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But, [Jesus] remains a priest always without having a succession to his priesthood.1
| 1 | [Jesus] remains a priest always without having a succession to his priesthood: Or, KJV: but, this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood; WMS: his life goes on for ever; ASV: priesthood unchangeable; KNX: priestly office is unchanging; RHM: untransmissible; GDS: untransferable; RSV: priesthood permanently; MON: inviolable; has no successors in office. This is based on Psalm 110:4. Compare notes on Hebrews 7:16; 13:8. |
Dear Friends of the Nazarene,
We choose Hebrews 7:24 as the theme verse of chapter seven – A Superior Priesthood. Having mentioned those things “hard to interpret” in the previous chapter, Paul now moves on to such a subject. That is, how the ancient priest Melchizedek prefigured the priesthood of Christ. [1-3] Paul quotes Genesis 14:18, 20 and then explains what the name of this king-priest and his city mean. Paul is really continuing his commentary on Psalm 110:4 where he had proved that God’s Son was to be a priest after the manner of Melchizedek. Melchizedek suddenly appears in the Genesis account without any ancestry or even any mention of his birth or death. The main point is that Melchizedek has a priesthood continuously, and it is this unending priesthood that belongs to Christ.
Paul continues showing how great Melchizedek was. [4-10] Abraham had to pay the tithes of war to the king-priest of Salem [ancient Jerusalem]. Because the priestly descendants of Abraham were still in his loins, in affect, the Levitical priesthood paid tithes to that coming priest have the manner of Melchizedek – Christ. The old Levitcal priesthood could perfect nothing and so God had purposed another. [11-14] Not only is there a change in priesthood, but there is also a “change in the Law [of Moses.” Jesus sprang not from the priestly tribe but from Judah. So the Bible in Psalm 110:4 predicted another priesthood similar to Melchizedek. [15-17]
So the ineffective commandment of Moses was to be set aside. [18-25] The Law of Moses perfected nothing but the hope of a better priesthood did. God’s Son becomes a high priest because of his Father’s sworn oath. Paul quotes Psalm 110:4 again. Thus a “better covenant” – that is better than the Law Covenant – was pledged. This covenant would have a priesthood that would never die. Thus, this everlasting priest is able to “completely save” because he is always alive to make intercession in behalf of those who will gain salvation.
Christ’s superior priesthood is most suitable for the Saints. [26-28] Paul describes Priest Jesus as loyal, guileless, undefiled, separated from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Jesus does not need to offer up daily sacrifices as the Levitical priests under the Law. God’s sworn oath – as seen in Psalm 110:4 – appoints an everlasting Son as priest.
Abba our Father bless those who will be “completely saved.”
[18 August 2002]
Christ was victorious over death before he entered upon his priesthood; he lives forever, and hence, there is no change of his priesthood.
