Christ as Priest, Mediator and sacrifice: An exegetical study of Hebrews 9:11-28

Abstract

The aim of this study is to highlight the concepts of priesthood, mediation, and sacrifice within African Independent Churches, and to evaluate this understanding in light of Hebrews 9:11-28. This will help to identify whether there are points of divergence or convergence. African Independent Churches approach the Bible from an African worldview; hence, their Christology is greatly influenced by concepts within African Traditional Religion. This research further relies on the analysis of Christ's priestly, mediatorial, and sacrificial roles as depicted in the Epistle to the Hebrews. Following the introduction, this study undertakes a critical and analytical review of contextual Christological concepts - such as Christ the Ancestor and Christ the Healer -that have shaped Christological perspectives within African Independent Churches. It also reviews key element of African Traditional Religion, including its concepts of priesthood, mediation, and sacrifice, to demonstrate how these have influenced the formation of Christology in many African churches. These insights are then evaluated in light of the research findings from the exegetical analysis of Hebrews 9:11-28. The research findings indicate that African Independent Churches adopt a more contextual approach in their theology. While the importance of contextualising the gospel in Africa is undeniable, African Initiated Churches have not fully captured the biblical portrayal of Christ as Priest, Mediator, and Sacrifice in their Christology. The influence of African Traditional Religion on their liturgy has contributed to syncretic tendencies, including the practice of sacrifices to ancestors and belief in ancestral or human mediators. In contrast, the book of Hebrews presents Christ as the one who has fulfilled all Old Testament sacrifices as the superior Priest, Sacrifice, and Mediator. The African Initiated Churches' misinterpretation of this Christological truth obscures the pre-eminent and all-sufficient role of Christ as presented in Hebrews.