Face to Face with God: A Biblical Theology of Christ as Priest and Mediator

Essential Studies in Biblical Theology

by T. Desmond Alexander

How can sinful humans approach a holy God? In the book of Hebrews, Jesus Christ is celebrated as the great high priest who represents his people before the Father. Jesus' roles as priest and mediator are central to his identity and bring to completion themes woven throughout Scripture. In this fifth ESBT volume, T. Desmond Alexander considers the often-neglected themes of priesthood and mediation and how Christ fulfills these roles. He explores how these concepts illuminate what Christ has already accomplished for us through his self-sacrifice, as well as what he is presently achieving on our behalf, seated at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. Through this study we gain a richer understanding of concepts such as holiness, sacrifice, covenant, reconciliation, and God's dwelling place. Essential Studies in Biblical Theology (ESBT), edited by Benjamin L. Gladd, explore the central or essential themes of the Bible's grand storyline. Taking cues from Genesis 1–3, authors trace the presence of these themes throughout the entire sweep of redemptive history. Written for students, church leaders, and laypeople, the ESBT offers an introduction to biblical theology.

Genres: Theology, Christian

163 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 22, 2022

About the author

T. Desmond Alexander (PhD, The Queen’s University, Belfast) is senior lecturer in biblical studies and director of postgraduate studies at Union Theological College in Belfast, Ireland. He is the coeditor of the New Dictionary of Biblical Theology.

Reviews

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: An exploration of the biblical theme of priesthood and mediation and how Christ fulfills these par excellence.

Throughout scripture, we learn that no one can see God face to face and live. Yet the promise of the New Testament is that one day we all will have the veil removed and see God face to face, and live forever in his presence. How can this be?

T. Desmond Alexander explores this in this sixth volume in the Essentials in Biblical Theology, focusing on the theme of priesthood and mediation throughout scripture, culminating with the portrait of Christ in Hebrews as a priest and mediator superior to all those who have gone before.

Alexander begins with a study of the portable sanctuary that Moses is instructed to erect amid the camp and how it is a model of the heavenly sanctuary, down to the perfect cubicle shape of the Holy of Holies, as is the new Jerusalem, descending from heaven as a cube. It is the place where heaven and earth meet, a footstool, as it were, of God’s heavenly throne. It also reproduces in its outer courtyard, holy place and Holy of Holies, the three zones on Mount Sinai, a new idea to me.

Then Alexander goes more deeply into the concept of holiness, the consecration of priests and of Aaron and the related concepts of clean and unclean, with the sanctuary being holy, the Israelite camp clean, and the world and nations beyond unclean. Yet with all of this, Aaron can only come before the Lord once a year, and not daily. But it is God’s intent, even if it is not yet truly face to face, that this be a tent of meeting, where God, mediated through the priests’ sacrifices, meets his people. He also deals with the “tent of meeting” where Moses talked to God “face to face” as it were, with the barrier of the tent between Moses and the cloud. When Moses asks to see God’s glory, he is told that he cannot see God’s face, lest he die. The mediation of human priesthood can only go so far. And even this is only possible by the daily intercession of Aaron and the priests, dramatically portrayed at one point when Aaron, burning incense, interposes himself between the dead and the living when God strikes Israel with a plague.

Daily sacrifices and incense are burned for the sins of the people, beginning at the outside of the camp and going into the holy place of the tent. Then on the Day of Atonement, the priest passes within the Holy of Holies to offer sacrifice for the people. Alexander shows how this pattern is fulfilled once and for all by Christ who is both priest and sacrifice, who in himself is mediator. Yet how can Jesus, born of the tribe of Judah, and not a Levite, and certainly not a descendent of Aaron, do this? Alexander shows how this is the significance of the reference to Jesus as a priest of the order of Melchizedek, the king of Salem. He is the priest-king, David’s greater son of Psalm 110. Hence he mediates a better covenant as head of a kingdom of priests, devoted to the service of God.

The wonder, as Alexander shows, is that all this is possible through the priesthood and mediation of Jesus, by which we are cleansed, sanctified and perfected. It is not that we must serve God but rather that we may. Our hope is one of being able to boldly approach, looking for forgiveness and cleansing, not only to serve but to rest. Alexander traces all this out, step by step from Sinai and the portable sanctuary and priesthood, to the fulfillment in the Son who more effectively mediates for us and intercedes than any priest. Read this to not only understand all the regulations around the sanctuary and priesthood but to grasp their wondrous fulfillment in Jesus and what this has won for us as his people.

____________________

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher.

[Jeremy Fritz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Accessible and concise, this was a good introductory biblical theology of the priesthood.

I’ve enjoyed all the volumes of this series that I’ve read so far.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another helpful contribution to the Essential Studies in Biblical Theology series edited by Benjamin L. Gladd. T. Desmond Alexander does a wonderful job in exploring the biblical theology of Christ as Priest and Mediator. Unlike other books in this series, Alexander does not take the reader from Genesis to Revelation. Instead, he focuses his attention, and rightly so, on the Book of Hebrews. Thus, he uses the only book in the New Testament that calls Jesus Christ priest as his hub for doing biblical theology of priesthood and mediator.

This is a great book to read prepping for a study of the book of Hebrews. It gets a 4.5 stars due to a lack of coherent structuring overall. I didn’t always understand how each chapter built on the one before it. There is little devotional application as well, but the theology is so rich and the insights so good the application is there for the making by the reader.

Here are 15 questions that this little book will help you answer:

1. What does the structure of the Old Testament tabernacle reveal about God's holy nature and humanity's alienation from God?

2. Why is it important to know that the portable sanctuary (tabernacle) constructed at Mount Sinai was modeled on the heavenly sanctuary?

3. The Aaronic high priest is consecrated to be the holiest of all the Israelites. What does this process suggest about what it means for humans to approach God?

4. The Aaronic high priest differs from other priests. What is unique about the activities undertaken by the high priest? What does this reveal about Christ's high priestly ministry?

5. What is the connection between the bronze and gold altars in the tabernacle? How does this help us understand the ministry of the high priest?

6. For the author of Hebrews, Jesus Christ is both offering and high priest. How is this possible?

7. The burnt/ascension offering is transformed into smoke that goes up to God. In the light of Ephesians 5:2, why is the ascension of Jesus an essential part of the process by which people are reconciled to God?

8. Why is Jesus Christs ascension important for understanding his unique role as the high priest in the heavenly sanctuary? How does this explain why Jesus currently seems to be invisible and remote?

9. Why does the author of Hebrews draw a comparison between Jesus and Melchizedek?

10. In the book of Hebrews, Jesus' role as mediator is closely linked to the making of a covenant. Why is it important that a new or second covenant should replace the old or first covenant made at Mount Sinai?

11. What benefits make you thankful that you are living under the new covenant?

12. Jesus' role as high priest in the heavenly sanctuary parallels that of the Aaronic high priest in the earthly sanctuary. In what ways is Christ superior to the Aaronic high priest?

13. With the appointment of Jesus Christ as high priest, the Levitical priesthood and all the rituals associated with it become redundant. Why is it still important for Christians to understand the role of the Old Testament high priest?

14. Jesus was tempted in every way as we are, yet he did not sin. What reassurance does this offer as we think about Jesus' high priestly ministry in the heavenly sanctuary?

15. Why should Christians view Jesus Christ as the one and only true mediator between God and humanity?

I recommend this brief book to dive into a subject that is little understood and often overlooked.

[Hobart · Rating 4 out of 5]

★ ★ ★ 1/2 (rounded up)
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---

A study of Jesus Christ's high priestly ministry takes us on a journey through paths that have largely become overgrown through lack of travelers. At times our journey will require perseverance as we familiarize ourselves with new terrain. Ultimately, we shall be rewarded as new vistas will come into view as we orientate ourselves toward the throne of grace in the heavenly sanctuary. Most important of all, as we follow the ascended Christ to the right hand of the Father in heaven, we shall hopefully discover afresh the magnitude of God's forgiveness and the generosity of his love as he invites us to share in a kingdom that can never be shaken.

WHAT'S FACE TO FACE WITH GOD ABOUT?
A/The* central theme of the Epistle to the Hebrews is the Priesthood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Face to Face with God looks at the themes of priesthood—in general, and Christ's specifically—in Hebrews and by examining the passages and teachings from the Old Testament that the Epistle is building on.

Amongst the themes Alexander explores are The Tabernacle (and Temple), Moses and Aaron's relationship with God (prefiguring Christ's), the role of the High Priest as Intercessor as well as in presenting the sacrifice, and the Priesthood of Melchizedek. He looks at the texts we get these ideas from as well as how the author of Hebrews deals with them as he develops his arguments, ending with a consideration of how believers are to live as a result of his priestly work—something that ought not to be ignored.

* Depending on who you ask.

SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT FACE TO FACE WITH GOD?
This is an introductory survey, as are all the books in this series, so Alexander doesn't dig too deeply into any of these ideas. But he does explore them with enough depth that the reader gets the complete picture.

This reads differently than the others in the series due to the way Alexander uses the book of Hebrews as his focal point and examines the texts and themes that the author of Hebrews cites in order to understand them. It's not better or worse than the organization of the others, it's simply a feeling of freshness that benefits the series.

I learned a lot, Alexander's framing of the question of when Christ's work as priest began was incredibly helpful. Not because of the answer (although that was great), but because of the thought process that went into the answer—reframing the way I thought of priesthood in general and Christ's in particular. I had a similar reaction to his material involving Melchizedek. The other chapters had similarly helpful material, and I don't want to take anything away from them, but those are the two that clicked the most with me.

This is a very helpful book, an interesting read, and a great example of what Biblical Theology can bring to the table.

[Michael Philliber · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are those places in Sacred Scripture, filled with the minutiae and meticulous details, where one least expects to find gold or diamonds. Part of that is because of our present moment and our lack of experience. We bumble through those passages struck by how distant we are from sacrifices, blood, ashes, priestly functions, etc. T. Desmond Alexander, senior lecturer in biblical studies and director of postgraduate studies at Union Theological College in Belfast, Northern Ireland, has given us a hand in his new 176-page paperback, “Face to Face with God: A Biblical Theology of Christ as Priest and Mediator”. It is a straightforward, in-depth biblical study into priesthood and tabernacle, and the ascended role of Jesus as great high priest in the heavenly sanctuary. This volume is part of the Essential Studies in Biblical Theology series by IVP Academic, edited by Benjamin L. Gladd, associate professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary. As I write this review, it is Ascensiontide, and this has been a perfect book for this season!


When talking about biblical priests, one must spend a large amount of time lingering around the tabernacle and temple. And Alexander does just that. From describing what the portable sanctuary was for (as well as its more permanent replacement), how it functioned in the imagination and perspective of God’s people, to the role of the priestly attendants, the author easily walks the readers around like a dedicated docent. And as he takes us on a tour through the sacred campus, he stops in places and points out the surprising golden nuggets lying about in the details. For example, when chronicling God’s direction for building the tabernacle, the author points out that “God’s words emphasize that he rescues the oppressed Israelites from Egypt in order that he may reside with them” (13). That is a beautifully profound observation!

But Alexander has Jesus on the brain. And so, his investigation into the sanctuary and celebrants of the Hebrew Scriptures is intended to draw us to Jesus, especially as the letter to the Hebrews describes him. As he draws together those purposes and programs of the Old Testament, he shows why they’re such significant background to who Jesus is, what he has done, is doing, and will do for his people. The mediator of a better covenant, the great high priest, the intercessor, the one who enters the heavenly sanctuary for us, the one who is priest forever after the order of Melchizedek, and more. “The core tasks of reconciliation and intercession can be undertaken only by those appointed by God…The primary focus of this book is on the high priestly ministry of Jesus Christ,…” (123). And the author does exactly what he is aiming for.

I have two quick disagreements with the book, and a ton of praise. My first disagreement has to do with the way the author describes the priests moving the portable sanctuary “with all its furnishings”. The author says that the portable sanctuary and all its furnishing were “transported in six covered carts, pulled by twelve oxen” (15) and references Numbers 7:2-9. The reality is that the furnishings (altars, menorah, etc.) were never to be lugged around on carts (Numbers 7:9) but to be carried by the priestly Kohathites. It’s minor, but important, and will help to explain why, many years later, God will break out in anger against the Kohathite priest, Uzzah (2 Samuel 6).

My second disagreement has to do with Jesus being the “firstborn”. “The concept of “firstborn” implies that others will be born afterward” (124). That statement is fine as it stands, but when attributed to our Lord, it means far more. It refers to Jesus being a descendent of David (Messiah and king), “And I will make him the firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth” (Psalm 89:27).

Beyond those two niggling variances, there is so much in this book that is beautiful and beneficial. I appreciated, for example, his observation on how ceremonial uncleanness “is also associated with death” (49). A thought I’d never picked up before. For another, the author shows that holiness “is associated with perfection, purity, and wholeness” (48), which seems to (rightly) push back on John Walton’s misguided notions. Even if Alexander didn’t have Walton in mind, his point is a good corrective. And I could pile on many, many more examples where Alexander scores the winning shot.

“Face to Face with God” is a valuable book. It will guide readers into a greater appreciation for what our Lord has achieved for his people, and what he is still achieving. It will also open some much-needed understanding on the letter to the Hebrews, as well as the last half of Exodus and Leviticus. This volume is perfect for anyone wanting a better grasp on who our Lord Jesus is, what he has done, is doing, and will do for his people. It would make a solid book study for an adult class, and makes for delightful devotional work. I highly recommend the book.

Much thanks goes to IVP Academic. They heeded my request for this book to review and sent it to me with good haste. They made no demands on me and allowed me to come up with my own evaluations. Therefore, the analysis above is mine, all mine! And I have freely given it to the reader.

[Michael Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great entry level book into the Biblical theology of Christ’s priesthood. For me, its main strengths lie in the early chapters. The author does a great job of surveying the OT material which serves to foreshadow the work of Christ. He is really good in those chapters where he explains the layout of the tabernacle in the wilderness and how it mirrors the universe as God’s cosmic temple.

[Joseph Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an accessible and rich treatment of Jesus’s role as the Great High Priest. Chocked full of typology, theology, and Hebrews, Alexander invites us to contemplate why Jesus’s unique role matters, and how it should cause us to worship God in confidence. So good!

[Isaac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Should be read by everyone.

[Matthew Bonzon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very accessible and well written biblical theology. It was truly a joy to unpack the richness of Christ as priest throughout the canon.