The Bible uses the high priest to show how a holy God makes a way for sinful people to draw near. In the Old Testament, the high priest stood between the people and the Lord with sacrifices and intercession, under strict instructions. In the New Testament, God shows the fulfillment of that picture in Jesus Christ, our great High Priest. This matters because many believers wrestle with guilt and uncertainty. They wonder if God will receive them, how forgiveness works, and what it means that Jesus intercedes for them today.
Why God Appointed a High Priest
The high priest was not a human idea. God appointed that office to teach Israel and to teach us that sin separates and that a mediator is needed. A mediator stands between two parties to bring them together. Under the Law, the high priest did this in a limited, temporary way, pointing forward to Christ.
“And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: ‘Take Aaron and his sons with him, the garments, the anointing oil, a bull as the sin offering, two rams, and a basket of unleavened bread.’” (Leviticus 8:1-2)
Aaron was set apart with garments and anointing because this work required consecration. The priesthood was not about status. It was serious service before a holy God.
“Now this is what you shall do to them to hallow them for ministering to Me as priests: Take one young bull and two rams without blemish.” (Exodus 29:1)
“To hallow them” means to set them apart. “Without blemish” teaches that God does not accept careless worship. Access to God is not casual. Sin must be dealt with.
God’s Holiness and the Barrier of Sin
The tabernacle itself taught a lesson. There was distance and separation: outer court, holy place, and the Most Holy Place. The closer you got, the more restricted it became. God was not being cruel. He was being truthful. His presence is pure, and our sin is real.
“And you shall put the mercy seat on top of the ark, and in the ark you shall put the Testimony that I will give you. And there I will meet with you, and I will speak with you from above the mercy seat.” (Exodus 25:21-22)
God promised to meet with His people at the mercy seat. But the ark was behind the veil. The veil preached, “You cannot enter on your own terms.” The high priest could go in only under strict conditions, showing both God’s desire to meet and man’s need for cleansing.
The High Priest’s Main Duties in the Old Testament
The high priest’s work centered on two big realities: the people needed representation before God, and the people needed atonement for sin. These duties help us understand what Jesus does perfectly and finally for believers today.
Representing the People Before the Lord
God required special garments to show that the high priest represented others, not just himself. He carried Israel before the Lord in a visible way.
“And you shall take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel: six of their names on one stone, and six names on the other stone, in order of their birth. And you shall put the two stones on the shoulders of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. So Aaron shall bear their names before the LORD on his two shoulders as a memorial.” (Exodus 28:9-12)
The shoulders picture bearing a burden. The high priest carried the people into God’s presence, as it were, by God’s appointment.
“So Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel on the breastplate of judgment over his heart, when he goes into the holy place, as a memorial before the LORD continually.” (Exodus 28:29)
The heart pictures care and concern. God wanted His people to know they were not forgotten. Still, this was a shadow. The priest could only picture what sinners truly needed: a perfect Representative who could bring them near without failing.
Offering Sacrifices and Making Atonement
The sacrifices taught that sin deserves death and that forgiveness requires a God-appointed substitute. The blood did not earn God’s love. The sacrifices were God’s merciful provision within the covenant to address guilt and cleanse defilement.
“For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.” (Leviticus 17:11)
Notice the words, “I have given it to you.” God provided the way. Yet the sacrifices were repeated because they could not finish the problem of sin once for all. They pointed forward.
Entering the Most Holy Place on the Day of Atonement
The Day of Atonement shows the high priest’s role with the most clarity. Only he entered the Most Holy Place, only once a year, and only with blood.
“But into the second part the high priest went alone once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the people’s sins committed in ignorance.” (Hebrews 9:7)
Hebrews explains the meaning: he went alone, and he could not enter without blood. He even offered blood “for himself.” That exposes the weakness of the Aaronic priesthood. The mediator was also a sinner.
“And Aaron shall make atonement upon its horns once a year with the blood of the sin offering of atonement; once a year he shall make atonement upon it throughout your generations. It is most holy to the LORD.” (Exodus 30:10)
The yearly repetition taught that sin was not a small problem and that a fuller cleansing was still coming. God was training His people to look for a better priest and a better sacrifice.
The High Priest as a Picture and Promise of Christ
The Old Testament priesthood was real and commanded by God, but it was also a shadow. A shadow is not the substance. It points to what is coming. The New Testament says openly that Jesus fulfills what the high priest could only portray.
“For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect.” (Hebrews 10:1)
The sacrifices could not “make those who approach perfect,” meaning they could not provide complete, final cleansing. They preserved Israel’s covenant life, but they could not remove sin in a finished way. They prepared the way for Christ.
Jesus Is Our Great High Priest and the Only Mediator
Jesus is not one priest among many. He is God’s final High Priest, serving in a superior priesthood. He does not enter a man-made room. He enters the true presence of God.
“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.” (Hebrews 4:14)
The earthly high priest passed through a veil into an earthly sanctuary. Jesus “passed through the heavens.” Because of who He is, believers are called to hold fast, not drift back into fear, rituals, or self-effort.
“For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 2:5)
Scripture does not offer multiple mediators. It offers one. Jesus is fully man, so He can represent us. He is also the Son of God, so He can bring us truly to God.
Jesus Understands Our Weakness Without Sharing Our Sin
Some assume Christ’s holiness makes Him distant. The Bible teaches the opposite. Because He is sinless, He is the only One qualified to help. Because He became truly human, He understands our trials from the inside.
“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15)
Jesus faced real temptation: pressure, pain, loneliness, hunger, rejection, spiritual attack. Yet He was “without sin.” He never gave in. That means He does not need to offer sacrifice for Himself. He is the clean High Priest sinners need.
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)
“Boldly” means with confidence, not arrogance. Our confidence is not in our performance, but in our Priest. Mercy is for our failures. Grace is for our weakness. God invites His people to come.
The Sacrifice of Our High Priest: Once for All
Old Testament priests offered animals. Jesus offered Himself. This is the heart of the gospel: the High Priest is also the sacrifice. He does not bring the blood of another creature. He gives His own life.
“But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.” (Hebrews 9:11-12)
Jesus is better because His sanctuary is “not made with hands,” His offering is “once for all,” and His result is “eternal redemption.” His work does not provide a temporary covering. It secures a lasting rescue.
This does not mean believers never need to confess sin or seek restored fellowship. It means the debt has been paid. We do not confess to get Christ back. We confess because we already belong to Him, and we do not want to walk in darkness.
“And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God.” (Hebrews 10:11-12)
The Old Testament priest “stands” because his work is never finished. Jesus “sat down” because His sacrifice completed the payment. His seated position also speaks of authority. The risen Christ reigns.
“For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.” (Hebrews 10:14)
Here are two truths that protect us from confusion. In Christ, believers are “perfected forever,” meaning our standing with God is settled. At the same time, we are “being sanctified,” meaning God is still changing our daily walk. Justification is complete. Sanctification is ongoing. Both flow from the one offering of Christ.
The Veil, Access, and a Better Way to Draw Near
The veil in the temple represented restricted access. When Jesus died, God made His point publicly. The way into His presence was opened because the sacrifice was accepted.
“Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split.” (Matthew 27:51)
The veil tore “from top to bottom,” showing God did it. This was not man forcing his way into God’s presence. It was God opening the way through the death of His Son.
“Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh.” (Hebrews 10:19-20)
Access is “by the blood of Jesus.” The “new and living way” is not a new set of rituals. It is a living Savior and a finished sacrifice. When you come to God through Christ, you are not hoping to be accepted. You are coming on the basis of what has already been done.
“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Hebrews 10:22)
God does not merely tolerate His people. He calls them to “draw near.” “Full assurance” is not pride. It is faith that rests in Christ. Many believers carry an “evil conscience,” meaning ongoing guilt and self-accusation. The gospel cleanses not only the record of sin, but also the conscience when we believe what Christ accomplished.
Jesus’ Ongoing Ministry: Intercession and Help
The high priest did not only handle sacrifices. He represented the people before God. In the New Testament, Jesus continues to represent believers. His intercession is not Jesus begging an unwilling Father. Father and Son are united in the plan of redemption. His intercession is His priestly presence for us and His finished work applied to our lives.
“My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.” (1 John 2:1-2)
An advocate is a defender. Jesus is “the righteous,” so He represents us without any stain in Himself. He is also the “propitiation,” the sacrifice that satisfies God’s righteous judgment against sin. John’s balance matters: believers must not take sin lightly, but they also must not despair when they fall. Our hope is in Christ, not in denial.
“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.” (Hebrews 7:25)
Jesus saves “to the uttermost,” completely and finally. The promise is for “those who come to God through Him.” Salvation is not automatic for everyone. It is sure for everyone who comes God’s way, through the Son.
“Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.” (Romans 8:34)
Condemnation says, “You are finished.” The gospel answers with facts: Christ died, Christ rose, Christ reigns, and Christ intercedes. If you belong to Him, condemnation is not your judge. Christ is.
What Intercession Means for Daily Christian Living
Because Jesus intercedes, the believer is not left alone to fight sin, endure trials, or face accusations. This does not erase personal responsibility. Scripture calls us to obey. But our obedience rests on a secure foundation: we are accepted in Christ, and we have a High Priest who helps.
When you are tempted, you are not calling out to a distant God. You are coming to One who understands weakness and gives grace. When you fail, you are not trying to convince God to love you again. You are returning to the Father on the basis of the Son’s finished work.
The High Priesthood of Christ and the Believer’s Priesthood
Some people get confused here. If Jesus is our High Priest, do believers have any priestly calling at all? Scripture says yes, but in a different sense. Jesus alone is the Mediator and High Priest who deals with sin and brings us to God. Yet believers are made a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices of worship and service, always through Jesus.
“You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:5)
Our sacrifices are not blood sacrifices for sin. Those are finished forever in Christ. Our sacrifices are “spiritual” and “acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” That phrase keeps Christ central. We never approach God apart from Him.
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9)
This priesthood is not about special clothing or a special class of Christians. It is about identity and mission. God saved us to worship Him, to proclaim His praises, and to live as people who belong to His light.
Spiritual Sacrifices God Calls Acceptable
The New Testament describes several sacrifices believers offer. These do not earn salvation. They are responses to mercy.
“Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” (Hebrews 13:15)
Praise can be a sacrifice because it costs something when life hurts. Yet it is “by Him,” through Christ, that our worship is welcomed.
“But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” (Hebrews 13:16)
Doing good and sharing are worship in action. They are not a substitute for truth and prayer. They are part of a life that has received grace.
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1)
This is everyday priesthood. Because of God’s mercy, we place our bodies, choices, habits, time, and words on the altar. We do not do this to become accepted. We do it because we already have been accepted in Christ.
Warnings and Safeguards: Do Not Reject the Only High Priest
The high priest theme also carries a warning. If God has provided one perfect High Priest and one sufficient sacrifice, the greatest danger is turning away from Him or trying to approach God by another path. Hebrews was written to people tempted to drift back into old forms and misplaced confidence.
“How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him.” (Hebrews 2:3)
Neglect is often quiet. It is slow disregard: putting off repentance, skipping the Word, treating the gospel as basic but not necessary. The warning is plain: there is no escape outside of Christ because there is no other salvation like this one.
“For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries.” (Hebrews 10:26-27)
This warning is serious, and we should handle it honestly. The context is not a believer stumbling, grieving, and returning to God. It is settled, willful rejection of Christ’s sacrifice after receiving knowledge of the truth. If someone turns away from the only sacrifice that saves, there is no backup sacrifice waiting. Old covenant rituals cannot replace the Son of God.
So the call is urgent and simple. Come to Christ. Stay with Christ. Do not trade Him for religion, self-righteousness, or spiritual laziness.
Practical Help: Living in Light of Our High Priest
The high priesthood of Christ is not just a doctrine to admire. It is a truth to live by. When you understand Christ as your High Priest, it changes your prayer life, how you handle guilt, how you face temptation, and how you treat other believers.
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23)
Your hope is not held together by your mood. It is held together by God’s faithfulness. Holding fast means refusing to abandon Christ as your only confidence, even when you feel weak.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
Confession is agreeing with God about sin. Forgiveness is not God ignoring sin. It is God cleansing because the sacrifice has already been made and accepted in Christ. He is “faithful and just,” meaning your forgiveness rests on justice satisfied at the cross.
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)
Some days you will not feel forgiven. Some days you will not feel close to God. Faith clings to what God has said. Your High Priest does not change, and His blood does not lose its power on your worst days.
Approach God in Prayer with Confidence and Reverence
Because Jesus is our High Priest, we should pray often and honestly. Bring needs, fears, confusion, and failures. At the same time, keep reverence because God is still holy. Confidence and reverence belong together.
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)
If you are in a “time of need,” do not wait until you feel worthy. Come for mercy and grace. The throne is a throne of grace for those who come through Jesus.
Serve Others as People Who Have Received Mercy
The high priest carried names on his shoulders and heart. In a smaller, everyday way, believers are called to carry one another in love, prayer, patience, and truth. We do not become mediators of redemption. We become servants who point others to the Mediator.
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
Burden-bearing is part of Christian maturity. It is what people do when they know they have been treated gently by God. We help one another because Christ has helped us first.
My Final Thoughts
The high priest in the Old Testament teaches us that God is holy, sin is serious, and access to God must be provided by God. Aaron and his successors were real priests with real duties, but their ministry was limited. They were sinners who needed sacrifices for themselves, and their work had to be repeated.
Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of what the high priesthood pointed to. He is our great High Priest who sympathizes with our weakness, yet without sin. He entered the true Most Holy Place with His own blood once for all, and He obtained eternal redemption. He sits at the right hand of God because the sacrifice is finished. And He lives to make intercession for those who come to God through Him.
If you are saved, draw near. Pray. Confess sin quickly. Reject condemnation. Do not live as if the veil is still closed. Come with reverence, but come with confidence in Christ. If you are not saved, do not settle for religion or good intentions. Come to God through the one Mediator, Jesus Christ. God has provided the High Priest. God has provided the sacrifice. The right response is to repent and believe, and then to walk with Him in grateful obedience.
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