I. The historical perspective
Read Heb. 7:1-4 Lets take a second look at him.
A. His person:
1. A king
He is identified as a king 4 times in the first 3 verses
(Read verses 1-3)
‘king of Salem’ 7:1, 2; ‘king of righteousness’ 7:2 (justice);
‘king of peace’ 7:2
2. A priest (But not just any priest, he was the
‘priest of the Most High God’)
B. His prestige: “how great this man was” (7:4a)
Not only was he called “the priest of the most high God.” Gen 14:18 KJV
1. He received tithes from Abraham At least 3xs it is recorded
that Abraham gave ‘tithes’ to Melchizedek (7:2a, 7:4a, 7:9a)
2. He is identified as ‘made like the Son of God’ 7:4
6xs Hebrews uses the phrase ‘after the order of Melchizedek’
II. The theological (doctrinal) perspective Heb. 7:4-28
This list of characteristics will turn this message from an historical Melchizedek to Christ!
A. He comes from the line of royalty
Our high priest come from the tribe of Judah not from Levi! 7:14;
“For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood.” NKJV
See The line of Kings recorded in Matt.1:1ff
B. He is superior to any other priest. 7:27-28 He made no sacrifice for himself. Aaron and all other priests did! Daily they made sacrifices for their sins.
C. He is independent of the Law 7:12, 19, 22
The Law made nothing perfect. The old order of Aaron was weak and needed to be replaced. Jesus became the ‘surety’ of a better covenant
D. He will never die 7:16, 7:17, , 7:24-25; 7:28 Heb 7:24-25
But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood.
“since He always lives to make intercession for them.” NKJV
Heb 7:28 “appoints the Son who has been perfected forever” NKJV
E. He is our guarantee of the future 7:19
“on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope,
through which we draw near to God.” NKJV
F. He is flawless 7:26
“For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled,
separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens” NKJV
III. The Practical Perspective What does all of this mean to me? To you?
Heb. 7:25
“Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” NKJV
1. He is the solution to man’s greatest need. There is no need to look beyond Christ! What qualifies him for this role? 7:26-27
A. Separated from personal sin
B. Separated from persons who sin
Acts 4:12
“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven
given among men by which we must be saved.” NKJV
2. He is our advocate for life I John 2:1-2
My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin.
And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. It isn’t only about sin: our refuge, strength, help, answers to prayer, so much more!
3. He is our hope for the future Heb 7:19
for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand,
there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God. NKJV
I Cor 15:17-19
17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!
18 Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.
19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most miserable.