2. THE MEDIATORIAL (PRIESTLY) MINISTRY OF JESUS

God's plan of salvation is complete. Every weakness of humanity and every attack of Satan has been fully addressed through Christ.

David declared:

"Salvation belongeth unto the LORD." — Psalm 3:8


1. Why Was It Necessary for Christ to Become a Priest?

Read Hebrews 2:14–18.

Note

To destroy the power of Satan and deliver humanity from sin, Christ:


2. What Was the First Title Given to Jesus?

"Unto you is born this day... a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." — Luke 2:10–11


3. How Was Christ Prepared for His Priestly Ministry?

"Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience... and became the author of eternal salvation." — Hebrews 5:8–9

Note

By experiencing human suffering, Christ became our compassionate High Priest.

See:


4. When Did Christ Become Our High Priest?

Read Hebrews 10:11–14.

Note

Before beginning His heavenly ministry Christ experienced:

Only after these events did He begin His priestly ministry in heaven.


5. What Is a Mediator?

A mediator is one who reconciles two parties.

Christ is our Mediator because He paid the penalty for sin by dying in our place.


6. Why Did Christ Return to Heaven?

a. To send the Holy Spirit. (John 16:7)

b. To intercede for believers. (Romans 8:34)

c. To prepare a place for His people. (John 14:2–3)


7. How Many Mediators Exist Between God and Humanity?

"There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." — 1 Timothy 2:5


8. Why Is Christ's Heavenly Ministry Essential?

Christ's death paid the penalty for sin.

His ministry as High Priest applies the benefits of His sacrifice to every repentant believer.

Read Hebrews 9:12 and Romans 4:25.


9. What Change of Law Does Hebrews 7:12 Refer To?

The passage does not refer to the Ten Commandments.

It refers to the priesthood laws that governed the Levitical priesthood. Since Christ became our High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary, the ceremonial priesthood came to its fulfillment in Him.


10. From Which Tribe Did Christ Come?

"Our Lord sprang out of Juda." — Hebrews 7:13–14

Christ was not from the tribe of Levi but from Judah.


11. By Whose Authority Was Christ Made Priest?

Read Hebrews 7:15–28.

Christ became our eternal Priest by the appointment of God the Father after the order of Melchizedek.


12. What Is Christ Doing in Heaven Today?

"Now to appear in the presence of God for us." — Hebrews 9:24


13. For Whom Does Christ Intercede?

For the repentant sinner

Hebrews 7:25

For the believer who falls into sin

1 John 2:1–2


Conclusion

Because Christ continually intercedes for us, believers may:

"Come boldly unto the throne of grace." — Hebrews 4:16

The seven great facts that assure our salvation are: