high priest – T.H.E.M.

Today’s Bible reading is Hebrews chapter 9

(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each day)

Hebrews chapter 9 answers the question as to why we don’t need a tabernacle today like the one they had in the Old Testament. The old tabernacle system was temporary. It was only in place for a period of time to prepare us for Christ’s coming. Secondly, it was symbolic of God’s Holy dwelling place in heaven. The earthly tabernacle was made by human hands, and illustrates the heavenly tabernacle which was made by God. Third, Jesus Christ fulfilled the purpose of the tabernacle by entering the Most Holy Place in heaven once and for all time, and secured our redemption forever! The old system required the blood of goats and bulls, etc. but these animals could not cleanse our sin. Each year as the priests performed their duties, the sins of the people were rolled forward another year. This went on year after year until Jesus came and once and for all became the sacrifice for sin. Now that we have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus we are able to worship the living God. The Old Testament tabernacle with its animal sacrifices could not provide this for us. Jesus is the only perfect sacrifice for sin. Because of Him all who place their faith in Christ can access and worship the heavenly Father and receive the eternal inheritance. Christ invites us to tabernacle with God!

Prayer: “Lord, You are our dwelling place. We enter the Most Holy Place through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Today’s Bible reading is Hebrews chapter 5

(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each day)

The Old Testament priest served to represent people before God. He presented their offerings and sacrifices to God. In order to approach God the people had to go through a priest. No one could decide on their own to become a priest. The priest had to be called by God. The priest not only presented an offering for the sins of the people, but for his own sins too. Jesus came to be our High Priest. Jesus did not assume this position on His own, He was chosen by the Father. Jesus is a better High Priest because He does not need to offer sacrifices for His sin, for Jesus does not have any sin. Jesus Himself became the sacrifice for sin. He offered a Perfect sacrifice. Jesus is the One sacrifice for sin forever! Jesus is our go between, we now have access to the Father. In Christ we have become a kingdom of priests, therefore, we do not ever need to go to God through another person. We have full access through Christ to the Heavenly Father. Jesus is the Perfect High Priest and the source of eternal salvation for all who place their faith in Him.

Prayer: “Dear Father, we praise You for our Perfect High Priest the Lord Jesus Christ, we thank You for the priesthood of the believer, all glory and praise be unto You. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron