Hebrews 8:1
Verse
Context
Sermons
Carter Conlon
Bob Jennings
T. Austin-Sparks
Art Katz
Robert Murray M'Cheyne
Thomas MantonSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Of the things which we have spoken this is the sum - The word κεφαλαιον, which we translate sum, signifies the chief, the principal, or head; or, as St. Chrysostom explains it, κεφαλαιον αει το μεγιστον λεγεται, "that which is greatest is always called kephalaion," i.e. the head, or chief. Who is set on the right hand of the throne - This is what the apostle states to be the chief or most important point of all that he had yet discussed. His sitting down at the right hand of the throne of God, proves, 1. That he is higher than all the high priests that ever existed. 2. That the sacrifice which he offered for the sins of the world was sufficient and effectual, and as such accepted by God. 3. That he has all power in the heavens and in the earth, and is able to save and defend to the uttermost all that come to God through him. 4. That he did not, like the Jewish high priest, depart out of the holy of holies, after having offered the atonement; but abides there at the throne of God, as a continual priest, in the permanent act of offering his crucified body unto God, in behalf of all the succeeding generations of mankind. It is no wonder the apostle should call this sitting down at the right hand of the throne of the Divine Majesty, the chief or head of all that he had before spoken.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum,.... The scope and drift, the compendium and substance; or the principal of what has been said in or from Psa 110:4 and has been discoursed of in the three preceding chapters, is the priesthood of Christ: we have such an high priest; as is described in the foregoing discourse, and in the following words: Christ is a priest, an high priest, and the saints' high priest; they are not without one under the Gospel dispensation; and Christ is he, and always continues, in whose sacrifice and intercession they have a share: who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; he is "set", whereas the Levitical priests stood; which shows that he has done his work, and that with acceptance; and is in a state of ease and rest; and is possessed of honour, glory, majesty, and authority, and which continue: the place where he is set is, "on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty"; the same with the right hand of God; for by the throne of the Majesty is meant God the Father, in his royal glory and dignity; so Tiphereth, one of the ten numbers in the Jews' Cabalistic tree, whose name is Jehovah, is called , "the throne of glory" (c); so angels are called thrones, Col 1:16 but God is a throne of majesty superior to them; and at his right hand sits Christ the great high priest; which is expressive of his high honour, glory, and power, and even of his equality with God: the phrase, "in the heavens", may refer both to God the throne of majesty, who is there, and to Christ the high priest, who is passed into them, and received by them, and sits there. (c) Lex. Cabal. p. 483.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here is, I. A summary recital of what had been said before concerning the excellency of Christ's priesthood, showing what we have in Christ, where he now resides, and what sanctuary he is the minister of, Heb 8:1, Heb 8:2. Observe, 1. What we have in Christ; we have a high priest, and such a high priest as no other people ever had, no age of the world, or of the church, ever produced; all others were but types and shadows of this high priest. He is adequately fitted and absolutely sufficient to all the intents and purposes of a high priest, both with respect to the honour of God and the happiness of men and himself; the great honour of all those who have an interest in him. 2. Where he now resides: He sits on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty on high, that is, of the glorious God of heaven. There the Mediator is placed, and he is possessed of all authority and power both in heaven and upon earth. This is the reward of his humiliation. This authority he exercises for the glory of his Father, for his own honour, and for the happiness of all who belong to him; and he will by his almighty power bring every one of them in their own order to the right hand of God in heaven, as members of his mystical body, that where he is they may be also. 3. What is that sanctuary of which he is a minister: Of the true tabernacle, which the Lord hath pitched, and not man, Heb 8:2. The tabernacle which was pitched by man, according to the appointment of God. There was an outer part, in which was the altar where they were to offer their sacrifices, which typified Christ dying; and there was an interior part within the veil, which typified Christ interceding for the people in heaven. Now this tabernacle Christ never entered into; but, having finished the work of satisfaction in the true tabernacle of his own body, he is now a minister of the sanctuary, the holy of holies, the true tabernacle in heaven, there taking care of his people's affairs, interceding with God for them, that their sins may be pardoned and their persons and services accepted, through the merit of his sacrifice. He is not only in heaven enjoying great dominion and dignity, but, as the high priest of his church, executing this office for them all in general, and every member of the church in particular. II. The apostle sets before the Hebrews the necessary parts of Christ's priesthood, or what it was that belonged to that office, in conformity to what every high priest is ordained to, Heb 8:3, Heb 8:4. 1. Every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices. Whatever was brought by the people to be presented to God, whether expiatory sacrifices, or peace-offerings, or thank-offerings, must be offered by the priest, who was to expiate their guilt by the blood of the sacrifice, and perfume their gifts and services by his holy incense, to render their persons and performances typically acceptable; so then it necessarily belongs to the priesthood of Christ that he should have somewhat to offer; and he, as the antitype, had himself to offer, his human nature upon the altar of his divine nature, as the great atoning sacrifice that finished transgression, and made an end of sin once for all; and he has the incense of his own righteousness and merits too to offer with all that his people offer up to God by him, to render them acceptable. We must not dare to approach to God, or to present any thing to him, but in and through Christ, depending upon his merits and mediation; for if we are accepted, it is in the Beloved. 2. Christ must now execute his priesthood in heaven, in the holy of holies, the true tabernacle which the Lord hath fixed. Thus the type must be fully answered; having finished the work of sacrificing here, he must go into heaven, to present his righteousness and to make intercession there. For, (1.) If Christ were on earth, he would not be a priest (Heb 8:4), that is, not according to the Levitical law, as not being of the line of that priesthood; and so long as that priesthood continued there must be a strict regard paid to the divine institution in everything. (2.) All the services of the priest, under the law, as well as every thing in that tabernacle which was framed according to the pattern in the mount, were only exemplars and shadows of heavenly things, Heb 8:5. Christ is the substance and end of the law for righteousness. Something therefore there must be in Christ's priesthood that answers to the high priest's entering within the veil to make intercession, without which he could not have been a perfect priest; and what is this but the ascension of Christ into heaven, and his appearance there in the sight of God for his people, to present their prayers, and plead their cause? So that, if he had still continued on earth, he could not have been a perfect priest; and an imperfect one he could not be.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
8:1–10:18 This passage on Jesus’ superior offering argues that his ministry as the heavenly High Priest is superior to that of earthly priests. 8:1-2 The first two verses of ch 8 transition from the discussion just completed and anticipate the discussion to come. • Here is the main point: The author is referring back to the appointment of Jesus as a superior High Priest (5:1-10; 7:1-28). • he ministers in the heavenly Tabernacle (or tent; also in 8:5): This anticipates the theme of Jesus’ superior offering that is covered in the rest of this section (8:3–10:18). Unlike the Levitical priests who served in an earthly tent or building, Jesus’ sacrifice is superior because he serves in the true place of worship, the very presence of God in heaven (8:5; 9:11, 24; 10:12).
Hebrews 8:1
Christ’s Eternal Priesthood
1The point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven,2and who ministers in the sanctuary and true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Old Is Getting Ready to Vanish Away
By Carter Conlon2.2K19:33Second ComingHEB 1:1HEB 8:1In this sermon on Hebrews chapter 8, the preacher begins by summarizing the previous chapters, highlighting the power and superiority of Christ. He emphasizes the need for dependence on the Holy Spirit and the privilege of preaching under His unction. The preacher encourages believers to be bold witnesses for Christ, relying on the Holy Spirit to give them the words to speak. He also emphasizes the forgiveness and cleansing that comes through confessing our sins and the power of the new covenant established by Christ. The sermon concludes with a reminder that the old, sinful nature is ready to vanish away as believers embrace the power of God in their lives.
Able to Save to the Uttermost
By Bob Jennings1.8K36:21IntercessionMAT 6:33HEB 8:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the exaltation of our Savior to another realm. He uses a personal anecdote about getting stuck on a farm and needing a long cable to pull the truck out of trouble. This serves as an analogy for how our Savior, through his intercession, lifts us up and saves us from sin and bondage. The preacher also highlights how Jesus prays for our sanctification and unity, as mentioned in John 17. He concludes by emphasizing the superiority of Jesus as a Savior and the great salvation he offers, comparing it to an indestructible life that is able to save.
The Persistent Purpose of God - Part 5
By T. Austin-Sparks1.7K58:15Purpose Of GodEZK 1:26MAT 6:33ACT 2:42ACT 13:46HEB 8:1HEB 9:24REV 21:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the symbolism found in the Bible, particularly focusing on the number four. The four living creatures mentioned in the Bible are analyzed, with their four likenesses and four wings representing the number four, which symbolizes creation. The speaker emphasizes the responsibility of believers to provide the Lord with a true expression of his mind on earth. The importance of recognizing the man on the throne, as seen in the New Testament, is highlighted as the source of power and inspiration for the early church.
Glory of Christ's Priesthood Contrasted With the Immorality of the Rc Priesthood
By Richard Bennett1.5K1:03:091TI 3:2TIT 1:6HEB 8:1HEB 9:26HEB 10:12HEB 10:14HEB 13:4In this sermon, the speaker discusses the corruption and issues within American seminaries and the Catholic Church. They highlight the prevalence of doctrinal error, liturgical abuse, and misconduct among seminarians. The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing the glory of Christ's priesthood and the need to reach out to Catholic priests and believers. They also emphasize the significance of Christ's one sacrifice, which is mentioned multiple times in the Bible, to emphasize the perfection of his priesthood.
Priests of God
By Art Katz9111:23:33HEB 3:1HEB 7:3HEB 8:1HEB 8:4HEB 8:6HEB 8:13This sermon emphasizes the importance of embracing the priestly calling alongside the apostolic calling, highlighting the need for a deep sense of priestliness that is often lacking among God's people. It challenges individuals to wait on God, sacrifice self-interest, and be consecrated before Him to experience the radiance and authority of a Melchizedek priesthood. The speaker calls for a transformation from earthly-mindedness to heavenly-mindedness, urging a commitment to live in the presence of God and reflect His glory in all aspects of life.
The Character and Occupation of the High Priest
By Robert Murray M'Cheyne0IntercessionThe High Priesthood of ChristHEB 8:1Robert Murray M'Cheyne emphasizes the significance of Jesus as our High Priest, highlighting His divine character, exalted position at the right hand of God, and ongoing ministry in the heavenly sanctuary. He explains that Jesus embodies the perfect High Priest, who is compassionate, eternal, and holy, and who offers a complete atonement for our sins. M'Cheyne urges believers to recognize the importance of having such a High Priest for peace, joy, and access to God, while also calling those without Him to seek His grace. The sermon encapsulates the essence of the Epistle to the Hebrews, focusing on the beauty and glory of Christ's priestly role. Ultimately, M'Cheyne reassures that through Jesus, we have a mediator who intercedes for us and carries our names before God.
He Hasn't Forgotten
By Thomas Manton0JHN 17:11PHP 2:6HEB 4:15HEB 7:25HEB 8:1Thomas Manton preaches about the continuous presence of Christ in heaven, emphasizing that His absence does not hinder believers from having a spiritual connection with Him. Despite His exalted position, Christ remains a compassionate high priest who is deeply concerned for His church and is able to empathize with our weaknesses. His heavenly residence does not diminish His ability to minister to us and provide for our needs.
The Work and the Workers
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Testimony of ChristDivine MovementsNEH 3:5NEH 4:6JHN 3:8ACT 2:11CO 3:2EPH 4:16HEB 8:1HEB 11:10REV 3:2REV 21:2T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the dynamic nature of God's work through history, illustrating how divine movements are often marked by both intrinsic fullness and progressive recovery. He draws parallels between the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall in Nehemiah and the early church's testimony in the Book of Acts, highlighting the importance of being instruments of God's vision and passion. Sparks points out that God's chosen vessels often face unique challenges and must be guided by the Holy Spirit, leading to a corporate unity among believers. The sermon calls for a renewed commitment to the testimony of Christ, urging the church to recognize their role in the ongoing work of God.
October 29. 1678. the Blood of the Covenant.
By Jane Lead0HEB 7:26HEB 8:1HEB 9:14HEB 10:19Jane Lead preaches about the significance of the Blood-Laver within us as the source of purity for the Holy and Separated place where the New Testament is dedicated by the Life-Blood of the Testator, providing evidence for joint-Heirship with Prince Michael in his everlasting Kingdom. She emphasizes the importance of the Covenant-Blood that remits all sin, allowing only the Holy, Harmless, and Undefiled to minister in the most Holy Tabernacle, waiting upon the great High-Priest in the heavens.
Jesus' Work Before the Throne
By David Wilkerson0Spiritual BlessingsIntercessionNUM 6:23ZEC 3:2EPH 1:3HEB 7:24HEB 8:1David Wilkerson emphasizes the eternal role of Jesus as our High Priest, who intercedes for us before the Father and confronts our accuser, the devil. He highlights that Jesus, seated at the right hand of God, has an unchangeable priesthood and offers us spiritual blessings far greater than the temporal blessings of the Old Testament. Wilkerson encourages believers to come to Jesus in faith, assuring them that He delights in blessing those who are weak, broken, or grieving. The sermon reminds us of the security we have in Christ, as He covers us with His blood and pays our debts. Ultimately, we are called to rejoice in the spiritual blessings bestowed upon us through our High Priest.
Blessings From Our High Priest
By David Wilkerson0Authority of ChristIntercessionNUM 6:23HEB 7:24HEB 8:1David Wilkerson emphasizes the role of Jesus as our unchangeable High Priest who intercedes for us before the Father. He highlights that Jesus, seated at the right hand of God, has all authority and power to bless us, just as the Old Testament priests did. Wilkerson explains that Jesus' blessings are not mere wishes but are backed by divine authority, ensuring that they are fulfilled. He reassures believers that Jesus covers us with His blood and actively intercedes on our behalf, providing us with peace and security. The sermon encourages us to recognize the significance of Christ's ongoing ministry and the blessings that flow from it.
Christ's Priestly Office.
By Edward Payson0JHN 14:6PHP 3:8COL 2:91TI 2:5HEB 4:16HEB 7:25HEB 8:1HEB 9:221PE 1:181JN 2:2Edward Payson preaches about the significance of Jesus Christ as the ultimate High Priest, the true tabernacle, and the atoning sacrifice, emphasizing how he fulfills and surpasses the roles of the Levitical priests, the tabernacle, and the sacrifices in the Old Testament. Payson explains how Jesus is the Christian's tabernacle, high priest, and sacrifice, drawing parallels between the Jewish practices and Christ's redemptive work. He urges believers to appreciate the divine origin and truth of the Scriptures, highlighting the importance of understanding the Old Testament in relation to the New Testament and the gospel of salvation through Christ.
Types in Hebrews
By Robert Anderson0HEB 8:1Robert Anderson preaches about the authorship controversy of the book of Hebrews, discussing the claims of different authors like Luke, Barnabas, and Apollos, but ultimately pointing to the absence of concrete evidence. The sermon delves into the suspicion the Roman Church had towards Hebrews due to its emphasis on the covenant people, contrasting with the ecclesiastical pretensions of the church. It highlights the importance of surrendering to God, acknowledging the divine revelation through Christ, and the need to understand the Old Testament Scriptures to grasp the significance of Christ's work as the Great High Priest.
God the Son: His Priestly Ministry
By Lewis Sperry Chafer0PSA 2:8LUK 22:31JHN 17:1ROM 8:34EPH 1:22HEB 7:25HEB 8:11JN 1:91JN 2:1REV 12:10Lewis Sperry Chafer emphasizes the current priestly ministry of Christ in Heaven, highlighting His role as the Bestower of Spiritual Gifts, the Intercessor for His own, and the Advocate for believers before God. Christ, as the High Priest, is now serving as Priest and not as King, awaiting the establishment of His kingdom on earth. His priestly ministry is threefold: bestowing spiritual gifts, making intercession for His own, and appearing for His own in the presence of God.
Justified!
By J.C. Ryle0Peace With GodJustificationISA 57:21JHN 3:16ACT 16:31ROM 4:5ROM 5:12CO 5:21GAL 3:13EPH 2:14PHP 4:7HEB 8:1J.C. Ryle emphasizes the profound significance of being justified by faith, which grants true peace with God through Jesus Christ. He outlines four key points: the privilege of peace with God, the source of this peace through justification, the foundation of justification in Christ, and the necessity of faith to receive these blessings. Ryle warns that without understanding justification, one risks eternal ruin, and he urges readers to seek this peace actively. Ultimately, he calls for a personal relationship with Christ as the only means to attain true peace and justification.
The True Basis of Life for the Companions
By T. Austin-Sparks0Heavenly CallingFaith in GodJDG 7:7JHN 10:18ACT 7:20HEB 3:1HEB 4:14HEB 6:4HEB 8:1HEB 9:23HEB 11:16HEB 12:23T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the words 'heavenly' and 'faith' in the Christian life, particularly as presented in the Letter to the Hebrews. He illustrates how God consistently places His people on a supernatural basis, demonstrating that true faith involves trusting in God's ability to accomplish the impossible, as seen through biblical figures like Abraham, Jacob, and Joseph. Sparks encourages young Christians to understand that living a heavenly life is not limited to the afterlife but is a present reality grounded in faith. He concludes that faith is the belief that heaven can do what no earthly power can achieve, urging believers to rely on divine resources in seemingly hopeless situations.
"Ye Are the Branches "
By Andrew Murray0LEV 16:1HEB 2:17HEB 4:14HEB 7:26HEB 8:1The preacher delves into the significance of the high priest in Israel, highlighting their role as mediators between Jehovah and the nation, especially during the Day of Atonement. The sermon explores the political influence and historical context of high priests like Caiaphas, shedding light on the complexities of their positions. Drawing parallels to Jesus as the ultimate High Priest, the preacher emphasizes how Christ's sacrifice and eternal priesthood surpass the limitations of the earthly high priests, offering eternal redemption and mercy to all who believe.
March 12. 1678. the Mystery of the Altar Further Explained.
By Jane Lead0HEB 8:1HEB 9:11HEB 10:12REV 21:2Jane Lead preaches about the significance of the Altar and the awaited appearance of the Messiah Prince to bring an end to imperfect sacrifices, ushering in a new era of spiritual fulfillment. She emphasizes the necessity for a transparent and powerful priesthood to establish the everlasting Tabernacle, revealing the glory of the Heavenly Sanctuary. The sermon delves into the preparation for the Priestly-Kingdom and the signs preceding its descent, highlighting the importance of spiritual readiness and the union with God in the New Jerusalem-State.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Of the things which we have spoken this is the sum - The word κεφαλαιον, which we translate sum, signifies the chief, the principal, or head; or, as St. Chrysostom explains it, κεφαλαιον αει το μεγιστον λεγεται, "that which is greatest is always called kephalaion," i.e. the head, or chief. Who is set on the right hand of the throne - This is what the apostle states to be the chief or most important point of all that he had yet discussed. His sitting down at the right hand of the throne of God, proves, 1. That he is higher than all the high priests that ever existed. 2. That the sacrifice which he offered for the sins of the world was sufficient and effectual, and as such accepted by God. 3. That he has all power in the heavens and in the earth, and is able to save and defend to the uttermost all that come to God through him. 4. That he did not, like the Jewish high priest, depart out of the holy of holies, after having offered the atonement; but abides there at the throne of God, as a continual priest, in the permanent act of offering his crucified body unto God, in behalf of all the succeeding generations of mankind. It is no wonder the apostle should call this sitting down at the right hand of the throne of the Divine Majesty, the chief or head of all that he had before spoken.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum,.... The scope and drift, the compendium and substance; or the principal of what has been said in or from Psa 110:4 and has been discoursed of in the three preceding chapters, is the priesthood of Christ: we have such an high priest; as is described in the foregoing discourse, and in the following words: Christ is a priest, an high priest, and the saints' high priest; they are not without one under the Gospel dispensation; and Christ is he, and always continues, in whose sacrifice and intercession they have a share: who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; he is "set", whereas the Levitical priests stood; which shows that he has done his work, and that with acceptance; and is in a state of ease and rest; and is possessed of honour, glory, majesty, and authority, and which continue: the place where he is set is, "on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty"; the same with the right hand of God; for by the throne of the Majesty is meant God the Father, in his royal glory and dignity; so Tiphereth, one of the ten numbers in the Jews' Cabalistic tree, whose name is Jehovah, is called , "the throne of glory" (c); so angels are called thrones, Col 1:16 but God is a throne of majesty superior to them; and at his right hand sits Christ the great high priest; which is expressive of his high honour, glory, and power, and even of his equality with God: the phrase, "in the heavens", may refer both to God the throne of majesty, who is there, and to Christ the high priest, who is passed into them, and received by them, and sits there. (c) Lex. Cabal. p. 483.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here is, I. A summary recital of what had been said before concerning the excellency of Christ's priesthood, showing what we have in Christ, where he now resides, and what sanctuary he is the minister of, Heb 8:1, Heb 8:2. Observe, 1. What we have in Christ; we have a high priest, and such a high priest as no other people ever had, no age of the world, or of the church, ever produced; all others were but types and shadows of this high priest. He is adequately fitted and absolutely sufficient to all the intents and purposes of a high priest, both with respect to the honour of God and the happiness of men and himself; the great honour of all those who have an interest in him. 2. Where he now resides: He sits on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty on high, that is, of the glorious God of heaven. There the Mediator is placed, and he is possessed of all authority and power both in heaven and upon earth. This is the reward of his humiliation. This authority he exercises for the glory of his Father, for his own honour, and for the happiness of all who belong to him; and he will by his almighty power bring every one of them in their own order to the right hand of God in heaven, as members of his mystical body, that where he is they may be also. 3. What is that sanctuary of which he is a minister: Of the true tabernacle, which the Lord hath pitched, and not man, Heb 8:2. The tabernacle which was pitched by man, according to the appointment of God. There was an outer part, in which was the altar where they were to offer their sacrifices, which typified Christ dying; and there was an interior part within the veil, which typified Christ interceding for the people in heaven. Now this tabernacle Christ never entered into; but, having finished the work of satisfaction in the true tabernacle of his own body, he is now a minister of the sanctuary, the holy of holies, the true tabernacle in heaven, there taking care of his people's affairs, interceding with God for them, that their sins may be pardoned and their persons and services accepted, through the merit of his sacrifice. He is not only in heaven enjoying great dominion and dignity, but, as the high priest of his church, executing this office for them all in general, and every member of the church in particular. II. The apostle sets before the Hebrews the necessary parts of Christ's priesthood, or what it was that belonged to that office, in conformity to what every high priest is ordained to, Heb 8:3, Heb 8:4. 1. Every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices. Whatever was brought by the people to be presented to God, whether expiatory sacrifices, or peace-offerings, or thank-offerings, must be offered by the priest, who was to expiate their guilt by the blood of the sacrifice, and perfume their gifts and services by his holy incense, to render their persons and performances typically acceptable; so then it necessarily belongs to the priesthood of Christ that he should have somewhat to offer; and he, as the antitype, had himself to offer, his human nature upon the altar of his divine nature, as the great atoning sacrifice that finished transgression, and made an end of sin once for all; and he has the incense of his own righteousness and merits too to offer with all that his people offer up to God by him, to render them acceptable. We must not dare to approach to God, or to present any thing to him, but in and through Christ, depending upon his merits and mediation; for if we are accepted, it is in the Beloved. 2. Christ must now execute his priesthood in heaven, in the holy of holies, the true tabernacle which the Lord hath fixed. Thus the type must be fully answered; having finished the work of sacrificing here, he must go into heaven, to present his righteousness and to make intercession there. For, (1.) If Christ were on earth, he would not be a priest (Heb 8:4), that is, not according to the Levitical law, as not being of the line of that priesthood; and so long as that priesthood continued there must be a strict regard paid to the divine institution in everything. (2.) All the services of the priest, under the law, as well as every thing in that tabernacle which was framed according to the pattern in the mount, were only exemplars and shadows of heavenly things, Heb 8:5. Christ is the substance and end of the law for righteousness. Something therefore there must be in Christ's priesthood that answers to the high priest's entering within the veil to make intercession, without which he could not have been a perfect priest; and what is this but the ascension of Christ into heaven, and his appearance there in the sight of God for his people, to present their prayers, and plead their cause? So that, if he had still continued on earth, he could not have been a perfect priest; and an imperfect one he could not be.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
8:1–10:18 This passage on Jesus’ superior offering argues that his ministry as the heavenly High Priest is superior to that of earthly priests. 8:1-2 The first two verses of ch 8 transition from the discussion just completed and anticipate the discussion to come. • Here is the main point: The author is referring back to the appointment of Jesus as a superior High Priest (5:1-10; 7:1-28). • he ministers in the heavenly Tabernacle (or tent; also in 8:5): This anticipates the theme of Jesus’ superior offering that is covered in the rest of this section (8:3–10:18). Unlike the Levitical priests who served in an earthly tent or building, Jesus’ sacrifice is superior because he serves in the true place of worship, the very presence of God in heaven (8:5; 9:11, 24; 10:12).