Today’s selected reading continues in the New Testament epistle written unto the Hebrews. More specifically today’s passage begins with the first verse of the eighth chapter and continues through to the tenth verse of the ninth chapter. “Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at 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 erected, and not man. For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. Therefore it is necessary that this One also have something to offer. For if He were on earth, he would not be a priest, since there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law; who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said, See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain. But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises” (Hebrews 8:1-6).

 

            “For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second. Because finding fault with them, He says: Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah—not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they did not continue in my covenant, and I disregarded them, says the LORD. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put my laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none his brother, saying, Know the LORD, for all shall know me, from the least of them to the greatest of them. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more” (Hebrews 8:7-12).

 

            “In that He says, A new covenant, He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away” (Hebrews 8:13).

 

            “Then indeed, even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary. For a tabernacle was prepared: the first part, in which was the lamp stand, the tables and the showbread, which is called the sanctuary; and behind the second veil, the part of the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of All, which had the golden censer and the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which were the golden pt that had the man, Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant; and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail” (Hebrews 9:1-5).

 

            “Now when these things had been thus prepared, the priests always went into the first part of the tabernacle, performing the services. But I to the second part the high priest went alone once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the people’s sins committed in ignorance; the Holy Spirit indicating this, that the way into the Holiest of All was not yet made manifest while the first tabernacle was still standing. It was symbolic for the present time in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make him who performed the service perfect in regard to the conscience—concerned only with foods and drinks, various washings, and fleshly ordinances imposed until the time of reformation” (Hebrews 9:6-10).

            When you come to this particular portion of Scripture you will find the author of the epistle continuing to speak of the Lord Jesus as our faithful and merciful High Priest. Thus far within this epistle the author has made it abundantly clear that the Lord Jesus Christ is indeed superior than the angels which are in heaven. What’s more the author has taken time to demonstrate and illustrate that the Lord Jesus Christ is supreme above everything being seated at the right hand of the Father which is in heaven. Perhaps two of the greatest truths found within this particular epistle is that of the Lord Jesus being seated at the right hand of the Majesty on High and His being our faithful and merciful High Priest. This is actually something that is incredibly unique and powerful when you take the time to think about it for it calls and draws our attention to the fact that not only do we have a High Priest who has passed into the heavens but we also have a High Priest who is seated at the right hand of the Father. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for it calls and draws our attention to the ministry of the Son—even after His ascension unto the right hand of the Father. We know that when Jesus came to this earth He took upon Himself the form of human flesh and blood for the purpose of suffering, however, we must recognize that His ministry for us and on our behalf was not completed upon the cross. I am convinced there was a portion of the work of the Lord Jesus Christ which was indeed completed upon the cross, however, there was and there still is another great work which the eternal Son of the living God has undertaken and is continuing being seated at the right hand of the Father. I am fully aware of the fact that when on the cross Jesus emphatically declared, saying, “It is finished,” and there was a work that was finished in that moment upon the cross, however, even after Jesus breathed His last upon the cross, was buried in the earth for three days and was raised from death to life on the first day of the week there was still a work which He would undertake at the right hand of the Father which was in heaven.

 

            I sit here today writing these words and I cannot help but be absolutely gripped and captivated with the tremendous truth surrounding the Lord Jesus Christ and the work which He would continue at the right hand of the Father which is in heaven. There was a work which was completed on the earth while He was in the flesh as He would offer Himself as a sacrifice for our sins, however, there would be a secondary work which would be completed upon His return unto the Father which was in heaven. The first element or phase of this work—or I should say one of the elements of this work—was the releasing and pouring out of the person and presence of the Holy Spirit. There is a great need for us to recognize and pay close attention to this for Jesus knew that upon His return to the Father which was in heaven he would indeed pour out the person and presence of the Holy Spirit which was the promise of the Father. Oh there is something absolutely powerful and wonderful about this for even though Jesus would ascend unto the right hand of the Father which was in heaven He would engage Himself in the work of releasing the person and presence of the Holy Spirit as well as the work of serving as our faithful and merciful high priest. It is this process of serving as our merciful and faithful high priest that enables Him to not only appear before the throne of God in heaven and before the Mercy Seat in heaven but also to make intercession for us. Perhaps one of the greatest ministries of the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God in the heaven of heavens right now is ever living to make intercession for us. I am absolutely convinced that the eighth chapter of the New Testament epistle written unto the saints of Rome provides us with an incredibly beautiful and powerful picture of the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ having ascended unto the right hand of the Father which is in heaven. Consider if you will the following words which are found in this particular chapter beginning with the first and opening verse:

 

            “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: he condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you” (Romans 8:1-11).

 

            “Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, Abba, Father. The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together” (Romans 8:12-17).

 

            “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits fore the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weakness. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified” (Romans 8:18-30).

 

            “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: For your sake we are killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present not things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:31-39).

            If you take the time to read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture you will find a tremendous picture of the high priestly ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. Although it doesn’t specifically speak of Jesus the Christ as High Priest in this passage the language contained within it is absolutely unmistakable and such that we should not miss or ignore. There is a great need for us to recognize and understand that within this passage of Scripture we encounter and are brought face to face with the beauty and wonder of that ministry of Jesus the Christ as the faithful and merciful High Priest—particularly and especially around the areas of condemnation pertaining to sin and even prayer and intercession for us. This particular chapter begins and opens with the apostle Paul emphatically declaring that there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus and it’s important to note that he doesn’t stop there. There are a number of men and women who enjoy quoting that there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus and they completely omit the rest of the verse that is found in this chapter. The apostle Paul does indeed and does in fact declare there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, however, he goes on to declare that these individuals who are in Christ Jesus walk according to the Spirit and not according to the flesh. It is indeed true there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, however, we must needs recognize that the only true way to live free of condemnation is to walk according to the Spirit as we completely and utterly mortify the deeds of our flesh. One of the greatest truths and realities surrounding the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ as our faithful and merciful High Priest is that He ministered a better covenant and promise concerning sin in that we could not only be free from the condemnation of sin but our consciences which can in fact condemn, convict and judge us can also be cleansed.

 

            I find it absolutely necessary to pause for a moment and consider the following words which are found in the first epistle written by the apostle John in the first epistle written unto the saints which were at Ephesus. It is here within this epistle the apostle John writes concerning sin and those who say they have no sin and deceive themselves and those who do not sin because they are indeed the Lord Jesus Christ’s. There is a great need for us to recognize and pay close attention to the words which the apostle John wrote in this epistle for they call and draw our attention to the absolutely wonderful truth surrounding the faithful minister of the Lord Jesus Christ as our faithful and merciful High Priest for if we do sin and/or if our consciences convict us we have the freedom and the ability to confess our sins in the sight and presence of the living God. I am absolutely convinced there is a great need to recognize and pay close attention to the words which are found in this first epistle written by the apostle John for the words here draw and call our attention to the tremendous truth regarding sin within the life of those who profess to be the saints of God and disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for they bring us face to face with the awesome and powerful truth concerning sin within our lives and condemnation, conscience and confession. In all reality I would suggest there are indeed these three C’s of sin which we as the saints of God must needs be fully aware of the condemnation that is directly associated to sin—regardless of whether we are condemned by others, whether we are condemned by our enemy and adversary or whether we are condemned by our own conscience. It is this concept of conscience that is the second reality of sin for it is indeed possible for our conscience to condemn and judge us within ourselves. This brings us to the third element of sin which is if we have sinned and if our conscience or even if our enemy and adversary condemns us we have the freedom to confess our sins unto the One who is the faithful and merciful High Priest. With this being said I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the first epistle written by the apostle John:

 

            “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us” (1 John 1:8-10).

            “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world” (1 John 2:1-2).

 

            “Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him. Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God” (1 John 3:4-9).

 

            “My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment” (1 John 3:18-23).

 

            “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, bout that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” (1 John 4:7-11).

 

            We must needs recognize and pay close attention to the words which are found within this epistle written by one of the disciples who personally walked with and followed the Lord Jesus Christ during those three and a half years He was manifested in the flesh before the eyes of Judaea, Galilee, Jerusalem and even Samaria. In the first and opening chapter of this epistle the apostle John clearly declares that if we say we have no sin we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. The apostle John goes on to declare that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. This is something we must needs recognize and understand for when we seek to understand the ministry of the faithful and merciful High Priest we must recognize that intrinsically linked and connected to it is the confession of sins on our part. The apostle John clearly declares that if we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Not only this but the apostle John also goes on to declare that if anyone sins we have an Advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ the righteous. It is this Jesus Christ the Righteous who Himself is the protection for our sins—and not only for our sins only but for the whole world. What makes this all the more intriguing when you think about it is when you consider that in the third chapter of this epistle the apostle John goes on to declare of Christ that He was manifested to take away our sins and in Him there is no sin. This is incredibly important for not only was He without sin, and not only was He who knew no sin made to be sin for us but He was also manifested to take away our sins since there is no sin in Him. The only one who is qualified to take away our sin(s) is that One who knew no sin and yet was made to be sin for us and that One in whom there is no sin.

 

           

If you continue reading the words which are found in this first epistle written by the apostle John you will find the apostle instructing and exhorting them to not love in word or in tongue but indeed and in truth. The apostle John goes on to declare that by this we know that we are of the truth and shall assure our hearts before Him. Immediately following this the apostle John speaks of our heart condemning us—something we have a great need to pay attention to. It was the ancient Hebrew prophet Jeremiah who declared of the heart that it was desperately wicked above all things and then asks who can know it. Here in this particular epistle and writing of the apostle John we learn something else about the heart—namely that the heart can indeed condemn us. What’s more is that not only can the heart condemn us but the heart can condemn us pertaining to sin, unrighteousness, lawlessness, transgression, iniquity, immorality, adultery and the like. What we must needs understand when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture, however, is that even if our heart condemns us God is greater than our heart and knows all things. The apostle John then goes on to write that if if our heart does not condemn us we have confidence toward God. This confidence we have toward God is that whatever we ask we receive from Him because we keep His commandments and do those things which are pleasing in His sight. Please pay close attention to the words which are found in these passages of Scripture for when speaking of sin it is imperative we recognize and understand that directly linked and connected to sin is condemnation as well as matters of the conscience. This is something we dare not miss and lose sight of for it calls and draws our attention to the absolutely wonderful truth surrounding matters of the conscience and matters of condemnation as it pertains to sin.

 

With all of this being said I am convinced there is a great need to consider three distinct passages found within Scripture concerning those who stood condemned and judged by others. These individuals might very well have condemned and judged themselves and might very well have wrestled and struggled with matters of the conscience within them, however, there were additional elements to this which help us understand that which is found in the epistle written unto the Hebrews. In the New Testament gospel narrative written by the beloved physician Luke we find the account of Jesus being invited into the house of a pharisee by the name of Simon. The text within this gospel presents us with the incredible truth that while Jesu was in this house—while Jesus was perhaps in the house of religion—a woman from the city who was a sinner came in standing behind Him at His feet weeping. Not only this but she brought with her an alabaster jar filled with precious ointment and washed His feet with her tears, drying them with the hairs of her head and then anointing them with the fragrant ointment which she poured out of the alabaster jar. What we must needs understand concerning this woman is that when Simon saw and recognized what was happening he not only judged and condemned this woman within himself but also thought to himself that if Jesus knew who and what manner of woman this was He would not allow her to do such things. Simon thought within himself that if Jesus were truly a prophet he would know what manner of woman this was and that she was a sinner. These thoughts demonstrated the tremendous reality of religion condemning and judging one from the city who was a sinner and accusing them within their heart and mind.

 

There are other passages of Scripture which I am absolutely convinced must needs be considered when seeking to understand the reality of the Lord Jesus being our faithful and merciful High Priest is the account of the woman who was caught in the act of adultery. IN the eighth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John we find the account of a woman who was caught in the act of adultery and then not only dragged into the Temple but also dragged into the presence of Jesus. There in the Temple and in the presence of Jesus this woman was accused and condemned according to the Law by religion. What’s more is these religious leaders declared concerning the Law that it demanded such a woman be stoned to death according to the word spoken unto Moses. What makes this passage so incredibly unique and powerful when you take the time to consider it is that when Jesus heard the accusation of the religious leaders, heard the sentence of judgment according to the Law and even heard them ask what His thoughts were He stooped down and began writing in the ground as though He didn’t hear them. When the religious leaders continued to press Him even more He would rise from His place and would emphatically declare that He who was without sin might cast the first stone. The apostle John writes and records how beginning from the oldest to the youngest the accusers and those who would condemn this woman departed being convicted in their consciences of their own sin. Eventually and ultimately Jesus was left alone with this woman and proceeded to ask her where her accusers were—and not only where her accusers were but also whether or not there stood anyone to condemn her.

 

With this being said I am convinced we need to examine the words found in the seventh chapter of the New Testament gospel written by the beloved physician Luke as well as the words written by the apostle John in the eighth chapter of his gospel narrative. In addition to this I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to additional passages of Scripture that help us to recognize and understand the importance of the ministry of Jesus the Christ as our merciful and faithful High Priest. I firmly believe there is a great need to consider the account of Joshua the high priest being accused before the throne of God by Satan himself, the words which are found in the twelfth chapter of the prophetic book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ concerning the accuser of the brethren and even the words which are found in the fifty-first chapter of the Old Testament book of the Psalms which was written by David after he had sinned and committed adultery with Bathsheba and then lied and murdered to cover it up Having said this I invite you to consider the following passages beginning with the seventh chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the beloved physician Luke:

 

“Then one of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him. And He went to the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to eat. And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he spoke to himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner” (Luke 7:36-39).

 

“And Jesus answered and said to him, Simon, I have something to say to you. So he said, Teacher, say it. There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell me, therefore, which of them will love him more? Simon answered and said, I suppose the one whom he forgave more. And he said to him, You have rightly judged. Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, Do you see this woman? I entered your house: you gave me no water for my feet, but she has washed my feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. You gave me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss my feet since the time I cam in. You did not anoint my head with oil, but this woman has anointed my feet with fragrant oil. Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little. Then He said to her, Your sins are forgiven. And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, Who is this who even forgives sins? Then he said to the woman, Your faith has saved you. Go in peace” (Luke 7:40-50).

 

“But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. Now early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came to Him; and He sat down and taught them. Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, they said to Him, Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. Now Moss, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do you say? This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear. So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first. And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has not one condemned you? She said, No one, Lord. And Jesus said to her, Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more” (John 8:1-11).

 

“Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him. And the LORD said to Satan, The LORD rebuke you, Satan! The LORD who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire? Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and was standing before the Angel. Then He answered and spoke to those who stood before Him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And to him He said, See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes. And I said, Let them put a clean turban on his head. So they put a clean turban on his head, and they put the clothes on him. And the Angel of the LORD stood by” i(Zechariah 3:1-5).

“Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars. Then being with child, she cried out in labor and in pain to give birth. And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns and seven diadems on his heads. His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her child as soon as it was born. She bore a male child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her child was caught up to God and his throne. Then the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days” (Revelation 12:1-6).

 

“And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now salvation and strength and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time” (Revelation 12:7-12).

 

“Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male child. But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood. But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth. And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 12:13-17).

 

            Consider now David’s prayer of repentance after he committed adultery with Bathsheba, after he lied about the adultery and affair, after he had her husband murdered to conceal the adultery and after he was confronted by the prophet Nathan concerning his sin. The words which we find in the fifty-first chapter of the Old Testament book of Psalms provides us with the prayer of repentance and confession which David prayed before the living God after being confronted with his sin by a prophet of the living God. This is something we must needs recognize and pay close attention to for it calls and draws our attention to the absolutely wonderful truth surrounding our own need for confession as it pertains to any sin that is found within our lives. We know that directly linked to sin is condemnation as well as our own conscience within us, however, we must needs recognize that we have been given the wonderful opportunity and ability to confess our sins in the sight and presence of the living God. It was the apostle John who declared that if we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us all our sins. Her now are the words which are found in the fifty-first chapter of the Old Testament poetic book of the Psalms written by David the king of Israel:

 

            “To the chief musician. A Psalm of David when Nathan the prophet went to him after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to your loving kindness; according to the multitude of your mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned, and done this evil in your sight—that you may be found just when you speak, and blameless when you judge. Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in my sin my mother conceived me. Behold, you desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part you will make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me hear joy and gladness, that the bones you have broken may rejoice. Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me by your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners shall be converted to you. Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, the God of my salvation. And my tongue shall sing aloud of your righteousness. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth your praise. For you do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; you do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart—these, O God, you will not despise. Do good in your good pleasure to Zion; build the walls of Jerusalem. Then you shall be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering; then they shall offer bulls on your altar” (Psalm 51:1-19).

 

            There is a great need to recognize and pay close attention to the words which are found in these passages of Scripture for they not only demonstrate the ministry of the great High Priest of our confession but they also demonstrate the absolutely wonderful power that is found in confession of our sins in the sight and presence of the living God. David committed adultery with Bathsheba, attempted to lie about and cover it up and even murdered to conceal that which he had done. When confronted by Nathan the prophet David realized his fault and offense in the sight and presence of the living God. What we find in the fifty-first chapter of the poetic book of Psalms is David’s confession in the sight and presence of the living God as he would repent of his sin and iniquity. Not only would David repent of his iniquity but he would also ask the Lord God to create within Him a clean heart, restore within him a right spirit and to not take His Holy Spirit from him. This is something which warrants strong consideration for if David was able to confess his sin, iniquity, adultery and transgression before Jesus suffered in the flesh, was crucified upon a cruel Roman tree called the cross, was buried in the earth, was raised from death to life on the first day of the week, ascended unto the right hand of the Father and made propitiation for our sin then how much more can we confess our sins in the sight and presence of the living God.

 

            If you read the words which are found in the eighth chapter of the epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the saints which were at Rome you will find him writing of the Spirit helping us in our weaknesses. The apostle Paul writes how we do not know what we should pray for as we ought but that the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Not only this but the apostle Paul also goes on to write that he who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. The apostle Paul also goes on to write how all things work together for good to those who love God and to those who are called according to His purpose. He would go on to write and speak of the foreknowledge and predestination of God to be conformed to the image of His Son that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. The apostle Paul speaks of those who were called by God, those who were justified by God and those who were glorified by the living God. The apostle goes on to ask what we can and should say in response to these things. The first thing that comes to the mind of the apostle is that if God is for us then who can in fact be against us? He writes how He who did not spare His own Son but delivered Him up for us all shall freely give us all things. What he writes next is incredibly powerful for the apostle Paul goes on to ask who shall bring a charge against God’s elect and then declares that it is God who justifies. The apostle Paul then goes on to asks who condemns for it is Christ who died and furthermore is risen and is even at the right hand of God who makes intercession for us. It is this very thought that reminds me of the following words which are found in the Old Testament prophetic book of Isaiah: “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is from me, says the LORD” (Isaiah 54:17).

 

            If you return to the eighth chapter of the epistle written unto the Hebrews you will find the author writing of the main point of the things which was written and spoken within the epistle. The author then goes on to describe how we have such a High Priest who is seated at 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 erected, and not man. At the very heart and center of the epistle written unto the Hebrews is the concept that Jesus ascended into the heaven heavens and is seated at the right hand of the Father and of the Majesty on high. The Lord Jesus Christ passed into the heavens and sat down at the right hand of the Father in heaven and it is in that place where He ever lives to make intercession for us. This is incredibly powerful to think about for when you read the words which are found in the epistle written unto the Hebrews you will find the beautiful truth surrounding Jesus being seated at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us when we are accused, when we are condemned, we are judged and when even our own heart condemns us. There is something truly astounding and remarkable about this when you take the time to think about it for it brings us face to face with the awesome and wonderful truth surrounding the Lord Jesus and how he is seated at the right hand of the Father where he makes intercession for us. We must needs recognize that the Lord Jesus Christ is an Advocate before and with the Father and makes intercession for us when we stand accused by religion and even when we stand accused by the enemy and adversary. We have a faithful and merciful High Priest who knows and understands those things we struggle with and is able to help, uphold and support us. As the faithful and merciful High Priest Jesus is able to help us during the days of our own flesh since He Himself came in the form of flesh and blood for the purpose of suffering, for the purpose of temptation and for the ultimate purpose of tasting death being crucified upon the cross.

If you continue reading the words which are found in this passage of Scripture you will find the author goes on to write how every high priest was appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. Because of this it was necessary that this One also have something to offer. If this High Priest were on earth He would not be a priest since there are priests who offered the gifts according to the law who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things. What we recognize concerning the Lord Jesus as our faithful and merciful High Priest is that He has obtained a more excellent ministry inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant. Within his epistle we discover Jesus as the Apostle and High Priest of our confession and now the author writes and speaks of the Lord Jesus as being a Minister of the sanctuary and a Mediator of a better covenant which was established on better promises. MINISTER AND MEDIATOR! FAITHFUL AND MERCIFUL HIGH PRIEST: MEDIATOR AND MINISTER! This is something we have a great need to recognize and pay close attention to for it brings us face to face with the incredibly awesome reality concerning the ministry of Jesus as our faithful and merciful High Priest who ministers in a better covenant with better promises. The author of this epistle goes on to write concerning the first covenant that if it had been faultless then no place would have been sought after and needed for a second. There was, however, fault found with them and therefore there was the prophetic word that was released during the days of the Old Covenant. It is in the final verses of the eighth chapter of this epistle the author presents us with those prophetic words which were spoken during the days of the Old Covenant:

 

            “Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah—not according to the covenant that I made with t heir fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they did not continue in my covenant, and I disregarded them, says the LORD. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put my laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none his brother, saying, Know the LORD, for all shall know me, from the least of them to the greatest of them. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more” (Hebrews 8:8-12).

 

            As I prepare to bring this writing to a close it is absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the words which are found in the ninth chapter of this epistle. When you begin reading with and from the first verse of the ninth chapter you will find the author writing of the first covenant having ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary. The tabernacle was prepared: the first part in which was the lamp stand, the table and the showbread which was called the sanctuary. Behind the second veil the part of the Tabernacle which is called the Holiest of All had the golden censer and the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold in which were the golden pot of manna, Aaron’s rod that budded and the tab les of the covenant. Above the Ark of the Covenant were the cherubims of glory overshadowing the mercy seat which things the author was now able to freely write and speak of. When those things were prepared the priests always went into the first part of the tabernacle performing the services. Into the second part the high priest alone went alone once a year—not without blood which he offered for himself and for the people’s sins which were committee in ignorance. What we must needs recognize when reading the words which are found in this passage of Scripture is that this first tabernacle—regardless of the fact that it was given to Moses by the LORD atop the mountain the wilderness of Sinai—was imperfect. The underlying reason it was imperfect was because the gifts and sacrifices which were offered could not make him who performed the service perfect in regard to conscience. Despite the innumerable amount of bulls, goats, rams, lambs, turtle doves and the like that were offered upon the altar it could not minister to the conscience that was present within the hearts, souls and spirits of those who had committed trespasses and offenses in the sight and presence of the living God. The gifts and the offerings which were offered in the Tabernacle—even though the High Priest went into the Holy of Holies once a year with blood to make atonement for the sins of the people—could not make men perfect in regard to the conscience.

 

            There is a great need for us to recognize and pay close attention to the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for they call and draw our attention to the absolutely wonderful truth surrounding the ministry of the faithful and merciful High Priest. This High Priest brought His own blood which was shed during the days of His flesh upon the earth into the Holy of Holies to make propitiation and atonement for us—not once a year but once and for all. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for it calls our attention to the reality that we have a faithful and merciful High Priest who can not only be touched with the feeling of our infirmities but is able to help and support us in all those things we wrestle and struggle with in this life. Our faithful and merciful high priest does indeed and does in fact minister a better covenant in which He is able to make atonement for our sins and has in fact done so with His own blood. Not only this but He destroyed him who had the power of death—that is the devil—and deliver those who through fear of death were tormented and in bondage. We must needs recognize and understand that we do indeed and do in fact have a faithful and merciful high priest who came in the flesh, who suffered in the flesh, who was tempted in the flesh and who died in the flesh that he might be a merciful High Priest who can minister at the right hand of the Father in heaven on our behalf. We have a faithful and merciful High Priest who is seated at the right hand of the Father and who ever lives to make intercession for us. Moreover we have a faithful and merciful high priest who ever lives to make intercession for us and together with the Holy Spirit does indeed and does in fact make intercession for us—even when we do not know what we ourselves out to pray. It with this in mind I leave you with the following words which are found in the second chapter of this epistle beginning with the fifth verse:

            “For he has not put the world to come, of which we speak, in subjection to angels. But one testified in a certain place, saying: What is man that you are mindful of him, or the son of man that you take care of him? You have made him a little lower than the angels; you have crowned him with glory and honor, and set him over the works of your hands. You have 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 do not yet see 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 honor, that he, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting for him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying: I will declare your name to my brethren; in the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to you. And again: I will put my trust in him. And again: Here am I and the children whom God has given me. Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham. Therefore, in all things He had to be made like his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself has suffered, being tempted, he is able to aid those who are tempted” (Hebrews 2:5-18).