March 9 – A Conqueror Claiming Victory

Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. – Hebrews 2:17 (KJV)

We read about the high priest of Israel: “And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy place, for a memorial before the Lord continually” (Exodus 28:29, KJV). What a beautiful and expressive image of Christ’s unchanging love for His church! Our great High Priest, of whom Aaron was but a type, carries His people upon His heart.

Christ, as the great High Priest, standing alone in divine majesty and glory, has made perfect atonement for sin. Other high priests were mere symbols, but when He appeared, their services were no longer needed.

Let every soul, struggling against temptation, remember that in the courts of heaven we have a High Priest who is touched with the feeling of our infirmities, for He Himself was tempted in all points as we are.

Christ is the Minister of the true tabernacle, the High Priest of all who believe in Him as their personal Savior. His priestly office can be held by none other. He alone is the High Priest of the church, and He performs a work that no one else can accomplish.

Christ offered His broken body to reclaim God’s inheritance and to give humanity another opportunity. “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25, KJV). By His spotless life, His obedience, and His death on Calvary, Christ interceded for the lost race. And now, as the Captain of our salvation, He does not plead as a mere supplicant, but as a Conqueror, claiming His victory. His offering is complete, and as our Intercessor, He fulfills His purpose by presenting before God the censer filled with His own perfect merits, mingled with the prayers, confessions, and thanksgiving of His people. Perfumed with the fragrance of His righteousness, these rise before God as a sweet-smelling savor. The offering is fully acceptable, and forgiveness covers all transgressions.