Our High Priest

 So Christ has now become the High Priest over all the good things that have come. He has entered that greater, more perfect Tabernacle in heaven, which was not made by human hands and is not part of this created world. With his own blood—not the blood of goats and calves—he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever. (Hebrews 9:11-12)

I’m currently in Hebrews as part of my daily bible reading, and today I’m in Hebrews 9. There we read about the contrast between the Old Testament sacrifices vs. the one and for all sacrifice of Christ.

I often use commentaries when reading to supplement my understanding to see what others have to offer on the scriptures. While they are not the Word of God, other insights are helpful to unlock aspects of Scripture.

Today, in reading I came across the comments by John MacArthur with his view of Christ and how sin was, is and will be dealt with. He breaks Christ’s ministry into 3 aspects, and this is my paraphrase of his notes:

• Christ’s Past Ministry: When He first came to the earth in His First Advent, his ministry culminated in his death on the cross. Why?
  • To save us from the PENALTY of sin.
• Christ’s Present Ministry: His current and present ministry is to intercede for us. Why?
  • To save us from the POWER of sin.
• Christ’s Future Ministry: In His Second Advent and His return to us, His ministries culminate in His Earthly Kingdom. Why?
  • To deliver us from the PRESENCE of sin.

For those who have accepted His salvation, that part is done and complete.

The rest of our journey here on earth is dealing with the effect of living in sinful bodies on a sinful planet, i.e., dealing with the POWER of sin. We need not live in fear of losing our salvation, but in allowing sinful behavior affect our relationship with Christ. It’s what we call sanctification, which is that journey to deal with sin in our lives and become more like Christ.

We look forward to the day of His return to rule and reign when sin is no more in our redeemed bodies. That part is hard to imagine, since none of know what it is like not to be affected by the power of sin. That will be glorious!