Thoughts from Mark "Hat" Rackley

How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!. …
so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

• Hebrews 9:14, 28

he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

• Romans 3:26

Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.

• Romans 10:4

For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

• 2 Peter 1:21

For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.

• Hebrews 2:17

Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

• Hebrews 7:25

“Q. 24. How doth Christ execute the office of a priest?
“A. Christ executes the office of a priest, in his once offering up of himself a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice (Heb. 9:28), and reconcile us to God (Heb. 2:17), and in making continual intercession for us (Heb. 7:25).”

• Charles H. Spurgeon, Spurgeon’s Catechism (Scripture proofs in bold above)

“Q. 25. How doth Christ execute the office of a priest?
“A. Christ executeth the office of a priest in his once offering up of himself a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice, and reconcile us to God, and in making continual intercession for us.”

• The Shorter Catechism (Westminster Assembly)

“Q. 44. How doth Christ execute the office of a priest?
“A. Christ executeth the office of a priest, in his once offering himself a sacrifice without spot to God, to be a reconciliation for the sins of his people; and in making continual intercession for them.”

• The Larger Catechism (Westminster Assembly)

The three Catechisms all agree on this question and only the Shorter Catechism adds additional Bible references.

Instead of Jesus offering a lamb before the altar, as priests had done since the time of Moses (and before, although Moses provided the written requirements), Jesus freely gave up His life as the perfect Lamb of God.  Unlike the priests of old offering a lamb or other animal for a temporary covering of our sins, Jesus washes away our sins permanently.

But Jesus as Priest does not end with the sacrifice.  He sits at God’s right hand to reconcile us before God and to intercede for us.

And now let us sing.

The following new song, In the Sanctuary is sung by Ladye Love and Reggie Smith.  They also composed the song.  Since the song may not be that well known, you may have difficulty singing along, but it conveys the message of this question and answer in the catechisms.

“We have a high priest up in heaven, Hallelujah, oh Hallelujah
He’s our Defender before the Father
In a temple made by God, not man.
Behind the veil in a place Most Holy. Hallelujah, oh Hallelujah
Investigating, He clears the record, Of those redeemed by His own blood.
He’s blotting out my sin
In the sanctuary
He seals my bond with Him
In the Sanctuary up in heaven
He makes provision for me
In the Sanctuary
He’s purifying heaven’s temple
Hallelujah, oh Hallelujah
In preparation for His returning
For those who love and follow him
He’s blotting out my sin
In the Sanctuary
He seals my bond with Him
In the Sanctuary up in heaven
He makes provision for me
In the Sanctuary
At the mercy seat, in the Holy of Holies
In the Holy of Holies we meet
He’s blotting out my sin
In the Sanctuary
He seals my bond with Him
In the Sanctuary up in heaven
He makes provision for me
In the Sanctuary
He’s blotting out my sin
In the Sanctuary
He seals my bond with Him
In the Sanctuary up in heaven
He makes provision for me
In the Sanctuary”

• Ladye Love and Reggie Smith, In the Sanctuary

Closing Prayer

Dear Lord,
Thank You for all that You do.  We thank You for providing that perfect sacrifice to permanently wash away our sins.  And thank You, Jesus, for interceding for us.  We make mistakes and sin on occasion.  Thank You for Your intercession before the Father.
In thy Name we pray.
Amen

Soli Deo Gloria.  Only to God be the Glory.