Today’s selected reading continues in the New Testament epistle written unto the Hebrews. More specifically today’s passage is found in the tenth chapter of this New Testament epistle. “For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can. Never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? Because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins ever year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: In burnt offerings and sacrifices for fin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; from henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin” (Hebrews 10:1-18).
“Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; and having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:19-25).
“For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul” (Hebrews 10:26-39).
IT IS IMPOSSIBLE THAT THE BLOOD OF BULLS AND GOATS SHOULD TAKE AWAY SINS! IT IS IMPOSSIBLE THAT THE BLOOD OF BULLS AND GOATS SHOULD PURGE THE CONSCIENCE WITH ITS REMEMBRANCE OF SINS! THE LORD JESUS AFTER HE HAD MADE AN END OF SACRIFICE WAS SET DOWN AT THE RIGHT HAND OF THE FATHER! IF WE GO ON TO CONTINUE TO SIN WILLFULLY! THERE REMAINS NO MORE SACRIFICE FOR SINS!
When you come to this particular portion of Scripture you will find one of the most profound and powerful chapters in the entire epistle written unto the Hebrews. It is within this particular chapter where you will find what we might consider as the culmination and conclusion of everything the author had written up until this point. The words which we find here in this passage of Scripture brings us face to face with the awesome and incredible truth that has been presented in the previous chapters until this particular point. I am absolutely convinced that if we want to truly understand the words which are found in this passage of Scripture there is a great need to once more recognize and understand the office and role of the Lord Jesus Christ as the great High Priest of our profession. It is this reality and concept of the Lord Jesus Christ as the High Priest of our profession that is at the very heart and center of the author’s depiction of Him within this epistle. Throughout this epistle the author sought to convey unto their readers and audience the wonderful truth surrounding the Lord Jesus as our faithful and merciful high priest—a reality and truth was first expressed in the second chapter. After beginning and opening the epistle in the first chapter with the emphatic declaration that the Lord Jesus was indeed better and greater than the angels which were in heaven the author would then go on to describe and declare concerning the Lord Jesus how He was made a little lower than the angels for the purpose of suffering and death. Not only this but the Lord Jesus was made a little lower than the angels and took upon Himself the form of human flesh that at the appointed time His humanity and the life which He lived in the flesh might meet His divinity with the glory He had with the Father who was in heaven.
I am absolutely convinced that if you wish to truly understand the words which are found in the epistle written unto the Hebrews and the words which are found in the tenth chapter you must needs begin in the beginning with the first two chapters. It is within these first two chapters the author sets the stage for the wonderful and powerful declaration concerning the Lord Jesus Christ and how He was given a more excellent inheritance and name than the angels in heaven. What’s more is that it was not unto the angels whom the eternal Father declared “Thou art my Son whom I have begotten.” It was at the Jordan River when the Lord Jesus emerged from the waters of baptism the heavens were opened before and unto Him and the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form upon Him. Not only this but the voice of the Father spoke from the heavens and proclaimed and declared that this Jesus was His only begotten Son in whom he was well pleased. Before the Lord Jesus had ever performed a single miracle or had taught a single sermon or message unto the masses and crowds the Father already delighted and took great pleasure in Him. There at the Jordan River the living God not only declared of Jesus that He was His only begotten Son but also that He was pleased with Him. What’s more is that on the mountain of transfiguration the voice of the Father would once more speak from heaven in the company and presence of the apostles Peter, James and John declaring that this was His only begotten Son. This time, however, there would be something different that would be declared and proclaimed for the Father would go on to instruct those present—including Moses and Elijah who represented the Law and the prophets—to hear Him.
It is having said and written all of this I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the words which are found in the first two chapters of this epistle. The words and language we find in these two chapters call and draw our attention to the absolutely incredible truth of the Lord Jesus having obtained a far greater name and inheritance than any of the angels which were in heaven. In the first chapter of this epistle we are brought face to face with the incredible and powerful truth surrounding God the Father in these Last Days speaking unto us by and through His Son. It is the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God who is indeed the express image and the fulness of the living God in bodily form and although He is no longer in the form of human flesh as the express image of the invisible God He is still the voice of the living God unto all those who come unto Him by and through faith alone. It is in the first chapter of this epistle we are brought face to face with the awesome and wonderful truth surrounding the Lord Jesus as being made far greater and far more superior than the angels which are in heaven having obtained a greater and better name and inheritance. This is something we must needs recognize and understand when seeking to understand the words and language found within this epistle—and not only within this epistle but also within the tenth chapter. The tenth chapter of this epistle is clearly the culmination and conclusion of everything the author has written and spoken up until this point, however, I am convinced that before we can truly delve into it we must needs consider the following words which are found in the first two chapters of this epistle. With this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found at the outset of this epistle beginning with the first verse of the first chapter:
“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these Last Days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on High; being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; and as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” (Hebrews 1:1-14).
The words we find here in the first chapter focus a tremendous deal on how God spoke in divers manners and at divers times unto the fathers through the prophets but has in these Last Days spoken unto us by and through His Son. This eternal and only begotten Son has been and was appointed heir of all things by whom also He made the worlds. Moreover this eternal and only begotten Son was and still is the brightness of the glory of the eternal God and the express image of His person—a reality which the apostle Paul clearly expressed in his epistle written unto the saints of Colossae: “…Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature; for by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in the earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: and he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven” (Colossians 1:12-20). Again in the second chapter of this same epistle written unto the Colossian saints the apostle Paul goes on to write the following words: “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: IN whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing to his cross; and having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it” (Colossians 2:8-15).
In the first and opening chapter of this epistle the author emphatically declares and proclaims concerning the Lord Jesus that He is indeed the eternal and only begotten Son of the Father—the very declaration the Father Himself spoke from heaven when He emerged from the waters of the Jordan River. Moreover the author of this epistle would go on to set the tone and stage of the epistle by declaring of the Son that He was appointed heir of all things by whom the living God made the worlds. This eternal and only begotten Son was indeed the brightness of the glory of the eternal and living God and the express image of His person who upheld all things by the word of His power. We must needs recognize and understand just how necessary and important this truly is for the author of this epistle called and drew our attention to the supremacy of the Lord Jesus Christ over creation as the worlds were made through Him. Not only were the worlds made through Him but He also upholds all things by the word of His power. What adds even more weight to this is when you consider how the author of this epistle profoundly declared in the third verse of this opening chapter how after the Lord Jesus purged our sins He sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high—a theme which is found within and throughout this epistle. It is absolutely impossible to read the words found in this epistle and not encounter and come face to face with the supremacy of the eternal and only begotten Son as only He was given the invitation and inheritance to sit on the right hand of Majesty on high. Unto none of the angels in heaven, unto none of the cherubims, unto none of the seraphims and unto no man was this honor given to be seated at the right hand of the Father and it was in direct response to His willful and deliberate sacrifice when He laid down His life to purge our sins. Consider if you will the words which the apostle Paul wrote in the second chapter of the epistle written unto the Philippian saints:
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus ever knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:5-11).
That which we find in the first and opening chapter of the epistle written unto the Hebrews must needs be carefully considered and understood for it sets the whole tone of the epistle itself. If you are to truly understand the language and text found within this epistle you must needs recognize that everything begins with God and that the Lord Jesus is the eternal and only begotten Son. Not only this but we must also understand that the Lord Jesus is supreme and far better than the angels in heaven which the author of this epistle wrote in the fourth verse of the opening chapter—“…being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they” (v. 4). This reality of the Lord Jesus Christ being made so much better than the angels is actually a key concept in the epistle for it is at the very heart and foundation of what we read in the second chapter. It is in the first chapter where we discover that unto none of the angels was the declaration “Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee” given. Unto none of the angels in heaven was the declaration “I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to me a Son” given. Moreover the author of the epistle expressly declares concerning the angels in heaven that they were given a charge and command to worship Him [the eternal and only begotten Son]—those who were made spirits and ministers who were a flame of fire. Furthermore it was unto the Son only the Father would declare “Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever” and “a sceptre of righteousness is the scepter of thy kingdom.”
This reality and concept of the eternal and only begotten Son being made so much better than the angels is actually something we have great need of recognizing and understanding when reading the words found in the second chapter for although the Lord Jesus was indeed made so much better than the angels which were in heaven He would allow Himself to be made a little lower than the angels. We know from David king of Israel that man was made a little lower than the angels and crowned with glory based on the words we find in the eighth chapter of the book of the Psalms. With this being said we also learn that although man was made a little lower than the angels he was given dominion over everything that lives and moves upon the earth. It is absolutely impossible to read the narrative of man’s creation and not encounter the truth that he was made by God a little lower than the angels. With this being said, however, we must needs recognize that man was indeed created in the image and after the likeness of the living God. When we read the Old Testament book of Genesis we discover that when God created and formed man from the dust of the earth He did so that man might be made in His image and after His likeness. It is in the first chapter of the Old Testament book of Genesis we discover God emphatically declaring unto all of heaven that man be created in His image and after His likeness. Also in the first chapter of the Old Testament book of Genesis we discover that with man being created in the image and after the likeness of the living God they were to have dominion and conquer and subdue everything that was upon the earth. It is with this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the first two chapters of the Old Testament book of Genesis, the words which are found in the eighth chapter of the book of the Psalms as well as the words which are found in the second chapter of the epistle written unto the Hebrews:
“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and remale created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so. And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day” (Genesis 1:26-31).
“These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens, and every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the Lord God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground. But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground. And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breathe of life; and man became a living soul” (Genesis 2:4-7).
“O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! Who hast set thy glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. When I consider the heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? And the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowed him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: all sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; the fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas. O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth” (Psalm 8:1-9).
“For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man that thou art mindful of him? Or the son of man, that thou visitest him? Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted” (Hebrews 2:5-18).
I have to admit the more I read and consider the words which are found within these opening chapters of the epistle written unto the Hebrews the more I am brought face to face with three of the most powerful realities concerning the Lord Jesus. As you read the words which are found in this epistle you will encounter time and time again the declaration concerning the Lord Jesus Christ and His being our great high priest. You cannot read this epistle without coming face to face with the beautiful and awesome reality of the Lord Jesus being our merciful and faithful high priest who is not such that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities but was in all ways tempted as we are yet was without sin. One of the most unique and powerful realities found in this epistle is that the Lord Jesus is indeed our faithful high priest who after having made sacrifice with His own body and blood entered into the heavens into the sanctuary made without human hands. This is something we have great need of recognizing and paying close attention to for it calls and draws our attention to the wonderful knowledge that in the Lord Jesus as our merciful and faithful high priest we see both His humanity and divinity in full operation. It was because the Lord Jesus took upon Himself the form of human flesh and blood that He was able to taste and experience suffering and death for us. Not only this but it was because He was raised from death to life on the third day and ascended unto the right hand of the Father that He is able to serve as our faithful high priest in the heavens. It is there in the heavens where He appears before the heavenly Father ever living to make intercession for us in the presence of all the holy angels.
The more you read the epistle written unto the Hebrews the more you will encounter the reality of the Lord Jesus Christ and how after He was raised from death to life on the third day and showed Himself alive with many infallible proofs over a period of forty days He ascended unto the heavens. What adds even more weight to the reality of the Lord Jesus ascending unto the heavens is when you consider what He did and where He went upon entering into the heavens. It is in the New Testament gospel written by Mark we first encounter the truth about the ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ and how after He ascended from the mount of Olives He sat down at the right hand of God where He has been ever since and where He will be forevermore. As you read the epistle written unto the Hebrews you will encounter on more than one occasion the truth that the Lord Jesus entered into the heavens and sat down at the right hand of the living God. This is something we must needs recognize and understand for one of the core realities found in this epistle is the Lord Jesus not only entering into the heavens but also being seated at the right hand of the Father. It wasn’t just enough for the Lord Jesus to enter into the heavens and even to enter into the Holiest of all but to actually sit down at the right hand of the Father. What an incredibly powerful truth surrounds the Lord Jesus having been seated at the right hand of the Father for it signifies and suggests that His work of making atonement and propitiation for the sins of the world was in fact completed.
If there is one thing the knowledge of the Lord Jesus being set down at the right hand of the Father demonstrates and proves for us it is that the work which He was sent unto the earth in the form of human flesh was in fact completed. Jesus did indeed come in the form of flesh and blood that He might taste suffering and death as a man, however, once that work was completed and He was raised from death to life he would ascend unto the right hand of the Father. It would be there at the right hand of the Father the Lord Jesus would serve in the role and office of the faithful and high priest for evermore. In order to truly understand the words which are found in this particular epistle we must needs understand the reality that the Lord Jesus did indeed pass from the earth into the heavens where He sat down at the right hand of the living God. Within the epistle written unto the Hebrews we not only encounter the truth surrounding the Lord Jesus as the high priest but also as having been set down at the right hand of the Father which was in heaven. This must needs be clearly understood for it helps us understand the place of authority as well as the place of ministry the Lord Jesus finds Himself in and has found Himself in from the moment He ascended unto the right hand of the Father in heaven.
The more I think about this particular truth the more I am brought face to face with the awesome and incredible truth surrounding both the authority and the ministry which the Lord Jesus has being set down at the right hand of the Father. As you consider the reality of the Lord Jesus having passed through the heavens and entering into the Holiest of all you must acknowledge the fact that He entered and stepped into a place of ministry and authority. It was because the Lord Jesus took on the form of flesh and blood and became like as unto one of us He is able to step into and fulfill the role and office of high priest. The epistle written unto the Hebrews is such which must needs be recognized and understood within our hearts for when we think about the Lord Jesus we must recognize that while there was indeed a work which He was ordained and appointed to do while upon the earth there is a work which He continues to do having passed into the heavens. When. Jesus entered into the heavens and passed into the sanctuary and the Holiest of all He would not only step into a place of ultimate authority but also a place of ministry. In the place of being set down at the right hand of the Father in the heavens we see both of these manifestations finding a powerful union and harmony within the role and function of the Lord Jesus. On the one hand the ministry of the Lord Jesus has to do with His role as our faithful and merciful high priest while on the other hand the authority has to do with the victory and triumph He exercised while upon the earth and which He continues to exercise in the heavens. It is with this in mind I invite you to consider if you will the following passages which speak to the role and office of the ministry Jesus has stepped into as our faithful and merciful high priest who has passed into the heavens:
“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted” (Hebrews 2:14-18).
“Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house” (Hebrews 3:1-3).
“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 also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. And he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; and being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec” (Hebrews 5:5-10).
“For men verily sear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. Wherein God, wiling to more abundantly to shew unto theirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: that by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: which hope we have as an anchor of the soul but sure and steadfast, and which endureth into that within the veil; whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec” (Hebrews 6:16-20).
“For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. For the law maketh men high priest which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore” (Hebrews 7:26-28).
“Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an nigh priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; a minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that these are priests that offer gifts according to the law: who serve unto the examples and shadow of heavenly things, as Moss was admonished of God when he about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount. But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises” (Hebrews 8:1-6).
“But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God” (Hebrews 9:11-14).
“Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; and having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering: (For he is faithful that promised) and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is: but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as we see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:19-25).
Each of these passages must be carefully considered and understood when reading this epistle for within it we encounter the Lord Jesus who stepped into the role and office of the eternal high priest. When we think about the Lord Jesus having been set down at the right hand of the Father which is in heaven we must needs understand that when He passed into the heavens He did so carrying His own blood which He shed and sacrificed upon the cross of Calvary. It would be through the dead of the Lord Jesus that a new covenant was entered with a more sure foundation and a much better offer for those who came unto Him by faith. It would be this new covenant where the consciences of men could indeed be purified and cleansed from sins. It would be in this new covenant we would have a faithful and merciful high priest—one who is eternal and who is set down before the right hand of the Father. What’s more is that it is in this eternal covenant that we have a faithful high priest who ever lives to make intercession for us. Having passed through the heavens the Lord Jesus is now before the Father ever living to make intercession for us and serving as the high priest in the presence of the living and eternal God. It is in the heavenly sanctuary and tabernacle—one that was made without human hands—the Lord Jesus ever lives and serves as our faithful high priest in the sight and presence of the living God. There in the presence of the living God the Lord Jesus is ever living to make intercession for us to provide us with a throne of grace whereby we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
With all of this being said we must needs recognize that the Lord Jesus Christ being set down at the right hand of the Father in the heavens is set down in the place of ultimate authority, dominion and power. The Lord Jesus Christ is indeed set down at the right hand of the Father and remains there with all his enemies being His footstool. We know that just before Jesus ascended unto the right hand of the Father He emphatically declared unto the disciples that all authority and power in heaven and on earth was given unto Him. When he ascended unto the right hand of the Father which was in the heavens He would sit down at the right hand of all authority. It would be there at the right hand of the Father in heaven the Lord Jesus would be found in a place of authority and power. We know that while He walked upon the earth He walked in and exercised dominion and authority over sickness, over illness, over unclean spirits, over demons and even over death, however, being seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven Jesus has the keys of death hell and the grave. It is there at the right hand of the Father who is in heaven the Lord Jesus is not only seated with scars but is also seated with keys—keys of authority, power and dominion. Oh it is with this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in this epistle concerning the Lord Jesus being set down at the right hand of the Father who is in heaven:
“…Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high” (Hebrews 1:3).
“But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?” (Hebrews 1:13).
“Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens” (Hebrews 8:1).
“But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; from henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool” (Hebrews 10:12-13).
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Oh please don’t miss and lose sight of the words which are found in these passages of Scripture for when we think about the Lord Jesus having passed into the heavens we must recognize that He sat down on the right hand of the throne of God. I have to admit that I can’t help but wonder what it was like in the heavens when the eternal and only begotten Son returned bearing the scars in His hands, feet and side and carrying the keys of death, hell and the grave. What’s more is that when you read the words found in this epistle you will clearly encounter and come face to face with the Lord Jesus being set down on the right hand of the throne of God in the heavens waiting for and expecting His enemies be made His footstool. The Lord Jesus is indeed seated at the right hand of the living God and it is in that place where He exercised authority, dominion and power. Pause and consider just how absolutely incredible this truly is for Scripture emphatically declares that the living God has put all things in subjection under his feet. What’s more is that in putting all things in subjection under the Lord Jesus he left nothing that is not put under him. We don’t see all things that are put under Him but we see Jesus who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death who was crowned with glory and honor. Jesus—having tasted death for every man—has set down at the right hand of the throne of God in heaven and is seated with all authority, all dominion and power. It is there at the right hand of the throne of God in heaven Jesus was given a name that is above all other names—a name whereby every knee in heaven and on the earth will bow and every tongue in heaven and on earth will confess that He is Lord.
As I prepare to bring this writing to a close I find it expedient to call and draw your attention to the words which are found in this passage of Scripture. The author of this epistle begins and opens by describing how the law having a shadow of good things to come and not the very of image of the things can never with the sacrifices offered year by year continually make those who came to the sanctuary perfect. The author made it perfectly clear that the old covenant and testament fell far short it that it could not cleanse the conscience of sins for there would continually be remembrance of sins within the heart and mind of the one who came to the sanctuary. With this being said, however, there was one who would enter into the world who would delight to do the will of the living God. The priests who ministered during the days of the Old Covenant ministered daily and often offering sacrifices time and time again which could not take away sins. This is why the words which John the Baptist are so incredibly important for he boldly and emphatically declared that Jesus was indeed the Lamb of God who took away the sins of the world. Once Jesus came and offered His body and blood as a sacrifice and set down on the right hand of Majesty on high He did so having subjected all things under His feet. Jesus’ being seated at the right hand of all authority and power is a powerful statement and declaration that He has indeed triumphed—and not only triumphed but triumphed over death, hell and the grave. The Lord Jesus being seated at the right hand of the Father is incredibly powerful when you consider that His being seated at the right hand of the Father speaks to the authority and dominion that has been given unto Him.
With this all being said we must needs continue on in the tenth chapter where we will once more encounter this boldness we have—not only boldness to come unto the throne of grace but now we have this boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus. In the fourth chapter we read of this boldness which we have to come before and unto the throne of grace while in this chapter we find boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus by a new and living way which He consecrated for us through the veil which was his flesh. Since we have a high priest over the house of God we are to draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Moreover we are to hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering and consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works. Oh we must needs recognize and understand the boldness that we have because of the blood which the Lord Jesus shed for us upon the cross of Calvary two thousand years ago. The words which were written in this epistle we just as true then as they are now for we in this generation still have boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus. When the Lord Jesus yielded Himself into the hands of the Father and breathed His last the veil in the Temple was torn in two from top to bottom thus signifying that the way into the holiest of all had been made. As a direct result of the veil which separated the Holy Place from the Holiest of all being torn in twain we now had access to come boldly before and unto the throne of grace without fear, without shrinking back and without condemnation, guilt or shame.
What we must needs recognize and understand is that we have been called to a life of firm devotion and commitment. We are not those who shrink back unto fear and unto trepidation as the children of Israel did in the wilderness. We are those who have full assurance of faith with our hearts and consciences washed with the water and the blood and are able to access the Holiest of all by and through the blood of the Lord Jesus. With this being said we must needs recognize the tremendous responsibility we have to guard our steps and guard our path that we might not deliberately and willfully transgress against the command of the living God. The author of this epistle issues a strong warning in the tenth chapter for those who sin willfully after having received the knowledge of the truth declaring that unto them there remains no more sacrifice for sins. Instead what they find is a certain fearful looking for judgment and fiery indignation which shall devour the adversaries. Those who despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witness, however, those who tread under foot the Son of God and counted the blood of the covenant which we have been sanctified an unholy thing will receive a more severe punishment and judgment. As if this weren’t enough we also find in this particular passage an incredibly powerful admonition given by the author to continue steadfast in our patience and endurance—even while we are enduring hardships, trials, trouble and afflictions. I leave you with the final words which are found in the tenth chapter as they set the stage for the eleventh chapter of this epistle—one which deals exclusively with the demonstration and manifestation of faith with our lives:
“But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye wer eilluminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them t hat believe to the saving of the soul” (Hebrews 10:33-39).
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