Jesus our High Priest, who brings us into God’s love forever
When someone first comes to Christ, they often wonder:
- Does God really hear me when I pray?
- What happens when I sin again?
- Does Jesus still love me even when I struggle?
- Can I really come close to God?
The Bible gives a beautiful answer to all these questions: Jesus is your High Priest.
You don’t need to fully understand that phrase yet. This article will gently walk you through what it means and how it helps you every single day. By the end, you’ll know that Jesus not only saved you — He also keeps you, carries you, and prays for you.
1. What a “High Priest” Means — Simply Explained
In the Old Testament, long before Jesus came, God appointed a man called the high priest. Think of him like a representative — someone who stood between the people and God to help them be close to Him.
But the old high priests were only human. They sinned. They grew old. Their work had to be done over and over again.
All of this was like a picture, pointing forward to someone much greater — Jesus, who would be the perfect and final High Priest.
For you as a new believer, this means:
- You never approach God alone.
- Jesus stands between you and anything that would keep you from God.
- You have Someone who represents you perfectly before the Father.
God is perfectly holy—which means completely pure, completely good, and unable to overlook or accept any sin—and because we have all sinned, we could never come to Him on our own. But God loves us, and that is why Jesus became our High Priest: He opened the only way for people who have sinned to be forgiven, restored, and brought back to a real relationship with a holy God, just as He said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life,’ and, ‘I am the door.’”
2. Jesus Understands You — Completely
One of the most comforting verses in the Bible is Hebrews 4:15:
Jesus understands your weaknesses.
He knows what it’s like to be tired, tempted, lonely, rejected, misunderstood, and human. He knows what it’s like to feel pain. He knows what it’s like to be tempted by sin — but He never sinned.
Why does this matter?
Because when you come to Jesus with your fears, your mistakes, and your struggles, He does not roll His eyes or shake His head. He understands. He welcomes you. He helps you.
You can be honest with Him. You don’t have to pretend.
3. Jesus Paid for Your Sins — Fully and Finally
In the Old Testament, the high priest had to offer sacrifices — the death of an animal — to show that sin brings death and to point toward forgiveness.
But those sacrifices were temporary. They had to be repeated over and over.
Then Jesus came.
Instead of offering an animal, Jesus offered Himself. He died in your place. He took the punishment you deserved. He removed every barrier between you and God.
When Jesus died on the cross He said, “It is finished.” He meant:
- Your sin debt is paid.
- God’s wrath against your sin is gone.
- You never need another sacrifice.
- You are forgiven forever.
As a new believer, this means you never have to wonder if God loves you — He proved it at the cross.
4. Jesus Brings You Close to God — Anytime, Anywhere
Before Jesus came, people could not simply walk into God’s presence. The high priest could only go into the special place called the Most Holy Place once a year.
But when Jesus died, the great curtain in the Temple tore from top to bottom. God was saying:
“The way to Me is now open for everyone who belongs to Jesus.”
So now:
- You can pray at any time.
- You can come to God even when you feel weak or ashamed.
- You are welcomed with a warm, fatherly love.
You don’t come boldly because you’re perfect. You come boldly because your High Priest is perfect.
5. Jesus Prays for You — Right Now
This surprises many new believers: Jesus actually prays for you.
To intercede means Jesus speaks to the Father on your behalf.
Here’s what He prays:
- “Father, give her strength.”
- “Father, help him endure this trial.”
- “Father, forgive her — My blood paid for that sin.”
- “Father, keep him close to You.”
- “Father, don’t let her fall away.”
You don’t stay saved because you’re strong — You stay saved because Jesus is praying for you.
He will never stop praying. He will never stop loving you. He will never stop holding you close.
6. What This Means for Your Everyday Life
A. When You Fail, You Can Run to Jesus
You don’t need to hide. He’s already paid for your sin, and He understands your weakness.
B. When You Pray, You Are Welcome
God hears you because Jesus stands with you. Your prayers matter — even the small ones.
C. When You Feel Weak, Jesus Stands Strong for You
Your walk with God is not held up by your ability — it’s held up by His.
D. When You Fear God Will Leave You
He won’t. Your High Priest keeps you forever.
E. When You Need Grace, It’s Always Available
There is no bad time to come to God. You always have a place in His presence.
7. A New Believer’s Encouragement: You Are Never Alone
You may still be learning how to pray… You may still be struggling against sin… You may still feel unsure of yourself…
But Jesus is sure of you. You belong to Him. And because He is your High Priest:
- You are forgiven.
- You are accepted.
- You are secure.
- You are carried.
- You are deeply, eternally loved.
Your whole Christian life is lived under the gentle, powerful care of Jesus — the One who stands before God on your behalf.
You never stand before God alone. Not now. Not ever.