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In the next three weeks, starting with this one, I will analyze three errors in prayer that Christians make.

I’m sure you’ve come across such a prayer among Christian circles: “I decree and declare that by the power in the name of Jesus Christ, every evil altar against my destiny is destroyed in the name of Jesus Christ!” But what Biblical mandate do we have to carry out such an exercise?

Error number one: decreeing and declaring.

• Definitions

The Merriam Webster dictionary defines a decree as “an order usually having the force of law.” A decree is therefore a legal order given by a legal authority. A decree has to be issued by someone who has the authority to do so in order for it to be considered legitimate. 

A declaration, on the other hand, is defined by the same dictionary as “the act of making something known formally, officially, or explicitly.” By definition, a declaration does not have the ability to make what you declare materialize on its own. It’s simply a statement of fact. It lacks any creative or causative power. It does not have to be issued by a legal authority, as is the case with a decree. So, going by these definitions, a declaration is not nearly as effective as a decree.

In this article, I wish to show you that while humans can declare some things as spelled out in Scripture, they do not have the power to decree. Certainly, mankind does not have the power to bring things into existence through the spoken word. Only God possesses that power.

The Bible’s view

As human beings, we can only declare the truth as espoused in Scripture. For example, in Joel 1:14, God tells the priests in Israel to “declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly. Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD” (NIV). In this passage, the priests were declaring what the Law of Moses prescribes: a sacred assembly, crying out to the Lord, etc. We have no mandate to declare things that God has not permitted. In the New Testament, after His resurrection, Jesus told His disciples to “go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15). In other words, He was commanding them to “declare” the gospel to all people. In this context, the disciples could only declare the Gospel as defined by Jesus. No more, no less. In Jeremiah 14:14, the Lord laments about individuals who were declaring things that were not in line with Scripture: “The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them. They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries and the delusions of their own minds.” Sounds familiar? Aren’t we Christians guilty of declaring “delusions of our own minds” that have no Scriptural support?

It is unbecoming for a Christian to declare that only good things will come his or her way. That is contrary to Scripture which tells us that hardships are part and parcel of a believer’s existence. Jesus Himself told His disciples: “In this world you will have trouble.” (John 16:33, NIV). The apostle Paul told the believers he came across in Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch: “We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22, NIV). Subscribers to the prosperity gospel have been taught that because they are now “gods,” they can overrule the teachings of Jesus and the Apostle Paul by decreeing and declaring success, wealth, and blessings for themselves.

Only God has the power to decree. Isaiah 46:8–10 (NKJV): “Remember this, and show yourselves men; Recall to mind, O you transgressors. Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure.’”

The Prosperity Gospel

The prosperity gospel has deified man by elevating him to godlike status. According to this false gospel, Jesus died to restore you to the godlike status that man had before the fall. This lie is as old as the book of Genesis, when the serpent in the garden of Eden tricked Eve into eating the forbidden fruit, saying: “For God knows that when you eat from it, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:5, NIV).

One of the proponents of this error is Kenneth Copeland, who broadcasts his sermons worldwide on his Victory Channel. He is quoted as saying: “He [Adam] was not subordinate to God – Adam was walking as a god! What he said went, what he did counted; and when he bowed his knee to Satan and put Satan up above him then there wasn’t anything God could do about it because a “god” had placed Satan there. Adam, remember, was created in the god-class, but when he committed high treason he fell below the god-class.” Copeland is also quoted as saying: “Speak God’s words over your circumstances today. Speak His words in faith and watch Him move!” And also: “By getting the Word deep into your spirit and speaking it boldly out your mouth, you release spiritual power to change things in the natural circumstances.“

In his book Apostasy! Jeff Kluttz writes: “The teaching of man’s elevation to god-status is an essential element of Word of Faith systematic theology. It is from this premise that the supporters of these wicked teachers can be shaped into an understanding of the rest of the theological story. From a god-status, man is in control and can do as God did, using the force of faith to create one’s own reality and shape one’s own future. The end result, according to these teachers, puts man utterly in control of his own circumstances, being an incarnation of Christ, with authority to rule one’s own life. Man has not only become ‘like’ God, but has trumped God’s power entirely, making man fully in control of his own destiny and even the very actions of God. Satan must be very proud of these men. His original sin has come to fruition within the walls of the apostate church.”

Of course, proponents of this “decree and declare” heresy claim to have Scriptural backing for this teaching. In my next blog article next week, I shall examine some of the verses that are used to justify this false doctrine and also show you how they have been taken out of context to make them mean what they don’t mean.

A Supplicant Posture

Needless to say, all through Scripture, our Lord taught us to adopt a supplicant posture before our God. As limited creatures, we are in total dependence on an all-sufficient God to meet our needs. We do not have the power to create reality. Therefore, Jesus taught us to pray to the all-sufficient God to meet our needs. Nowhere in Scripture does Jesus indicate that we remotely have the power to decree our problems away. Take note of the following teachings from Jesus:

John 16:24 – “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete” (NIV).

Matthew 7:7 – ““Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (NIV).

Matthew 9:38 – “Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” (NIV).

John 14:14 – “You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it” (NIV).

All through the famous Lord’s prayer in Matthew 6:9, Jesus never indicates that we can decree and declare reality.

We are to petition Jesus for our needs. Then Jesus, Who is God and has the legal power and standing to decree and declare, will bring about the reality we seek if our prayer is in accordance with His will. “This is the confidence we have in approaching God; that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us – whatever we ask – we know that we have what we asked of him” (1 John 5:14-15, NIV).

We must mature in our faith and understanding of Scripture and discard any mechanical theories regarding how prayer operates. Prayer is not magic, and God is not a cosmic robot to be ordered around with our decrees and declarations. Such practices are openly disrespectful to God. 

Temitope Balogun Joshua, commonly known as T.B. Joshua, was a prominent Nigerian televangelist, preacher, and founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN). Born on June 12, 1963, in Ondo State, Nigeria, he gained international recognition for his charismatic and unconventional approach to ministry.

T.B. Joshua is widely regarded as a controversial figure within the Christian community, known for his prophetic abilities, healing services, and deliverance sessions. His ministry attracted a diverse global following, and his church, SCOAN, became a popular destination for pilgrims seeking spiritual guidance and divine intervention.

One of the distinctive features of T.B. Joshua’s ministry is Emmanuel TV, a television station through which his sermons and services were broadcast worldwide. With millions of followers on social media and a Christian TV program named Emmanuel TV, SCOAN has amassed a large global following. (In recent news, the Sub-Saharan African satellite television operator of DStv, Multichoice, based in South Africa, has stated that it will be removing Emmanuel TV from the service on January 17, 2024.)

Tens of thousands of pilgrims from Europe, the Americas, Southeast Asia, and Africa visited the church in Nigeria in the 1990s and early 2000s in order to see Joshua perform “healing miracles.” Within his Lagos property, at least 150 guests lived with him as disciples, sometimes for decades at a time.

His teachings often focused on faith, healing, and the power of prayer. Additionally, he claimed to have the ability to prophesy and foretell future events, which gained him and his ministry both admiration and skepticism. Throughout his career, T.B. Joshua was involved in various philanthropic activities, such as providing humanitarian aid, scholarships, and support to those in need.

T.B. Joshua passed away on June 5, 2021, leaving a legacy that continues to spark discussions and debates. Despite the controversies surrounding him, his impact on the lives of his followers and the global reach of his ministry cannot be denied.

BBC Documentary: The Cult of TB Joshua

The award-winning investigation team BBCAfricaEye, in a new three-part documentary series, has uncovered evidence of extensive abuse and torture committed by the founder of SCOAN. Numerous former members of the Synagogue Church of All Nations have accused the late Nigerian TB Joshua of crimes including forced abortions and rape.

Numerous eyewitnesses report Joshua’s physical abuse and torture, including incidents involving the flogging and shackling of children. Many women report that TB Joshua sexually attacked them, some of whom allege they were raped for years on end inside the compound. Following TB Joshua’s alleged rapes, there have been numerous allegations of forced abortions inside the church; one lady claims to have had five terminations. Numerous first-hand reports that were televised to millions of people worldwide explain how Joshua staged his “miracle healings.”

The Doctrine of Christ

Doctrine, in the Biblical context, refers to the systematic teachings and beliefs that shape the Christian faith. The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine, as seen in passages like 1 Timothy 4:16, where the apostle Paul urges Timothy to “watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” In general, doctrine has a great impact on both the individual believer and the Church at large.

The Apostle John writes: “Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.  If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works” – 2 John 1:9-11 (ESV).

So what is the teaching (doctrine) of Christ? Apostle John explains it two verses earlier in 2 John 1:7, where he writes: “For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist.” The teaching of Christ centres around His coming in the flesh. This has three implications:

1. Atonement for Sin:

The Incarnation is intricately connected to the redemptive purpose of Christ’s mission. By taking on human form, Jesus was able to offer Himself as the perfect and sinless sacrifice for the atonement of humanity’s sins. Through His death on the cross, He reconciled humanity to God, bridging the gap caused by sin.

2. Mediator between God and Humanity:

Jesus, as the God-man, serves as the Mediator between God and humanity. The Apostle Paul emphasizes this in 1 Timothy 2:5, where he writes, “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus” (NIV). Through His dual nature, Jesus brings reconciliation and facilitates a restored relationship between God and humanity.

3. Victory Over Sin and Death:

The Incarnation is a crucial step in God’s plan for salvation. By taking on human flesh, Jesus lived a perfect life, defeated sin and temptation, and conquered death through His resurrection. This victory offers believers the hope of eternal life and a pathway to salvation.

TB Joshua’s Doctrine

In his teachings, TB Joshua pointed to individual effort, as opposed to the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, as the means for one’s salvation. He placed the weight of moral justification squarely on the actions and choices of each person, rather than relying solely on the finished work of Christ. The following are a few quotes from TB Joshua that illustrate his erroneous doctrine. Notice how TB Joshua’s focus is on man’s capabilities rather than Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.

• “I have never seen where hatred overcomes love. When you love, you overcome. Love is the most powerful weapon.”
• “When Satan wants you to cry and you laugh, you defeat him”
• “God will never allow a challenge that will surmount us; we are always greater than our challenges.”
• “When discouragement comes, don’t stop. Dig deep and fight it through!”
• “If you decide on your direction, God will give you the energy for the distance.”
• “If you don’t have a vision, you can never be focused in a direction.”
• “When everything seems to go wrong, with peace of heart, you can press on. With peace of heart, you can press on, whatever life brings.”
• “In order not to end up like the masses out there who are merely wandering and unsure of their goals and dreams, your objective must be clear. When your purpose is clear, your life will have meaning.”
• “As Christians, we say what God has said over and over until the thing promised in His Word and desired in our hearts is fully manifested in our lives.”
• “Every time you speak right, you are training yourself to think right and act right.”
• “Giving offers us the opportunity to reshape our destiny. When you give, you are reshaping your destiny.”
• “The multitude of people fail because they talk failure.”

According to TB Joshua’s perspective, personal responsibility and conscious decision-making are man’s ultimate route to salvation. This view contradicts the doctrine of Christ, which states that man is inherently sinful and cannot redeem himself; therefore, he has to rely on a Saviour to rescue him from the bondage of sin.

Conclusion

The examination of TB Joshua’s teachings reveals a doctrinal emphasis that places undue weight on human capabilities, diverting attention from the foundational tenet of Christianity—Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. While recognizing the importance of personal responsibility and growth, it is crucial to uphold the core message of salvation through faith in Christ. The primacy of Christ’s sacrifice should not be overshadowed by an exaggerated focus on human abilities. It is imperative for believers to critically assess doctrinal teachings, ensuring alignment with the fundamental principles that underpin the Christian faith and the redemptive work accomplished by Christ on the cross.

The beginning of a new year heralds a sense of hope, renewal, and anticipation for many individuals across the globe. Alongside personal resolutions and aspirations, a significant number of people turn to pastors for guidance and insight into what the future may hold. This practice has given rise to the tradition of pastors making New Year prophetic predictions, wherein they claim to foresee events that will unfold in the new year. However, a critical examination of this phenomenon reveals inherent fallacies and raises questions about the credibility and legitimacy of such predictions. Ecclesiates 8:7 says: “Since no one knows the future, who can tell someone else what is to come?” (NIV).

A Closed Canon

Pastors claim to receive their New Year prophecies directly from God, suggesting that God communicates with them beyond the Scriptures. If that is the case, then these communications they receive from God should be included in the canon, potentially expanding the Bible beyond its current 66 books. This assertion that one can hear God’s voice outside written Scripture introduces a theological dilemma as it challenges the Biblical truth of a closed canon.

“Closed canon” refers to the apostles’ teaching that the Bible is complete and finalized, with no further writings or revelations to be added. In other words, the closed canon concept asserts that the set of authoritative books in the Bible is fixed and closed to any additional contributions. The Bible is complete and sufficient for guiding the faith and practices of believers. Paul writes: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV). The entire body of Scripture is God-inspired and plays a unique, distinctive, and only role in providing guidance and instruction for believers.

The apostles of old emphasized the completeness and authority of the Scriptures, considering them the inspired and inerrant Word of God. When individuals claim to receive revelations outside of the established Biblical canon, it prompts theological scrutiny and challenges the foundational principles of the apostles’ doctrine. This tension between personal revelations and the established Biblical foundation reveals one of the many flaws of the Charismatic Church movement.

Since these New Year prophecies are purported to be from God, the implication is that they hold the same level of authority and inspiration as the Biblical texts. This leads to a broader theological discourse on the nature of God’s communication and the boundaries of the sacred canon.

In accordance with Hebrews 1:1–2, God’s communication with humanity has undergone a transformative shift. While in ancient times God communicated through prophets, dreams, and visions, the present era witnesses a different mode of divine expression. In these latter days, God has chosen to communicate exclusively through His Son, Jesus Christ. The Old Testament directs us to Christ, while the four Gospels capture His life and ministry on earth. The remainder of the New Testament elaborates on Christ’s teachings. The entire Bible, therefore, is the exclusive medium through which God communicates with us.

This implies that anyone purporting that God has given them a word, such as a New Year’s prophecy, through a dream, a vision, or what Charismatics like referring to as God’s “still small voice” is being deceptive. Pastors who claim to receive specific messages from God outside the confines of recognized biblical texts are engaging in fraudulent activities. God has expressly commanded: “You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you” – Deuteronomy 4:2 (ESV).  

Hence, if you desire to receive a New Year message from God, read your Bible. Attempting to hear from God outside the pages of Scripture is like trying to find WiFi in a cave! You might as well expect to have deep philosophical conversations with bats and make life decisions based on interactions with cave crickets.

Fundamental Problems with New Year Prophecies

1. The Appeal of Prophetic Predictions:

Prophetic predictions have been an integral part of religious traditions throughout history. The allure of foretelling the future appeals to the human desire for certainty and control in an uncertain world. Pastors, as spiritual leaders, often find themselves in a position of influence, with congregants seeking reassurance and guidance in the face of life’s uncertainties. The prospect of receiving personalized insights and divine foresight is an enticing proposition for many believers.

The core of the prohibition is a divine call to trust in God’s plan. Throughout Scripture, believers are encouraged to place their trust in God’s wisdom and benevolence. This trust is not passive but involves an active and conscious surrender of one’s desires for control and certainty. Embracing the unknown with faith is a testament to one’s dependence on God’s ability to navigate the intricate tapestry of existence.

2. The Tool of Ambiguity:

One of the primary fallacies associated with New Year’s prophetic predictions is the illusion of certainty. Human existence is inherently unpredictable, shaped by a myriad of factors beyond our control. Predicting specific events with absolute certainty is an impossibility for mortal men, as that goes against the very nature of life’s complexity. Pastors, despite their spiritual authority, cannot escape the limitations of human understanding and the unpredictability of the future.

To beat this problem, pastors keep their New Year predictions as vague as possible. Consider Pastor Isaac Oyedepo’s 2024 prophecy, where he declared the year to be one of “the Holy Ghost and Fire.”

By adopting a level of ambiguity in their prophetic utterances, pastors create a wide spectrum of possible interpretations, allowing congregants to selectively attribute meaning to the predictions. This intentional vagueness serves a dual purpose: it provides a sense of inclusivity by allowing diverse audiences to find relevance in the prophecies, and it conveniently shields pastors from the scrutiny of verifiable accuracy. Congregants, in turn, often find comfort in the perceived wisdom of the pastor, as the vagueness of the predictions creates an illusion of flexibility that can adapt to the specifics of individual experiences.

3. Selective Memories:

It is a well-known fact that churchgoers have very poor critical thinking skills. The nature of charismatic teachings that emphasize adherence to false beliefs and authoritative figures dubbed “men of God” discourages questioning and critical examination. Additionally, the prosperity gospel’s heretical emphasis on faith as a creative force creates an environment where accepting doctrines without rigorous scrutiny is more valued than challenging them.

The success of prophetic predictions relies on the selective memory of believers. Pastors deliver vague and generalized prophecies that allow for multiple interpretations. In retrospect, congregants may selectively remember instances where a prediction seemingly came true while overlooking those that did not. This selective memory reinforces the perception of prophetic accuracy, even when the predictions lack specificity.

4. Manipulation and Control:

The practice of making New Year’s prophetic predictions can be seen as a tool for manipulating and controlling congregations. When pastors claim to have exclusive access to God’s insight, they create a power dynamic that fosters dependency on their guidance. This dependence leads to unquestioning obedience and guaranteed financial support as believers seek to align themselves with the prophesied outcomes.

Take, for instance, the prophetic message for 2024 uttered by Pastor David Aigbona, the founder and general overseer of David Aigbona Evangelistic Ministries. The cleric said that 2024 will be a year of “worldwide famine, but there will be provision for true Christians as God will prioritise those who are actively involved in the growth of His Kingdom and reward born-agains’ faithfulness.” This prophecy serves the purpose of binding congregants to the pastor’s ministry, compelling them to make sacrifices and contribute their resources to ensure its growth. This connection is rooted in the belief that fulfilling the prophecy will lead to God’s blessings and favour. The prophet Micah wrote: “Thus says the Lord concerning the prophets who lead my people astray, who cry ‘peace’ when they have something to eat, but declare war against him who puts nothing into their mouths…” – Micah 3:5 (ESV).

5. Vain Hopes:

In contrast to Biblical prophets who unflinchingly pointed out sin and forewarned of impending consequences, pastors tailor their New Year predictions to accentuate positive aspects and deliver a message of hope. While ancient prophets, driven by a sense of divine duty, fearlessly addressed moral shortcomings and called for repentance, modern predictions from pastors focus more on the promise of material blessings and prosperity. The prophet Jeremiah wrote: “Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes. They speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord. They say continually to those who despise the word of the Lord, ‘It shall be well with you’; and to everyone who stubbornly follows his own heart, they say, ‘No disaster shall come upon you.’” – Jeremiah 23:16–17 (ESV).

Conclusion:

While the tradition of New Year’s prophetic predictions by pastors may offer a sense of comfort and guidance to believers, a critical examination reveals inherent fallacies and ethical concerns. The pursuit of certainty in an uncertain world is a deeply human inclination, but human limitations in predicting are an unescapable reality. Congregants should approach prophetic predictions with a discerning and critical mindset. Ultimately, only a thoughtful and balanced knowledge of the Bible provides a genuine and enduring source of guidance for navigating the uncertainties of the future.

As the festive season approaches, marked by the joyous celebration of Jesus’ birth, let us collectively pause and turn our hearts towards the true essence of Christmas. Beyond the merriment and festivities lies a profound message embedded in the narrative of Christ’s arrival—the unwavering and boundless love of God. Christmas is not just a historical event; it is a testament to the divine love that prompted God to send His Son into the world. In the midst of exchanging gifts and creating cherished memories, let’s intentionally carve out moments for reflection, acknowledging and appreciating the source of the Christmas story—God’s enduring love that illuminated the world through the birth of Jesus Christ.

Context of Romans 5:8

The Book of Romans, written by the Apostle Paul, is a significant piece of the New Testament that expounds on the theological underpinnings of Christianity. In Romans 5, Paul addresses the concept of justification by faith and delves into the transformative power of God’s love. The verse in focus, Romans 5:8, appears within this context, adding depth to the narrative of salvation.

1. God’s Unconditional Love

The verse reads: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (NIV). This succinct statement encapsulates the essence of the Christian message, emphasizing the proactive nature of God’s love. The choice of words is crucial; “while we were still sinners” underscores that God’s love is not contingent upon our merit or righteousness.

At the heart of Romans 5:8 is the idea of God actively demonstrating His love. Very unlike a theoretical or abstract concept, God’s love is manifested in a tangible way—through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. The act of sending His Son to die for sinful humanity serves as the ultimate expression of divine love.

The phrase “while we were still sinners” is pivotal in conveying the unconditional nature of God’s love. It shatters the misconception that divine love is reserved for the morally upright or the righteous. In truth, none of us is morally upright or righteous (Rom. 3:23). God’s love is extended to all of us, irrespective of our flaws, sins, or shortcomings.

2. The Role of Christ’s Sacrifice:

The verse underscores the redemptive significance of Christ’s death. By dying for humanity in its sinful state, Christ serves as the bridge that reconciles fallen humanity with a holy God. This act of selflessness is the focal point of Christian theology, emphasizing the transformative power of God’s love to redeem and restore us.

3. Implications for Believers:

Romans 5:8 holds profound implications for believers. It calls us to reflect on the magnitude of God’s love for us in our sinful state. It invites from us a response of awe, gratitude, and a determination to repent of our sins and follow Christ. The verse serves as a source of comfort, assuring believers that their salvation is rooted in God’s unchanging and unconditional love and not in their perceived merit.

Conclusion:

Romans 5:8 stands as a beacon of hope and reassurance to sinful man, encapsulating the core tenet of Christianity: the inexhaustible and unconditional love of God as the spring of man’s salvation. In a world marked by conditional relationships and fleeting affections, this verse offers a timeless message of God’s divine love that made a way for fallen men to access eternal life. It serves as a foundation for the Christian faith, reminding believers of the transformative power of God’s love and the redemptive work accomplished through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.

When a Christian feels that reading about Jesus as a High Priest is not important, the reason behind this is that churches today don’t focus much on the topic of sin. In many congregations, the comprehensive exploration of the concept of sin is nonexistent, with a heavy focus on more uplifting or self-centered messages. Consequently, conversations surrounding the role of Jesus as High Priest, particularly in relation to sin and atonement, appear disconnected to the regular church attendee. We ought to keep the truth of the atonement central as it has profound theological implications for sin, redemption, and the transformative power of faith in our spiritual journeys.

In the Old Testament, particularly in the Mosaic Law outlined in the book of Leviticus, the concept of sin is central to the understanding of the relationship between God and the people of Israel. Sin was, and still is, viewed as a violation of God’s commands and a breach in the covenant between God and His chosen people. The atonement rituals carried out by the high priest in the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement were designed to address and remedy the consequences of sin.

The work of a high priest entering the Holy of Holies to atone for Israel is outlined in the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Leviticus, with a significant focus on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). The process involved several specific rituals and symbolic actions aimed at seeking forgiveness and cleansing for the sins of the people of Israel. The high priest played a central role in mediating between the people and God during this solemn and crucial event.

Entering the Holy of Holies was no easy task; it required extensive preparation and posed a high risk of death for the high priest. Here are some of the activities associated with the role of the high priest in the atonement process.

1. Timing: The high priest could enter the Holy of Holies only once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). This day was set apart for the atonement of the sins of the people, and the high priest’s entry into the Holy of Holies played a central role in this ritual.
2. Preparation: Before entering the Holy of Holies, the high priest had to undergo a period of purification and preparation. This included ritualistic washings and wearing special garments, which symbolized purity and consecration.
3. Sacrifices: The high priest had to bring specific sacrifices, both for his own sins and for the sins of the people. This involved the sacrifice of a bull for the atonement of the high priest’s sins and a goat for the sins of the people.
4. Incense and Blood: The high priest would bring burning incense into the Holy of Holies, creating a cloud that would veil the mercy seat, representing the presence of God. Additionally, the high priest would sprinkle the blood of the sacrificed animals on the mercy seat and before it, symbolizing atonement and purification.
5. Atonement for the People: The high priest’s entry into the Holy of Holies was for the purpose of seeking forgiveness and atonement for the sins of the people. This ritual emphasized the need for divine forgiveness and reconciliation between God and His people.
6. Rope and Bells: According to Jewish tradition, a rope was tied around the high priest’s ankle when he entered the Holy of Holies. In case the high priest was not properly prepared or had sinned and God’s presence struck him dead, others could pull him out without entering the sacred space themselves. Bells attached to the high priest’s garments would make noise as he moved, providing an audible signal of his activities within the Holy of Holies.

In the context of Hebrews 4:14, the mention of Jesus as a high priest who has ascended into heaven is significant. Jesus, as the ultimate high priest, not only offered himself as a sacrifice for sin but also did something that no earthly priest could ever do: He entered into the heavenly sanctuary, presenting his sacrifice before God on behalf of humanity. The writer of Hebrews asserts that we have a stronger reason to steadfastly hold onto our faith in God compared to the Old Testament believers, as we now have a superior High Priest. Jesus is far superior for the following reasons:

1. Perfection and Holiness: The high priests of the Old Testament were humans and were themselves subject to sin. In contrast, Jesus is described as sinless and morally perfect (Hebrews 4:15). His perfection makes him an ideal and holy High Priest.
2. Eternal High Priesthood: Unlike the mortal high priests of Israel, Jesus holds an eternal priesthood. Hebrews 7:24–25 emphasizes that Jesus continues as a priest forever, having an unchangeable priesthood. This eternal nature sets him apart from the temporary and limited priesthood of the Old Covenant.
3. One Sacrifice for All: The high priests in the Old Testament had to offer sacrifices repeatedly, year after year. However, Jesus offered a single, perfect sacrifice for the sins of humanity through His own death on the cross (Hebrews 9:26–28). His sacrifice is considered complete and sufficient for all time.
4. Access to God: The high priest of Israel could only enter the Holy of Holies once a year on the Day of Atonement to intercede for the people. Jesus, as the High Priest, provides believers with continual access to God’s presence. Through His sacrifice, believers can approach God with confidence (Hebrews 4:16).
5. Mediator of a Better Covenant: Jesus is seen as the Mediator of a new and better covenant (Hebrews 8:6). The Old Covenant, represented by the Mosaic Law and the Levitical Priesthood, is contrasted with the New Covenant established through Jesus’ blood. The New Covenant brings complete forgiveness and an unshakable relationship with God.
6. Heavenly Sanctuary: While the high priests of Israel served in earthly tabernacles and temples, Jesus entered into the true, heavenly sanctuary. Hebrews 9:11–12 describes Jesus entering the Most Holy Place in heaven with his own blood, securing eternal redemption.
7. Sympathy and Understanding: Jesus, having taken on human form, is described as sympathetic and understanding of human weaknesses and temptations (Hebrews 4:15). This empathy makes Him a compassionate High Priest Who can intercede on behalf of humanity effectively.
8. Superior Sacrificial Blood: The blood of animals sacrificed by the high priests in the Old Testament could only symbolically cleanse sins. Jesus, as the ultimate High Priest, offered His own blood, which is infinitely more valuable and efficacious for the forgiveness of sins (Hebrews 9:14).

Conclusion

As we reflect on the significance of Jesus as our flawless High Priest, the call to cling firmly to Him takes on profound meaning. His perfection, eternal priesthood, and sacrificial love offer a source of unwavering hope and assurance. The invitation to cling firmly to Jesus is an invitation to trust in a High Priest Who not only understands our weaknesses but has triumphed over them. In embracing this truth, we find not only forgiveness for our sins but also a steadfast anchor for our souls. May we continue to draw near to Jesus, holding fast to the assurance that in Him, we have a High Priest Who sympathizes, intercedes, and reigns with unmatched perfection. As we cling firmly to Jesus, our flawless High Priest, we discover a foundation for our faith that withstands the tests of time and eternity.