Not a Priest

Scripture Reading: Psalm 119; Jeremiah 51-52; Hebrews 8

Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all…

The Old Testament Temple and its attendant ordinances were types and shadows of the substance and the reality that was to come and did come in Jesus Christ. Everything they pointed to was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Their purpose was accomplished and their existence is unnecessary now that that which they prophesied has come.

Here, in Hebrews chapter four, the writer points out the necessity of the Ascension of Christ. Had he remained on earth, His priesthood would be incomplete. He, as the writer says it, “Would not be a priest at all.”

It was necessary for Christ to ascend into heaven after His resurrection and present His sacrifice in the heavenly temple before God. Just as the High Priest would enter the Holy of Holies once a year and sprinkle the blood on the mercy seat, Christ entered heaven with His sacrifice and made final propitiation for sin.

Christ’s Ascension was as necessary as His death. It was a part of His High Priestly task.

Jesus Ascended is one more link in the chain of the assurance that we are saved through Him and His sacrificial ministry.