CHRIST OUR HIGH PRIEST

Newsletter 320 November 18, 2012 ____________________________________________________ Hebrews 5:1-14 There is no certainty concerning the authorship of this book written to the “Hebrews.” Some think, Paul was the author, but it does not open with a claim of authorship as he often begins. While it makes comparisons to the Levitical priesthood, it also shows evidence of familiarity with the Greek translation of the Old Testament, and the Greek thought process, not usually linking it to Paul. It was highly regarded by the early church. A SACRIFICE FOR SINS The first qualification of the priesthood was they be born of the tribe of Levi. They could serve in many activities of the tabernacle and later of the temple, but there was one portion into which they could never enter. They could not enter into the presence of God in the Holy of Holies. From among the people, that would be the priests, God would select one to serve as High Priest, and he would be set aside for that task by one of the prophets on God’s instructions. Only the High priest could carry the blood of the slain lamb, on the day of Atonement, into the Holy of Holies and offer it for his own sins and those of the people. Those sins were then transferred to the scapegoat which was released Far in the wilderness. Only in this sense were these sins removed, and then only by the High Priest, and only once a year. . 1 For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, and that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sin. (Exodus 28:1, Hebrews 2:17, Hebrews 7:27, Hebrews 8:3, Hebrews 9:9, Hebrews 10:11, 1 Corinthians 15:3, Hebrews 7:27, Hebrews 10:12) 2 Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed about with infirmity. (Hebrews 2:18, Hebrews 4:15, Ephesians 4:18, Hebrews 9:7, James 5:19, 1 Peter 2:25, Hebrews 7:28) 3 And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. (1 Corinthians 15:3, Hebrews 7:27, Hebrews 10:12, Leviticus 9:7, Leviticus 16:6, Hebrews 7:27, Hebrews 9:7) CALLED BY GOD The office of High Priest was not one that anyone could seek. It was always an honour bestowed by God, Because of our correspondence Bible lessons years ago, I often received letters from self appointed persons listing their “titles” after their names. Even Jesus did not set himself aside. He was sent of the Father, and said of himself that what he taught was not of him, but of his Father, God. Like the High Priest who entered the Holy of Holies once each year with a sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins, Christ was sent to make that one sacrifice for the sins of the world. But how could this be? Christ was of the tribe of Judah, not Levi. Because of love and grace. John 3:16-17. “For God so love the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” 4 And no man taketh this honour upon himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. (Numbers 16:40, Numbers 18:7, 2 Chronicles 26:18, Exodus 28:1, 1 Chronicles 23:13) 5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, today have I begotten thee. (John 8:54, Hebrews 2:17, Hebrews 5:10, Hebrews 1:1, Hebrews 1:5, Psalm 2:7) 6 As he said also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisadec. (Psalm 110:4, Hebrews 7:17, Hebrews 5:10, Hebrews 6:20, Hebrews 7:11, Hebrews 7:17) ETERNAL SALVATION A High Priest could only roll back sin for a short time, but Jesus, the Son of God, who made this world (John 1:2-3), who was made High Priest, under the order of Melchisadec, was able to save eternally a sinless people. Luke tells us, “Saying “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will , but thine, be done’ And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” (Luke 22:42-44 7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; (Matthew 26:39, Matthew 26:42, Matthew 26:44, Mark 14:36, Mark 14:39, Luke 22:41, Luke 22:44, Matthew 27:46, Matthew 27:50, Mark 15:34, Mark 15:37, Luke 23:46, Mark 14:46, Hebrews 17”27, Hebrews 12:28) 8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by he things which he suffered; (Hebrews 1:2, Philippians 2:8) 9 And being perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all that obey him; (Hebrews 2:10) NOT OF AARON 10 Called of God as high priest after the order of Melchisedec. (Hebrews 2:17, Hebrews 5:5, Hebrews 5:6) LISTEN AND GROW IN THE FAITH All his followers are called priests, in that they may approach God in prayer. Let us seek and listen to his Word that we may be able to teach others to find, and follow the Lord. Let us move on to stronger food than just the milk of the Gospel. 11 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. 12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. (Galatians 4:3, Hebrews 6:1, Acts 7:38, 1 Corinthians 3:2, 1 Corinthians 14:20, 1 Peter 2:2) 13 For everyone that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. (1 Corinthians 3:1, 1 Corinthians 14:20, 1 Peter 2:2) 14 But strong meat belonged to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (1 Corinthians 2:6, Ephesians 4:13, Hebrews 6:1, 1 Timothy 4:7, Romans 14:1) __________ READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN EACH YEAR NOVEMBER 11th Sunday - Ezekiel 17, 18, Hebrews 10:1-18, Psalm 123 12th Monday - Ezekiel 19, 20, Hebrews 10:19-39, Proverbs 27:11-20 13th Tuesday - Ezekiel 21, 22, Hebrews 11:1-22, Psalm 124 14th Wednesday - Ezekiel 23, Hebrews 11:23-40, Psalm 125 15th Thursday - Ezekiel 24, 25, 26, Hebrews 12:1-11, Psalm 126 16th Friday - Ezekiel 27, 28, Hebrews 12:12-29, Proverbs 27:21-27 17th Saturday - Ezekiel 29, 30, Hebrews 13, Psalm 127 __________ LINKS TO OUR CHRISTIAN BLOG SITES http://47yersinafrica.blogspot.com Biographical, with photos http://ebooksbybob.blogspot.com E-books that can be read directly on your computer http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com This weekly newsletter in a different format http://whatdoesgodswordsayaboutthis.blogspot.com Answers to your questions http://scripturegems.blogspot.com Favorite Scripture Quotations http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com The represent70 of the world’s languages. http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com Short Bible studies http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com Several pages in length http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com The opening chapters of her nine books in print __________ MEMORY VERSE FOR TODAY “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let hold fast or profession.” - Hebrews 4:14 __________ BEGIN YOUR DAY BY READING DAILY SITE __________ HOW WAS THAT? In the middle of a long-winded sermon, a small child was overheard asking his mother in a whisper that was heard for pews around. “Mommy, are you sure this is the only way we can get to heaven?” __________ When the new minister moved into own, one of the first people he met said, I certainly hope you are not one of those narrow-minded ministers who think that only the members of your congregation are going to heaven.“ “I’m even more narrow-minded than that “ the preacher answered, “I’m pretty sure that some of the members of my congregation aren’t going to make it.“ __________