Christ Is Superior in the Order of His Priesthood - Bible Study
MYSTERIOUS MELCHIZEDEK
Hebrews 7
If you were asked to name the most important people in the Old Testament, I doubt that Melchizedek's name would be on your list. He appeared once, in Gen 14:17-24; and he was referred to once more, in Ps 110:4. You could hardly call this "top billing." But 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 (Heb 7-10). In Heb 7, the writer argued that Christ's priesthood, Like Melchizedek's, is superior in its order. In Heb 8, the emphasis is on Christ's better covenant; in Heb 9, it is His better sanctuary; and Heb 10 concludes the section by arguing for Christ's better sacrifice.
The Jewish nation was accustomed to the priesthood of the tribe of Levi. This tribe was chosen by God to serve in the tabernacle (Ex 29; Num 18:1). Aaron was the first high priest, appointed by God. In spite of their many failures, the priests had served God for centuries; 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.
The Historical Argument: Melchizedek and Abraham (Heb. 7:1-10)
The record of the event discussed is in Gen 14:17-24. The writer of our epistle wanted us to note several facts about this mysterious man, Melchizedek.
He was both king and priest (v. 1). We have noted already that, in the Old Testament economy, the throne and the altar were separated. Those persons who attempted to invade the priests' office were judged by God. But here is a man who had both offices, king and priest! Aaron never had that privilege. And it is important to note that Melchizedek was not a "counterfeit" priest: he was the "Priest of the Most High God" (Gen 14:18,22). His ministry was legitimate.
His name is significant (v. 2 b). In the Bible, names and their meanings are often important. 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 (Gen 32:24-32; John 1:35-42). The name Melchizedek means "king of righteousness" in the Hebrew language. 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 85:10). "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 on the basis of righteousness. If we want to enjoy "peace with God" we must be "justified [declared righteous] by faith" (Rom 5:1).
We 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."'
He received tithes from Abraham (v. 2 a). This important fact is explained in Heb 7:4-10. 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 18:21 ff) at the tabernacle and later at the temple (Deut 12:5 ff). 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 the Law was given. In fact, archeologists have discovered that other nations also tithed in that day; so, the practice is an ancient one.
His family history is different (v. 3). Melchizedek was a man (Heb 7:4), 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. It was especially important that the priests be able to prove their ancestry (Ezra 2:61-63; Neh 7:63-65). Here the writer of Hebrews uses an argument from silence, but it is a valid one.
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 a real city. But as far as the record is concerned, he was not born, nor did he die. In this way, he is a picture of the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God. Though Jesus Christ did die, Calvary was not the end; for He arose 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 in which he is like the eternal Son of God.
The application is clear: neither Aaron nor any of his descendants could claim to be "without genealogy" (Heb 7:3). They could not claim to have an endless ministry. Nor could they claim to be both kings and priests, like Jesus Christ.
He had authority to receive tithes and to bless Abraham (vv. 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 blessed Abraham in a special way; and "the less is blessed of the better" (Heb 7:7). In giving Melchizedek tithes and in receiving his blessing, Abraham affirmed the greatness of this king-priest.
But how does this relate to Aaron? In an interesting way: Aaron and the tribe of Levi were "in the loins" of 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 of it. The paying of the tithes involved not just the patriarch Abraham, but also the unborn generations in his loins.
Since Jesus Christ came "of the seed of Abraham" (Heb 2:16), does this mean that He too 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" (Heb 5:7). Since Christ existed before Abraham (John 8:58), He could not have been "in Abraham" as were Aaron and his family
The Doctrinal Argument: Christ and Aaron (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?
Because both the priesthood and the Law were imperfect (vv. 11-14). The words translated "perfect" and "perfection" are key words in this epistle (Heb 2:10; 5:9; 6:1; 7:11,19; 9:9; 10:1,14). They essentially 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" (Heb 7:19). The animal sacrifices could not give any worshiper a perfect standing before God (Heb 10:1-3). The Mosaic system of divine Law was not a permanent system. 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 (Heb 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 has been 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 that a Christian has the right to be lawless. "Free from the Law" does not mean "free to sin." Rather, 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)
Because, being imperfect, the priesthood and the Law could not continue forever (vv. 15-19). The word "another" in Heb 7:15 means "another of a different kind." The levitical priests were made priests by the authority of a temporary and imperfect Law. Jesus Christ was made Priest by a declaration of God. Because the Law was "weak and useless" (Heb 7:18), it could not continue forever. But because Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, He lives by "the power of an endless life" (Heb 7:16). What a contrast between the profitless Law and an endless life!
Since Jesus Christ is Priest forever, and since He has a nature to match that eternal priesthood, He can never be replaced. The annulling (Heb 7:18, "disannulling") of the Law meant the abolishing of the priesthood. But nobody can annul "the power of an endless life"! The logic holds: Jesus Christ is a Priest forever.
The writer kept in mind the temptation his readers were facing to go back into the old temple system This is why he reminded them (Heb 7:19) that Jesus Christ has accomplished what the Law could never accomplish: He brought in a better hope, and He enables us to draw near to God. To go back to Judaism would mean losing the enjoyment of their fellowship with God through Christ. The only hope Judaism had was the coming of Christ, and that blessing these believers already had.
Because God's oath cannot be broken (vv. 20-22). No priest in the order of Aaron was ever ordained and established on the basis of God's personal oath. The Aaronic priests ministered "after the law of a carnal [physical] commandment" (Heb 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 right physical and ceremonial requirements (Lev 21:16-24).
Jesus Christ's heavenly priesthood was established on the basis of 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" (Heb 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.
The presence of this oath gives to the priesthood of our Lord a greater degree of 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 (Phile. 1819). Perhaps the nearest equivalent we have today 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 ever-living Saviour 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 He has guaranteed that He will keep us.
In Heb 7:22, we have the first occurrence of a very important word in Hebrews, "testament." This word, which is usually translated "covenant," is used twenty-one times in the letter, and it is the equivalent of "last will and testament."
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.
Because, being men, the priests died (vv. 23-25). 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, and this means security and confidence for God's people. "Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and today, and forever" (Heb 13:8). "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 his own 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 there He is "probating" His own will!
The fact that the unchanging Christ continues as High Priest means, logically, 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 in the midst of this shaking, changing world.
What is the conclusion of the matter? It is stated in Heb 7:25: "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." It is unfortunate that this verse is often read, "He is able to save from the uttermost" instead of "to the uttermost." To be sure, it is true that 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 completely, 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 Saviour. The word translated "Make intercession" simply means "to meet, to approach, to appeal, to make petition." 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 (Heb 4:14-16; 1 Peter 2:5). It has well been said that Christ's life in heaven is His prayer for us. It is what He is that determines what He does.
In reviewing the reasoning found in this long section (Heb 7:11-25), we are impressed with the logic of the writer. 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.
The Practical Argument
No matter how devoted and obedient the Aaronic priests were, they could not always meet the needs of all the people. But Jesus Christ perfectly meets all of our needs. "For such a 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 is able to 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 actually abused them. This could never happen with Jesus Christ and His people.
The Old Testament priests were "set apart" for their ministry, so in that sense they were "holy." But they were not always holy in character. They were sinners like the people to whom they ministered. "Harmless" (Heb 7:26) 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 cleansing, 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 (Ex 29:38-46; Lev 4:3). But Jesus Christ offered just one sacrifice for our sins and settled the matter forever (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) and there is no spot or blemish in Him. Such a High Priest "suits us perfectly"!
Are you availing yourself of His gracious ministry?