20 where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
20 where the forerunner has entered
A “forerunner” in the Roman army was someone sent ahead to examine the terrain and assess the strength of the enemy before the army at large engaged the adversary. Another use of this word was of a small boat sent out from a ship with an anchor to place it in a safe harbor.
Our “forerunner” is Jesus Christ. His presence in heaven is the guarantee of the believer entering heaven. Our “forerunner” went into the heavenly sanctuary where He is our High Priest forever. A forerunner goes ahead of the pack. Jesus entered the heavenly sanctuary on our behalf. He went there as the precursor for believers going to heaven. Jesus was the first of many to follow. He was the first of a series to follow.
Christ, then, as a “forerunner” went before believers to open up the way ahead for those who follow. The believer’s protection is where Christ is now, in the presence of God. He is different from any other priest. That is why His priesthood is of a different order. He is a priest “forever.”
for us,
Jesus did not enter heaven for Himself but “for us.” He went in to represent us before God.
even Jesus,
The “forerunner” is Jesus.
having become High Priest forever
Jesus entered the Holy of Holies to represent us before the Father. He not only entered the Holy of Holies of heaven, but He never stepped out of God presence. He became our High Priest forever (He 1:3). The high priest of Israel went in every year, but not our Lord.
according to the order of Melchizedek.
The reference to “the order of Melchizedek” sets up a greater development of Christ’s priesthood in chapter 7. The Melchizedekian priesthood is of an entirely different order than the Aaronic priesthood. Melchizedek was an eternal High Priest. He had no beginning or ending (He 5:6, 10).
PRINCIPLE:
Jesus is currently interceding for us in heaven.
APPLICATION:
The place where our High Priest is now is in heaven. He sits in a session where He intercedes for us day by day (He 4:16). He gives us strength to fellowship with Him on a continual basis. Jesus is forever the Guardian of our souls. Our soul is anchored to Him. The security of the believer is eternally secure (Ro 8:34).
