THE CURRENT MINISTRY OF JESUS

"Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens" (Heb 7:25-16, NKJV).

Devotion 5 of 11

CHRIST'S HIGH PRIESTLY FUNCTION
     The high priesthood of Christ is generally neglected among those professing His name.  Despite this situation, this ministry involves a very critical aspect of our salvation. Christ's High Priesthood is His present ministry.  It does not speak of something He WILL do, but of something He IS doing.  It bears directly upon our salvation.  Without this ministry, we cannot be saved.

     "Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house" (Heb 3:1-2).  Contemplate, then, the High Priest that you have confessed before men!  Think of all of the emphasis placed upon Jesus being our "Lord and Savior." This is
a worthy emphasis, and we would not take from it for one moment.  Still, there  is more for us to consider.  Consider the "Apostle and High Priest" of our profession (confession)!  The language does not blend in with institutional thrusts!  Yet, this is the manner in which the Holy Spirit speaks. This is what the Lord is doing currently.

     "Seeing then that we have a great High Priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin"  (Heb 4:14-15).  Our consideration of our High Priest WILL provide the incentive to hold fast our profession, living consistently with the confession of our faith!  Is it possible  spiritual inconsistency is nothing more than the result of failing to consider our "great High Priest!"  If  this is not a current ministry, the contemplation of it would not carry such power!  It is true that we must consider His death and resurrection, but it is a living High Priest that causes such contemplations to be fruitful!

     "Whither the Forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an High Priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek" (Heb 6:20).  When we consider our High Priest, we are in the eternal realm.  He is a "High Priest forever." He is presently where we will be, and His ministry there is ensuring that we will safely arrive!  What a glorious consideration!

     "But this man, because He continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an High Priest became us, Who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this He did once, when He offered up Himself"  (Heb 7:24-27).  

     Our salvation depends upon Christ's current ministry!  He will save the uttermost one to the uttermost degree because His intercession continues to this day.  His High Priesthood is what is saving us now!  Without it, we would all have sunk into hell long ago! 

He ministers in the sanctuary
     What is the summation of sound doctrine?  How does the Spirit of God sum up some of the greatest declarations of Jesus Christ?  The declaration of Christ includes His humiliating incarnation.  It also encompasses His substitutionary death and glorious resurrection.  However, if He were not currently ministering in the heavenly sanctuary, those realities would bring no benefit to us.  Hear the powerful announcement!

     "Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an High Priest, Who is set on 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 pitched, and not man"  (Heb 8:1-2).

     I will tell you that what the Lord is doing in heaven is infinitely more important than what you are doing upon earth.  This does not diminish the power and glory of His work among us.  It does accentuate that the most important work is being performed in the most important place.  God is going to destroy this world.  Then, those that are in Christ will be "forever with the Lord." Christ's current ministry is preparing that place for us, and us for that place.  Thank God for the Minister in the heavenly sanctuary!

Intercession for transgressors
     Our salvation requires a work upon earth, and one in heaven.  Upon earth, Jesus bore our sins.  In heaven, He intercedes for us by His own sanctifying blood.  Isaiah records God's attitude toward His only begotten Son.

     "Therefore will I divide Him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong; because He hath poured out His soul unto death: and He was numbered with the transgressors; and He bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors" (Isa 53:12). 

     Jesus voluntarily laid down His life, pouring out His soul unto death.  Despising the shame, He was numbered with transgressors, dying as an outlaw, and buried with the wealthy.  In His death He had the sins of all humanity "laid upon" Him by God Himself.  But the effectuality of those indispensable accomplishments is found in His intercession!  That is something He is doing today!

-- TOMORROW: SPIRITUAL HUNGER --