The High Priest of the Saints

We are not alone in our battle for daily spiritual victory. A born again believer is part of a family or a body called the church. The Old Testament church was a shadow of the New Testament church. They had a High Priest that could go into the Holy of Holies and meet God for them. He did this yearly and all their sins were atoned until the next year. His entrance by the great veil was a breathtaking moment and the Shekinah of God would appear to consume the blood sacrifice.

That veil was supernaturally ripped from top to bottom when the Son of God cried, “It is finished.” The finished work of His death was complete when the Son ascended, walked right down Hallelujah Boulevard, and entered the majestic temple in Heavenly Jerusalem. This temple is the prototype of the earthly temple, which was built by King Solomon.

There was a celebration of which words do not lend themselves. The Son of God was exalted because of His perfect redemption “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (Matthew 28:18). He became our High Priest, actually seated at the Father’s right hand. He was declared the “Head of the Church” and also the “Lord of Sabaoth,” which means “Lord of a Multitude” (all heavenly angels). From that moment to this very hour, He has been and is our High Priest.

Apostle Paul reminded us of our incredible safety in His provision. “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” (Romans 8:34). That great verse of Scripture includes the whole of His redemptive acts. He was crucified, but He arose, ascended, was exalted, and now reigns. These are the five keys of our eternal hope. No wonder the next verse declared, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” (Romans 8:35a). Eternal security belongs to those that have a high view and unfailing trust of Jesus Christ.

Life is plagued with many opportunities to fail in our obedience to Holy Scripture and Jesus Christ Himself. Every convert to Christ must be taught that the kingdom suffereth violence. Satan, his horde of fallen angels, and the world are not friends of genuine Christianity. Jesus Christ warns us, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). He also stated by His Apostle John, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (I John 2:15). The saints do not belong to this world because they are pilgrims and strangers on their journey to the sky.

Today’s church world gives almost no attention to Christ’s priesthood because they know little of the conflict of holy living. A “set apart” life is in constant struggle with our flesh, with the worldly systems and cultures, and with the enemy himself. That’s the life that needs the High Priest to defend, intercede, and strengthen our daily walk. Saintly living is the life of constant cross bearing, death to self, and the passion of loving and pleasing our ascended Lord. When He is King of your every desire, you will come to rest in His priestly defense.

Some of the greatest words that came from the learned Apostle Paul is found in his book of Hebrews. He declared, “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. 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. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:14-16). So many marvelous truths are revealed in this passage that every reader should shout about their surrender.

He actually “feels our infirmities and is touched with our pains and sorrows in the presence of our Father.” All that He feels, He also communicates to the Father’s heart in our behalf. When Stephen was being stoned in Jerusalem, Jesus felt the pain and stood up beside the Father’s throne to plead his cause. Stephen looked up and proclaimed, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God” (Acts 7:56). The saints of God are the most privileged class of the earthly creation. I declare Jesus Christ my High Priest as I look for His soon appearance.