In our current series we’ve been going through an old list of questions and answers contained in the Westminster Larger Catechism published in 1648. Last week we saw that Jesus is a priest because he offered a sacrifice for the sins of his people. This week I want to show you that Jesus is a priest because he intercedes for his people.
The priests in the Old Testament were commanded to come to God and intercede on behalf of the Israelites. In 1 Chronicles we read about the intercession of the priests: ‘Aaron was set apart, he and his descendants forever, to consecrate the most holy things, to offer sacrifices before the LORD, to minister before him and to pronounce blessings in his name forever’ (1 Chronicles 23:13).
Also in Numbers we see that priests would pronounce blessings from God on the people: ‘The LORD said to Moses, "Tell Aaron and his sons, 'This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: "' "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." '"So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them"’ (Numbers 6:22-27).
So the question is, does Jesus intercede for God’s people? Yes. The author of Hebrews say about Christ: ‘Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them’ (Hebrews 7:23-25). Paul also says that Christ ‘is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us’ (Romans 8:34). Furthermore the high priestly prayer of Jesus in John 17 gives us just a small taste as to what Jesus prays for his people.
Therefore Jesus is a priest because he intercedes on behalf of God’s people. And if you trust in Jesus as your priest then he intercedes for you. Who better to speak to God on your behalf than the son of God?
So do you recognise that Jesus is a priest as he intercedes for God’s people? Have you trusted in him so that Jesus is your priest and intercedes for you?
Joel Radford, Preaching Elder.
Showing posts with label priesthood of Christ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label priesthood of Christ. Show all posts
Monday, April 14, 2014
Monday, April 7, 2014
Jesus was a priest because he offered a sacrifice for sins
In our current series we’ve been going through an old list of questions and answers contained in the Westminster Larger Catechism published in 1648. Today we’re going to start learning about how Jesus is a priest of God.
One of the primary functions of the priestly office is to offer sacrifices to God for sin.
Thus in the Old Testament there are very specific commands given to priests on how to make sacrifices that would be acceptable to God. For example: ‘The LORD said to Moses and Aaron: "This is a requirement of the law that the LORD has commanded: Tell the Israelites to bring you a red heifer without defect or blemish and that has never been under a yoke. Give it to Eleazar the priest; it is to be taken outside the camp and slaughtered in his presence. Then Eleazar the priest is to take some of its blood on his finger and sprinkle it seven times toward the front of the Tent of Meeting. While he watches, the heifer is to be burned--its hide, flesh, blood and offal. The priest is to take some cedar wood, hyssop and scarlet wool and throw them onto the burning heifer. After that, the priest must wash his clothes and bathe himself with water. He may then come into the camp, but he will be ceremonially unclean till evening’ (Numbers 19:1-7).
So the question is, did Jesus offer a sacrifice for sins that was acceptable to God? Yes. And Jesus actually offered a sacrifice better than an animal, he offered his pure self. The author of Hebrews tells us: ‘The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!’ (Hebrews 9:13-14).
Therefore Jesus is both a priest and a sacrifice. And if we trust in him as our priest then his sacrifice atones for our sins.
So do you recognise that Jesus is a priest who has offered himself as a sacrifice for sin? Have you trusted in him so that his sacrifice is for your sin?
Joel Radford, Preaching Elder.
One of the primary functions of the priestly office is to offer sacrifices to God for sin.
Thus in the Old Testament there are very specific commands given to priests on how to make sacrifices that would be acceptable to God. For example: ‘The LORD said to Moses and Aaron: "This is a requirement of the law that the LORD has commanded: Tell the Israelites to bring you a red heifer without defect or blemish and that has never been under a yoke. Give it to Eleazar the priest; it is to be taken outside the camp and slaughtered in his presence. Then Eleazar the priest is to take some of its blood on his finger and sprinkle it seven times toward the front of the Tent of Meeting. While he watches, the heifer is to be burned--its hide, flesh, blood and offal. The priest is to take some cedar wood, hyssop and scarlet wool and throw them onto the burning heifer. After that, the priest must wash his clothes and bathe himself with water. He may then come into the camp, but he will be ceremonially unclean till evening’ (Numbers 19:1-7).
So the question is, did Jesus offer a sacrifice for sins that was acceptable to God? Yes. And Jesus actually offered a sacrifice better than an animal, he offered his pure self. The author of Hebrews tells us: ‘The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!’ (Hebrews 9:13-14).
Therefore Jesus is both a priest and a sacrifice. And if we trust in him as our priest then his sacrifice atones for our sins.
So do you recognise that Jesus is a priest who has offered himself as a sacrifice for sin? Have you trusted in him so that his sacrifice is for your sin?
Joel Radford, Preaching Elder.
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