An Unchangeable Priesthood

“And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.” Hebrews 7:23-27

Down through the centuries, many priests were chosen from the tribe of Levi. Of those men, one high priest was chosen and that high priest generally held his office for the remainder of his lifetime. Each year on the Day of Atonement, the high priest would first ceremonially cleanse himself and then make the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the people. The high priest did this every year throughout his life. He always needed to cleanse himself before he could make the sacrifice for the people. When that priest died, another priest would be chosen to make the yearly sacrifice. As the sinless Son of God, Jesus Christ never needed cleansing for Himself, and He only needed to make one sacrifice. His death on the cross and His blood applied to the mercy seat in heaven was sufficient to cleanse the sins of every person who has ever lived and every person who ever will live. He will forever remain our High Priest!