FACE TO FACE WITH GOD: A BIBLICAL THEOLOGY OF CHRIST AS PRIEST AND MEDIATOR, by T. Desmond Alexander

A Brief Book Summary from Books At a Glance

by Steve West

 

Table of Contents

Introduction
1 Where Heaven and Earth Meet
2 The Portable Sanctuary
3 Holy to the Lord
4 Face to Face with God
5 The High Priest as Intercessor
6 The High Priest and Sacrifice
7 A Priest like Melchizedek
8 Mediator of a Better Covenant
9 A Royal Priesthood
Conclusion

 

Summary

 

Introduction

All of life is about Christ, both now and in the future state of glory. We will never fully comprehend and appreciate all that Christ is and all the ways that he is significant, but one vital facet to explore is that Christ is our high priest and mediator. The priesthood of Christ is the central theme of Hebrews. It is through Christ our high priest that we can approach God’s throne of grace with confidence. Hebrews presents Christ as the perfect high priest we need who offered the sacrifice of atonement that we need. It is not abstract theology, but a practical reality that keeps us walking in persevering faith. The letter is an exhortation to follow Christ, and it is his sacrificial death and heavenly priesthood that motivates our patient endurance. Having accomplished his atoning work on earth, Christ is now the mediator at the right hand of God in heaven. His ongoing work in heaven is essential for salvation on earth, and it is this that comforts and encourages believers in the midst of trials. The biblical theme of priesthood develops across the canon, culminating in Christ, and the author of Hebrews draws on the OT realities to present Christ as the fulfillment of the sacrificial system and priesthood. There are parallels between Christ and the Levitical priesthood, but also differences that make Christ unique.

 

Chapter 1: Where Heaven and Earth Meet

Hebrews emphasizes Christ’s role as our ascended high priest, serving in the sanctuary of heaven. In order to understand the significance of Christ’s priestly role, it is important to be familiar with the concept of priesthood in Scripture. In the exodus, Israel was redeemed by God from slavery in Egypt. God led them to Sinai, and there he promised to dwell with them and make them his special people. This was extremely significant, since it was a partial restoration of Eden where God walked with Adam and Eve. To accompany his people in the wilderness, God commissioned the construction of a royal tent, the tabernacle, where he would dwell. (The Hebrew term often translated as tent or tabernacle is better translated as dwelling.) The tabernacle was built exactly according to God’s specifications, and priests served in it. God’s presence and dwelling with Israel was based on the covenant he made with them. He promised to be their God, and they had to obey him fully; idols and other gods were prohibited.

When the portable sanctuary was set up, the glory cloud of God filled it, signifying that God had taken up residence. Every item in the tabernacle was important, but the ark of the covenant was exceptional. It served as the footstool for God who was reigning on his heavenly throne. The ark, therefore, was the lowest part of God’s throne, connecting heaven and earth. The covenant was placed in the ark, and the lid of the ark was the mercy seat where sacrificial blood was sprinkled to cover sins. It is vital to understand that the earthly tabernacle was patterned on a heavenly sanctuary which was the archetype. Furthermore, the Levitical priesthood was actually patterned after Christ’s; it looked forward to it. There are strong connections between the sanctuary and Eden, but the tighter connection is with heaven. . . .

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