Category: Priesthood

Melchizedek is revealed to be a type of Christ, and the Hebrew writer here argues that Christ’s Priesthood is greater than that under the Old Covenant.

Here is the argument. Melchizedek was even greater than Abraham. This is seen in the fact that Melchizedek blessed Abraham, and Abraham tithed to Melchizedek. “Beyond all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the greater” (7). Since Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek, so did Levi his descendent (so to speak). Since Levi is the patriarch of the Levitical priesthood, the priesthood of Melchizedek is greater than the Levitical priesthood of the Old Covenant.

One other note that hearkens back to a previous article. Melchizedek was also the king of Salem. Under the Old Covenant, the tribe of kings (through God’s promise to David) was to be Judah. Jesus was of the tribe of Judah. Only Levites could serve as priests under that Old Law. Christ could only appropriately serve as high priest under a new covenant as He was of the tribe of kings. Melchizedek as both priest and king then serves as the type. Jesus is both king and priest, of the order of Melchizedek!

Question: What do we know about Melchizedek? Answer: Not much. The king of Salem is found only in Genesis 14.  We  know he was a king; He was a priest of God Most High (18); He blessed Abraham (19); Abraham paid a tithe to him (20).

Melchizedek’s Importance: 

• He was a type of Jesus Christ. We know nothing of his lineage, nor his birth or death. As such it is said of him by the Hebrew writer, “having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually” (3). Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega, who ever lives as our High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

What we learn from Melchizedek:

• Christ’s priesthood is greater than that of the Levitical priesthood, “but he whose genealogy is not derived from them [the sons of Levi] received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. Now beyond all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better” (6-7).
• Jesus’ coming as a new high priest, proves that the Levitical priesthood was not perfect, otherwise there would be no need for Jesus to serve as High Priest (11).
• “The priesthood being changed, of necessity there is a change of law” (12). Jesus was from Judah so could not serve as a priest under the Old Covenant. The priestly tribe under the Old Covenant was Levi. Our hope is better as we draw near to God through our great High Priest, Jesus Christ!

A wonderful lesson is taught in Hebrews 7, concerning our priesthood under the New Covenant. It surpasses in greatness the priesthood of the Jews, which existed as a type of what would come in the last days. The Hebrew writer argues this truth in a very interesting way. By using Melchizedek, the king of Salem.

Who was Melchizedek? We know his title and significance, but nothing of his life. In fact, he is described in the text as being “without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life…” (7:3). This does not mean that Melchizedek was more than a man, it is simply noting that Melchizedek exists in the narrative of the Old and New Testaments to teach something about Christ. We don’t know or need to know anything about where he came from. We don’t know when he was born, or when he died. We just know him to be both the king of Salem and a priest of the Most High God. Because of this lack of information regarding Melchizedek in the pages of the Bible, it is as if he, “remains a priest continually”, thus foreshadowing the eternal nature of Christ’s priesthood. Continue reading “The Priest of God Most High” →

Aaron, the older brother of Moses, was appointed to be the first High Priest of the nation of Israel. This was an office established by God under the Old Covenant, the Law that God gave to Moses to govern the Jews. Aaron was the first of many men who served in this capacity before Jesus. He was a descendent of Levi, hence the priesthood is known as the Levitical or Aaronic priesthood. Put simply, these were mere men, themselves guilty of sin, who yearly had to offer the blood of bulls and goats for atonement, first for themselves, and then for the people of Israel, (cf. Leviticus 16:1-5).

In the letter to the Hebrews, the Holy Spirit makes clear the differences between Jesus as High Priest, and those who went on before. Consider the following: Continue reading “Comparing High Priests” →

Christians are described in the New Testament as Priests of God (cf. 1 Peter 2:9-10). We do not offer animal sacrifices. Instead we offer:

* Our Bodies
* Faith
* Support (for preaching)
* Praise (with our lips)

Audio

Powerpoint Slides

Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

Hebrews 7 describes the superiority of Christ as our High Priest. He is perfect, both as sacrifice and priest. Therefore, He is able to save us to the uttermost.

Audio

Hebrews 7 & 8. The text reveals that Christ is a superior high priest, and his covenant is superior to the Old covenant. The Old Covenant has passed away, and we under the authority of the New Covenant.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .