Why is it Important That Jesus is Now a High Priest After the Order of Melchizadek?

Answer: Because the followers of Christ need a high priest to release them from the condemnation of Adam’s sin and bring them back into harmony with God. The apostle Paul writes: “For every high priest taken from among men is appointed on behalf of men in things pertaining to God, in order to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins;  (2)  he can deal gently with the ignorant and misguided.” (Heb 5:1,2 NASB

As a high priest after the order of Melchizadek, Christ applies the merit of his sacrifice to his followers cleansing them from Adamic sin and bringing them back into harmony with God. The apostle Paul writes in Eph 2:13-19 (NASB): “But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ(14)  For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall,  (15)  by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace,  (16)  and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity.  (17)  AND HE CAME AND PREACHED PEACE TO YOU WHO WERE FAR AWAY, AND PEACE TO THOSE WHO WERE NEAR;  (18)  for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.  (19)  So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household.”

As their high priest, Christ can sympathize the weaknesses of the followers and provide them grace and help in every time of need. “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.  (15)  For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.  (16)  Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Heb 4:14-16 NASB)

Additionally, Christ can cleanse his followers from sin when they fail to do God’s will perfectly. “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous;  (2)  and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.” (1John 2:1-2 NASB)

Finally, Christ serves as high priest for fleshly Israel and the world of mankind, cleansing them from sin, bringing them forth from the tomb and helping them learn righteousness and coming back into harmony with God. The prophet Isaiah describes this in Isa. 42:6,7 (NASB): “I am the LORD, I have called You in righteousness, I will also hold You by the hand and watch over You, And I will appoint You as a covenant to the people, As a light to the nations,  (7)  To open blind eyes, To bring out prisoners from the dungeon [grave] And those who dwell in darkness from the prison.”

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