Christ as Priest and Mediator with T. Desmond Alexander
Dec 11, 2023
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T. Desmond Alexander, world renowned biblical theologian, discusses the biblical-theological theme of Jesus as high priest and mediator. They explore how Jesus is like, but greater than Moses, the temple, and the sacrificial system. The significance of the tabernacle and Christ's role in enabling believers to be in God's presence is examined. They also delve into the connection between Christ's ascension and his role as high priest, and explore the significance of tabernacle imagery in the book of Hebrews.
The tabernacle in Hebrews serves as a representation of the heavenly sanctuary, emphasizing the need for holiness in God's presence.
Jesus, as the perfect high priest and offering, brings atonement for our sins and intercedes for believers in the heavenly sanctuary.
The priesthood of Melchizedek helps us understand how Jesus, as a high priest from the tribe of Judah, fulfills the role of a high priest, appointed by God's oath.
Deep dives
The Significance of the Tabernacle in Hebrews
The tabernacle in Hebrews is seen as a representation of the heavenly sanctuary, linking heaven and earth. The different compartments of the tabernacle highlight the need for holiness to be in God's presence. Christ's role as high priest and mediator is emphasized, as he brings the perfect sacrifice into the heavenly sanctuary and intercedes for believers.
The Role of the High Priest
The high priest, both in the Old Testament and in the case of Jesus, has a unique role in bringing the offering to God. Jesus, as the perfect high priest and offering, brings atonement for our sins and continues to intercede for believers in the heavenly sanctuary.
The Priesthood of Melchizedek
The priesthood of Melchizedek helps us understand how Jesus, as a high priest from the tribe of Judah, fulfills the role of a high priest. Melchizedek's unique priesthood, not belonging to a priestly order or genealogy, parallels Jesus' unique priesthood appointed by God's oath.
The Ascension and Assurance of Salvation
The ascension of Christ is essential, as it signifies the offering being brought into the heavenly sanctuary. Christ's continual intercession provides assurance and confidence in our forgiveness and salvation.
Recommended Resources
1. 'The Perfect Savior: Key Themes in Hebrews' edited by Jonathan Griffiths
2. 'An Unshakable Kingdom: Commentary on Hebrews' by David Gooding
In this episode Caleb is joined by world renowned biblical theologian T. Desmond Alexander (PhD, The Queen's University of Belfast) Senior Lecturer in Biblical Studies at Union Theological College to discuss the biblical-theological theme of Jesus as high priest and mediator via Alexander's recent book on the topic Face to Face with God: A Biblical Theology of Christ as Priest and Mediator. Together, they tackle questions like: How is Jesus like, but also greater than Moses, the temple, and the sacrificial system? How does this theme relate to Christ's ascension? His present ministry in heaven? To the Christian life? And more.
Resources:
Face to Face with God: A Biblical Theology of Christ as Priest and Mediator by T. Desmond Alexander https://a.co/d/99RNrnw
From Eden to the New Jerusalem: An Introduction to Biblical Theology by T. Desmond Alexander https://a.co/d/09BpkSW
