Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. (15) For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. (16) Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews was written by an unknown author – the purpose of the letter was to address the doubts of those who were second guessing their conversion from Judaism to Christianity – to shore them up in there belief in Christ Jesus – to continue “on to perfection” in Christian belief.
In Old Testament times, the high priest would enter through the outer courts and the veils to enter into the presence of the most holy one to act as a mediator between the people and God. This was the annual ceremony of atonement. But, Jesus is our high priest and has offered the perfect once and for all sacrifice To atone for sin. The author compares the perfect sacrifice of the Christ to the repeated sacrifices of the high priests of Israel by showing that the high priest went thru the courts the temple and the inner veils but Jesus went through the heavens and entered the actual presence of God. In all things Jesus is superior.
The author of Hebrews exhorts his audience to hold tightly to Christianity – they have Jesus, the promised Messiah, and have, through Jesus, access to God on His throne of mercy and grace. Christians can boldly approach this throne and are assured of receiving grace whenever they need help.
S