Exploring the Scripture

Today ends the examination of Christ as the Eternal High Priest. We have come to understand he gave his life once and for all time, for all people. For those following the Hebrews lectionary path the last few Sundays, today begins with a summary of key points explored in previous texts. If today is the first time considering Jesus as the Great High Priest, we recommend a review of Sermon Helps for the past five Sundays. 

Contrasting Jesus Christ with the priests who served in the Jerusalem temple, the author of Hebrews reiterates a key theme in last week’s text. Human priests stand at the altar offering animal sacrifices day after day, but they can never fully atone for sins. The need for repetition is itself proof of the ineffectiveness of the ritual. The daily sacrifices only serve to remind people of their sinfulness.

On the other hand, Christ offered his life, once, completely, for all time and creation. His work was finished, and like royalty, “he sat down at the right hand of God,” waiting for the end of the age when all who opposed him would be subordinated (v.12). His single sacrifice offered complete forgiveness, allowing God to view each of us through the filter of Christ’s perfection.

The author cites Jeremiah 31:33–34 to affirm Christ’s new covenant lives in their hearts. The new covenant in Christ offers complete forgiveness of sins. It does not rely on external sacrificial rituals or an unending cycle of laws, daily rituals, and reminders of incomplete redemption. There is no more need for animal sacrifices.

There are no longer any barriers (curtains) separating us from God’s presence. We can approach God with confidence, following Jesus’ way. Because Christ died for our sins, our hearts have been symbolically sprinkled with the “blood” (life) of Christ and cleansed from impurities (v. 19). Further, we can approach God in faith with a clear conscience without carrying the burden of remembering past evil. Whatever scars sin has left on our bodies is removed, as if washed away by pure water.

With Christ as our High Priest, we look to the future with unwavering hope, knowing God’s faithfulness toward us is unwavering. Christ transforms our relationship with God and our relationship with one another. Forgiven, free from sin, filled with hope, we encourage one another and work together in love to bring about good in the world. We gather eagerly for worship and togetherness and build the community Christ promoted as God’s Reign. 

Even as we see “the Day approaching,” we continue to be a source of steadfast faith, hope, and love for one another (v. 25). “The Day” probably refers to the Second Coming of Christ, mentioned in Hebrews 9:28. It does not matter whether one views it as Christ’s Second Coming, the end of the world, or some other apocalyptic event. Whatever day we might dread, whatever deadline we might face personally or as a community, whatever approaching disaster we discern, we can face it with faith, hope, and love. We are assured of Christ’s continued ministry of forgiveness, restoration, and mercy for humankind and each of us as individuals. 

Project Zion Podcast

Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.

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Central Ideas

1. Priests stand at the altar day after day offering inadequate sacrifices, but Christ sacrificed himself once and for all to bring about final, total redemption.
2. The new covenant lives in our hearts, strengthening us through continual renewal and mercy.
3. We can approach God in faith with a clear conscience and look to the future with hope.
4. Whatever disasters loom ahead, Christ provides faith, hope, love, and forgiveness as resources to meet them. 

Questions to Consider

1. How have you claimed Christ’s forgiveness and mercy?
2. What does it mean personally for the new covenant to live in your heart, renewing your life?
3. How does the burden of conscience deny the blessing God offers through Christ? What do you do to let go of the burden of a guilty conscience?
4. What disasters do you perceive in your future? How can faith, hope, love, and forgiveness help you meet them?