‘You Are a Priest Forever’: An Exegetical and Biblical Theology of High Priestly Christology

Abstract

The letter to the Hebrews is unique among its New Testament counterparts in that it is the only canonical writing to offer an indepth explanation of the  high priestly ministry of Christ within a detailed discussion of Israel’s cultic theology. The purpose of this article is twofold. First, the question of timing  with respect to when Christ was installed as high priest is addressed, noting the various answers that have been proposed. It is argued that similar to the ministry of the high priest on Yom Kippur, Christ’s priestly offering is made not at the moment of his crucifixion, but instead his offering of atonement is  made upon his entrance into the heavenly sanctuary. The second part of this article attempts to briefly situate Hebrews’ high priestly Christology within a  broader biblical theology of the New Testament, specifically focusing on select passages from the Gospels and the writings of Paul that have been  imbued with priestly connotations. It is argued that, while often other writings of the New Testament are appealed to for a proper understanding of the  cultic theology of Hebrews, this same practice is not often reciprocated in return. If this were so, it would seem to be rather clear that Hebrews offers no  support for an earthly Jesus functioning in priestly manner.