For seven chapters the argument has been consistent. For seven chapters the evidence has been presented. For seven chapters the implications have been explained. And then, in Hebrews 8, the writer clearly, and succinctly, states the point. And, frankly, something’s wrong if the point doesn’t lead to some praise.

Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a High Priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a Minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man.    (Hebrews 8:1 ESV)

First, Jesus is “such a High Priest.” What kind of high priest? It’s right there in the preceding verses. A priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. He is the King Priest of the Most High God. He is the Priest of Judah, superior to the priests of Levi. The Son of God is the Priest who continues forever, thus possessing a permanent priesthood. A holy, innocent, unstained, sinless Priest who had no need to offer up sacrifice for Himself, but, instead, offered up Himself as the sacrifice for those He came to ransom and rescue. He is the perfect and eternal High Priest. (7:15-28)

And this forever Priest is seated. Unlike the priests of old who were constantly on their feet slicing and dicing animals and offering them as temporary atonement for sin, the sacrificial work of Christ is finished. The offering of the Lamb of God was once for all . . . the blood shed at Calvary sufficient to cleanse all people through all time of all sin. He who knew no sin was made sin for us . . . forsaken of the Father . . . the wrath of God we deserved being poured out on Him . . . that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2Cor. 5:21). It is finished! As such, such a High Priest is seated.

Though seated, He is not idle. But He is “a Minister in the holy places.” His ministry? The continuing service of the Son of God on behalf of those He came to redeem? “He always lives to make intercession for them” . . . that they might be saved “to the uttermost” (7:24). The Shepherd knows His sheep . . . the Bridegroom’s passionate desire is to make ready His bride . . . the Bread of Life desires to fill His people to the full . . . that Light of the world determines to lead those who would trust Him out of darkness . . . and so, He ministers on our behalf. We experience His eternal mediation through His blessed Spirit . . . the Father “experiences” the mediation via His ever-present Son . . . the High Priest ministering on our behalf.

And He is the ever “present” Son. He is “at the right and of the throne of Majesty” . . . He is in heaven . . . in the real holy of holies . . . the true tabernacle, not constructed and set up by men, but fashioned by God Himself . . . the Lord’s presence defining that place which is most holy ground. That’s what the empty tomb screams . . . “He is not here, He is risen!” That is what the filling of the Spirit assures us of . . . that we have the Comforter, because He has ascended and gone to the Father. That is why, when we, by faith, strain to behold Him who is altogether lovely . . . when we desire to worship Him who is alone worthy . . . that is why we turn our faces heavenward. That is where our High Priest is ministering on our behalf.

And that’s the final facet of “the point”. He is our High Priest. For those who, by faith, have believed the good news of God’s love for mankind . . . who, by faith, have received the shed blood of Christ as the atoning sacrifice for their sin . . . who, by faith, have believed the promise and received Him as Savior and Lord . . . for us, He is our High Priest. Seated because His work for us is complete . . . interceding continuously for us because “this is the will of Him who sent Me, that I should lose nothing of all that He has given Me, but raise it up on the last day” (John 6:39). The “Lamb in the midst of the throne,” our Shepherd who will guide us to springs of living water . . . who will lead us to that day when “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (Rev. 7:17).

We have such a High Priest! That’s the point! Are we feeling the praise yet?

O’ what a Savior! . . . amen?