Throughout the Old Testament, only through the priest could one come to God; only through the offering of sacrifices on behalf of a sinner could one be declared temporarily righteous, until the next sin. Because of the sinful nature of the priest, he would first need to offer sacrifices for himself, allowing his entrance to the altar on behalf of others. This was a continuous, tiring, unsatisfying cycle being endlessly repeated. But now, Jesus is our Great High Priest. He came to the altar once, satisfying all requirements perfectly. “For it is indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself” (Hebrews 7.26-27).
Jesus is absolutely perfect, and though having lived on this earth He is now “exalted above the heavens.” His character is perfect, His intercessory work is perfect; His sacrifice is perfect. He fulfilled all requirements of the Law perfectly; nothing has been left undone; there is no further need. In Christ alone is our hope; in Him alone is our cleansing of all sin; in Him alone we have access to the Father’s Throne; in Him alone we are made fully complete. There is nothing we can do, nothing we need to do. Regardless of sin committed, His sacrifice is sufficient; regardless of the multiplicity of sins committed, His sacrifice is sufficient. Our only required response – to believe Him; to be humbled before His Throne of Grace with thankfulness, to be motivated to change; to vigorously flee from sin and pursue righteousness. Believing in our Great High Priest should ignite our hearts with fervent praise, knowing He has graciously offered the perfect sacrifice, Himself, for us undeserving yet redeemed sinners, and now is seated at the Father’s right hand interceding for us.
Knowing Jesus, our High Priest – we have much to be thankful for –
Terry Burlingame
My Morning Desk 