| A PRIEST FOREVER |
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Hebrews, chapter 7, can best be understood as an inspired commentary on
(Psalm 110:4), where the Holy Spirit through David said of Christ,
"Thou are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek." Melchizedek was a historical person, mentioned in the Old Testament only in (Genesis 14:18-24) and (Psalm 110:4). Four Mesopotamian kings had invaded the Jordan valley and taken captives, including Abraham's nephew, Lot. Raising his own private army, Abraham went after them, and rescued the captives. As he was returning from the battle, he was met by Melchizedek "king of Salem and priest of the most high God." Melchizedek brought bread and wine, and blessed Abraham; Abraham paid him a tenth of the spoils he had taken in the battle. The writer of Hebrews sees much religious significance in this account, beginning with the name "Melchizedek." You will observe that this name has the same ending as "Adoni - Zedek" mentioned in (Joshua 10:1, and 10:3) as the "king of Jerusalem." Melchizedek was "king of Salem," and Jerusalem is called "Salem," in (Psalm 76:2). This word is related to the Hebrew "Shalom," meaning "peace," and the writer of Hebrews interprets this to mean he was "king of peace." "Melchi" means "my king" and "Zedek" means "righteousness," so the writer of Hebrews interprets the name to mean "king of righteousness." All these points typify the Messianic priest-king. He is the "Prince of Peace" (Isa. 9:5; Eph. 2:14), whose scepter is "a scepter of righteousness" (Heb. 1:8; Psa. 45:6-7). Zechariah foretold that the man whose name is "BRANCH....shall be a priest on His throne" (Zechariah 6:12-13). The writer sees significance in what is NOT said about Melchizedek in scripture. Under the law, it was important to be able to trace one's Levitical genealogy; certain men in the time of Ezra and Nehemiah were excluded from the priesthood when they could not establish their genealogy (Ezra 2:61-63; Neh. 7:63-65). There is no record of predecessors or successors to Melchizedek, nor is there a reference to his birth or death. The writer will not assume what the scripture does not reveal; hence, as far as the record is concerned, he was "made like the Son of God," and "remains a priest continually." The greatness of Melchizedek, and the greatness of his priesthood, is evidenced by the fact that Abraham, and through him the Levitical priesthood, paid tithes to Melchizedek. (The lesser pays tithes to the greater.) Through David, while the Levitical priesthood was still functioning, the Holy Spirit spoke of a priesthood "after the order of Melchizedek." This means that a different kind of priesthood would supersede the Levitical priesthood, a change of priesthood demanded a change in the law. The Levitical priesthood although ordained of God,"made nothing perfect" (v. 19). It did not provide a suitable relationship with God; hence, God provided a "better hope" (v. 19) through a "better covenant" (v.22). Our Lord "arose out of Judah" (v.14) not Levi. He could not qualify for priesthood under the law, but that Law has been annulled (v.18), and a new law established, which allows for a priest, "in the likeness of Melchizedek," who has come, "not according to the law of fleshly commandments, but according to the power of an endless life" (v.16). Therefore, He has "an unchangeable priesthood," (v.24) and "is able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He ever lives to make intercession for them" (v.25). He did not enter temporarily into the tabernacle or temple but as our "forerunner." He has gone into the very presence of God. Indeed, our High Priest is "a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek." If you desire to learn more about the new law in which Jesus is High Priest, give us a call or drop us a line. We would gladly be of service. (317-7700798 or 317-3320513) John F. Hughbanks, evangelist for the church |
| PLAN OF SALVATION |
Hear the gospel .... (John 6:44-45) Believe it .... (Rom. 1:16) Repent of sins .... (Acts 17:30) Confess Christ.... (Rom. 10:9-10) Be baptized to receive the forgiveness of sins.... (Acts 2:38) |