The book of Hebrews stands as an eloquent testament to the supremacy of Christ and the New Covenant He established. Among its illuminating passages, Hebrews 7 shines brightly, introducing us to the intriguing figure of Melchizedek and expanding on his significance for understanding Christ’s high priestly role. Our journey through this rich chapter will explore the unique persona of Melchizedek, the symbolism of his priesthood, and how it all points to the superiority of Jesus Christ and His eternal priesthood.
As we embark on this spiritual expedition, our aim is to glean precious insights from Hebrews 7, and apply these truths to our faith journey. Together, let’s dive deep into this fascinating chapter, seeking to understand more about Melchizedek, the priesthood of Christ, and the unchanging nature of God’s promise.
Key Takeaways from This Article:
- A deeper understanding of Hebrews 7 and the figure of Melchizedek.
- Insights into the significance of Melchizedek’s priesthood and its relation to Christ’s eternal priesthood.
- Awareness of the unchanging nature of God’s promise, as depicted in Hebrews 7.
- Encouragement to draw closer to Christ, our High Priest, who lives to intercede for us.
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- Key Takeaways from This Article:
- Melchizedek: King of Righteousness and Peace
- Melchizedek and Abraham: An Encounter of Blessing
- The Significance of Tithes: A Symbol of Respect and Honor
- The Change of Priesthood: A Change of Law
- Jesus, the Guarantor of a Better Covenant
- An Unchangeable Priesthood: The Eternal Nature of Christ’s Ministry
- A Perfect High Priest: The Unblemished Jesus
- The Power of an Indestructible Life
- Conclusion
Melchizedek: King of Righteousness and Peace
Hebrews 7 begins with an introduction of Melchizedek: “For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him” (Hebrews 7:1, NKJV). This mysterious figure, who is briefly mentioned in Genesis 14 and Psalm 110, is now spotlighted and explained in detail in this chapter.
Melchizedek is described as the king of Salem, which means “peace”, and his name translates to “king of righteousness”. In him, we find the twin pillars of God’s kingdom: righteousness and peace. His character and roles foreshadow Christ, the ultimate King of Righteousness and our Prince of Peace.
There is an aura of mystery surrounding Melchizedek. He is depicted as having neither beginning of days nor end of life, reminiscent of the eternal nature of Christ. This portrayal reinforces the timeless relevance of Melchizedek’s priesthood, providing a solid foundation for understanding the priesthood of Christ.
Melchizedek and Abraham: An Encounter of Blessing
The encounter between Melchizedek and Abraham in Genesis 14, underscored in Hebrews 7:1-10, provides a symbolic illustration of the superiority of Melchizedek’s priesthood. Melchizedek blessed Abraham, and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. In cultural context, the act of blessing someone indicated a higher status, and the giving of a tithe was a gesture of respect and acknowledgement of this superiority.
“See how great this man was to whom Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth of the spoils!” (Hebrews 7:4, NKJV). This passage highlights the greatness of Melchizedek, showing that even Abraham, the revered patriarch, recognized his higher status. The fact that Abraham, who is considered the father of faith, acknowledged Melchizedek’s greatness serves to underline the significance of Melchizedek’s priesthood.
This encounter has profound implications. It not only confirms the importance and superior status of Melchizedek but also foreshadows the superior priesthood of Jesus Christ, which is likened to the priesthood of Melchizedek. This comparison will be further expanded as we delve deeper into Hebrews 7.
The Significance of Tithes: A Symbol of Respect and Honor
The act of tithing, as practiced by Abraham, carries significant symbolism. The tithe, a tenth of everything, was not a mere ritual; it was a sign of honor, respect, and recognition of God’s provision. Abraham’s tithe to Melchizedek was a testament to his faith and obedience to God.
“He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, and no one from that tribe has ever served at the altar” (Hebrews 7:13, NKJV). The writer of Hebrews uses the act of tithing to establish a compelling argument about the legitimacy and superiority of Christ’s priesthood. Even though Christ came from the tribe of Judah, His priesthood is validated by His resemblance to Melchizedek’s priesthood, which Abraham acknowledged as superior.
In addition to validating Christ’s priesthood, the act of tithing serves as a lesson for modern believers. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging God’s provision, honoring Him with our resources, and respecting those who serve in God’s kingdom.
The Change of Priesthood: A Change of Law
Hebrews 7:11-14 introduces a major shift in the understanding of the priesthood. “If perfection were through the Levitical priesthood… what further need was there that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron?” (Hebrews 7:11, NKJV). This shift from the Aaronic priesthood to the order of Melchizedek signifies a change in the law, pointing to the insufficiency of the Levitical priesthood to bring about perfect communion with God.
The Levitical priesthood, based on genealogical requirements and a system of sacrifices, could not fully reconcile humanity to God. It symbolized an imperfect system of mediation that needed to be fulfilled and perfected by another, which is Christ. His priesthood, after the order of Melchizedek, signifies a change in the law – a transition from the old covenant to the new.
The writer of Hebrews takes pains to clarify that this change does not imply that the Law was flawed. Instead, it underscores the limitations of the old system and highlights the superior efficacy of Christ’s priesthood, founded not on lineage but on an indestructible life.
Jesus, the Guarantor of a Better Covenant
Continuing his argument, the author of Hebrews introduces another aspect of Christ’s priesthood in verses 15-22: His role as the guarantor of a better covenant. “And inasmuch as He was not made priest without an oath (for they have become priests without an oath, but He with an oath by Him who said to Him: “The Lord has sworn And will not relent, ‘You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek’”)…” (Hebrews 7:20-21, NKJV).
Unlike the Levitical priests who served based on their lineage, Christ’s priesthood was established by God’s sworn oath. This divine declaration not only establishes Christ as the ultimate High Priest but also makes Him the guarantor of a better covenant.
As the guarantor of a new covenant, Jesus assures us of a better relationship with God – one that is not hampered by the inadequacies of the old covenant but is rooted in His perfect sacrifice. This truth serves as a beacon of hope for believers, encouraging us to place our complete trust in Christ, our High Priest and the surety of a superior covenant.
An Unchangeable Priesthood: The Eternal Nature of Christ’s Ministry
Hebrews 7:23-25 emphasizes the eternal nature of Christ’s priesthood. The priests of the Levitical order were many because they were hindered by death from continuing in office. But Jesus, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently.
“But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:24-25, NKJV). Unlike the Levitical priests, who were limited by mortality, Christ’s priesthood is everlasting. He continually intercedes for us, offering complete salvation to those who approach God through Him.
This understanding of Christ’s eternal priesthood is a profound comfort for believers. It reassures us of Christ’s constant advocacy on our behalf, emphasizing His ability to save completely those who come to God through Him. Such confidence strengthens our faith, encouraging us to draw near to God with boldness, knowing that Christ continually intercedes for us.
A Perfect High Priest: The Unblemished Jesus
In the final section of Hebrews 7, the writer paints a beautiful portrait of Christ, our perfect High Priest. “For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens…” (Hebrews 7:26, NKJV). Christ is presented as the epitome of purity and perfection – holy, blameless, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.
The writer contrasts Jesus’ unblemished nature with the Levitical priests who needed to offer sacrifices daily, first for their own sins and then for the sins of the people. Jesus, however, offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice once for all, decisively dealing with sin. This positions Him as the perfect High Priest, worthy of our trust and worship.
This image of Christ as our perfect High Priest serves as an encouragement for believers. It affirms that we have a High Priest who, by His unblemished character and once-for-all sacrifice, provides us with unfettered access to God’s grace and mercy. This truth fortifies our faith and emboldens our confidence in His complete work of redemption.
The Power of an Indestructible Life
Hebrews 7:16 states that Jesus “has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life”. This power of an endless or indestructible life speaks to the resurrection power of Christ, which signifies His victory over death and the permanence of His priesthood.
This power of an indestructible life is not confined to Christ’s resurrection alone. It is also at work in us, transforming us into His likeness and empowering us to live victorious Christian lives. This truth reminds us that our faith is anchored in the power of Christ’s indestructible life, which provides us with hope, strength, and victory.
The implication of Christ’s indestructible life is manifold. Not only does it confirm the perpetuity of His priesthood, but it also provides us with a solid basis for our hope in eternal life. It assures us that just as death could not hold Christ down, it cannot hold us captive. In Him, we have the victory!
Conclusion
Hebrews 7 presents a profound exploration of the high priesthood of Jesus Christ, comparing and contrasting it with the Levitical priesthood. Through the figure of Melchizedek, we gain insights into the superiority and eternity of Christ’s priesthood, which forms the basis of our Christian faith.
As we reflect on this chapter, we are drawn into a deeper appreciation of Christ’s role as our High Priest. His priesthood, unlike the Levitical priesthood, is eternal, unchanging, and based on the power of an indestructible life. These truths remind us of the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice and His ongoing intercession on our behalf.
In summary, Hebrews 7 affirms the perfection of Christ’s priesthood and its implications for our lives. It encourages us to draw near to God with confidence, trusting in the efficacy of Christ’s sacrifice and His ongoing intercession. As we continue to meditate on these truths, may we be inspired to live out our faith with boldness, anchored in the perfection and power of our High Priest, Jesus Christ.
