Jesus, The Guarantor of Our Salvation

Introduction

If you remember, last time we were together we went through Chapter 7:1-10

In those verses the author of Hebrews was attempting to show us how Melchizedek was a type of Christ. Melchizedek (King of righteousness) was king of Salem (King of Peace) solely by definition or by name. However, Christ is the only Eternal King of Righteousness and the only Eternal King of Peace.

Today, we will be going through Hebrews 7:11-28.

In those passages we will see the Following

I. The Temptation of the Hebrews (Hebrews 7:11-17)

II. The Weakness of The Levitical Law (Hebrews 7:18-21)

III. Jesus’s Eternal Order (Hebrews 7:21-28)

I. The Temptation of the Hebrews (Hebrews 7:11-17)

1) The Levitical Law is perfect and that is what cleanses (v.11)

The Hebrews saw the Levitical law as the only way for anyone to be cleansed and absolved from sin. Denying that, would mean that they are forsaking God and his commands.

2) We have the Law why do we need Christ/another priest? (v.11)

We have all heard the saying “If it is not broken, don’t fix it” right? That was the attitude of the Hebrews. The computer is not broken so why are you getting a new one?

We do not need another priest we have plenty. The law is sufficient!

3) You are changing the law and it is forbidden (v.12)

It is perfect why would we change it!? You wouldn't throw away a brand new car just because a newer model was released a couple months later!?

4) He cannot be priest, he is not from the clan of Levi (v13-14)

Refutation: Christ, like Melchizedek was not from the Levitical line. He did not become a priest due to his bodily descent, but by His RESURRECTION! Therefore! He is priest FOREVER! (v.15-17) In verse 17 The author of Hebrews only uses Psalm 110:4b

Psalm 110:4 ESV

The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”

II. The Weakness of The Levitical Law (Hebrews 7:18-21)

a) The Law is weak (Limited) and useless (NOT worthless, but not advantageous! Why? —> Made no one perfect! (v.18)

Think about this, the Levitical law was not worthless the same way that training wheels are not worthless when you are first learning to ride a bike. You are limited on your experience in riding a bike and it is not advantageous to remain in training wheels. There is a moment you must take them off! Likewise, for the Hebrews the Levitical law was like training wheels. Preparing them for the ultimate priesthood, the ultimate order, the ultimate sacrifice! This Law did not bring perfection, but was pointing to the perfect one that came to rescue his people.

b) BUT… There is a better hope. A hope that allows us to draw near to God! Though we were alienated, estranged and enemies of God because of sin. We have a hope church!! A hope that allows us to draw near! We have a better order, a better priest, a wonderful savior! (v.18)

The Apostle Paul puts it this way

Romans 8:3–4 ESV

For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Acts 13:38–39 ESV

Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.

III. Jesus’s Eternal Order (Hebrews 7:20-28)

a) Christ became priest with an oath! Compared to the other priests. (v.20-21)

Psalm 110:4 ESV

The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”

Why does that matter?

Friends, God himself promised that the priesthood of Christ would have NO END! It is a promise from God and guess what! HE does not change his mind. He is immutable, all of his promises are always Yes and Amen!

b) So, this makes Jesus our Guarantor! (gerentor) (v.22)

guarantor (gerentor) — a person of sufficient means who offers his belongings, freedom, or often his life as an assurance that another person will meet certain specifications or requirements; especially in a financial context of debt repayment.

So Jesus, offered his kingdom, freedom and his life as an assurance that his people will be made righteous by paying the debt of sin that we owed! That is beautiful!

c) Lastly, Jesus’s Office/Priesthood is Forever!

He is was not prevented by death from continuing his office. He kicked death right on the teeth and conquered! AND because he conquered!

HERE IS THE PROMISE he is able to save to the uttermost (Completely or perfectly) WHO? Those who draw near. You.. US..

If things could not get better they do, it says he lives to make intercession!

Friends, he loves to intercede for you. It is not a draw to him! He is not like us that when we are asked for a favor, specially when we are busy we roll our eyes and sigh. HE LIVES FOR IT! He loves it!

The Author of Hebrews finishes with a great summary!

Christ is HOLY, INNOCENT, UNSTAINED, SEPARATE FROM SINNERS AND EXALTED!

and this Christ Offered up himself! He has fulfilled the requirements of the Law!

Application: SO what?

We are made clean not by the law, but by the blood of Christ. So why are we still trying to cleanse ourselves by our works done by us in righteousness? Friends, it is his blood not your sweat!

You can not make yourself more righteous or perfect by good deeds and religious activities. Christ alone is perfect and he has given us his righteousness so let us live through the lends of that identity.

He is the Guarantor of this covenant so regardless of what you're struggling with this week. He is the keeper and upholder of the covenant not you. Rest in the fact that he is immutable and does not change his promises.

When you feel like you are not good enough to approach him or feel like he will get tired of hearing the “same prayer.” Remember that he lives to intercede for you! He is your father and he loves you!