perfect!

12 For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well. 

It was always God's plan for man to be made perfect through the saving grace of His Son, our Lord Jesus. It is only through the name of Jesus that man can be saved - made perfect!. 

So with the advent of Jesus as our High Priest forever and our only Saviour, the law was not only changed but fulfilled in Christ! This was a necessity in order for man to be saved (made perfect) in Christ Jesus! Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law and it is only by repentance and receiving Him as Lord and Saviour that man can be saved.

Acts 4:12 (ESV)

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Matthew 5:17 (ESV)

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.

Jesus is from the tribe of Judah

13 For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. 14 For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests.

Jesus could not be a priest in accordance with the Mosaic Law as he was from a different tribe. He, in his humanity, was of the lineage of the tribe of Judah, not Levi! Jesus as our High Priest is therefore much higher than the Levitical priesthood as He is pronounced by God to be in the order of Melchizedek.

15 This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, 16 who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life. 17 For it is witnessed of him,

“You are a priest forever,

    after the order of Melchizedek.”

In verses 15-17 the writer explains that Jesus is not a priest descended from a legal requirement (the Mosaic Law - Levitical Priesthood) but He became our High Priest forever by the power of an indestructible life! 

The grave could not hold Him. He was resurrected in the power of the Holy Spirit! This was prophesied hundred of years before by the Psalmist in Psalm 110:4:

The Lord has sworn

    and will not change his mind,

“You are a priest forever

    after the order of Melchizedek.”

God will not change His mind, Jesus is our High Priest forever!

18 For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness 19 (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.

In verses 18 and 19 we learn that the former commandment from the Law has been changed and set aside because it was never able to make anyone perfect because it was weak and useless, but in the new covenant of faith in Christ Jesus our hope for eternity is secure as in Him we are able to draw near to God and are called His sons and daughters!

Jesus' sacrifice on the cross paid our debt of sin in full once and for all whereas the Law commanded animal or bird sacrifices for all types of sin on a continual basis. 

1 John 3:1-3(ESV)

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.

Jesus appointed by the Father's oath - verses 20-22

20 And it was not without an oath. For those who formerly became priests were made such without an oath, 21 but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him:

“The Lord has sworn

    and will not change his mind,

‘You are a priest forever.’”

22 This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant.

All the Levitical priests before Jesus were appointed according to the Aaronic bloodline and not with an oath. But Jesus was appointed and anointed a High Priest for ever by an oath from God which makes him a permanent High Priest - not even death could hold him! But every priest before him perished! 

This makes Jesus our guarantor of an eternal life - a far better covenant than the Law! His is the covenant of our salvation and reconciliation with God the Father!

Acts 2:24 (AMP)

But God raised Him up, releasing Him and bringing an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in death’s power.

23 The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, 24 but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. 25 Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

Verses 23-25

Every priest before Jesus had a finite ministry because they were subject to physical death just like every other human. But Jesus holds His priestly position forever as He is not subject to death - He was resurrected after the cross and lives forever! Consequently it is only through Jesus that mankind can receive eternal salvation! We can only be reconciled to God through Jesus since He constantly lives to intercede with God on our behalf.

Romans 8:34 (AMP)

Who is the one who condemns us? Christ Jesus is the One who died [to pay our penalty], and more than that, who was raised [from the dead], and who is at the right hand of God interceding [with the Father] for us. 

26 For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. 27 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. 28 For 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.

Verses 26-28

Jesus is better qualified to be a High Priest than any priest from the order of the Law of Moses - the Levitical Priesthood.

In verses 26-28 the writer reiterates that it is only right that Jesus should be our high priest forever because He the only one who is without sin and undefiled - He was not and is not a sinner as the Levitical priests are and we are. 

Jesus is holy and blameless and does not have to atone for His own sin as the Levitical priests did and as we do. Jesus is exalted above all things and the only name by which man can be saved! See Acts 4:12 above.

Two facts prove the perfect character of Jesus. Firstly, His is exalted in heaven and secondly, because He was sinless He did not need to offer up sacrifices for His own sins – which the other priests needed to do daily.

A Levitical priest could bring a sacrifice and offer it on the altar. But Jesus was both the priest and the sacrifice. Jesus' death and resurrection is the best and only sacrifice brought to God the Father by the best priest for mans salvation.

When Jesus offered up Himself it was a willing sacrifice done in love!

For the Levitical high priests were men who had weaknesses and were corrupted by sin: But Jesus is God's Son who has been perfected forever and was and is without sin and corruption. 

Because He is a perfect High Priest, He is able to offer up Himself as a perfect sacrifice for our sin. Jesus is perfectly qualified to be our perfect High Priest – perfected forever.

Prayer

Dear Father in Heaven

Thank you for Jesus my Lord and Saviour. Thank you that it is by His name alone that I am saved, and it is only through Him that I receive your sonship and can share in your spiritual blessings that are for Your children only. Help me, Father by the power of your Holy Spirit to walk in a manner that is worthy of my salvation in Christ Jesus and keep me from developing a sinful, rebellious heart of unbelief and help me to come before you in humility.  Help me Lord to immerse myself in your Word and wall on the path to spiritual maturity so that I can be a blessing to others and glorify the name of Jesus. Help me in my unbelief I pray!. Amen.

To Jesus belongs all glory, honour and praise!

Jesus the Name above all names!

Remember: Reading this article is no substitute for reading and studying the Bible for yourself. My word is flawed - the Bible is not!