We are looking into the Priesthood of Christ Jesus' being far superior to that of Melchizedek's and that of the Jewish priesthood linked to Levi's linage. And how it is that we are figured into Christ's Priesthood in salvation and not redemption's requirement. And then to take this farther our writer offers us an even better ministry as Saints.
Hebrews 7:22-25, 26-28 "By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. 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.
For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; 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. 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." (KJV)
Hebrews 7:22-25, 26-28 "This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. For the Law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the Law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever." (ESV)
Hebrews 7:22-25, 26-28 "Melchizedek mirrored Christ in the highest office of priesthood as mediator between GOD and humanity. Jesus is now the living proof of GOD's covenanted pledge to benefit humanity in a far better way than under any previous arrangement. The fact that there were so many priests shows how frequently they dies and had to be replaced. But there will be no successor to the Priesthood of Jesus because he remains forever. Through him humanity's approach to GOD is forever secured; he continues to communicate the full accomplishment of their salvation.
As our High Priest he towers far above every other priestly system in conspicuous prominence and in holy character. His guiltless, flawless life on earth was never compromised by sin, and he himself was exalted above the heavens where he occupies the highest rank of authority in the eternal realm. Unlike the previous high priests whose system of daily sacrifices was a constant reminder of their own failures, he had no need to sacrifice on his own behalf. The sacrifice he offered was himself for ALL; a sacrifice never to be repeated. Under the Law, men were appointed as high priests regardless of their weaknesses. The word of the oath, which succeeded the Law, appointed the Son in perpetual perfection." (The Mirror)
I am tempted to carry on into chapter 8 seeing that is brief, when compared to others, but I see that I may be required to break into at least two parts. Until our next visit may our risen LORD refresh you and yours with His eternal presence within us All.
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