The Superiority Of Christ

Christ Superior To The Prophets Chapter 1 verses 1-3

The opening verses contain a sevenfold unveiling of the person of Christ and form a summary of the doctrinal section of the epistle.

1. THE DIVINE SPOKESMAN verses 1 & 2

The God of the Bible is not a silent God; He has spoken and has revealed Himself to His people. Verse one declares that God exists, and that He has expressed Himself in different ways at different times.

a. The Occasions In times past These last days

b. The Method Partially Totally

c. The Persons Unto the fathers Unto Us

d. The Agents By the Prophets In His Son

2. THE UNIVERSAL HEIR verse 2b.

Christ – the end of all history

“The Heir” suggests the dignity of the person, and dominion of possessions.

3. THE CREATOR OF THE WORLDS verse 2c.

Christ – the beginning of all history

Only God can create. The one who shall rule over all things is the same one by whom all things came into existence.

4. THE REVEALER OF GOD verse 3a.

Christ – before all history

The two opening statements in verse three describe Him in relation to God. Since God’s being is invisible, Christ became the manifestation of God. The essential deity of the Lord Jesus Christ is impressed upon us. We can know the Father because we know the Son. All that God is up there, Christ was down here.

5. THE UPHOLDER OF THE UNIVERSE verse 3b

Christ – throughout all history

The one who created is the one who controls, and the ages are propelled along by His sustaining power and wisdom according to the Divine counsel.

6. THE REDEEMER OF MAN verse 3c

Christ – the Center of all history

The redemptive work of Christ is the pivotal point of all history, and the center of eternity. Everything revolves around it.

7. THE ENTHRONED LORD verse 3d.

Christ – His glorious exaltation

Four times in this epistle it is said that He is at the right hand of God. He is superior in His person, Chapter 1, superior in His priesthood, Chapter 8, superior in His sacrifice, Chapter 10, superior as a pattern, Chapter 12.

Christ Superior to the Angels Hebrews 1:4-14

Having shown the superiority of Christ to the prophets who were the earthly messengers, the writer now proceeds to set forth the superiority of Christ to the angels who were the heavenly messengers.

It was essential that he should do this, because at the time this epistle was written there was a strong tendency to give undue exaltation to angels, and at least one group of people were given to the worship of angels.

In seeking to present the case for the superiority of Christ over the heavenly servants, the writer calls in the evidence of the Holy Scriptures and quotes very freely from the Old Testament and in particular from the Psalms.

1. CHRIST IS SUPERIOR IN NAME verses 4 & 5

HE IS THE SON THEY ARE THE SERVANTS

In connection with His name, take note of the following verses:

verse 5 = My Son, verse 6 = The Firstborn, verse 8 = God, verse 10 = The Lord.

2. CHRIST IS SUPERIOR IN NATURE verses 6-14

HE IS WORSHIPPED THEY ARE WORSHIPPERS

Keep in mind that only God is to be worshipped.

Apostles refused to accept worship Acts 14:8-18

Angels refused to be worshipped Revelation 22 8-9

Satan desires to be worshipped Matthew 4:9

HE IS SOVEREIGN THEY ARE SUBJECTS

He has a throne signifying power and position, and He has a scepter signifying the emblem of His power.

They have a service to perform. They are dependent upon Him.

HE IS THE CREATOR THEY ARE HIS CREATURES

Since the heavens and the earth are the works of His hands, and Angels are created beings, we must acknowledge the Creator as being superior to His creatures.

HE IS THE SUPREME RULER THEY ARE SUBJECT TO HIS RULE

He patiently awaits the day when all His enemies shall be put down under His authority.

Angels occupy a place of obedience and continue to serve in His kingdom in complete subjection to His rule.

HE PROVIDES SALVATION ANGELS MINISTER TO THE HEIRS OF SALVATION

Having made purgation for sins He sat down (according to verse three).

This signifies that salvation has been provided on the basis of His perfect work and will be brought to a final satisfactory conclusion.

Angels are appointed to a position of service in connection with those who are the heirs of salvation.

The Peril Of Drifting Chapter 2 verses 1-4

The first four verses of chapter two are presented in the form of a warning and an appeal. This is the first of a series of warnings which will be found throughout the epistle. This warning is a word of exhortation based upon the truths expounded in chapter one, and related to “The Great Salvation.” Regarding this great salvation take note of three important things.

1. THE DESCRIPTION OF THIS SALVATION

In the study of other portions of scripture it will be found that this salvation is referred to as “A Common Salvation”, and an “Eternal Salvation”, but here in Hebrews chapter two the designation is “So Great Salvation.”

A. GREAT BECAUSE OF ITS ORIGIN

The great plan of salvation did not originate with man, but it did originate with God. Since it is also an eternal salvation it must be eternal in its origination and eternal in its duration. “Salvation is of the Lord.”

B. GREAT BECAUSE OF ITS REVELATION

The motive of God’s profound salvation and the truths associated with it are made known in the scriptures where God reveals man’s need as a sinner and God’s remedy for sin.

C. GREAT BECAUSE OF ITS ESTIMATION “So great”

It is obvious that human language cannot adequately express the fullness of this salvation but the writer expresses his high estimation of its importance.

2. THE DUTY REGARDING THIS SALVATION

“Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed.”

A. THE CONNECTION “Therefore”

This word gives the connection with what has preceded and the argument is based upon the revelation of truth outlined in chapter one.

B. THE OBLIGATION “Give the more earnest heed”

This is something more than good advice. It is a divine precept and we ought for at least two good reasons to exercise ourselves toward keeping this precept.

1. In obedience to God for His glory; 2. For our own good and happiness.

C. THE COMMUNICATION “The things which we have heard”

Sometimes familiarity breeds contempt but the things which we have heard are from God as a revelation, and must be held steadfastly and esteemed very highly.

3. THE DANGER REGARDING SALVATION

“Lest we should let them slip”

The message of God in the gospel presents a safe harbor of salvation, but it appears that some may hear the message and see the actual entrance, and yet drift past by indifference and neglect. God has principles of government and those who neglect the provision of God in salvation cannot possibly escape the punishment of God in condemnation.

NOTE: The fourfold endorsement of the message of salvation.

1. The Lord, 2. The apostles, 3. God confirming, 4. The Holy Spirit.

Chapter 2 verses 5-18

In chapter one Christ is superior to angels because He is the Son of God, and able to reveal the Father. But if He became a man, which He did, and died, this made Him lower than the angels. How then can He continue to be greater than the angels? This lesson will prove that by becoming man and dying, He is the representative man capable of being the sovereign and occupying the place of rule, and also able to reconcile his brethren. Angels could never do these things.

1. GREATER AS THE REPRESENTATIVE MAN verses 5-10

a. The Purpose of God verses 5-7

The main lesson from these verses is that God has appointed that the habitable earth in the kingdom age shall be under the rule of man and not under the rule of angels. (compare Psalm 8).

b. The Postponement of the Purpose verse 8.

The consequence of the first Adam’s sin is that his dominion was lost to Satan the usurper. The first Adam was a failure and stood in all his shame in the midst of a ruined realm. His authority was resisted by the creation he should have ruled and his power was limited.

c. The Prospect of God’s Performance verses 9-10

God’s plans will be brought to fruition and in accordance with His divine perfections. Not through the first Adam who completely failed, but through the last Adam (Jesus Christ) who is the Son of Man with perfect ability.

2. GREATER AS THE RECONCILER OF HIS BRETHREN verses 11-18

a. The Spiritual Relationship verses 11-13

These verses set forth the work of Christ in relation to God, but take note of the three words that are used: sons, brethren, children.

Here we have the identity of the Captain with the children.

b. The Physical Relationship verses 14-15

These verses deal with the incarnation of Christ the Lord and set forth the need for the incarnation, the fact of it, and the purpose of it. He must destroy the devil in order to deliver them who were in bondage.

c. The Moral Relationship verses 16-18

The Favor bestowed upon us by His act of incarnation.

He didn’t become an angel but He did become a man.

The Function of the High Priest on our behalf.

To make reconciliation for the sins of the people. This word reconciliation carries quite a deep meaning, and means to make “propitiation,” which teaches us that Christ, through His sacrifice, was faithful to God and merciful to man. So He is both a faithful and merciful high Priest.

The Fitness of our high Priest.

Christ is qualified for this office because He suffered being tempted. He is able to sympathize with and succor those who are tempted.

The Heavenly Apostle Chapter 3 verses 1-6

Contemplating the Messenger VERSE 1

a. The Connecting word. “wherefore”

b. The Communion to be enjoyed. “brethren”

c. The Character to be understood. “holy”

d. The Calling to be distinguished. “Partakers of the heavenly calling”

e. The Contemplation that is proposed. “Consider the apostle and high Priest”

The writer is focusing on two offices which meant much to the Israelites in their relationship to God. He set forth the superiority of the Lord Jesus Christ in both of these offices.

Comparing the Messengers VERSE 2

The characteristic of this comparison is that of “Faithfulness.” Now faithfulness embodies two things. There is a trust committed and there is a proper discharge of that trust.

A. CONSIDER THE TRUST COMMITTED TO MOSES IN THREE DISTINCT AREAS

1. There was the message he received at the burning bush.

This he faithfully declared in his message to the elders of Israel.

2. The ten commandments received while on the mount with God.

These he delivered to the people without any alteration.

3. The pattern for the tabernacle and the priesthood.

This work he executed in every detail according to the pattern.

B. CONSIDER THE FAITHFULNESS OF JESUS CHRIST IN THE WORK COMMITTED TO HIM.

1. He said, “I must be about my Father’s business,” Luke 2:49. Doing the will of His Father and attending to His Father’s business occupied the Lord Jesus all His life.

2. He said, “I must work the works of Him that sent me,” John 9:4. His works or miracles were all for the glory of God.

3. He said, “I have finished the work which Thou gavest me to do,” John 17:4. Faithful in every detail in doing the work committed to him.

CONTRASTING THE MESSENGERS VERSES 3-6

a. Moses was a member in God’s house

Christ was the Founder of the house.

b. Moses was a servant in the house.

Christ was a Son over the house.

c. Moses was God’s servant to deliver the law to Israel.

Christ brought the message of Grace and Truth.

On the mount of transfiguration Christ was given the superior place.

CAUTIONING THE MEMBERS IN THE HOUSE VERSE 6.

Among those who made the confession of faith in Christ Jesus, there were some who were not genuine. Genuine believers would hold fast their confidence and continue steadfast unto the end, rejoicing in hope.

Chapter 3 verses 7-19

From chapter three verse seven and continuing to chapter four verse thirteen there is the second warning. Moses was a great leader and a faithful servant of God, but the people, marked by disbelief and disobedience, were overtaken by a dreadful doom. Since Christ Jesus is superior to Moses, then apostasy from Christ Jesus entails a more fearful doom.

THE HUMAN APOSTASY

THE WARNING OF THE SPIRIT verses 7-11

“The Provocation in the Wilderness”

a. The Power of God was disregarded.

They overlooked what God had already accomplished.

b. The Purpose of God was denied.

They claimed that God had brought them into the wilderness to destroy them and their children, with their cattle.

c. The Provision of God was despised.

God had provided the manna, but they despised this heavenly food.

d. The Presence of God was disputed.

In spite of the presence of the pillar of cloud continually in their midst, they said, “Is the Lord among us or not?”

THE WARNING OF THE SERVANT verses 12-15

“The Exhortation to Take Heed”

a. The Crime: Departing from the living God. verse 12

This is apostasy and we are warned against such sin.

b. The Cause: An evil heart of unbelief verse 12

c. The Cure: “Take heed” verses 14-15

This is the keynote of the epistle. God has spoken; Christ has spoken; the Holy Spirit has spoken; therefore “Take heed.”

THE WARNING OF HISTORY verses 16-19

“The Interrogations and the Answers”

a. THE DIVINE PURPOSE REJECTED verse 16

They provoked God with their distrust.

b. THE DIVINE RETRIBUTION EXPERIENCED verse 17

The sin of discontent brought the retribution.

c. THE DIVINE DISPLEASURE EXPRESSED verse 18

Their disobedience brought forth God’s displeasure.

d. THE DIVINE EXPLANATION GIVEN verse 19

Because of unbelief they wandered in the wilderness for forty years and that generation failed to enter into the rest and blessings of the promised land.

Chapter 4 verses 1-13

The main lesson in this section has to do with the subject of rest. In chapter three we had the explanation as to why a whole generation failed to enter into the rest that was promised in Canaan. Now the writer makes an application of that historical event as he presents practical truth for believers of this age. This lesson is by no means easy and the argument may appear to be somewhat involved.

1. THE PROMISE OF REST verses 1 -2

In studying this promise of rest as set forth in the first two verses we should be careful to associate with it these three things.

A. THE EXHORTATION To Godly fear

B. THE ENCOURAGEMENT To lay hold upon the promise

C. THE EFFECT Without faith it did not profit them

2. THE PARTICIPATION OF THAT REST verses 3-5

God intended that man His creature should participate in His REST. God rested with complete satisfaction in the work of His Hands in creation. Man failed to appropriate this rest because of his sin of rebellion.

3. THE PROGRESSIVE CHARACTER OF GOD’S REST

Study very carefully the Sabbaths of God.

A. THE SABBATH DAY.

B. THE SABBATIC WEEK.

C. THE SABBATIC MONTH.

D. THE SABBATIC YEAR.

E. THE SABBATIC SEVENTH YEAR.

F. THE SABBATIC SEVENTIETH SEVEN YEAR.

Then there comes the eternal abiding rest in the New Heavens and the New Earth with God All in All and Christ manifested in all His manifold glories, and the new creation in perfect submission to the will of God.

THE POSSESSION OF THE REST verses 10-11

We do not obtain spiritual life by effort nor do we obtain spiritual rest by works. Unbelief prevented the majority of Israelites from entering into and enjoying the rest God provided for them in Canaan, but Caleb and Joshua entered in by faith. The believer today can enter into the joy of redemptive rest in anticipation, and in a coming day will have the joy of realization.

THE POWER OF THE WORD OF GOD verses 12-13

In verse one of chapter four we have the words, “A PROMISE.”

This of course was a promise by the Word of God.

Verse two speaks of “The Gospel” which is the good news of God.

Verse twelve directs us to “The Word of God” with its power.

It is LIVING, ACTIVE, SHARP, PENETRATING, DISCERNING.

Following the exhortations and warnings in chapter three and four, the writer advances to set forth three important and related truths.

First: THE POWER OF THE WORD OF GOD Chapter 4 verses 12-13

Second: THE PRIESTHOOD OF THE SON OF GOD Chapter 4 verses14-15

Third: THE PRIVILEGE OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD Chapter 4 verse 16

THIS LESSON INTRODUCES THE MAIN SECTION OF THE EPISTLE WHICH DEALS WITH:

THE GLORY OF THE PRIESTHOOD OF CHRIST

From chapter four verse fourteen through chapter ten verse eighteen the writer will set forth truth regarding the provision, pattern, power, and perfection of the priesthood of Christ.

In setting forth the superiority of Christ as a priest, two other names will be introduced. Namely, Aaron, who was the first high priest in Israel, and then, Melchizedek, who was the priest of the most high God, and also king of righteousness and king of peace.

THE PROVISION OF THE PRIEST

Chapter 4 verses 14-16

Having presented the Word of God as the basis for our assurance, he now presents the Son of God as our Great High Priest for our assistance.

1. THE PRE-EMINENCE OF THE PRIEST “A Great High Priest”

This title expresses what He is. It should be borne in mind that this title is reserved exclusively for the Lord Jesus Christ. The sons of Aaron were priests, and Aaron was the high priest, but Christ is the great High Priest, and no other person has this honor.

2. THE POSITION OF THE PRIEST “Passed through the heavens”

This emphasizes where He is. He is not functioning in an earthly temple but in the very heaven of heavens in the presence of the Holy God.

3. THE PERSON OF THE PRIEST “Jesus the Son of God”

These words explain who He is. Jesus relates to His humanity. The Son of God tells of His deity. Humanity and deity give the perfect combination that qualifies Him for the work of representation.

4. THE PURPOSE OF THE PRIEST “To give timely help”

In His present work as our representative priest in the presence of God, our Great High Priest is able to impart unto us a fourfold blessing.

SYMPATHY: He does not sympathize with our sins but with our infirmities such as sorrows of life, physical limitations, bereavement.

MERCY: Aaron who was the high priest in Israel entered into the holy of holies to the symbolic mercy-seat. But we are privileged to come to the throne of grace where mercy and grace are shown in regal majesty.

GRACE: By God’s grace we are saved, and by grace we are kept, and God’s grace is sufficient to meet every need.

HELP: The thought here is that of timely help in order to prevent the tragedy or the fall, or in this case the turning back.

The Pattern Of The Priest Chapter 5 verses 1-10

The writer now speaks of the priesthood of the Lord Jesus, by comparing and contrasting it with the priesthood of Aaron, to emphasize the difference and show the superiority of the Lord Jesus Christ over Aaron as a person and as a priest.

THE FIGURE OF THE PRIEST Aaron Verses 1-4

Aaron as a priest was honored by God, but was only an imperfect figure of Christ who is the GREAT HIGH PRIEST.

Four things should be noted as associated with the priest:

1. HUMANITY: That is to say, he must be human and not an angel.

2. SYMPATHY: He must deal gently with the ignorant and erring.

3. ACCESSIBILITY: He must have access to God and be available to man.

4. AUTHORITY: He is appointed by God and acts with authority.

THE FITNESS OF THE PRIEST Verses 5-6

The imperfect Aaronic priesthood contrasts with the perfect priesthood of Christ.

Personal fitness was an essential qualification of the priest. In the case of Aaron the first high priest in Israel, it was a ceremonial fitness. He had to make sacrifice first for his own sins before he could represent the people before God. With the Lord Jesus Christ there was a personal and inherent fitness.

STUDY: Psalm 2:7 and Psalm 110:4.

Note in connection with his priesthood.

THE APPOINTMENT, THE ANNOUNCEMENT, & THE AUTHORITY.

THE FUNCTIONS OF THE PRIEST Verses 7-10

When Aaron was called and consecrated to the office of priesthood, he had certain functions to perform. Likewise Christ has functions as our priest.

1. CHRIST PROCURED ETERNAL SALVATION

This truth should bring assurance to every true believer, because He who died for us, now lives for us, and is our representative before God the Father.

2. CHRIST PROPITIATED GOD

By means of his one perfect sacrifice He has given satisfaction to God.

3. CHRIST PROVIDED ACCESS FOR THE PEOPLE

By Him our great high priest we can approach the throne of Grace.

4. CHRIST INTERCEDES FOR US WITH GOD

Understanding our nature He undertakes our cause and presents our case.

Chapter 5 verse 11 – Chapter 6 verse 3

The writer introduces the subject of the priesthood after the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 5:10) in order to set forth a great doctrinal truth of major importance. However, he is faced with a painful difficulty, the spiritual immaturity of the people to whom he was writing. So we have here a difficult and involved warning against degeneration.

THE STATE OF INFANCY Hebrews 5: 11-14

1. DIFFICULTY TO BE FACED verse 11

They were “Dull of hearing.” The believers had ceased to advance in their knowledge of spiritual things, and since the principle is use or lose, they had degenerated into a state of indolence and indifference and some were in danger of slipping back into Judaism.

2. DISCERNMENT IS LACKING verse 12

They should have been able to teach others, but were still in the first grade, being taught the elementary lessons of spiritual truth. Lack of discernment is one of the marks of spiritual infancy.

3. DIET IS IMPORTANT verses 13 & 14

Spiritual development requires a balanced and progressive spiritual diet. Milk is excellent for babies, but meat (solid food) is necessary for sustaining strong men. The principle is true spiritually as well as physically. By constant use the senses are exercised to discern between good and evil.

THE STATE OF MATURITY Hebrews 6:1-3

“LET US GO ON”

1. THE PRINCIPLES TO BE LEFT verses 1 & 2

The shadows pertaining to Judaism had been left because in Christianity is found the reality and the substance. Why go back to that which was only a shadow of better things to come.

2. THE PERFECTION TO BE ATTAINED verse 1

There must be an understanding of the divine revelation of the full glory of the PERSON, The PERFECTION, and POSITION of CHRIST.

3. THE PURPOSE OF THE WRITER verse 3

His resolution is: To go on and encourage others to do likewise

His subordination: Subject to the Will of God.

Chapter 6 verses 4-20

In studying this lesson one must ever remember that the Scriptures never contradict themselves. Whatever interpretation is given to this portion of Scripture, it must not violate what is clearly taught in other passages of the Scriptures. One must rest unreservedly on teaching that is clear and with prayer and patient meditation wait humbly for further light on Scripture which may appear at first to be difficult to understand.

THE DANGER OF APOSTASY verses 4-8

These verses interpreted in the light of the context become a solemn warning.

1. THE PERSONS DESCRIBED verses 4-5

They are apostates and five things are said about them.

“Enlightened”, “Tasted the heavenly gift”, “Partakers of the Holy Spirit”, “Tasted the good word of God”, “Tasted the powers of the age to come.”

2. THE SIN THEY COMMITTED verse 6

Apostasy. If the work of salvation is repudiated and Jesus Christ is rejected, there is no other provision for the sinner or cure for sin.

3. THE ILLUSTRATION FROM NATURE verses 7-8

An analogy is drawn between two pieces of ground which are blessed with equal blessing but one produces useful fruit, while the other produces only the results of the fall, and is rejected.

THE DILIGENCE OF PERSEVERING verses 9-12

1. THE EXPRESSION OF CONFIDENCE verse 9

The writer is genuinely persuaded that they have the real thing.

2. THE ENCOURAGING COMMENDATION verse 10

In this verse the writer builds his argument upon two things, the faithfulness of God, and the fruit in the believer’s life.

3. THE EXHORTATION TO CONTINUANCE verses 11-12

They are reminded of others who pressed on in the face of great difficulties, and we are expected to follow their example.

THE DIVINE ASSURANCE OF THE SOUL verses 13-20

1. THE SHINING EXAMPLE OF FAITH Abraham – verses 13-15

Abraham’s example of faith as the inheritor of the promises is held up before all pilgrims. He was tested but continued in his obedience.

2. THE STRONG ENCOURAGEMENT TO FAITH verses 16-18

The unchangeableness of God gives us the same foundation for our faith as Abraham had. The promise followed by the oath by which the inheritance is secured unto every heir of the promise.

3. THE SECURITY FOR OUR FAITH verses 19-20

Christ is our refuge: To Him we flee and are safe.

Christ is our anchor: Faith links us with Him for security.

Christ is our forerunner: By faith we follow Him and continue.

Christ is our faithful priest: We go to Him and He fully meets our needs.

Chapter 7 verse 1-10

Chapter seven is the heart of the whole exhortation and verse twenty five is the crowning point of the argument in presenting the teaching concerning the priesthood of Christ in all its power.

THE SUPERIOR PRIESTHOOD

In the first ten verses of this chapter the writer proves the superiority of the priesthood of Christ by showing that Melchizedek was greater than Aaron and that Christ is greater than Melchizedek.

MELCHIZEDEK CONSIDERED HISTORICALLY Genesis 14

1. The Statement of Scripture

Note the double office of King and Priest.

The double title KING OF RIGHTEOUSNESS and KING OF PEACE.

He combined the dignity of kingship with the sanctity of priesthood.

2. The Silence of Scripture

No mention is made of his ancestry or posterity. That such a great man should have no mention made of his ancestry in the book of Genesis is very significant, because Genesis is the book of genealogies.

3. The Significance of Scripture

Melchizedek prefigures Christ.

Note the time when the two celebrities of noble character met.

Note the great triumph that Abraham had just experienced.

Note the tithes which Abraham gave to Melchizedek.

MELCHIZEDEK CONSIDERED PROPHETICALLY Psalm 110

Psalm 110 throws light upon the historical record of Genesis 14 and lays the foundation for the teaching of Hebrews chapter seven. The central verse of the Psalm is verse 4.

“Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”

This psalm is prophetical and sets for the MESSIAH:

FIRST: His exalted position and the patience He exercises.

SECOND: His established priesthood and the order of Melchizedek.

THIRD: His expression of power when He comes as king.

MELCHIZEDEK CONSIDERED DOCTRINALLY HEBREWS 7

1. A UNIQUE PRIESTHOOD

Melchizedek did not derive his priesthood from another, and he did not pass it on to a successor. It was uniquely his own.

2. A UNIVERSAL PRIESTHOOD

The priesthood of Aaron was restricted to a particular nation, but the priesthood of Melchizedek was exercised to many nations.

3. AN UNCHANGING PRIESTHOOD

The Levitical priesthood was a changing priesthood, because the priests could not continue because of death.

But Melchizedek is only reported as living, with no record of his birth or death. In this respect he is a type or foreshadowing of Christ as Son of God, and so abideth a priest continually.

The Spiritual Priesthood Chapter 7 verses 11-19

This lesson teaches that it was essential to have a change in the Divine administration, because if the Son of God is ordained a priest after the order of Melchizedek, it is obvious the Levitical order must be set aside.

THE LINEAL DESCENT OF CHRIST AS PRIEST verses 11-14

Those who functioned as priests under the Levitical order took office according to a law of physical descent. But He who is a priest after the order of Melchizedek comes after the power of an indissoluble life.

a. The imperfect character of the Levitical Priesthood verses 11-13

The Levitical priesthood could never make anyone perfect, so it must be replaced by an order of priesthood which is different. Now we have a priest of a different descent (from the tribe of Judah).

b. The indicated change in the Levitical priesthood verse 13

A priest after the order of Melchizedek called for a change in the law. The reference to Melchizedek in Psalm 110 indicated God’s intention to make a change in the priesthood.

THE LASTING DURATION OF CHRIST AS PRIEST verses 15-17

Note the contrast between:

The Law of the carnal commandment and The Power of an endless life.

The Levitical priest Our Great High Priest

Law = The prescribed standard Power = The enabling principle

Commandment = The Mosaic economy Endless = That which abides

Carnal = That which is physical Life = That which is spiritual

THE LAWFUL DESIGNATION OF CHRIST AS PRIEST verses 18-19

The purpose of God in connection with priesthood could never be brought to a satisfactory conclusion through the Levitical economy. A new order demanded a change of law governing priesthood, and with it was introduced a better hope by which we draw nigh to God. This denotes the approach to God in the act of worship.

The Levitical priesthood could not be altered or adjusted to make it fit into the new order of things. It had to be annulled altogether.

The Perpetual Priesthood Of Christ Chapter 7 verses 20-28

THE SWORN PRIEST verses 20-25

He has a continuous Acceptance.

The OATH of God is the open declaration of His eternal purpose and unchanging decree.

The SURETY is a person who undertakes for another who lacks the ability to discharge his own obligation.

He has a continuous Activity

The office of high priest under the Levitical order was limited because the priest was a man of human frailty and subject to death. But, Christ had power to lay down His life and power to take it up again.

He has continuous Ability

His Power: Able to save to the uttermost.

The people who are saved: All who come unto God by Him.

The priest who intercedes: Our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ.

THE SUITABLE PRIEST VERSES 26-28

His Character is Virtuous

HOLY: That is character Godward.

HARMLESS: That is character manward.

UNDEFILED: That is character selfward.

His Sacrifice is Valid

The Levitical priest had to repeat continually the sacrifices, because they could not bring man to perfection.

Christ our High Priest was absolutely perfect and offered a perfect sacrifice with no need for repetition. His offering is valid forever.

His Ministry is Vindicated

At this point we reach the presentation of perfection as it is seen in Christ, and this perfection is developed in chapter eight.

“Enthroned in majesty, The High Priest sits within;

His precious blood once shed, Has made and keeps us clean;

With boldness let us now draw near,

That blood has banished every fear.”