Explore the profound biblical truths about when Jesus Christ became the High Priest and how this moment is distinctly different from the validation and inauguration of the New Covenant. This in-depth analysis is based on a conservative, historical-grammatical interpretation of Scripture.

One of the most compelling and intricate subjects in the New Testament is the role of Jesus Christ as our High Priest and the timing related to the validation and inauguration of the new covenant. It is essential to understand these concepts correctly as they are foundational to Christian doctrine. This article aims to delve into these topics thoroughly, applying a rigorously conservative approach to Biblical exegesis.

The High Priestly Role of Christ

The concept of Jesus as the High Priest is primarily developed in the Book of Hebrews. Hebrews 4:14-15 (UASV) states, “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” Christ’s priestly role begins after His resurrection and ascension. He entered the heavenly sanctuary, not made with human hands, to mediate between God and man. His role as a High Priest is not an afterthought but an essential part of the redemption plan. This heavenly sanctuary is the real antitype to which the earthly tabernacle pointed.

When Did Jesus Become High Priest?

It is a mistake to think that Jesus’ high-priestly ministry began during His earthly ministry or even at His birth. According to Hebrews 8:4 (UASV), “Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer gifts according to the Law.” Christ’s High Priestly role begins with His ascension into heaven, where He sits at the right hand of God and intercedes for believers (Hebrews 8:1). His priestly duties involve not the blood of bulls and goats but His own perfect sacrifice, which is sufficient for all time (Hebrews 9:11-14).

The New Covenant: Validated but Not Yet Fully Inaugurated

The new covenant was effectively validated through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself spoke of this during the Last Supper, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood” (Luke 22:20, ESV). However, the full manifestation and benefits of this covenant await their complete realization in the future, as described in Hebrews 8:10-12. We can see this as akin to signing a contract but waiting for all the stipulations to come into effect at a later date.

The Inauguration of the New Covenant

While the new covenant was validated by Christ’s sacrifice, its inauguration into full practice happens progressively. For instance, believers under the new covenant still sin and require the continued intercessory role of Christ, their High Priest. It is also necessary to mention that the new covenant will achieve its fullest expression during the millennial kingdom and then into eternity. This inauguration is not an event but a process, commenced but not yet consummated.

Distinction Between Validation and Inauguration

It’s crucial to understand that the validation of the new covenant and its inauguration are not simultaneous events. Imagine a new law passed by the government. The law may be “validated” when it receives the president’s signature, but it may only go into “effect” or be inaugurated at the beginning of the next fiscal year. The validation makes the covenant legally binding, but the inauguration makes the covenant experientially manifest in its fullest extent.

Conclusion

In summary, Jesus Christ became our High Priest following His resurrection and ascension into heaven. At this point, He entered the heavenly sanctuary to perform His mediatorial duties. The new covenant, on the other hand, was validated by His death and resurrection but is in the process of being inaugurated. This will reach its zenith when Christ returns to establish His kingdom on earth. Understanding these Biblical truths with precision is not just an intellectual exercise but foundational for grasping the broader redemptive work of God in history.

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