Melchizedek the Priest. Jesus Like Melchizedek. Hebrews 7:1-28

Transcription

1 1 Melchizedek the Priest Jesus Like Melchizedek Hebrews 7:1-28

2 2 Text: Hebrews 7:1-28, Melchizedek the Priest Jesus Like Melchizedek 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; 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; 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. 4. Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. 5. And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham: 6. But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises. 7. And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better. 8. And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. 9. And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham. 10. For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him. 11. If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?

3 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. 13. For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar. 14. For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. 15. And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, 16. Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. 17. For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. 18. For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. 19. For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. 20. And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: 21. (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:) 22. By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. 23. And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: 24. But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. 25. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. 26. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; 27. Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.

4 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. Introduction: I. Milligan specified the main object in this section is to set forth clearly and prominently the great superiority of Christ s priesthood over that of Aaron and his successors. II. Girdwood and Verkruyse provided the following perspective: A. Jesus priesthood is emphasized. Hebrews 5-7. B. The nature of the new covenant is discussed. Hebrews 8. C. Jesus sacrifice is an essential component of the new covenant. Hebrews 9, 10. III. Coffman noted that Melchizedek is said to be like unto the Son of God and that Christ is after the likeness of Melchizedek indicating clearly that Christ must be understood as the antitype of Melchizedek, making all the things of Melchizedek s life typical of certain things in the life of Christ. A. Coffman further pointed to the following facts: 1. Both Melchizedek and Christ are properly king of peace and king of righteousness. 2. Both are both kings and priests. 3. Melchizedek blessed Abraham and Christ blesses the faithful today.

5 5 Commentary: 4. Melchizedek did not achieve his position because of human ancestry. 5. Christ did not achieve his position because of human ancestry. Melchizedek the Priest Hebrews 7:1 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; I. For this Melchisedec, A. Nothing is known of Melchizedek s birth, parentage, his descendants if any nor of his death. B. Melchizedek is surrounded by mystery. C. All we know about Melchizedek is the little the Bible tells us. Genesis 14. D. Genesis 14:17-20, And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale. And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all. II. King of Salem (peace),...

6 6 A. The most generally held position is that Salem refers to Jerusalem. 1. Psalm 72:2, He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment. 2. Salem means peace. 3. Isaiah 9:6, For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. B. Ancient rulers were often both kings and priests. III. priest of the most high God,... A. Milligan wrote that priest (Kohen) denotes one who offers sacrifice and ministers in other sacred things. 1. Genesis 14:18, And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. 2. God occupies the highest possible position. 3. There are no other lesser gods in fact. C. When Melchizedek lived, Levis and Aaron s births were years in the future. IV. who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings,...

7 7 A. Abraham had won a significant victory over the four kings named in Genesis 14 and was returning to Hebron with the spoils of war when he met Melchizedek. B. Melchizedek gave Abraham bread and wine and, as God s priest, blessed him. 1. Genesis 14:19, 20 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all. V. and blessed him;... A. Melchizedek (the greater) blessed Abram (the lesser). Hebrews 7:2, 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; I. To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; A. All refers to the spoils taken in the battle with the four kings. B. This shows that support of God s work and worship dates to ancient times. C. This shows also that Abraham recognized Melchisedec as priest of the most high God; true God. D. This is the first reference to tithing in the Bible. II. first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and

8 8 A. Girdwood and Verkruyse stated that ancient names often related to both the nature and identify of the person. III. after that also King of Salem, which is King of peace: A. Both righteousness and peace were parts of the Jewish expectation for the Messianic kingdom. (Girdwood and Verkruyse) 1. Isaiah 9:6, 7, For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. 2. Romans 3:21, 22, But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 3. 2 Corinthians 5:21, For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 4. Ephesians 2:14-18, For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and

9 9 preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. 5. Colossians 1:19, 20, For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. Hebrews 7:3, 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. I. Without father, without mother, without descent, A. This evidently means that Melchisedec was of obscure or unknown parentage or that his parents were deceased. B. Girdwood and Verkruyse noted that ancestry was vital in regard to the Aaronic priesthood. 1. Nehemiah 7:64, These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but it was not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood. II. having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; A. This is a parallel statement to the phrase above, without father, without mother. B. This phrase indicates that no exact date of birth or death nor exact date for the beginning nor end of Melchisdec s priesthood can be determined. III. but made like unto the Son of God,

10 10 A. In these and perhaps other ways Christ s and Melchizedec s priesthoods are comparable. IV. abideth a priest continually. A. There was no predecessor nor successor to Melchizedec s priesthood. B. This is also true of Christ s eternal priesthood. C. Melchisedec s priestly office, order continues in the person of Christ Jesus. Hebrews 7:4, Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. I. Now consider how great this man (Melchisedec) was, II. unto whom [even] the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the chief spoils. A. Melchizedec s priesthood was greater than the Aaronic priesthood. B. This is shown by the fact that Abraham payed tithes Melcheizedec and C. Father Abraham was greater than his descendants Levi and Aaron. D. Abraham gave a tithe of the top of the heap, the best of the spoils, plunder. E. Abraham, the founding patriarch of the Jewish nation was held in the utmost regard. 1. No human who ever lived, in the mind of Israel, was as highly regarded as Abraham.

11 Matthew 3:9, And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. 3. John 8:33, 34, They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. 4. John 8:53, Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself? Hebrews 7:5, And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham: I. And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, A. Levites were appointed to the special service of God. B. Levites were religious officials, elevated to that position by divine decree. II. who receive the office of the priesthood, A. Melchizedec received Abraham s voluntary tithe. B. Levites received tithes from the people who were mandated, required to contribute. C. Girdwood and Verkruyse rendered this phrase as, they have the commandment to collect tithes from the people according to the law.

12 Numbers 18:21, 24, And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation. But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer as an heave offering unto the LORD, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance. III. have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law; that is, of their brethren, A. Priests were descendents of both Levi and Aaron. 1. Exodus 28:1, And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons. 2. Numbers 17:1-11, And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and take of every one of them a rod according to the house of their fathers, of all their princes according to the house of their fathers twelve rods: write thou every man's name upon his rod. And thou shalt write Aaron's name upon the rod of Levi: for one rod shall be for the head of the house of their fathers. And thou shalt lay them up in the tabernacle of the congregation before the testimony, where I will meet with you. And it shall come to pass, that the man's rod, whom I shall choose, shall blossom: and I will make to cease from me the murmurings of the children of Israel, whereby they murmur against you. And Moses spake unto the children of Israel, and every one of their princes gave him a rod apiece, for each prince one, according to their fathers' houses, even twelve rods: and the rod of Aaron was among their rods. And Moses laid up the rods before the LORD in the tabernacle of witness. And it

13 13 came to pass, that on the morrow Moses went into the tabernacle of witness; and, behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds. And Moses brought out all the rods from before the LORD unto all the children of Israel: and they looked, and took every man his rod. And the LORD said unto Moses, Bring Aaron's rod again before the testimony, to be kept for a token against the rebels; and thou shalt quite take away their murmurings from me, that they die not. And Moses did so: as the LORD commanded him, so did he. B. The priests were required to take tithes from the people and their brethren, the other Levites. 1. Numbers 18:22-32, Neither must the children of Israel henceforth come nigh the tabernacle of the congregation, lest they bear sin, and die. But the Levites shall do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they shall bear their iniquity: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations, that among the children of Israel they have no inheritance. But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer as an heave offering unto the LORD, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Thus speak unto the Levites, and say unto them, When ye take of the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you from them for your inheritance, then ye shall offer up an heave offering of it for the LORD, even a tenth part of the tithe. And this your heave offering shall be reckoned unto you, as though it were the corn of the threshingfloor, and as the fulness of the winepress. Thus ye also shall offer an heave offering unto the LORD of all your tithes, which ye receive of the children of Israel; and ye shall give thereof the LORD'S heave

14 14 offering to Aaron the priest. Out of all your gifts ye shall offer every heave offering of the LORD, of all the best thereof, even the hallowed part thereof out of it. Therefore thou shalt say unto them, When ye have heaved the best thereof from it, then it shall be counted unto the Levites as the increase of the threshingfloor, and as the increase of the winepress. And ye shall eat it in every place, ye and your households: for it is your reward for your service in the tabernacle of the congregation. And ye shall bear no sin by reason of it, when ye have heaved from it the best of it: neither shall ye pollute the holy things of the children of Israel, lest ye die. 2. Numbers 18:2-6, And thy brethren also of the tribe of Levi, the tribe of thy father, bring thou with thee, that they may be joined unto thee, and minister unto thee: but thou and thy sons with thee shall minister before the tabernacle of witness. And they shall keep thy charge, and the charge of all the tabernacle: only they shall not come nigh the vessels of the sanctuary and the altar, that neither they, nor ye also, die. And they shall be joined unto thee, and keep the charge of the tabernacle of the congregation, for all the service of the tabernacle: and a stranger shall not come nigh unto you. And ye shall keep the charge of the sanctuary, and the charge of the altar: that there be no wrath any more upon the children of Israel. And I, behold, I have taken your brethren the Levites from among the children of Israel: to you they are given as a gift for the LORD, to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation. IV. though they come out of the loin s of Abraham: Hebrews 7:6, But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises. I. But he whose descent is not counted from them

15 15 A. Melchisedec received tithes from Abraham whereas he was in no way related to Abraham. B. This indicates that Melchizedec was greater than Abraham and his earthly descendants including the Levites. II. received tithes from Abraham, III. and blessed him that had the promises. A. Genesis 14:19, 20, And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all. Hebrews 7:7, And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better. I. And without all contradiction, controversy, A. This fact is indisputable; that is, the less is blessed of the better. II. the less is blessed of the better. A. Milligan observed that less and better are neuter gender, thus indicating the general and proverbial character of the proposition. B. Examples: 1. Genesis 27:27-29, And he came near, and kissed him: and he smelled the smell of his raiment, and blessed him, and said, See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field which the LORD hath blessed: Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine: Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let thy mother's sons bow

16 16 down to thee: cursed be every one that curseth thee, and blessed be he that blesseth thee. B. Genesis 19:17-20, And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed. And Lot said unto them, Oh, not so, my LORD: Behold now, thy servant hath found grace in thy sight, and thou hast magnified thy mercy, which thou hast shewed unto me in saving my life; and I cannot escape to the mountain, lest some evil take me, and I die: Behold now, this city is near to flee unto, and it is a little one: Oh, let me escape thither, (is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live. Hebrews 7:8, And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. I. And here men that die receive tithes; A. This refers to the Levitical priesthood. (Milligan) B. 1 Chronicles 6:50-52, And these are the sons of Aaron; Eleazar his son, Phinehas his son, Abishua his son, Bukki his son, Uzzi his son, Zerahiah his son, Meraioth his son, Amariah his son, Ahitub his son, II. but these he receiveth them, A. This refers to Melchisedec. (Milligan) B. Melchisedec, the man, no doubt died, but his priesthood was one of a kind having neither a predecessor nor successor. C. Melchisedec, therefore, serves as a type of priesthood of Christ. III. of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.

17 17 A. Melchisedec, in regard to his priesthood, lives as a type of Christ. Hebrews 7:9, And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham. I. And as I may so say, A. This can be interpreted, so to speak. (Milligan) II. Levi also, who receiveth tithes, paid tithes in Abraham: A. What has been said of Abraham s being subservient to Melchisedec is not applied to the Levitical priesthood. B. This is true because the Levites also paid tithes to Melchisadec in the person of their ancestor Abraham. Hebrews 7:10, For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him. I. For he was yet in the loins of his father when Melchisedec met him. A. For this reason the priesthood of Melchisadec is superior to that of the Levites. B. Christ s priesthood, which is fashioned after that of Melchisadec, is therefore clearly superior to that of the Levites. C. A comparable example is given in Romans 5:12, Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: D. Girdwood and Verkruyse wrote, The point is that if Mechizadec is greater than Abraham, then he is also greater than the Levites.

18 18 Jesus Like Melchizedek Hebrews 7:11, If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? I. If perfection, completion, consummation were by the Levitical priesthood, A. The Jews of the first century thought that all God s redemptive plans were to be fulfilled in the Levitical priesthood. B. Romans 10:3, For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. C. Hebrews 7:16, 24, Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. D. Galatians 3:21, Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. II. (for under it the people received the law,) A. The Law of Moses was operative under the Levitical priesthood. B. Milligan wrote, The idea is that the priesthood was, so to speak, the basis of the whole Mosaic economy. III. What further need was there that another priest should arise after the order of Melchisedec,

19 19 A. Galatians 3:19, 21, 22, Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. IV. and not be called after the order of Aaron? Hebrews 7:12, For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. I. For the priesthood being changed, A. Since the Levitical priesthood has been replaced by the priesthood of Christ, all that rested on the Levitical priesthood including the Law of Moses also was abrogated. II. there is made of necessity a change also of the law. A. The Levitical priesthood and the Law of Moses are so interwoven that a change in one demanded a change in the other. (Girdwood and Verkruyse) B. Scriptures: 1. Matthew 5:21, 22, Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

20 Matthew 5:27, 28, Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. 3. Matthew 5:33, 34, Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: Hebrews 7:13, For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar. I. For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, A. Christ (he) was of the tribe of Judah, not the tribe of Levi. B. Hebrews 5:5, 6, So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. C. Psalm 110:4, The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. II. of which no man gave attendance at the altar. A. Jeremiah 23:5, Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. Hebrews 7:14, For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. I. For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Judah; that is, sprang up as a branch from the roots of Jesse. (Milligan)

21 21 A. Revelation 5:5, And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. B. Genesis 49:8-10, Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies; thy father's children shall bow down before thee. Judah is a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up? The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be. C. Isaiah 11:1, And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: II. of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning [priesthood: priests]. A. Priests were limited to the tribe of Levi under the Old Testament. Hebrews 7:15, And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, I. And it is yet far more evident: A. What is more evident? B. Milligan wrote: 1. The Levitical priesthood was insufficient. 2. Such a monumental change was made by the abolition of the Levitical priesthood that the Law of Moses which was given in reference to it also ended.

22 22 II. for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, A. That priest has arisen and his name if Jesus! Hebrews 7:16, Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. I. Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, A. Carnal commandment is contrasted with the power of an endless life. B. Carnal may well mean here frail and perishable which puts the Levites in contrast with Christ s endless life. C. Christ did not become a priest based on his human ancestry nor a system of earth-bound rules. (Bruce via Coffman) II. but after the power of an indestructible, endless life. A. Colossians 2:9, For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. Hebrews 7:17, For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. I. For [he testifieth: it is testified], A. This refers to Jehovah as the one testifying. 1. Psalm 110:4, The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. II. Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchisedec. A. Christ had no beginning of days nor end of life, no predecessor nor successors.

23 23 B. Christ s priesthood was comparable to Melchisedec s priesthood, not the Levitical priesthood. C. Chirst, like Melchisedec, remains a priest perpetually. Hebrews 7:18, For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. I. For there is verily a disannulling, a setting aside of the commandment going before A. The command establishing the Levitical priesthood and the Law of Moses was annulled, repealed. B. This removed the Levitical priesthood and the Law of Moses. II. for the weakness, uselessness and unprofitableness thereof. A. The weakness and unprofitableness of the Levitical priesthood and the Law of Moses, including the inability to secure the forgiveness of sins, proved their total inadequacy. B. Something had to be done! Christ replaced the Levitical order with himself and the Law Moses with his gospel word. C. Galatians 3:19, Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. Hebrews 7:19, For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. I. For the law made nothing perfect, A. Because of this something had to be done with urgency!

24 24 B. By design the law was temporary. II. but the bringing in of a better hope did; A. Christ brought a better hope and, through it, perfection, the perfect plan in regard to justification, sanctification and redemption of mankind. (Milligan) B. Scriptures: 1. Galatians 3:21, Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. 2. Romans 8:3, For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 3. Hebrews 9:14, How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? C. Milligan explained this phrase to mean, on the one hand, there is a setting aside of the Old Economy on account of its weakness and insufficiency; and on the other hand, there is the bringing in the New Economy, by which we may all now, as priests, draw nigh to God and worship him in spirit and truth. III. by the which we draw nigh unto God. A. Romans 5:12, Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

25 25 B. Hebrews 10:19-22, Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. C. 1 Peter 2:5, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Hebrews 7:20, And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: I. And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: A. Milligan wrote that the superiority of Christ s priesthood is established from the fact that it was confirmed and its perpetuity guaranteed by the oath of God. B. How great a difference it makes that an oath was sworn! (NEB) C. Jesus guarantees that the new covenant is better in everyway than the old covenant. (Girdwood and Verkruyse) Hebrews 7:21, (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:) I. (For those priests were made without an oath; ) A. The Levitical priesthood was established by God s command. B. God did not swear that the Levitical priesthood was immutable.

26 26 C. Exodus 28:1, And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons. II. but this with an oath by him that said unto him, III. The Lord sware and will not repent, change his mind, A. Christ s priesthood will never be terminated. It is permanent! IV. Thou art a priest forever [after the order of Melchisedec] A. Psalm 110:4, The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 7:22, By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. I. By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. A. Milligan wrote, Christ himself being constituted a priest by the oath of God, now stands as security that this new covenant or arrangement will never be abrogated, until the benevolent designs of God shall have been accomplished in the salvation of all who believe and obey him. B. Christ is the surety, sponsor, bondsman, guarantee who pledges his name, property, or influence that a promise shall be fulfilled, (Milligan) C. Acts 17:31, Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

27 27 Hebrews 7:23, And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: I. And they truly were many priests, A. The compassion here is between Christ and all the Levitical high priests who had before occupied the office. (See Milligan) B. From Aaron to A.D. 70 when the temple was destroyed 81 men had served as High Priests. Caiaphas (A.D ) was number 76 in the line of High Priests. II. because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: A. Christ, by reason of his resurrection and endless life, will never need have a successor. B. Christ s priesthood is forever. Hebrews 7:24, But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. I. But this man, because he continueth ever, A. Christ, resurrected from the dead, is no longer subject to death. II. hath an unchangeable, permanent priesthood. A. Christ will never be replaced as high priest. B. The nature of Christ s priesthood never changes. Hebrews 7:25, Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. I. Wherefore he is able to save them to the uttermost, completely that come unto God by him,

28 28 A. Followers of Christ need never worry. Our salvation is absolutely secure in Christ. B. Romans 8:28-31, And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? II. seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. A. Christ never dies, he ever lives to make intercession for the faithful. B. Milligan wrote, Seated, as he is, on the right hand of the Father, and clothed with omnipotent power and authority, he is ever ready to plead for those who have been cleansed by his blood, C. Scriptures: 1. 1 Peter 2:2, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 2. Philippians 2:12, Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 3. Romans 8:34, Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

29 29 Hebrews 7:26, For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; I. For such an high priest became us, A. Christ is the very high priest we need. He meets our needs perfectly. B. No other Levitical priests could compare in the least to Christ in meeting the needs of the people. II. who is: (Milligan gives the following, synonyms:) A. holy, godlike, pious, devout, religious. B. harmless, without malice or illwill, kind, benevolent, gracious to all. C. undefiled, without spot, immaculate, having no defect or blemish, or ritualistic uncleaness, having therefore no need to bathe and purify himself before making purification for the sins of the people. D. separate from sinners, without sin, exalted above sinners. E. and made higher than the heavens; 1. Ephesians 4:6, 10, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things. 2. Ephesians 1:22, 23, And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

30 Corinthians 15:27, For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him Peter 3:22, Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him. III. Note: Some of the Aaronic high priests were truly evil, many others were guilty of grave departures from the way of the Lord. A. Exodus 32:1-6, And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me. And all the people brake off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron. And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, To morrow is a feast to the LORD. And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play. B. 1 Samuel 2:12, 17, 34, 36, Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD. Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD: for men abhorred the offering of the LORD. And this shall be a sign unto thee, that shall come upon thy two sons, on Hophni and Phinehas; in one day they shall die both of them. And it shall come to pass, that every one

31 31 that is left in thine house shall come and crouch to him for a piece of silver and a morsel of bread, and shall say, Put me, I pray thee, into one of the priests' offices, that I may eat a piece of bread. C. and then there were Annas and Caiaphas! Hebrews 7:27, Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. I. Who needeth not daily, A. The high priests supervised other priests who offered the daily sacrifice. B. Christ committed no wrongs and needed no sacrifices for sins. II. as those Levitical high priests, III. to offer up sacrifice, IV. first for his own sins, A. The high priest was a sinner like everyone else and needed sacrifices for sin. V. and then for the people s: VI. for this he did once, when he offered up himself. A. Christ once for all on the cross sacrificed himself for the sins of mankind. B. Isaiah 53:7, He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

32 32 C. Hebrews 9:9, 12, 26, Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. D. 1 Peter 3:18, For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: Hebrews 7:28, 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. I. For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; A. The Old Testament high priests were all sinners, some very wicked, proud, vain and ambitious men. (Milligan) II. but the word of the oath, III. which was after, later than, since the law, IV. maketh the Son, who is consecrated, made perfect for evermore. A. The perfect priest by his sacrifice on the cross makes his people perfectly forgiven. Conclusion: I. The Old Covenant and the Levitical priesthood kept men at a distance from God.

33 33 II. Christ s new covenant and priesthood enable, encourage and require men to draw near to God. 1. James 4:8, Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 2. Matthew 11:29, 30, Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. 3. John 7:37, In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 4. Romans 3:24, 25, Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 5. Revelation 22:17, And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. 6. Hebrews 10:19-22, Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

34 34 References Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version, The Gideons International, Nashville, TN, 37214, 1979, National Publishing Company. Holy Bible, New International Version, 1984, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan, James Burton Coffman Commentaries, Hebrews, Abilene Christian University Press, Abilene, TX, New Testament Commentaries, Hebrews, Robert Milligan, Gospel Advocate Company, Nashville, TN, The College Press NIV Commentary, Hebrews, Jim Girdwood, Peter Verkruyse, College Press Company, Joplin, Missouri, 1997.

35 35 Questions Hebrews 7: When did Melchizedek live? Where did he live? 2. What does Salem mean? What is another name for this place? 3. Melchizedek was also of who met returning from the of the and him, and gave him a of. 4. Give particulars of Abraham s battle with the kings. Why did Abraham go to war with these kings? 5. What does Melchizedek s name mean? See verse 2 in NIV.

36 What is the significance of Abraham s giving a tithe to Melchizedek and of Melchizedek s blessing Abraham. 7. Did Abraham give Melchizedek a tenth of everything or of only the best of the spoils taken in battle? 8. What does without father or mother, without genealogy in verse 3 mean? What is the significance of this fact? 9. Was, is Melchizedek eternal? What is the meaning of the expression in verse 3, without beginning of days or end of life? 10. Is Melchizedek still a priest today? If yes, does that mean there are two high priests, Jesus Christ and Melchizedek? If not, what does the expression he remains a priest forever in verse 3 mean?

37 How is Melchizedek like the Son of God? Give all the ways you can. 12. Melchizedek is said to have been a priest of the most high God. Are there other gods who are less highly elevated? If yes, name some of them. If not, what is the significance of the comparative designation most high God? 13. What connection is there between Abraham and the descendants of Levi and Melchizedek? 14. What is the application then and now of the fact that the lesser person is blessed by the greater? 15. Which men who were subject to death received tithes? Who received tithes who is said to be living?

38 On what basis can it be said that the Levitical priesthood was inferior to the priesthood of Melchizedek? 17. Give present day examples of this principle seen in business, inheritance, etc. 18. What does perfection mean as used in verse 11? 19. Why was perfection not possible by means of the Levitical priesthood? 20. Why was there a need for another priest after the order of Melchizedek?

39 What was the basis on which the Law of Moses was given? What does this have to say about the law and the basis on which it was given? 22. When a change in the priesthood took place, what was the result? What does this mean for us? 23. How can Jesus Christ possibly be a priest, much less a high priest, when he was born of the tribe of Judah, not of the tribe of Levi and not from among the descendants of Aaron? 24. On what basis was Jesus Christ eligible to be a high priest? 25. Why were the Law of Moses and the Levitical priesthood repealed?

40 What better hope was introduced? In what ways is the hope of verse 19 better? better than what? 27. How can we draw near to God? How is this different than conditions which existed under the Levitical priesthood? 28. What is the importance, significance of Christ s becoming a priest upon God s sworn statement? Were the Levites installed as priests with oaths? 29. To whom and of whom was God speaking in Psalm 110:4? 30. How long will Christ serve as high priest? Exactly when did Christ become high priest?

41 In what way(s) has Christ become the guarantee of a better covenant? 32. List ways in which the new covenant is better than the Old Covenant? 33. Exactly what is meant by the old covenant and the new covenant? 34. How many high priests were in office from Aaron to the destruction of the temple in A.D. 70? What prevented them from continuing in office? 35. How is it that Christ has a permanent priesthood?