Philip Dampier's Blog

“Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered.” My friends, readers of the blog, from Genesis to Revelation, this is the story. Those saved by God in every age were those who were obedient. Those who were punished by God were those who disobeyed. Adam and…

“In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence.” The writer wants to make sure we understand the time frame he is discussing. He…

“…as he says also in another place, ‘You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.’” No reference is cited, and none is needed for the book’s audience. They know the psalms. They read them and sing them and pray from them. The psalms are a part of their…

“So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, ‘You are my Son, today I have begotten you.” Just as the Levitical high priest did not take the honor of high priest on his own but waited…

“And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was.” Speaking of the high priest who was representative of Israel, the writer reminds us that the high priest was chosen by God. God set all the parameters for the office and beyond…

“Because of this, he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people.” The fact that the Levitical high priest is beset with weakness means that he too is in need of sacrifice. Before he can offer a sacrifice for the…

“He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness.” Those who sin out of ignorance or those who just wander off the chosen path need understanding and tenderness. The high priest, therefore, had to be of the same inclination as those he was…

“For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.” This is the introduction to the purpose of the priesthood, the high priest in particular. We are reminded that the high priest is…

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Based on the previous verses, we should have confidence in our right to come before God. Our high priest has gone into heaven to…

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” This is a reminder of the human nature of Jesus. Yes, He is God, and He has passed into…