and is
not originated in the world. The Christology of the Epistle to the
Hebrews is identical in this vital point with that of St. Paul. The
purpose of the Son's coming is already formed. He comes to offer His
body, and we have been taught in a previous chapter that He did this
with an eternal spirit.[206] For the will of God means our
sanctification, in the meaning attached to the word "sanctification" in
this Epistle, the removal of guilt, the forgiveness of sins. But the
fulfilment of this gracious will of God demands a sacrifice, even a
sacrificial death, and that not the death of beasts, but the infinite
self-sacrifice and obedience unto death of the Son of God. This is
implied in the expression "the offering of the body of Jesus
Christ."[207]

The superstructure of argument has been raised. Christ as High-priest
has been proved to be superior to the high-priests of the former
covenant. It remains only to lay the topstone in its place. This brings
us back to our starting point. Jesus Christ, the eternal High-priest, is
for ever King. For the priests under the Law stand while they perform
the duties of their ministry.[208] They stand because they are only
priests. But Christ has taken His seat, as King, on the right hand of
God.[209] They offer the same sacrifices, which can never take away
sins, and wait, and wait, but in vain. Though they are priests of the
true God, yet they wait, like the priests of Baal, from morning until
midday is past and until the time of the offering of the evening
sacrifice. But there is neither voice nor any to answer. Christ also
waits, but not to renew an ineffectual sacrifice. He waits eagerly[210]
to receive from God the reward of His effective sacrifice in the
subjugation of His enemies. The priests under the Law had no enemies.
Their persons were sacred. They incurred no hatred, inspired no love.
Our High-priest goes out to war, the most hated, the most loved, of all
captains of men.

The foundation of this kingly power is in two things: first, He has
perfected men for ever by His one offering; second, He has put the law
of God into the hearts of His people. The final conclusion is that the
sacrifices of the Law have passed away, because they are no longer
needed. "For where there is forgiveness, there is no more an offering
for sin."

FOOTNOTES:

[142] =kephalaion= (viii. 1).

[143] =leitourgos= (viii. 2).

[144] Chap. viii. 3.

[145] Chap. viii. 4.

[146] Chap.