9. How did the sanctuary priests become priests and for how long? Hebrews 7:5; Hebrews 7:23. Compare Exodus 28:1; Exodus 27:21.
COMPILER’S NOTE: It was decreed by God that the priests of the earthly sanctuary should come from the line of Aaron, and be helped in their service for God by the remainder of the Levites. This was a law given at Sinai. And of course since the priests were human, their service was cut short by death and others took their places. Just for their period of office, these dedicated men were to represent Jesus in His work in the heavenly sanctuary. The earthly sanctuary was a copy of the true sanctuary in heaven, given by God to Moses, and built by human hands. It was a teaching tool of the entire plan of salvation. The earthly priests were figures of Jesus who was to become the true High Priest in the sanctuary in heaven.
NOTE: ‘In the days of Abraham, the priesthood was the birthright of the eldest son. Now, instead of the first-born, the Lord accepted the tribe of Levi for the work of the sanctuary. Aaron and his sons alone however were permitted to minister before the Lord; the rest of the tribe were entrusted with the charge of the tabernacle and its furniture.’ From Eternity Past, page 242.
10. How was Christ established as a priest? Hebrews 7:21-22.
COMPILER’S NOTE: Why was Jesus established as our priest? So that He could completely fulfil the purpose implied in the name He was given. JESUS – He shall save His people from their sins. In the establishment of Jesus as our High Priest, God swore by Himself, for He could not swear by anything greater (which we do). By swearing an oath, God was saying He would do what He had in His great love promised for us. He Himself had given Jesus to us as our High Priest. He was the divine guarantee of a better covenant (a working together) based on better promises than just our resolutions to try to be better. Jesus is a High Priest exactly suited for our spiritual needs. He can work with God on our behalf to bring us the blessings of heaven to take away our sins and make us holy in heart. The priesthood, both on earth and now in heaven, is all about restoration of fallen sinners, so that they can inherit the long-looked-for holy city and the earth made new.