Hebrews 7:28

"The profound difference between the two priesthoods is detailed in a concluding contrast summarizing the argument of the entire chapter." [Note: Ibid., p. 194.]

Jesus Christ is superior because He is a Son rather than a mere man, because God appointed Him more recently than He appointed the Levitical priests, and because God appointed Him with an oath (Hebrews 7:21). He is "perfect" because He offered one sacrifice for sin that was adequate to satisfy God completely (cf. Hebrews 2:10; Hebrews 5:8-10; Hebrews 7:28; Hebrews 12:2; 1 John 2:2). Because He is perfect He can intercede effectively for us. Consequently we can go to Him confidently any time we need His help overcoming trials and temptations, specifically those trials that might result in our apostatizing. "Perfect forever" has the idea of not being subject to defects. He will never fail us, and another high priest will never replace Him.

In view of the superior order of priesthood that Melchizedek foreshadowed and that Jesus Christ fulfilled, why would anyone want to go back to the old Aaronic order? The person of our high priest is superior. The order of His priesthood is superior. Christ is completely adequate in His person and preeminent in His order. We should worship His person and rely on His intercession because of His order. And we should not abandon Him. [Note: See also David J. MacLeod, "Christ, the Believer’s High Priest: An Exposition of Hebrews 7:26-28," Bibliotheca Sacra 162:647 (July-September 2005):331-43.]

"One of the most distinctive themes in the theology of Hebrews is the change from old to new in God’s dealings with humankind. In Jesus Christ a decisive shift in salvation-history has occurred according to God’s plan. What was provisional and ineffective has been superseded by the final and full salvation in the Son of God, a change anticipated in the Old Testament itself." [Note: Fanning, p. 398.]