Having declared the need for a new priesthood, the writer of Hebrews presents Jesus Christ at the eternal Priest who perfectly fulfilled the demands of the law. Because of this, Jesus was greater than man-appointed high priests who entered the Holy of Holies once a year to offer an animal sacrifice for the sins of the people. Jesus followed the order of the Mechizedekan priesthood therefore making Him an eternal Priest (7:20-21). Verse 22 declares that “Jesus has become a surety of a better covenant” which means He guarantees this covenant will work. Again, this new covenant rests on the basis of Jesus Christ becoming a man, living a perfect life, and being the sinless sacrifice needed to pay the penalty for the sin of man. Old Testament priests continually offered animal sacrifices because they were temporary, but the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross was “once for all” (7:27) so there was no need for priests to continue their work on behalf of the people. The sacrifice offered by Jesus is “able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them” (7:27). The writer of Hebrews is emphatically stating that salvation only comes to those who approach God through the finished work of Jesus Christ because He is the One who is able to “make intercession.” To make intercession means that Jesus Christ, the Righteous, is able to come to God on our behalf. Our sin keeps us from God; however, if we have accepted the righteousness of Jesus Christ, then we are able to come to God on the basis of His righteousness. This fact makes Jesus Christ a superior High Priest.
Dear God, my heart is humbled before You as I think about how Jesus freely gave Himself on my behalf. Thank You for making Him a once for all sacrifice which enabled me to have a relationship with You.
