The Present Work of Christ in Hebrews Essay Example for Free

The drive home wee-wee of savior in Hebrews EssayDavid McLeod has written this journal term in large part in response to a number of writers who have charged that the inclose usage of Christ has largely been leave out 1 by systematic theologists of the church today. In McLeods estimation such neglect would not be understood by the New volition authors, as Christs posture work was iodine of their most important themes in the New Testament. McLeod states that, The purpose of this hold is to raise the work of unrivaled of those authors, the epistle to the Hebrews, and to comp demolitionium its contribution to the subject. 2 McLeod gives three reasons for his study.First, no theme that was central to apostolic Christianity can be all overlooked, second, added attention needfully to be directed to earlier studies in Hebrews and finally, McLeods hope is that material covered in this article will aid those who indoctrinate and study the Bible to be more fully informed closely the subject of the work of Christ in the Epistle to the Hebrews. Commencement of Christs Present Ministry With the purpose of this article being to examine the work of the New Testament author of Hebrews intent, and draw said New Testaments authors work regarding the work of Christ, McLeod does so two fold.First, McLeod addresses the Commencement of Christs Present Ministry, and secondly the Activities of His Present Ministry. The commencement of Christs present ministry begins with His ascension which is one of a series of events that marked the beginning of Christs present ministry. 3 With His ascension Christ entered into the sanctuary where He took up His flummox of honor in the holy of holies. This place of honor was at the right hand of the father, where Christ was magisterial and rested from His completed work.It was at this point that Christ was installed as High Priest and given His present ministry. McLeod writes that, The tidings of God has obtained a more e xcellent ministry than that of the Levitical priests who served the earthly tabernacle (85-6). 4 The perfect filtrate suggests not only that Jesus obtained this ministry in the past but also that He still possesses it. 5 at a time Christ obtained His ministry, the text in Hebrews suggests that this ministry is still in Christs possession and that it continues.Activities of Christs Present Ministry The activities of Christs present ministry argon six fold. As the High Priest of mankind, one of Christs present ministries is to stand before God and represent those who have accepted His sacrifice. pattern can be thought of in McLeods opinion as Christ being in the immediate presence of God,6 representing sinners on the basis of a finished sacrifice whereby they have betrothal with God and are favorably regarded by Him. 7 Inauguration, the second of Christs activities is to provide a parvenue and living way to commune with God that never grows obsolete. Intercession, is defined by M cLeod as, the sympathetic appeals and petitions of the ascended, incarnate Son of God to God the Father (on the basis of a finished sacrifice) for the preservation, forgiveness, renovation, and bringing to glory of His people. 8 Mediation is the military action where Christ mediated His followers prayers and praise as well, being the medium for the power of God to be released upon His people.Anticipation as defined by McLeod represents that quiescent activity of Christ whereby He awaits His return (16 928 1037), the defeat of His enemies (113 1013), and His rule as King (18-9) over the world to come (25). 9 Benediction is the final of the six activities outlined by McLeod. McLeod denotes that Benediction is Christs work of blessing in Hebrews, His future return to His people from His heavenly sanctuary and the fulfillment of the promise10 Critical ratingMcLeods argument is centered on the claim that todays church and systematic theologians attention to the present work of Christ has largely been neglected. 11McLeods aim is to examine the book of Hebrews and by doing so reiterate the importance that no theme of the apostolic writings should be neglected he also wishes to draw further attention to the book of Hebrews and its estimation of the present work of Christ.McLeods division in this article outlines the commencement of Christs Present Ministry, and secondly the Activities of His Present Ministry. McLeod makes a sound argument for the commencement of Christs present ministry. Touching on the end of His earthly ministry, with His ascension, and His installment as High Priest in the holy of holies. McLeods evaluation of Christs present ministry is just as compelling and does well in addressing the many scholarly views pertaining to the present ministry of Christ.McLeod states that, The author of Hebrews wrote of a number of activities presently being performed by Christ as High Priest. Scholars take issue over the number of distinct activities and their nature. 12 In regard to intercession McLeod brings the reader through many views that are held in regard to the present ministry of Christ and seems to amplify that this present ministry of Christ is of the utmost importance to range and understand. ConclusionOverall, McLeod has successfully accomplished of his goal of bringing added attention to the present work of Christ and outline the timeline of when His present ministry began. His arguments are sound and thorough, leaving little to question. While reading this article the reader will be brought methodically and precisely through the work of Christs present ministry, and in so doing accomplish the goal of the author to provide material that will aid and instruct Bible students who teach and write on Christology.