“We have such a high priest.” These words were the central meditation of our time in Hebrews 8:1-6. I know I was freshly impressed with all that it means for us today to have Christ seated at the right hand of the Father, ministering on our behalf.

At the close of the sermon, I shared a list of descriptions of this ministry of Christ that came from theologian Joel Beeke. There was not time in the service to unpack them or even to write them down, so I thought it might be encouraging to repeat the list here with some brief explanation and Scripture for meditation. These truths blessed me this week, and I hope they will bless you as well as you continue to consider our better Priest and His better sacrifice, ministry, and promises.

The high priestly ministry of Jesus is:

Holy

Jesus is entirely set apart from all imperfections of sin, and thus from all defilement from it or judgment for it.

Hebrews 7:26

Heavenly

Our high priest is seated in the heavenly places, at the right hand of the Father. His ministry is in the direct presence of the Father without veil or barrier.

Hebrews 8:1

Perpetual

The ministry of Jesus is not a term of service, but an eternal state of being.

Hebrews 6:19-20; 7:3

Authoritative

Christ ministers as one having received all authority in heaven and on earth.

Matthew 28:18-20

Legal

As proven by the resurrection, Jesus has made full atonement for sin and legally satisfied all the wrath of God that would have otherwise fallen on sinners had they not come to faith in Christ.

Hebrews 10:15

Protective

Christ ever lives to make intercession on our behalf. Satan, the great accuser, will never have success in seeking the condemnation of God’s elect.

Hebrews 7:2

Personal

Christ ministers before God on behalf of us. He is our forerunner and representative.

Hebrews 6:20

Effectual

The ministry of Christ is a guarantee of all God’s promises to us. He cannot fail to bring us all the way to glory.

Hebrews 10:23

Comprehensive

We need not fear that there is some aspect of our lives that is not represented by Christ’s high priestly ministry. He lifts us and our lives up entirely before God.

Romans 8:33-39

Compassionate

In ministering to sinful mortals, Jesus is understanding and compassionate towards our suffering, weakness, and failure.

Hebrews 3:17-18; Psalm 103:14

Unique

Apart from Jesus, there remains no mediator between God and man. He is the singular high priest, both now and forever.

Acts 4:12; 1 Timothy 2:5

And we have such a high priest.