Theme · christological
High Priesthood of Christ
The Levitical high priest entered the Holy of Holies once a year with blood not his own, offering atonement that had to be repeated annually. Psalm 110 prophesies a priest 'after the order of Melchizedek' — a priesthood older than Aaron and not limited by death. Hebrews builds its central argument on this: Jesus is the priest who offered himself, entered the heavenly sanctuary, and sat down — his work complete. He ever lives to make intercession, combining in one person the priest who offers and the sacrifice that is offered.
Passages expressing this theme
- Gen 14:18 — And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.
- Heb 2:17 — Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the p
- Heb 3:1 — Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
- Heb 4:14 — Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
- Heb 4:15 — For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
- Heb 5:5 — So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.
- Heb 5:6 — As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
- Heb 5:10 — Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.
- Heb 6:20 — Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
- Heb 7:3 — Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.
- Heb 7:17 — For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
- Heb 7:24 — But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
- Heb 7:25 — Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
- Heb 7:26 — For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
- Heb 7:27 — Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.
- Heb 8:1 — Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;
- Heb 9:11 — But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;
- Heb 9:24 — For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
- Heb 10:12 — But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
- Heb 10:21 — And having an high priest over the house of God;
- Ps 110:4 — The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
- Rom 8:34 — Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.