MYLES CHRISTIAN
I recently heard a talk from an Adventist pastor on the subject of being prepared to stand before Almighty God without an intercessor. As the talk progressed I was reminded of just how interconnected Adventist theology is—but more importantly, how fundamental this doctrine is to their system. It’s a system that’s ultimately rooted in a false priesthood.
The author of Hebrews, citing from the Psalter, goes to great lengths when describing the priesthood of Jesus Christ, to explain that Jesus Christ “forever lives to make intercession” to His people.
“Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron? For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well. For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests” (Hebrews 7:11-14).
The imperfection of the law work of the Levites is made evidently clear in the fact that, had it not been imperfect, there would have been no need for one in the likeness of Melchizedek to come bringing true atonement. This imperfect priesthood is the reason the author then goes on to tell us that Jesus’s priesthood is not rooted in the basis of an earthly legal code, but by virtue of His indestructible life.
“And it was not without an oath. For those who formerly became priests were made such without an oath, but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him:
“The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever.’”
This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant” (Hebrews 7:20-22).
This truth cannot be overlooked or downplayed. It is in the virtue of the Lord Jesus Christ’s indestructible endless life that His priesthood is rooted. Not just this, but as we were told in verse 1—Melchizedek was King of Salem (which means peace)—showcasing the fullness of Christ’s role as priest king.
The new covenant’s better basis is rooted in Christ’s forever, endless life and mediation for His people. He will never lose them, even into eternity. This fact is why the incarnation is such an important doctrine. God himself condescends down to His creation in the person of Christ, who clothed Himself in human flesh. The Risen Christ will forever bear the marks of His work for His people and will forever remain the God-Man that bridged the gap between sinners and a Holy God.
When the Adventist Church, by way of Ellen G. White, tells us that Christ will one day cease His work of mediation, they showcase their lack of understanding around the incarnation, the person and work of Christ, and ultimately, the gospel. For it is only a system that doesn’t understand the incarnation that would make the assertion that the mediation of Christ for His people is only a temporary work until man can get to a certain status and character.
To cease to be man’s mediator would be for Christ to cease being the Incarnate One—God in flesh. Unlike Ellen White’s claim that the work is ultimately serviced based upon the garments He wears, Christ’s priesthood work is not something to merely be turned on and off by the additions of fabrics. No, my friend, Christ’s priesthood work is robed in the eternal glorified flesh and indestructible life He carries out into eternity. And because He forever lives to make intercession for us, we can come boldly before the throne of God, knowing that we are accepted in Christ, a royal priesthood. †
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