Hebrews 8:1-6

The Main Point: A Unique High Priest

The main point of what we have been discussing is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a minister in the holy places, in the true tabernacle that the Lord set up, not man.

Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a minister in the holy places, in the true tabernacle that the Lord set up, not man.

For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices; thus it is necessary for this priest also to have something to offer. For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, since there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law. They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tabernacle, he was instructed by God, saying, “See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.”

But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.

— Hebrews 8:1-6

The Old Testament ministry of the Aaronic priests was a copy and shadow of the true ministry of Jesus Christ. Think of it like a blueprint for a building, such as our church. The blueprint is a two-dimensional sketch pointing to the three-dimensional reality. The Old Testament system was a temporary means to restore fellowship between God and his people, constantly reminding worshippers of their sin and their need for the coming Messiah. It acted as a tutor leading to Christ.

Even as believers today, we must never lose sight of our need for Jesus. Sanctification is part of salvation, requiring continual focus on Christ. Complacency can creep in, leading to satisfaction with past repentance while neglecting ongoing growth. No one should be content with their repentance, for pride in it requires further repentance.

The Superiority of Christ's Ministry

Our high priest is unique—no one else shares his Melchizedekian priesthood. Not even Melchizedek himself was declared a priest forever. This uniqueness extends to his ministry. The Levitical priesthood was weak and useless, not because God erred, but because it could not perfect anyone or accomplish salvation. Christ's ministry saves to the uttermost.

Christ's work did not end at the cross. Though he declared "It is finished," he entered the true Holy of Holies—heaven itself—with his blood to intercede for us, bearing our names before the Father. This intercession appeases God's wrath, fully satisfying it for believers.

Christ as Mediator of a Better Covenant

Christ has obtained a more excellent ministry as the mediator of a better covenant, enacted on better promises. A covenant is an agreement, like marriage vows promising faithfulness regardless of circumstances. In the new covenant, God takes full responsibility, granting us new hearts, his Spirit, and the ability to uphold its terms.

Consider God's covenant with Abraham: animals cut in half, God alone passing between the pieces, pledging to fulfill it or suffer the consequences. The new covenant promises eternal life—a last will and testament decreed by God.

Applying Christ's Mediation

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.

— 1 Timothy 2:1-6

Intercession addresses God's wrath; mediation reconciles hostile parties—God and humanity—into agreement. Christ's mediation aligns us with God's will: he desires all to be saved. It produces prayer for all, especially rulers, for peaceful, godly lives. It fosters evangelistic concern for the lost, pursuit of what is good and acceptable to God, and repentance—saying the same thing as God about sin.

This superior, advantageous ministry means suffering as Christians perfects us, producing maturity. The cross is a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, yet it brings complete salvation. Recognizing Christ's exclusivity guards against false systems like Mormonism or Roman Catholicism, which diminish his unique priesthood.

The mediation of Christ brings us from enmity to peace, aligning our lives for God's glory.