The Bold Approach.

THE BOLD APPROACH.

Hebrews 4:12-16.

So far in the epistle to the Hebrews, the author has made extensive use of the Scriptures. After his latest warning against falling into unbelief (Hebrews 4:11), he reminds the Hebrew Christians that “the word of God” is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12a). It is for “Today”, whenever “Today” may be (cf. Hebrews 3:7; Hebrews 3:15; Hebrews 4:7).

The word of God shall not return to Him void (Isaiah 55:11). Like a sharp sword (Ephesians 6:17), it pierces and divides, discerning the thoughts and intentions of our innermost being (Hebrews 4:12b). We know hereby that the God “with whom we have to do” (to whom we must give account) knows all things (Hebrews 4:13).

We were previously called to ‘consider Jesus’ as ‘the high priest of our profession’ (Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 4:14a). The token of His finished work is that He is “passed into the heavens” (Hebrews 4:14b), and is there seated, His work completed, at the right hand of God (Hebrews 12:2). There He ever lives to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25).

The priesthood of Jesus is superior to that of Aaron. As a man like ourselves, Jesus is a merciful and faithful high priest: yet, unlike Aaron, He is capable of facing and overcoming temptation on our behalf (Hebrews 2:17-18; Hebrews 4:15). For though He is a man, Jesus is also the Son of God (Hebrews 4:14c; Hebrews 5:5).

The earthly tabernacle is only a shadow of the heavenly (Hebrews 9:11-14). The sons of Aaron needed to repeat their sacrifices and offerings over and over again, according to a complex ritual: morning and evening, Sabbaths, new moons, festivals; day by day, month by month, year by year. Jesus has provided the one full final perfect sacrifice for sins, once and for all and for ever, by His own blood (Hebrews 9:24-26).

Jesus’ priesthood is of a better order than that of Aaron (Hebrews 5:10; Hebrews 7:11). It is not genealogy which qualifies our Great High Priest, but the power of an indissoluble life (Hebrews 7:16). Jesus has passed into the heavens (Hebrews 4:14) - and is set on the right hand of God (Hebrews 8:1) - and there makes continual intercession for His people (Hebrews 7:25-27).

So, “let us hold fast our profession” (Hebrews 4:14d), and “come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).