At the beginning of the book of Hebrews, the writer began by reminding the brethren that Jesus was God’s spokesman for “these last days” (Hebrews 1:2). He then explained how Jesus was qualified for this position:
“And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high” (Hebrews 1:3).
In this short article, I want to focus on part of this description of Christ. So for a few moments, I invite you to consider with me the last part of this verse: “When He had made purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” If we understand this phrase, we will have a fundamental understanding of the gospel of Christ and why His new law is superior to the Law of Moses.
He Made Purification for Sins
Jesus’ purpose in coming to earth was to die on the cross to make atonement for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3). Through His blood He shed on the cross, we are able to obtain forgiveness (Ephesians 1:7) and have our conscience cleansed (Hebrews 9:14). Because of this, He is the one and only way to salvation (John 14:6; Acts 4:12).
Jesus’ sacrifice of Himself on the cross was different than the animal sacrifices made by the priests under the Old Law. The fundamental difference between these sacrifices was that Jesus’ blood could take away sin (Ephesians 1:7) while the blood of the animals could not. In speaking of the animal sacrifices offered under the Old Law, the Hebrew writer said, “But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year by year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins” (Hebrews 10:3-4).
This is why the priesthood and sacrifice of Christ were superior to those under the Law of Moses. Jesus’ sacrifice made forgiveness possible; animal sacrifices did not. If we want forgiveness of sins today, we must look to Christ (Acts 22:16)
He Sat Down
In the next point, we will see the significance of where Jesus sat down; but we should not ignore the simple observation that He “sat down.” The Hebrew writer explained the significance of this later in the letter:
“Every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins; but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God” (Hebrews 10:11-12).
The difference in posture between Jesus and the priests of the Old Law is important. They stood because their work continued “daily” (Hebrews 10:11), “year by year” (Hebrews 10:3). Jesus sat down because His work of sacrificing for sins was completed. Through just one perfect sacrifice, Jesus was able to atone “for all sins for all time” (Hebrews 10:12). He will never need to offer the same sacrifice again because He is able to “save forever those who draw near to God through Him” (Hebrews 7:25).
He Is at the Right Hand of God
Being at the right hand of God means that Jesus is in a position of power. Before giving the Great Commission, Jesus told His apostles, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18). Jesus was not only a superior priest to those under the Old Law, He was also a king (John 18:36). This is why the Hebrew writer compared Jesus to Melchizedek – “king of Salem, priest of the Most High God” (Hebrews 7:1).
Jesus did not just make forgiveness of sins possible, He is also the One with the authority that demands our obedience. After telling His apostles that He had been given all authority, Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). Because He has all authority at the right hand of God, we are to be baptized to become His disciples and then follow His teachings.
All that we do must be done by His authority (Colossians 3:17). Such obedience is necessary to please Him, as the Hebrew writer said, “He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation” (Hebrews 5:9).
Conclusion
The Old Law is valuable to us today for instruction and encouragement (Romans 15:4). But for forgiveness of sins and to know God’s will for us today, we must look to Christ. He made forgiveness possible through His death on the cross. He perfectly completed His work. He is our Lord and our King. Therefore, we must serve Him in all that we do.
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