Hebrews

Wednesday, 21 November 2018

For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law. Hebrews 7:12

The word, “For,” is given as an obvious conclusion of what was said in the previous verses concerning the idea of “another priest” arising “according to the order of Melchizedek.” It is an obvious conclusion, and the logic is irrefutable. The author says, “For the priesthood being changed.”

Under the law of Moses, the priesthood is called by the author “the Levitical priesthood.” This is because the priesthood is assigned to the tribe of Levi, but even more specifically, it is assigned to the line of Aaron who descends from Levi. The three main families of Levi (which come from Levi’s three sons) – Gershon, Kohath, and Merari – served the priests under this priesthood. The author now says that there is a change in the priesthood. But the priesthood is given based on the law. The two are permanently and inextricably interconnected, and one cannot exist without the other. Therefore, if the priesthood is changed, “of necessity there is also a change of the law.”

Despite being a rather obvious statement, this verse holds the single most profound truth for the Old Testament sacrificial system. David prophesied that One would come who would be a “priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” If this is a true prophecy, then it necessarily means that a new covenant must be built around the new priesthood. Moses received the law which centered on the book of Leviticus – the priestly duties specified for worship. Jeremiah also prophesied –

“Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.” Jeremiah 31:31

This New Covenant is centered on the new priesthood and its new High Priest, who is Jesus. This truth simply cannot be dismissed while holding to the truthfulness of Scripture. Just as a new constitution was established upon America’s break from England which inaugurated her new government, the New Covenant breaks entirely with the Old. As Paul clearly proclaimed –

“Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law. ²² But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. ²³ But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. ²⁴ Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. ²⁵ But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.” Galatians 3:21-25

Paul calls the Law of Moses a “tutor.” In Christ’s coming, and for those who come to Christ, we are no longer under this tutor. Therefore, the Old Covenant, in its entirety, is abolished; nailed to the cross. Those mandates which are in the Old and which are repeated in the New are to be followed, but those which are not, such as the Sabbath requirement, are set aside in Christ. Vincent’s Word Studies rightly says of this –

“The fundamental idea of the law was that of a people united with God. Sin, the obstacle to this ideal union, was dealt with through the priesthood. If the law failed to effect complete fellowship with God, the priesthood was shown to be a failure, and must be abolished; and the change of the priesthood involved the abolition of the entire legal system.”

Vincent’s says, “If the law failed.” The Old Testament testifies to the fact that the law, in fact, failed. Even during the times of its failure, prophets came to proclaim a new priesthood and a New Covenant. They came to proclaim a complete break from the Law of Moses. If you can understand this, then in accepting Jesus for what He has done, you have truly entered the gospel of grace granted through Christ’s priesthood. Without understanding this, many who come to Christ leave one foot in the law and put one foot into the New Covenant. But the two are irreconcilable.

Life application: The term, “cognitive dissonance” signifies a state of mind where someone has inconsistent thoughts, beliefs, or attitudes, especially as relating to behavioral decisions and attitude change. When someone is told something that conflicts with what they believe, they either ignore the truth of what is said, or they build a framework of incoherent ideas around a system which attempts to justify their previous false beliefs. In other words, they enter into a world of make-believe. An example of this from the real world may be a conspiracy theory. When a person is told (and even shown) that the conspiracy they have believed in is false, they build their own incoherent framework around it in order to justify their previously held, but incorrect, beliefs. Instead of believing the truth, they are mentally determined to believe the lie. This concept, “cognitive dissonance,” is not done away with in Christ. Rather, it is often magnified in spiritual matters.

The author has now said that the law is changed. This means that the law no longer exists for those in Christ. He will expand on this, and he will explicitly state this in several ways throughout the remaining chapters of Hebrews. And yet, for those who have been told they must still adhere to the Law of Moses (whether in part or in whole) – even after accepting Christ – will often build make-believe frameworks of theology in order to justify why this is not true. In other words, they willingly choose to believe the lie. The word of God is written, and it explicitly states that the law is done. Christians are expected to accept this, and to rest in Christ, not in deeds of the law. To fail to do this, is to fail to accept the finished, final, and full work of Jesus Christ.

How blessed we are, O God, to be living in the dispensation of Grace which frees us from the strict and unattainable edicts of the law. It is a law which only Jesus could fulfill. It is His work, and not ours, which restores us to a happy relationship with You! Praise His name! Amen.

Tuesday, 20 November 2018

Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron? Hebrews 7:11

The author now asks a painfully obvious question. It is a question that every person who is supposedly a follower of Jesus, and yet holds to the Hebrew Roots Movement doctrines, should ask themselves. The question concerns what Paul carefully explains about the Judaizers throughout his writings, but especially in Galatians, and to some extent in Romans. Here, the author begins with, “Therefore.” He is asking his reader to go back over what he has said concerning the greatness of the priesthood of Melchizedek and how Christ’s priesthood is according to that same order.

And so, based on the “Therefore,” he then continues with, “if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood.” The word translated as “perfection” is found only here and in Luke 1:45. It is “a brand of consummation (completion) which focuses on the final stage (fulfillment, end-phase) of the consummation process” (HELPS Word Studies).

The implication he makes, and which is realized throughout Scripture, is that perfection is NOT through the Levitical priesthood. This will be stated explicitly in verse 7:19, but it is obvious, even from the time of the ordination of Aaron and his sons. The death of Nadab and Abihu, recorded in Leviticus 10, demonstrates this without the slightest doubt. The recorded death of Aaron, and the recorded death of all people who lived under this covenant, demonstrates it as well. None are made perfect through the Levitical priesthood. If they were, they would continue to live. This is a guarantee of the law itself as is recorded in Leviticus 18:5 –

“You shall therefore keep My statutes and My judgments, which if a man does, he shall live by them: I am the Lord.”

The promise was made, and none continued to live. All died, even after the performance of the necessary sacrifices for sin and atonement. The author then continues with a parenthetical thought which says, “for under it the people received the law.” The Levitical priesthood did not bring about the law. Rather, the law brought about the Levitical priesthood. And even more, David proclaimed that another priesthood was coming which would be “according to the order of Melchizedek.” Why would David proclaim another priesthood if the Law of Moses was sufficient to bring about perfection? He wouldn’t.

And yet further, David himself was instrumental in helping arrange the Levite divisions for service in the temple. Despite his intimate familiarity with the Levitical rites and laws, he saw that through them none could attain perfection. He knew that the high priest himself was descended from Aaron, who was descended from Adam. Each inherited Adam’s sin-nature as was seen in the analysis of the previous verses. Their imperfection and sin nature required them to sacrifice for their own sins before they could sacrifice for the people. With these things being perfectly understood as axioms, the author continues with his question by asking, “what further need was there that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron?”

David, looking back to the writings of Moses, and seeing a mere three lines recorded about Melchizedek from the book of Genesis, distinctly saw that the priesthood of Melchizedek was superior to that of Aaron. Under inspiration of the Spirit, he then prophesied concerning the coming Christ that He would come with a priesthood which was not according to Aaron, but according to Melchizedek. The Greek word for “another” implies one of a different kind. It is one which stands in contrast to that which is being spoken of. But what would be the need for such a priesthood if there was already a priesthood in place? Unless there was a defect contained within that first priesthood, there would be no need for another. The question implies a denial in the strongest sense, unless there was an absolute need for what he is proposing. But there was a defect, and thus an absolute need – inherited sin in man. The infection already existed, and the Law of Moses merely highlighted that fact (Romans 3:20). The law could do nothing to change this. And so something else, something better, was needed.

As a side note to this thought, one heresy which arises in Christian theology is a denial of the virgin birth of Christ. A short rebuke to this heresy is that Melchizedek, having no genealogy recorded in Genesis, was a pattern of the Messiah to come. Despite Jesus having a recorded genealogy in His human nature, He has none for His divine nature; He is the eternal Son of God bearing none of Adam’s sin nature. The virgin birth provides the answer for all the theological dilemmas that appeared to be looming when David prophesied of the One to come. To deny the virgin birth is to deny the only tenet which can release us from the bondage of the Law of Moses, a law which highlights, not rectifies, our sin problem.

Life application: The Law of Moses is administered by the Levitical priesthood in regards to violations of the law. The New Covenant does not deal with violations of the Law of Moses for those who are under that law. And so, using circumcision as a benchmark concerning all of the laws found in the Mosaic Law, Paul says in Galatians 5:2-4, “Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. ³ And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. ⁴ You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.” To revert to the Law of Moses in order to be pleasing to God sets aside the grace of God in Christ. Trust in Christ alone, be saved by His grace, and continue in that grace without ever reverting to an annulled law which could save none.

We thank you today O Lord for the wonderful blessings You have given us. Help us to appreciate the sun, the rain, the fluffy white clouds, and the beautiful green trees. Above all, help us to appreciate Your word which points us to Jesus… our great High Priest. Praises to You! Amen.

Monday, 19 November 2018

…for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him. Hebrews 7:10

In the previous verse, the author’s impeccable logic was given concerning why the priesthood of Melchizedek is superior to that of Aaron. He completes that thought now, while speaking of Levi, by saying, “for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him.” Abraham is equated to Levi’s father, as is the common custom in Hebrew genealogies. Levi was in Jacob, Jacob was in Isaac, and Isaac was in Abraham. Thus, Levi “was still in the loins of his father.” In this, what belongs to, or is given away by, the father directly affects the son.

A common example of this is that if a father (Sam Johnson) owns a piece of land, that land will be gifted to the son when it is either gifted to him or when the father dies. However, if the father gives the land to the town for a public park, that land (which would have otherwise belonged to the son) is technically given by the inheriting son to the town. It is as if he had made the grant of land himself through his ancestor Sam. Thus, many generations later, there is the remembrance that this came from the family of Sam Johnson – even to the giving of thanks to the great-grandson who still lives in the town because of his ancestor’s generosity.

Every person who would ever come from Abraham was in Abraham at the moment that Abraham met Melchizedek, and thus their interaction still exists because Melchizedek is a “priest forever.” Those under the law are still giving their tithes, so to speak, to Melchizedek through Abraham. If Melchizedek’s priesthood was said to have ended, this would cease, just as it would cease that Johnson Park would still be given by the descendants if the town were to come to its end. But as long as the town exists and maintains the park, those who descend from Sam are considered as giving to the town.

With this understanding, another technical point must be considered. In verse 7:3, Melchizedek is said to be “made like the Son of God.” The Son of God was not made like Melchizedek. Christ is not subject to Abraham as Levi is. Though His human genealogy descends from Abraham, the fact that Melchizedek is “made like the Son of God” demonstrates that Jesus is prior to Abraham, and that Melchizedek is patterned after the Son of God, not the other way around. However, Jesus’ priesthood, which is based upon His fulfillment of the law and the introduction of a New Covenant, is “according to the order of Melchizedek. It is a priesthood which is not granted by law, but is one which is tied into His nature; it is an inherent right.

What is being relayed here was a critically important point for the Hebrew recipients of this letter who were considering a return to temple sacrifices. Surely Jesus’ priesthood is greater than that of Aaron’s, and a return to the Levitical priesthood would be from the greater to the lesser. A move from Jesus’ covenant to that of Moses, and a move from the priesthood of Jesus to that of Aaron is a move to that which is obsolete and ineffective because that of Moses/Aaron is annulled in Christ (verse 7:18). There can be no salvation for one who fails to come to Christ.

Life application: The same logic used by the author here in verses 7:9, 10 can be used in other areas of theology. Just as Adam is our first father, and we were potentially and seminally in him when he was created, then we are also legally in him as well. This is the reason why all people are born in sin and under God’s wrath. We are, as Jesus said to Nicodemus, “condemned already,” and need to do nothing to be sent to hell. Rather, we need Jesus to be born again and go to heaven. Be sure to understand this… it affects your eternal destiny.

O God! How great is the priesthood of Jesus that His work supersedes that of Aaron! How great is the life of Jesus that His work supersedes that of our father Adam! How great is the Person of Jesus! He is truly our All in all and it is to Him that we must turn. Praise, glory, and honor belong to You alone, O wise and eternal God, for the giving of Jesus Christ our Lord! Amen.

Sunday, 18 November 2018

Even Levi, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, so to speak, Hebrews 7:9

The order of words in this verse is the reverse of the Greek. More literally, it says, “…and so to speak, through Abraham even Levi who is receiving tithes, hath paid tithes” (YLT). The words, “and so to speak,” are the author’s way of introducing an argument from Scripture based on something implied in the context of what is being revealed. It is a concept which may, at first, seem unfounded or illogical. And so he introduces the thought this way. However, the logic is impeccable, and it is a tenet which bears heavily on other major doctrines which are found in Scripture.

The author has just stated that “there he receives them,” while speaking of Melchizedek who received the tithes of Abraham. As Scripture witnesses that Melchizedek lives, then logically, “Even Levi, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham.”

The author makes the case (which Scripture testifies to) that because Levi descended from Abraham, so the tenth that Abraham paid to Melchizedek actually included the sacred portion from Levi who was yet unborn. Abraham (the greater based on being the family head) is the father of Isaac, the father of Jacob, the father of Levi. So when Melchizedek received the tenth from Abraham, Levi is considered in this offering. If the Israelites paid their tenth to the Levites who were set apart to God, then the Levites – through Abraham – paid a tenth to Melchizedek, because Melchizedek still lives. It demonstrates the absolute superiority of Melchizedek’s priesthood over that of Levi.

As was revealed in verse 7:8, the Levites and priests of the Mosaic Covenant were mortal men. They were born into the priesthood, or into the Levitical service, because the law provided for this. They ministered under this priesthood, and they retired and died under this priesthood. There is nothing of the priesthood which attached to them. Rather, they attached to it. And in fact, if they did not minister properly, there was a penalty of separation from the ministry (see Leviticus 10 in the account of Nadab and Abihu). They simply accomplished the work that they were born into. However, Melchizedek’s priesthood, as seen in Scripture, is based solely on his existence. It is his natural right to minister because the priesthood attaches to him.

As the Messiah’s priesthood is “according to the order of Melchizedek” (Psalm 110), this means that His priesthood is also superior to that of Levi. The logic is impeccable and proves the superiority of Messiah’s work. Therefore, the New Covenant must be superior to the Old Covenant.

Life application: The author of Hebrews has explained, and continues to explain, the superiority of the Person and work of Jesus Christ over that of those who he compares Christ to. He is superior to the angels, He is superior to Moses, He is superior to Aaron, etc. Further, His work initiated a new and eternal covenant which is superior to that of the Mosaic Covenant. Why is the author revealing those things? It is because in demonstrating this superiority, it reveals that those other things are unable to accomplish anything necessary to restore us to God. If there is one theme that we can draw out of the author’s continued stream of logical points, it is “Come to Jesus.” Nothing else will satisfy because nothing else can satisfy. If you are stuck under the Old Covenant system, you are not God’s friend. Instead, you have become His enemy. Come to Christ and be reconciled to God.

Lord God, there is a place where man can go to be eternally filled and eternally refreshed. There is Bread to fill us, and there is a Fount of unceasing Water to rejuvenate us, and it is found in Christ Jesus our Lord. Nothing else can fill our ever-hungry souls. In Christ, the temporary has passed away. We shall never hunger or thirst again when we come, by faith, to Him. Thank You for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Saturday, 17 November 2018

Here mortal men receive tithes, but there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives. Hebrews 7:8

Again the author brings in the eternality of Melchizedek’s priesthood. As previously noted, this doesn’t mean that Melchizedek is an eternal being, but because Scripture provides no information on him concerning his death, he is a pattern of Jesus who possesses an eternal ministry. Now, the author first states, “Here mortal men.” The word “here” is speaking of the historical period where the Levitical system was still being practiced in Israel. It is the Levites who collected the tithe from the people of Israel, and who then tithed a portion of that to the priests. These are all termed “mortal men.”

There is a recorded death of Aaron, and there is the record of subsequent generations of Levites and priests who came, served, and died. At the time of the writing of Hebrews, anyone in Israel could go to the temple and see the men there and ask, “How old are you?” None could say, “I am eternal.” All were simply mortal men who served out their term and passed on. The offering to the Levites and priests was because they were set apart for the service of God and the temple; their position was an exalted one, despite the fact that they were mortal and eventually died. But then there is David’s allusion in Psalm 110:4 to the coming Messiah who is “a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” In contrast to those under the law, the author next says, “but there he.”

This is speaking of the account in Genesis which bears the record of Melchizedek. The Bible specifically overlooks any record of his genealogy, birth, death, and so on. Because of this, it is an implicit hint that we are being asked to overlook such things and to consider him as still living. And indeed, the Bible then confirms that viewpoint in the 110^th Psalm. Through these two witnesses, the author says of him, “of whom it is witnessed that he lives.”

This is again intended to show the superiority of the priesthood of Melchizedek over that of the line of Aaron. In one, the priest “lives.” In the other, they are “mortal men.” This understanding can now be coupled with the reception of tithes. Aaron’s line received tithes according to an established law, and they did so in a temporary (mortal) capacity. Melchizedek received tithes by inherent right, and he does so in an eternal capacity. Therefore, one who is “according to the order of Melchizedek” has a priesthood which is both before and after the duration of the temporary system of the Law of Moses. As it is both before and after, it was also there during. While the insert of the law was being played out in redemptive history, the priesthood of Melchizedek (according to Scripture) never stopped being in effect.

In this priesthood, Melchizedek collected Abraham’s tenth of the plunder which, in the next two verses, will be analyzed from a most unique perspective. It is one which will show the immense greatness of Melchizedek in the eyes of the author.

Life application: While thinking on what the author is saying, understand that Abraham is mentioned well over 200 times in the Bible while Melchizedek is mentioned just 10. And yet the author intimates that Melchizedek is greater than Abraham! This would have shocked the Jewish people considering their great admiration and esteem for this noted Patriarch. As this is so, and as Melchizedek is simply a type of Christ to come, why would anyone go back to a temporary, ineffective law in order to be justified before God? The ineffective nature of the law is not because the law was faulty, but because we are. Only Jesus, who came without fault, could be justified before the law. And so only by faith in Him can we likewise be justified before God. Think correctly, leave behind the Hebrew Roots false gospel, and come to Christ for your right standing before God.

O Lord, just as the Israelites depended on their genealogy more than a personal relationship with You, so we often do the same. We boast of our family relationships, our notable friends, how much we make, or how much we have. Rather than this, Your word tells us – “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” Help us to boast only in You! Amen.