Our Great High Priest

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. (Hebrews 4:14-15)

Paul, whom I believe to be the one who penned Hebrews, wrote to the church in this letter about an eternally comforting truth: we have Jesus as our great High Priest.

The role of the High Priest was threefold:

1) To pray and intercede on behalf of the people to God.

2) To offer gifts and sacrifices on the behalf of the people they serve.

3) To be a bridge between humanity and God.

The verse continues to let us know Jesus is better than any High Priest that ever existed. He is both 100% human, which means He understands and has experienced all the infirmities that issues that we have, and He is 100% God, for He remained without sin. Humans who have had the honor of being in that position were fallible and could make mistakes in fulfilling the duties ascribed to them. However, our High Priest is Jesus, the Son of God, the Alpha and Omega, who has ascended into Heaven and sits at the right hand of the throne of God.

Therefore, Paul reminded us in Hebrews 4:14 to hold fast our profession of faith. We can be assured that our confession of faith is going to reap results because we know who is on our side and working on our behalf!

He not only understands us, but He has also given us His authority, His righteousness, and His power for us to use in all aspects of our lives.

Practical Application

Don’t stop your confession of faith! What are you believing for? What Scriptures are you standing on? Jesus is on your side, so don’t stop speaking what you are believing until you see it come to pass.

2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 7:26

Standing Firm on Faith

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. (1 John 2:1-3)

Not only is the world around us trying to get Christians to compromise in their faith, but false teaching on grace in the church has deluded some to think it is okay to give in to unholy appetites of the flesh. As competent Christians, rightly dividing the Word of truth, we must run from those types of teaching. Deceptive doctrines often cloak themselves in the guise of freedom and grace, but we must stand on the solid ground of the Word.

The world is trying to take our children away with false doctrines that parade themselves as self-righteous. Schools, libraries, television shows, cartoons and even large stores are pushing agendas that promote a sinful lifestyle and can bring death and destruction into the life of our children. Christians must take a firm stand against sin.

John addressed Christians in his first epistle as little children. He was expressing his love as a spiritual father to them who cared deeply for their well-being and maturity. His message was abundantly clear to the Christians he wrote to stay away from sin! Now, John knew that as humans, we fail. We make mistakes and miss it, but that’s not an excuse to fall back and slink away. Mature Christians know when they make a mistake, it’s important to go to God in prayer as soon as we can. Jesus is our advocate and stands before God on our behalf, giving us mercy and reconciling us with God.

God’s love for His people is unwavering, but He detests sin. He knows the destructive power it has in believers’ lives and wants us to do everything within our power to avoid it and keep it from taking a foothold in our lives.

Practical Application

Be watchful and be strong. When you see places or activities that promote sin and sinful lifestyles, do not take part. Be a part of the remnant that stands for righteousness.

Romans 8:34; 1 John 2:12

Admit it and Quit it

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (1 John 1:8-10)

All humans, regardless of their faith or belief in God, know the difference between right and wrong. It’s woven into the fabric of our being. There is nothing about Christianity that somehow awakens us to see sin. Before we were saved, we already recognized it! In fact, John tells us that if we are to deny sin, we are allowing ourselves to be blinded and separated from the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Our faith gives us the ability to do something about the sin that shows up. It lies in two incredibly powerful words in John’s epistle: confess and forgive. When we confess, which is the Greek word homologeo, which means to acknowledge our sin, God forgives us of our sin.

That means that God’s grace is not automatic. We cannot just do whatever we feel like and then expect grace to just cover over it. We must confess. It is an admission that says, “Yes, I did it,” and with it a resolute, “I will quit it.”

This isn’t a one-sided conversation we are having. It’s a dialogue with God who hears us, comforts us, and cleanses us to move forward because of our acknowledgement. This isn’t “automatic grace.” It’s a conversation based on a covenant between two parties — a loving God and His loved creation.

We must be honest and open with God while understanding His character. God is not trying to harm us or scold us. He desires to cleanse us and use us, but that cannot happen until we admit the wrong and quit doing the wrong with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Practical Application

Are there any areas in your life that you are too embarrassed to bring up with God? Do you have any areas that you have not asked Him for forgiveness and acknowledged your wrong? Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and take the step to admit it and quit it.

Psalm 32:5; Proverbs 28:13