Lesson 4954

 (Lesson 4954) (08-24-25) Hebrews 7:10-28 

   “For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him. If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:) 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.” 

 

   In today’s quote, the author explains how Christ’s priesthood surpasses the Levitical priesthood and how His sacrifice abolished the old law given through Moses. It shows that perfection could not come through the Levitical priesthood and the offering of dead animals, so a new priesthood was necessary, one not based on genealogy (whether or not the priest was a Jew) but on promise God made to Abraham. Jesus, who descended from the tribe of Judah, became High Priest not by the law of Moses’ commandment but by the power of an eternal life given Him as the Son of God, fulfilling the prophecy of being a priest forever after the order of Melchisedec. The law was set aside because it was weak and unprofitable, and a better hope was brought in through Christ, by which believers draw near to God. Unlike the Levitical priests, who were many and subject to death, Jesus holds His priesthood forever, interceding forever for those who come to God through Him. ~