Hebrews 7:25 - 8:6
[25] Consequently he is able for all time to save those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
[26] For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, blameless, unstained, separated from sinners, exalted above the heavens.
[27] He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people; he did this once for all when he offered up himself.
[28] Indeed, the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect for ever.
Hebrews 8
[1] Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven,
[2] a minister in the sanctuary and the true tent which is set up not by man but by the Lord.
[3] For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices; hence it is necessary for this priest also to have something to offer.
[4] Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer gifts according to the law.
[5] They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly sanctuary; for when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, "See that you make everything according to the pattern which was shown you on the mountain."
[6] But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry which is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.
Paraphrasing Matthew Henry & adding commentary myself:
The believer's safety and happiness: our everlasting High Priest is able to save to the uttermost, in all times, in all cases. We should desire a spirituality and holiness beyond those of the Old Testament believers, as our advantages exceed theirs. Jesus Christ is for us!
When Moses acted as intercessor, he knew of the coming of Jesus. Deuteronomy 18:15,16,19 . But Moses was before the new covenant of Jesus and couldn’t rely upon Jesus’ saving grace. Moses was an intercessor for himself and the children of Israel, but he could sin and incur wrath. Moses was a good man, but his time placed him in the old covenant.
7:26-28 Jesus Christ is free from all habits or sin, no sin in his nature. Ghandi said once, “I like your Christ, it is the Christians I do not.” Christians have a sin nature and require a savior. Jesus did no violence, nor had any deceit in his mouth. He is undefiled. It is hard to keep ourselves pure, so as not to partake the guilt of other men's sins. No one is dismayed who come to God in the name of his beloved Son. He will deliver them in the time of trial and suffering, in the time of prosperity, in the hour of death, and in the day of judgment.
We approach God in and through Christ, depending upon Jesus’ merits and mediation. We are accepted in the Beloved! In all obedience and worship, we keep close to God's word, which is the only perfect standard.
The children of Israel during the time of Moses, were not as blessed as we are today in Jesus Christ. In Jesus, we have all spiritual blessings, eternal life, promises revealed in the gospel and old testament, and are made sure through Christ. Today, we are part of the new covenant, a blessing of infinitely greater value. Let us bless God that we have a High Priest that suits our helpless human condition!
In 1982 in college, my phone rang and a dear christian, a believer in Jesus Christ - one who studied the word of God - sought the Lord & told me, "he had a word of the Lord for me." In my life, I've had few people tell me they have a word of the Lord for me. He told me the Lord would give me a handicapped child. Believe me, I was angry and upset, my friend and I had words later in person. But he wanted me to know the Lord planned this in my life.
After Isabelle's death, I have thought about this quite a bit. I believe that I am a sinner and Jesus Christ answers for my sins. This life isn't heaven and we have seasons of pain. The Lord decided to bring Isabelle into our lives and have her open her eyes in heaven; I trust Him that this is a good thing. We did not see the miracles I hoped to see in this lifetime for Isabelle, but I trust in Him all His promises are given even to our tiny, beloved baby. Isabelle lives in heaven, in the love of Jesus Christ, and eternity is now. In 2007, I did not have a daughter, but now I do. May Isabelle's life, and mine, bless Him for His goodness.
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