Forever Faithful: The Eternal Ministry of Jesus

Introduction

As we continue our journey through the book of Hebrews, I want to pause and remind you of a few essential truths.

First, don’t grow weary in well doing—and reading entire, contextual passages of Scripture is well doing. I know that for some, this feels unfamiliar. But that’s not because the Word of God is too much; it’s because many of us have developed unhealthy habits over time. In many modern church settings worship has shifted away from being centered on the Word. Worship, which should be centered on God’s self-revelation, has become centered on our preferences. We’ve begun to think worship is music. But worship isn’t music—it includes music. “Praise and worship” isn’t fast songs and slow songs. Worship is everything we do when we gather together on Sunday—when we sing, pray, give, listen, and respond to God’s Word with reverence and obedience. So when we stand to hear large portions of Scripture, we’re not doing something extra—we’re doing what we were always meant to do.

Second, as we continue reading and expounding on Hebrews, we must keep its purpose in view. This isn’t just a theological deep dive—it’s a passionate plea. The writer is addressing Jewish believers who were growing weary under pressure. They were tempted to go back to their old way of life—the temple, the rituals, the priesthood. But the message is clear: there’s nothing to go back to. God has made that system obsolete. Spiritually, Jesus already ended it through His death and resurrection. Physically, God confirmed it when the Romans destroyed the temple in A.D. 70. The sacrificial system is no longer necessary because Christ fulfilled it—and no longer possible because the place where it occurred no longer exists. That bridge is gone—and God burned it.

Now here’s where we need to be honest: some professing Christians have completely missed this point. They are desperately trying to live like Jews, clinging to Old Covenant laws and customs. But let’s be clear—you can’t fully live by the Old Testament law unless you live in a theocracy. And we don’t. Not in America. Not anywhere today. The Mosaic Law wasn’t just a personal moral code; it was the constitution of a nation. It governed every aspect of civic, religious, and social life. So unless the government, legal system, and cultural structure are aligned with it, you cannot fulfill it.

“At best, people end up saying, ‘Well, I’m obeying what I can,’ as if partial obedience—limited by inconvenience—counts for something. That mindset minimizes both the gravity of the Law and the glory of Christ who fulfilled it fully on our behalf. There’s a reason why all of that had its time, its season, and its place. It was never intended to serve the scope of a global salvation. That’s why it had to give way to something better.”If this is you, this study is for you.

But maybe you’re not drawn to the Jewish roots movement at all. Maybe you’ve never even considered living a Torah-observant life. Even so, you might be tempted to go back to your old ways—the sins, habits, or comforts you left behind when you came to Christ. If that’s you—this study is also for you.

And finally, the whole theological framework of Hebrews is meant to show us this: the Old Covenant was a shadow pointing to a better and eternal reality. That reality is Jesus. Every priest, every law, every sacrifice, every festival pointed forward. And now that the Substance has come, we don’t cling to the shadows. We cling to Christ—our eternal High Priest, exalted forever.

That’s the vision the author casts for us today in Hebrews 6:13–7:28. So prepare your hearts to see the eternal ministry of Jesus, as we explore this passage in four distinct movements,

I. God’s Promises are Anchored in Himself (6:13-20)

II. Melchizedek: A Foreshadowing of Christ’s Eternal Priesthood (7:1-10)

III. A Better Priest, A better Covenant (7:11-22)

IV. He Lives to Intercede Forever (7:23-28)

Let us pray.

I. God’s Promises are Anchored in Himself (6:13-20)

After a brief pause concerning not becoming dull but pressing on to theologically robust material. The writer returns to the example of Abraham to strengthen the reader’s confidence in God’s promises. Lets read

Hebrews 6:13–14 LSB

13 For when God made the promise to Abraham, since He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, 14 saying, “I will greatly bless you and I will greatly multiply you.”

The example of Abraham who preceded the Law shows that God’s covenant with Abraham was not dependent on Abraham’s performance (if it were that would be a contract, not a covenant) but it depended on God’s own unchanging character.

And after making the promise He swore an oath to fulfill it, He swore by Himself, the highest authority that exists.

In the ancient world, people would swear by someone greater to guarantee the truth of their word. We have something sort of similar today. You’ve heard people say, “I swear on my mama’s grave that I…” the whole idea being that mama is greater and I owe her respect. However, nowadays when someone insistence is that strong is almost a guarantee that they are lying.

At any rate, who could God swear by higher than Himself in order to drive the point home for Abraham? But now the author begins to transition to another promise and another oath. His point is that the same way Abraham clung to his promise/oath we must cling to our even greater promise/oath

Hebrews 6:17–18 LSB

17 In the same way God, desiring even more to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose, guaranteed it with an oath, 18 so that by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us.

What are these unchangeable truths? One, is that God promised. This would have been enough…

2 Corinthians 1:20 ESV

20 For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.

But God did not leave it at a promise he also swore by Himself. These are the two unalterable truths, that He promised, and that he swore an oath. And it is impossible for God to lie…

Numbers 23:19 LSB

19 “God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent; Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not establish it?

God’s word is trustworthy all by itself, but when he seals it with an oath on his own Being, it is a double assurance that should be an unquestionable encouragement to stay strong even in the midst of discouragement or temptation to waver. But the author is no longer talking about Abraham but about us.

Hebrews 6:19–20 LSB

19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and confirmed and one which enters within the veil, 20 where a forerunner has entered for us—Jesus, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

This “hope” is not wishful thinking—it’s a confident assurance grounded in God’s character and Christ’s work. And notice where it leads: into the inner sanctuary, behind the veil. This is tabernacle language pointing to the Holy of Holies. The very presence of the Most Holy God. Abraham had many setbacks obstacles, and really bad decisions and according to Paul,

Romans 4:20–21 LSB

20 yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, 21 and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to do.

Application:

These are the questions to ask, are we trusting in God’s character, or will we allow ourselves to be carried away by circumstances and failures.

Is our soul anchored in His promises, or it adrift in the winds of this world?

God’s promises are sure because His character is unchanging—and Jesus is all the proof we need.

“So why doubt? He promised. He swore. He cannot lie.”

II. Melchizedek: A Foreshadowing of Christ’s Eternal Priesthood (7:1-10)

So in this chapter the writer finally returns to Melchizedek—the figure he first mentioned back in chapter 5, paused on in chapter 6, and now fully engages. There are no more detours. Melchizedek is now central to the author’s argument that Jesus holds a priesthood superior to that of Aaron. Lets read..

Hebrews 7:1–3 LSB

1 For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham as he was returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2 to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth part of all, was first of all, by the translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, which is king of peace. 3 Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, he remains a priest continually.

Melchizedek appears in only three verses in Genesis 14—and yet his presence ripples through all of redemptive history. He blesses Abraham, and Abraham gives him a tenth of the spoils—a gesture of deep honor and submission. This shows that Melchizedek is not just a footnote in history—he is a type, a shadow, Just like the Sabbath and the promise land mentioned in previous chapters points to someone greater: Jesus. And God does not just give us clues here, there are neon signs. Lets break it down

Name: Melchizedek means “king of righteousness”

Title: king of Salem, which means “peace”–so he is the “king of peace”

Dual Role: king and priest.

This last one is strictly forbidden in the Mosaic Law. This is why all kings came from the tribe of Judah, specifically the line of David, and all priest came from the line of Levi. A king can never be a priest and a priest could never be a king under the LAW.

This is why in 2 Chronicles 26 when king Uzziah attempted to go into the temple and burn incense before the Lord, a priestly duty, God stuck him with leprosy right were he stood.

The Law separated power and mediation. But Jesus fulfills both roles perfectly and eternally.

Zechariah 6:13 LSB

13 “Indeed, it is He who will build the temple of Yahweh, and He who will bear the splendor and sit and rule on His throne. Thus, He will be a priest on His throne, and the counsel of peace will be between the two offices.” ’

As King, Jesus rules with divine authority. He’s not just a religious figure—He reigns over all creation with power and justice.

As Priest, He represents us before God, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice and continually interceding on our behalf.

And of course there is the issue of Genealogy: The text emphasizes that Melchizedek appears without genealogy—not because he didn’t have parents, but because the biblical account deliberately omits them. This silence is intentional. It frames him as a priest whose office isn’t passed down through ancestry—unlike the Levitical priesthood. It’s as if he appears out of nowhere and never dies, making him “like the Son of God.” What’s the point here?

Jesus, like Melchizedek, holds a priesthood that is royal, righteous, peaceful, and eternal. He is not a Levitical priest descended from Aaron. His priesthood comes from a different order entirely—one that predates and supersedes the Mosaic law.

And then look at what the author says,

Hebrews 7:4 LSB

4 Now observe how great this man was to whom Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth of the spoils.

He is telling his wavering brethren, pay attention to how great Melchizedek was in respect to Abraham, who the Jews venerated perhaps not as much as Moses. But certainly as the father of their nation and the recipient of the covenant. And if even the patriarch of the patriarchs honored Melchizedek, then the priesthood of Melchizedek is greater than Levi’s because Levi through Abraham gave tithes to Melchizedek.

Hebrews 7:9–10 LSB

9 And, so to speak, through Abraham even Levi, who received tithes, paid tithes, 10 for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him.

In other words, the Levitical priesthood bowed to Melchizedek’s priesthood before it even existed. That is how superior Melchizedek’s priesthood is superior, and thats how Jesus is superior as our high priest.

Application:

• Are you trusting in shadows, or in the One to whom the shadows point?

• Do you understand that Jesus isn’t just another priest—He is the forever priest who stands in the presence of God on your behalf?

• Are you still holding on to things that have been surpassed in Christ?

You don’t need a temple or a priesthood on earth—because you already have One in heaven.

III. A Better Priest, A better Covenant (7:11-22)

Now the author moves from on from Melchizedek’s greatness to its implications watch this…

Hebrews 7:11 LSB

11 Now if perfection was through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the people received the Law), what further need was there for another priest to arise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be designated according to the order of Aaron?

In other words, if the solution is working why apply another? What do we say here, “if it aint broke?”

If this “levitical priesthood” was able to provide perfection, or completeness, fulfillment, in essence, access to God, then there would be no need for another system. But the levitical priesthood could not do any of that, nor was it designed to do that. It was design to do one thing, and one thing only, point to the one who could. But the writer pushes his reasoning even further

Hebrews 7:12 LSB

12 For when the priesthood is changed, of necessity there takes place a change of law also.

What a staggering statement, the priesthood and the law are inseparable.

The law was good, but it wasn’t final. It was preparatory—designed to bring us to Christ. The moment God introduced a new priest outside the Levitical line, it was proof that the old priesthood—and the system that upheld it—was temporary. The rest of Scripture testifies of this

Romans 3:20 LSB

20 because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin.

Galatians 3:24–25 LSB

24 Therefore the Law has become our tutor unto Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.

The author continues…

Hebrews 7:15–16 LSB

15 And this is clearer still, if another priest arises according to the likeness of Melchizedek, 16 who has become such not according to a law of physical requirement, but according to the power of an indestructible life.

Jesus doesn’t qualify for the priesthood because of lineage—but because of His resurrected, indestructible life. His priesthood is not based on ancestry, but on divine appointment and eternal authority.

Hebrews 7:17 LSB

17 For it is witnessed about Him, “You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek.”

The author again references Psalm 110:4 which he will continue to do throughout Hebrews to drive the point that Jesus is the fulfillment. He is the eternal priest.

Hebrews 7:18–19 LSB

18 For, on the one hand, there is a setting aside of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness 19 (for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.

The Law served its purpose, but it couldn’t bring people into the very presence of God. Jesus, however, gives us a better hope—not just rules, but relationship. Not by distance, but by access. And He’s not a priest by human heritage, but by God’s own oath:

Hebrews 7:20–22 LSB

20 And inasmuch as it was not without an oath 21 (for they indeed became priests without an oath, but He with an oath through the One who said to Him, “The Lord has sworn And will not change His mind, ‘You are a priest forever’”); 22 so much more Jesus also has become the guarantee of a better covenant.

This priest comes with God’s personal guarantee. And He doesn’t just mediate the covenant—He is the guarantee of it. The word guarantee (Greek: ἔγγυος, engyos) refers to someone who secures the terms, making it impossible for the agreement to fail.pries

Application:

Are you still trying to earn access to God, or are you trusting in the One who has already opened the way?

Are you still trying to be “good enough,” as if the covenant depends on you? or are you resting in the better hope that comes through Him who has already opened a way?

Have you moved from religion to relationship? from shadow to substance?

Where the old law gives you distance, Jesus gives you access—because He is the better priest with the better promise.

Where the old law built walls, Jesus opened a door—and He Himself stands in that doorway, forever welcoming us in.

IV. He Lives to Intercede Forever (7:23-28)

The writer now brings the argument to its glorious climax. After establishing that Jesus is a better priest from a better order who guarantees a better covenant, he now turns to the ongoing nature of Christ’s priesthood—and what that means for us today.

The author explains in vs 23 and 24 that The Levitical priests kept dying—generation after generation. That’s why there were so many of them. Death kept interrupting the ministry. But Jesus, risen from the dead, never dies again. His priesthood is permanent—uninterrupted, unending, and unstoppable.

Hebrews 7:25 LSB

25 Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

This verse deserves to be underlined in every believer’s Bible. He is able to save forever (Greek: παντελὲς, pantelēs)—completely, entirely, without limit—those who draw near to God through Him. Why? Because He always lives to intercede.

Let that sink in. Jesus isn’t just the Savior who died for you—He’s the High Priest who lives for you. His very existence right now is an act of ministry on your behalf.

His ministry is forever, and the power of His sacrifice is never diminished—it’s just as effective today as it was on the cross. the song writer says, “the blood that gives me strength from day to day, it will never lose its power”

Romans 8:34 LSB

34 who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.

1 John 2:1 LSB

1 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous;

Jesus is not passive in heaven—He is actively advocating for you, sustaining you, and ensuring that your salvation is secure. And as long as he sits on that throne, your salvation is secure, and how long will His kingdom last?…

Hebrews 7:26–28 LSB

26 For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens; 27 who does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people, because this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. 28 For the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints a Son, who has been made perfect forever.

You chose which is better

• The old priests were sinful—Jesus is sinless.

• They had to offer sacrifices daily—He did it once for all.

• They were weak and mortal—He is the eternal Son, perfected forever.

Everything the Levitical priests lacked, Jesus fulfills completely.

You don’t just have a Savior who died for you—you have a High Priest who lives for you, forever standing in your place.

The author has taken us on a journey—from Abraham to Melchizedek, from the Old Covenant to the New, from flawed priests to the flawless Son of God—all to show that Jesus is better and forever faithful. In a nutshell, all of this means that you do not have to waver. When the world around you feels unstable, anchor your soul in His unchanging character.

When you are tempted to go back to the old you, the old comforts, old sins, or old religious practices remember that they were only shadows. The Bible says that in His presence there is fulness of joy and at his right hand there are treasures for evermore.

When you’re tempted to feel like your failures disqualify you—remember, your salvation doesn’t rest on your strength, but on His intercession. So hold fast to Him—not to the law, not to rituals, not to tradition or old patterns of living. Hold fast to Jesus. Because His priesthood never ends. And neither does His grace.