The Robe of the Priest
The Robe of the High Priest
Jesus is our High Priest.
Jesus wears the Robe of the priest for all of Christianity because Salvation comes only by the Blood of the Lamb.
“They won the victory over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the truth which they proclaimed; and they were willing to give up their lives and die.” (Rev 12:11)
Jesus officiates as our High priest in the presence of God on behalf of all mankind. All our prayers, praises, and services are offered to God through him.
“He reflects the brightness of God’s glory and is the exact likeness of God’s own being, sustaining the universe with his powerful word. After achieving forgiveness for the sins of all human beings, he sat down in heaven at the right side of God, the Supreme Power.’ (Heb 1:3)
Jesus was typified by the high priest under the law.
He came into this world to do the work of a high priest by offering himself as a sacrifice for sin and by entering into the Most Holy Place with his own blood.
“When Christ went through the tent and entered once and for all into the Most Holy Place, he did not take the blood of goats and bulls to offer as a sacrifice; rather, he took his own blood and obtained eternal salvation for us.” (Heb 9:12)
Christ wears the Robe of the priest. Through His own blood, He offers us redemption, justification, atonement, salvation and eternal life.
These things are the direct results of the performance of his priestly office. This distinguishes Christ from the high priests under the law, who could not bring these things about.
The law of Moses was only a shadow and figure of these things, but Christ is the actual author and administrator of it.
Anyone who ascribes these things to their own merits or the merits of others thereby robs Christ of his glory as the high priest.
Jesus the High Priest gave up His body to cleanse us from sin.
“Because Jesus Christ did what God wanted him to do, we are all purified from sin by the offering that he made of his own body once and for all.” (Heb 10:10)
For by the blood of Christ we are set free, that is, our sins are forgiven. (Eph 1:7)
Christ’s human body, which was inhabited by the fullness of God, was typified by the tabernacle and the temple, both of which were inhabited by the majesty of God.
“Christ has already come as the High Priest of the good things that are already here. The tent in which he serves is greater and more perfect; it is not a tent made by human hands, that is, it is not a part of this created world.” (Heb 9:11)
The human body of Christ is greater than the tabernacle of Moses, not in size or cost, but in quality.
The tabernacle is only an example, figure, shadow, or type, but Christ’s body is the real thing.
“For you know what was paid to set you free from the worthless manner of life handed down by your ancestors. It was not something that can be destroyed, such as silver or gold; it was the costly sacrifice of Christ, who was like a lamb without defect or flaw.” (1Pe 1:18-19)
Through it things and persons are brought to perfection.
“But after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who calls you to share his eternal glory in union with Christ, will himself perfect you and give you firmness, strength, and a sure foundation.” (1Pe 5:10)
The body of Jesus was perfectly human but was not created through natural generation. Instead, He was conceived supernaturally in the womb of a virgin by the power of the Holy Spirit. She consequently became the first surrogate mother in the world.
Mary said to the angel, “I am a virgin. How, then, can this be?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and God’s power will rest upon you. For this reason the holy child will be called the Son of God. (Luk 1:34-35)
Everyone in God’s Kingdom can now also wear the Robe of the priest.
“He made us a kingdom of priests to serve his God and Father.” (Rev 1:6)
He makes us priests to offer up the spiritual sacrifices of prayer and praise:
“Come as living stones, and let yourselves be used in building the spiritual temple, where you will serve as holy priests to offer spiritual and acceptable sacrifices to God through Jesus Christ.” (1Pe 2:5)
by proclaiming the Gospel . . .
“But you are the chosen race, the King’s priests, the holy nation, God’s own people, chosen to proclaim the wonderful acts of God, who called you out of darkness into his own marvelous light.” (1Pe 2:9)
“I serve like a priest in preaching the Good News from God.” (Rom 15:16)
. . . and by presenting our souls as holy, living, and acceptable sacrifices unto God.
“So then, my friends, because of God’s great mercy to us I appeal to you: Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing to him. This is the true worship that you should offer.” (Rom 12:1)
The robe of the high priest, just like the rest of the armour of God, is Christ himself. He is our eternal High Priest.