Theological glossary · FaithLogic

Heavenly priesthood (of Christ)

Christ's priestly ministry, exercised now in the 'true tent' of heaven — a priesthood 'after the order of Melchizedek', royal, appointed by oath, permanent, and non-transferable.

From Hebrews' contrast of the earthly sanctuary and its priests with 'the greater and more perfect tent (skēnē) not made with hands' (Heb 9:11).

Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 4:14–5:10; 6:19–20; 7:1–8:6; 9:11–14, 24–28; 10:11–22.

Hebrews argues that Christ's priesthood is superior to the Levitical one: it is Melchizedekian (predating and outranking Levi), confirmed by a divine oath, held by one who 'continues forever', and it offered not animal blood repeatedly but Christ himself 'once for all', after which he 'sat down'. His entry 'with his own blood' into the heavenly holy place secured 'eternal redemption'.

The heavenly priesthood is the basis of Christian confidence to 'draw near' (Heb 10:19–22): there is a living high priest who sympathises, represents, and intercedes, and whose sacrifice never needs repeating.

Whether the heavenly ministry is an ongoing offering / re-presentation (a minority reading; and the Eucharistic theology of Catholicism and Orthodoxy) or the presentation and permanent efficacy of a completed sacrifice (the Protestant mainstream, from Heb 10:12–18).

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