WE HAVE AN ETERNAL PRIEST

Chapter 7

If you were asked to name the most influential people in the Old Testament, I doubt that Melchizedek's name would be on your list. He appeared once in Genesis 14:17-24 and was referred to once more in Psalm 110:4. You could hardly call this "top billing.” Still, the Holy Spirit reached back into the Old Testament and used those two passages to present a most important truth: the priesthood of Jesus Christ is superior to that of Aaron because "the order of Melchizedek" is superior to "the order of Levi.

Chapter 7 of Hebrews introduces the second main section, as we have outlined it:

A Superior Priesthood (chapters 7-10).

In chapter 7, the writer argued that Christ's priesthood, like Melchizedek’s, is superior in its order.

In chapter 8, the emphasis is on Christ's better covenant; in chapter 9, it is His better sanctuary;

and chapter 10 concludes the section by arguing for Christ's better sacrifice.

The Jewish nation was accustomed to the priesthood of the tribe of Levi. God chose this tribe to serve in the Tabernacle (Ex. 29; Num. 18). Aaron was the first high priest appointed by God. The priests had served God for centuries despite their many failures, but now the writer has affirmed that their priesthood has ended! To defend this statement and to prove that the order of Melchizedek is superior to that of Aaron, he presents three arguments:

1. AN OLD TESTAMENT PICTURE - Melchizedek and Abraham (Heb. 7:1-10)

The record of the event discussed is in Genesis 14:17-24, so take time to read it. The writer of our epistle wanted us to note several facts about this mysterious man, Melchizedek.

A. HE WAS BOTH KING AND PRIEST (HEB. 7:1

Hebrews 7:1 KJV 1900

1 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;

We have noted that the throne and the altar were separated in the Old Testament economy. God judged those persons who attempted to invade the priests’ office. But here is a man who had both offices-king and priest! Aaron never had that privilege. And it is essential to note that Melchizedek was not a "counterfeit" priest: he was the "priest of the Most High God" (see Gen. 14:18, 22). His ministry was legitimate.

B. HIS NAME IS SIGNIFICANT (HEB. 7:2

Hebrews 7:2 KJV 1900

2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;

In the Bible, names and their meanings are often significant.

We name our children today without much consideration for what their names mean, but this was not the case in Bible days. Sometimes, a great spiritual crisis was the occasion for changing a person's name (see Gen. 32:24-32; John 1:35-42).

The name “Melchizedek” means "king of righteousness" in Hebrew. The word "Salem" means "peace" (the Hebrew word shalom), so that Melchizedek is "king of peace" as well as "king of righteousness."

"Righteousness" and "peace" are often found together in Scripture.

"And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever" (Isa. 32:17).

"Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other" (Ps. 55:10).

"In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth" (Ps. 72:7). "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable. . . . And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace" James 3:17, 18).

Of course, God's purpose for His people is that they bear

"the peaceable fruit of righteousness" (Heb. 12:10-11).

True peace can be experienced only based on righteousness. If we want to enjoy "peace with God we must be "justified [declared righteous] by faith" (Rom. 5:1). Man cannot produce righteousness by keeping the Old Testament Law (Gal. 2:21). It is only through the work of Jesus Christ on the cross that righteousness and peace could have "kissed each other."

C. HE RECEIVED TITHEs FROM Abraham (Heb 7:2a

Hebrews 7:2a KJV 1900

2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;

This important fact is explained in verses 4-10.

The word "tithe" means "one-tenth. " Under the Jewish law, the Jews were commanded to give God one-tenth of their crops, herds, and flocks (Lev. 27.30-32).

These tithes were brought to the Levites Num. 18:21f at the Tabernacle and later at the temple (Deut. 12:5f). If the trip was too long for transporting grain, fruit, or animals, the tithe could be converted into money (Deut. 14:22-27).

Tithing, however, did not originate with Moses. Abraham practiced tithing long before Moses and long before the law was given.

Archeologists have discovered that other nations also tithed that day, so the practice is ancient.

D. HIS FAMILY HISTORY IS DIFFERENT (HEB. 7:3

Hebrews 7:3 KJV 1900

3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.

Melchizedek was a man (see v. 4), so he had to have had a mother and a father. But there is no record of his genealogy ("descent") in the Old Testament, and this is significant because most great persons in the Old Testament have their ancestry identified. The priests needed to prove their ancestry (see Ezra 2:61-63; Neh. 7:63-65). Here, the writer of Hebrews uses an argument from silence, which is valid.

Melchizedek was not an angel or some superhuman creature, nor was he an Old Testament appearance of Jesus Christ. He was a real man, a real king, and a real priest in an actual city. But as far as the record is concerned, he was not born or died. In this way, he is a picture of the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God. Though Jesus Christ died, Calvary was not the end, for He rose from the dead and today lives in "the power of an endless life" (Heb. 7:16).

Since there is no account of Melchizedek's death, as far as the record is concerned, it seems that Melchizedek is still serving as a priest and king. This is another way he is like the eternal Son of God.

The application is precise: neither Aaron nor any of his descendants could claim to be "without genealogy"

(7:3, NASB).

They could not claim to have an eternal ministry. Nor could they claim to be both kings and priests, like Jesus Christ.

E. HE HAD AUTHORITY TO RECEIVE TITHES AND TO BLESS Abraham (7:4-10).

The greatness of Melchizedek is seen in the fact that Abraham gave him tithes from the loot of a mini-war. Abraham acknowledged the authority of Melchizedek. Furthermore, Melchizedek specially blessed Abraham: and '(7:7). In giving Melchizedek tithes and in receiving his blessing, Abraham affirmed the greatness of King-priest.

But how does Aaron? In an exciting way, Aaron and the tribe of Levi were "In the lol Abraham, yet unborn! So when their father, Abraham, acknowledged the greatness of Melchizedek, the tribe of Levi was also involved.

The Jewish people believe strongly in "racial solidarity and this is one example. Paying the tithes involved the patriarch Abraham and the unborn generations in his loins.

Since Jesus Christ came "of the seed of Abraham" (Heb. 2:16), does this mean He was a part of this experience? No, because Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God.

His identification with Abraham was for "the days of His flesh" (5:7). Since Christ existed before Abraham John 8:58), He could not have been "In Abraham,” as were Aaron and his family,

2. A REPLACEMENT THAT IS PERFECT (Heb, 7:11-25)

In this section, the writer took his argument one step further. Not only is Melchizedek greater than Aaron, but Melchizedek has replaced Aaron! It is no longer "the order of Aaron" or "the order of Levi." It is forever "the order of Melchizedek." Why would God effect such a radical change?

A. BOTH THE priesthood and THE Law WERE imperfect (7:11-14).

The words translated "per-leet" and "perfection" are keywords in this epistle (210, 5.0, 6:1; 7:11, 19, 9:9; 10:1, 14). They mean "completed, fulfilled.

The Old Testament priests could not, by their ministry, complete the work of God in the heart of a worshiper, "For the Law made nothing perfect" (7:19).

The animal sacrifices could not give any worshiper a perfect standing before God (10:1-3).

The Mosaic system of divine Law was not permanent. It was "added" to serve as a "schoolmaster" to prepare the way for the coming of Christ (Gal. 3:19-4:7).

Since the priests received their authority from the Old Testament Law (Heb. 7:28), and since the priesthood has been changed, there has also been a change in that Law. The President of the United States cannot proclaim himself King of the United States because U.S. law makes no provision for a king. First, the law would have to be changed.

The Law of Moses made no provision for a priesthood from the tribe of Judah (7:14). Since our High Priest is from the tribe of Judah, according to His human ancestry, then there must have been a change in Moses' Law. There has been!

The entire system of Old Testament Law has been fulfilled in Jesus Christ and taken out of the way! (Col. 2:13-14)

The believer has been set free from the Law (Gal. 5:1-6) and is dead to the Law (Rom. 7:1-4).

This new arrangement does not suggest a Christian has the right to be lawless. "Free from the Law" does not mean "free to sin." Instead, it means that we are free to do the will of God. We obey, not because of outward compulsion, but because of inward constraint (2 Cor. 5:14; Eph. 6:6). The indwelling Holy Spirit enables us to fulfill the "righteousness of the Law" as we yield to Him (Rom. 8:1-4).

B. BEING IMPERFECT, THE PRIESTHOOD AND THE LAW COULD NOT CONTINUE FOREVER

(HEB. 7:15-19). The word "another" in verse 15 means "another of a different kind." The Levitical priests were made such by the authority of a temporary and imperfect Law. Jesus Christ was made a priest by a declaration of God. Because the Law was "weak and useless" (7:18, viv), it could not continue forever. But because Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, He lives by "the power of an endless life" (7:16). What a contrast between the profitless Law and an endless life!

Since Jesus Christ is a Priest forever and has a nature to match that eternal priesthood, He can never be replaced. The annulling (v. 18, "disannulling") of the Law meant abolishing the priesthood. But nobody can annul "the power of an endless life"! The logic holds: Jesus Christ is a Priest forever.

The writer remembered the temptation his readers were facing to return to the old temple system.

This is why he reminded them (v. 19) that Jesus Christ has accomplished what the Law could never accomplish:

He brought in a better hope, enabling us to draw near to God.

To go back to Judaism would mean losing the enjoyment of their fellowship with God through Christ. Judaism’s only hope was the coming of Christ and that blessing these believers already had.

C. BECAUSE GOD’S OATH CANNOT BE BROKEN (7:20-22).

No priest in the order of Aaron was ever ordained and established based on God's oath.

The Aaronic priests ministered "after the law of a carnal (physical] commandment" (7:16). Their moral or spiritual fitness was not examined. The important thing was that a priest belonged to the right tribe and met the correct physical and ceremonial requirements (Lev. 21:16-24).

Jesus Christ's heavenly priesthood was established based on His work on the cross, His character (Heb. 2:10; 5:5-10), and the oath of God.

"Thou art a Priest forever after the order of Melchizedek" (7:21; Ps. 110:4).

Note the introduction to the statement: "The Lord swore and will not repent (change His mind]."

The matter is finally settled, and it cannot be changed.

This oath’s presence gives our Lord’s priesthood more excellent permanence and assurance.

Jesus Christ is the "surety of a better testament [covenant]" (Heb. 7:22).

The word "surety" means

*one who guarantees that the terms of an agreement will be carried out."

Judah was willing to be the surety for Benjamin, to guarantee to their father that the boy would return home safely (Gen. 43:1-14).

Paul was willing to be the surety for the slave Onesimus (Philemon18-19).

Today’s nearest equivalent is a bondsman who posts bail for someone under indictment and guarantees that the indicted person will appear in court and stand trial.

As the Mediator between God and man (1 Tim. 2:5), Jesus Christ is God's great Surety. Our risen and everliving Savior guarantees that the terms of God's covenant will be fulfilled completely. God will not abandon His people. But our Lord not only guarantees to us that God will fulfill the promises. As our Representative to God, He perfectly meets the terms of the agreement on our behalf.

We, of ourselves, could never meet the terms, but because we have trusted Him, He has saved us and guaranteed that He will keep us.

In 7.22, we have the first occurrence of a significant word in Hebrews-_"testament." This word, which is usually translated "covenant," is used 21 times in the letter, and it is the equivalent of "last will and testament." We will examine the word more closely in our study of chapter 8.

The writer has given three reasons why God changed the order of the priesthood from that of Aaron to that of Melchizedek:

(1) the priesthood and the Law were imperfect;

(2) being imperfect, they could not continue forever;

(3) God had sworn by His oath that the new order would be established.

Then, the writer of this letter to the Hebrews closed this section with a fourth reason:

D. BECAUSE, BEING MEN, THE PRIEST DIED (7.23-35).

Not only was the priesthood imperfect, but it was also interrupted by death. There were many high priests because no one priest could live forever. In contrast, the church has one High Priest, Jesus the Son of God, who lives forever!

An unchanging priest means an unchangeable priesthood, which means security and confidence for God's people. "Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever" (13:S).

"Thou art a Priest forever . . ." (Ps. 110:4).

Occasionally, we read a story in the newspaper about the illegal handling of a will. Perhaps some unscrupulous relative or business partner managed to get his hands on a will and use it for selfish purposes.

But this could never happen to our Lord's "last will and testament" in His blood. He wrote the will and then died to make it take effect. But He arose from the dead and ascended to heaven, and He is "probating.”

His own will!

The fact that the unchanging Christ continues as High Priest logically means that there is an “unchangeable priesthood" (Heb. 7:24).

The Greek word translated "unchangeable" carries the idea of "valid and unalterable." The word was used at the end of legal contracts.

Our Lord's priesthood in heaven is "valid and unalterable." Because it is, we can have confidence amid this shaking, changing world.

What is the conclusion of the matter?

It is stated in verse 25: "Wherefore [because He is the ever-living, unchanging High Priest], He is able also to save them to the uttermost (completely, forever] that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them."

Unfortunately, this verse is often read "He is able to save from the uttermost" instead of "to the uttermost." Indeed, Christ can save any sinner from any condition, but that is not the import of the verse. The emphasis is on the fact that He saves, ultimately, forever, all who put their faith in Him.

Because He is our High Priest forever, He can save forever.

The basis for this completed salvation is the heavenly intercession of the Savior.

The word translated "make intercession" means to meet, approach, appeal, and petition." We must not imagine that God the Father is angry with us, so God the Son must constantly appeal to Him not to judge us! The Father and the Son are in total agreement in the plan of salvation (13:20-21).

Neither should we imagine our Lord Jesus uttering prayers on our behalf in heaven or repeatedly "offering His blood" as a sacrifice. That work was completed on the cross once and for all.

Intercession involves our Lord's representation of His people at the throne of God. Through Christ, believers are able to draw near to God in prayer and also to offer spiritual sacrifices to God (4:14-16; 1 Peter

2:5).

It has been said that Christ's life in heaven is His prayer for us. It is what He is that determines what He does.

Reviewing the reasoning in this long section (Heb. 7:11-25), we are impressed with the writer’s logic.

Jesus Christ's priesthood after the order of Melchizedek is superior to that of Aaron and has replaced it. Both the historical argument and the doctrinal argument are sound. But the writer adds a third argument:

3. OUR NEEDS ARE MET PRECISELY - Christ and the believer. (7:26-28)

No matter how devoted and obedient the Aaronic priests were, they could not always meet the people’s needs. But Jesus Christ perfectly meets all of our needs.

"For such an High Priest became us" means "He was suited to us; He meets our needs completely.

"The emphasis here is on His sinlessness. Being perfect, He can exercise a perfect ministry for His people. Because of their sins, some of the Old Testament priests not only were unable to serve the people but abused them. This could never happen with Jesus Christ and His people.

The Old Testament priests were "set apart" for their ministry and were "holy." But they were not always holy in character. They were sinners like the people to whom they ministered.

"Harmless" (v. 26) means "blameless." No Jewish priest could claim this distinction. "Undefiled" means "unstained."

Again, only Jesus Christ can claim these characteristics. When He was ministering on earth, our Lord was a friend of publicans and sinners (Matt. 9:10; 11:19), but His contact with them did not defile His character or His conduct. There was contact without contamination. He was not isolated; He was separated. Today, He is "separate from sinners" because of His position ('made higher than the heavens"); but He is not separated from the people to whom He ministers.

He is always available to us at His throne of grace.

Another proof of His sinlessness is the fact that our Lord never had to offer sacrifices for His own cleans-ing, as did the priests. On the annual Day of Atonement, the high priest first had to sacrifice for himself before he could sacrifice for the people (Lev. 16).

There were also daily sacrifices offered as a part of the temple ritual; and, if a priest had sinned, he had to bring a sacrifice for his own cleansing (Lev. 4:3f1; Ex. 29:38-46).

But Jesus Christ offered just one sacrifice for our sins and settled the matter forever. See Heb 9:23-28.

This is the kind of High Priest we need! We are prone to sin daily, even hourly; and we need to be able to turn to Him for spiritual help. As our High Priest, Jesus Christ gives us the grace and mercy that we need not to sin. But if we do sin, He is our Advocate at God's throne (1 John 2:1-2).

If we confess our sins to Him, He forgives us and restores us (1 John 1:9).

The application is obvious: why turn away from such an adequate High Priest?

What more can you find in any other person?

The men who served under the Law of Moses had human infirmities and weaknesses, and they often failed. Our heavenly High Priest has been "consecrated (perfected] forevermore" (Heb. 7:28

Hebrews 7:28 KJV 1900

28 For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.

and there is no spot or blemish in Him. Such a High Priest "suits us perfectly"!

Are you availing yourself of His gracious ministry?