Jesus - High Priest

Wherefore, Holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus. Hebrews 3:1 (KJV)

The High Priest in the Old Testament represented man before God. The High Priest offered sacrifices for sin and offerings of praise and thanksgiving to God. The High Priest alone could enter into the Holy of Holies - the place of God's presence on earth - and to sprinkle blood on the Mercy Seat.

But the High Priest was a man, chosen by God, according to his earthly lineage. The High Priest had to be descended from Aaron, of the tribe of Levi.

Jesus' Priesthood

Jesus, however, is not from the tribe of Levi. Jesus, in David's lineage, is from the tribe of Judah. Jesus is High Priest, not after the Levitical priesthood, but after the order of Melchizedek. The Levitical priesthood was temporary. It was based upon the sacrifice of bulls and goats to provide a temporary covering of blood for the sins of the people. Jesus' priesthood is an eternal priesthood, based upon the sacrifice of His own blood, to completely do away with sin.

Jesus' priesthood is

• continual, forever Hebrews 7:3
  
• unchangeable, permanent Hebrews 7:24
  

Jesus' sacrifice is

• once for all Hebrews 7:27
  
• pure, holy, effective Hebrews 9:14
  
• provides eternal redemption Hebrews 9:11

Jesus entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God's presence. (Hebrews 9:24) Jesus represents us before God Almighty in heaven. What does Jesus represent? He is the High Priest of our profession, our confession, our declaration of faith!