Daily Writing

Sunday, 25 November 2018

…who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life. Hebrews 7:16

The words, “who has come,” are referring to Jesus. It is He who was referred to in the previous verse as “another priest” who came “in the likeness of Melchizedek.” In this, He has come “not according to the law of a fleshly commandment.” The meaning is that the priesthood of Aaron was one which focused on externals. They washed with water, they ate certain foods, they performed animal sacrifices, and so on. These are referred to in Hebrews 9 in some detail. None of the things conducted by the Levitical priesthood was actually efficacious in nature. Rather, it all only pointed to the coming Christ. In Him, rather than a fleshly commandment, there is a law “according to the power of an endless life.”

For the past 17 verses, the author has shown us the superiority of the priesthood of Jesus over that of the Levites. Melchizedek was shown to be greater than Abraham because he bestowed the blessing rather than Abraham. Further, Abraham gave a tenth of his spoils to Melchizedek. This indicated that Melchizedek was in a position superior to that of Abraham. Thirdly, David looked back on the priesthood of Melchizedek and said that a new priesthood was coming in the order of Melchizedek’s. All of these points have been used by the author to prove that his priesthood was superior to that of the Levitical priesthood which came through Aaron.

Jesus’ New Covenant priesthood, being on the same order as Melchizedek’s, then supersedes that of the Old Covenant. In this verse, we see another point which demonstrates this “greater than” theme. Jesus, because of the resurrection, has an indestructible life. As will be explained further in verses to come, the Levites filled a position in time and then died. For this reason, there were many high priests throughout the ages. But Jesus is a High Priest forever. He prevailed over death because of His sinless nature. As Peter proclaims in his Pentecost speech to the people of Israel –

“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know— ²³ Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; ²⁴ whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it. ²⁵ For David says concerning Him:
‘I foresaw the Lord always before my face,
For He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken.” Acts 2:22-25

Death could not hold Jesus and can it never touch Him again. He is “a Priest forever.” Hallelujah!

Life application: There is no time that our prayers are not heard. Because Jesus is a priest forever, He is an eternal Mediator for us. For the believer, every prayer that we utter to God in faith is received by Him. Further, because Jesus’ work was spiritual, not fleshly, everything He accomplished for us is of a spiritual nature. Whereas the sacrifices of the Law of Moses could never internally purify the people, that of Jesus can. Salvation is not a repeatable thing in Christ. Rather, it is a one-time for all-time occurrence. Take time today to reflect on your status before God because of Christ, and then be sure to thank and praise God for what He has done through Christ Jesus our Lord.

Lord, sadness must have come upon the ancient faithful as they saw their high priests die and return to the dust. Each new high priest was an uncertain entity and a fallible man. But, glory to You, O God, that we have an eternal High Priest – One who never fails, never tires, and never disappoints. We have Jesus! Thank you for Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

Saturday, 24 November 2018

And it is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek, there arises another priest… Hebrews 7:15

For the past two verses, the author has discussed the replacement of the Old Covenant with the New. This is obvious from the words, “for the priesthood being changed.” Because of this, “there is also a change of the law.” With this understanding, he then said that the One spoken of in this change “belongs to another tribe.” Understanding this, he continues with the words, “And it is yet far more evident.”

Here, the author uses a word unique in Scripture, katadélos. It is a more forceful word than that used in verse 7:14. It was “evident” that Jesus descended from Judah. However, it is “far more evident” that when another priest comes according to the order of Melchizedek, that the wholly inadequate nature of the Levitical priesthood is realized. And so, what is proposed in the previous verses is to be considered more fully here. There was a defect in the previous priesthood which required its replacement.

This is necessarily true because there is a change in priesthood, not only in a minor sense but in the complete sense. This new High Priest, selected by God, descended from the tribe of Judah in the flesh, but in his deity is “like Melchizedek” in the sense that He is also without genealogy – having no beginning or end of days.

It would be unheard of for a descendant of Judah to minister in the temple because it would violate the law which Moses received directly from God. But even if a descendant of Judah were to somehow work his way into this position, it wouldn’t be nearly as difficult to imagine as it would for one on the order of Melchizedek. Why? As previously stated, because Melchizedek was before the time of Levi.

Being before Levi means that the Levitical priesthood actually would have superseded the priesthood of Melchizedek unless by one thing – that it was eternal; without beginning or end. If this is the case, and Genesis clearly records that it is, then the Levitical priesthood cannot supersede it. Rather, the Law was introduced “so that through the commandment sin might become utterly sinful” (Romans 7:13).

The Law of Moses with the temple worship could in no way save, but it could only point us to our desperate need for an even greater covenant with a greater and more complete sacrifice. And that priest “in the likeness of Melchizedek” did appear! As the author states, “there arises another priest.” He has arisen, and He is, even now, interceding on our behalf to the Father. Jesus is a “priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.”

Life application: When you sin or err as a Christian, you already know how utterly sinful sin is… it necessitated the death of our Lord Jesus. Think on this always and remember that our actions required a most precious and eternal payment.

Lord God, what You have done for us through Jesus is greater than we can imagine. It is the marvelously splendid work of an infinitely wise and loving Creator. To You we bow, to You we confess, to You we sing our praises, O mighty and glorious God! Amen.

Friday, 23 November 2018

For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood. Hebrews 7:14

The author, for the third time in three verses, again begins his thought with the word “For.” He is building a case which is obvious, and which is indisputable. He just stated, “For He of whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe.” He now builds on that with the words, “For it is evident.” The word “evident” is the Greek word prodélos. This is its third and last use in Scripture. It signifies “plain before all men,” and thus “obvious.” The truth of Christ’s genealogy is recorded for all to see. The genealogical records of Israel were meticulously maintained, and a copy of His was carefully restated in both Matthew 1 and in Luke 3.

However, there is more to the word “evident” than this. It was known from many passages in Scripture that the Messiah would come from Judah. As the author says here, “our Lord arose from Judah.” He wasn’t just stating this as something which suddenly came to light in the coming of Christ, and which was then compiled by Matthew and Luke. Rather, he was stating this to Jews who may have never seen these genealogical listings. Even if not, they still had their own Scriptures to testify to this. Jacob’s prophecy of Genesis 49:10 showed this. 2 Samuel 7 reveals this. Isaiah 11:1 speaks of it. Micah 5:2 makes it evident. Further, countless other stories and hints all point to this fact as well in an implicit manner.

Therefore, He wasn’t just “born” into the tribe of Judah, but He “arose” from it. The word is anatelló, and it signifies “completing a process.” There was nothing arbitrary about His being born into Judah, but it is the fulfillment of a process which began in the mind of God, even before creation. In Christ’s birth, the goal had met its consummation. A Priest, but also a King, would come out of Judah. As Melchizedek was a type of this person to come (meaning a king and a priest), and as David confirmed it in Psalm 110, then any king of Judah might feel they qualified to fill this messianic role. And sure enough – after the time of David – a king from the tribe of Judah attempted to offer the sacrifices of the priests. He not only failed, but was punished by God for doing so –

“But when he was strong his heart was lifted up, to his destruction, for he transgressed against the Lord his God by entering the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense.” 2 Chronicles 26:16

Uzziah may have felt he was a suitable candidate for being Messiah. However, the account continues…

“So Azariah the priest went in after him, and with him were eighty priests of the Lord—valiant men. ¹⁸ And they withstood King Uzziah, and said to him, ‘It is not for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the Lord, but for the priests, the sons of Aaron, who are consecrated to burn incense. Get out of the sanctuary, for you have trespassed! You shall have no honor from the Lord God.’ ¹⁹ Then Uzziah became furious; and he had a censer in his hand to burn incense. And while he was angry with the priests, leprosy broke out on his forehead, before the priests in the house of the Lord, beside the incense altar. ²⁰ And Azariah the chief priest and all the priests looked at him, and there, on his forehead, he was leprous; so they thrust him out of that place. Indeed he also hurried to get out, because the Lord had struck him.” 2 Chronicles 26:19-20

It is obvious then, that it wasn’t just any king who was prophesied of, but it must be a specific person at a specific time. As the author has already noted, the temple (and all of its rituals) was specifically set aside for the priests who were Levites – and this was mandated by the law itself. By necessity then, all of these things must be set aside or abolished to establish a new priesthood. None of the Old could remain if the New was to be in effect.

As the genealogies of Jesus record, He descended from Judah. And yet we are being instructed that He is now our High Priest. As the author says, “of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood.” The priesthood of the law of Moses was a Levitical priesthood. The priesthood of the New Covenant is a Judahite priesthood. Thus, it logically follows then that the Old Testament is set aside to make way for the New. The author has made his case, but he will continue to defend it in the verses ahead.

Life application: If you participate in a denomination that mingles these two covenants, it would behoove you to study this truth further, and to then depart from that body. They are not teaching the truth of God in Christ, and they are not relying on the grace of Jesus Christ to obtain restoration to God the Father. Such a group of people has departed from the truth of God and they are teaching a false gospel.

Yes Lord! We look to You alone and to Your work – accomplished on our behalf – for our reconciliation to our heavenly Father. Help us to see the clear distinction between covenants, and to understand what is for our edification only and what is for doctrine in this dispensation. May we never reapply works of the law to our walk before you, which then sets aside the grace You have so lavishly poured out on us. Thank You, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Thursday, 22 November 2018

For He of whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no man has officiated at the altar. Hebrews 7:13

The word “For” again takes us back to review what has been said. The author just stated, “For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law.” He is now building on that thought. It is the beginning of an explanation for the statement, and it will continue through verse 19.

“He of whom these things are spoken” is referring to Jesus. This is based on the words of verse 11 which said, “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.” In this, “the order of Aaron” is that of the Levitical priesthood because Aaron descends from Levi. However, Jesus is not of Levi. Instead, He descends from Judah. As the author says, He “belongs to another tribe.” The same Greek word for “another” is used here that was used in verse 7:11. It implies one of a different kind. It is one which stands in contrast to that which is being spoken of.

The priests of Israel during the times of temple worship were Levites from the line of Aaron. This was in accordance with the Law of Moses, specifically, the book of Leviticus (plus parts of other books) which detail the tabernacle layout, the priest’s lineage, and the duties of those priests.

However, the Messiah (Jesus) wasn’t from the tribe of Levi. This means there’s a conflict which needs to be resolved. If the Messiah wasn’t from the tribe of Levi, he couldn’t participate in conducting the temple rituals. As the author next says, “from which no man has officiated at the altar.” The law designated Aaron’s line to do this, and all else were forbidden from such duties. As stated in the commentary of verse 12, this necessarily means that a new covenant must be built around the new High Priest and His priesthood. Not only is this the case, but the very temple itself is no longer a sufficient point of worship for the people. A new temple is required for this new Priest. That temple is under construction even now –

“Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, ²⁰ having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, ²¹ in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, ²² in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:19-23

Now, under this new order of priesthood, the people of God are “living stones” in the temple of God and Jesus is our High Priest. Everything about the nature of Christ and His priesthood is on a completely different order than that of Aaron. It is not merely “different than,” but it is “better than” in all ways.

Life application: Are you seeing the majesty of what God is doing in redemptive history! All things of the Old Testament foreshadow something so much greater which is revealed in Christ Jesus! The author is going through painstakingly precise terminology in order to ensure that we don’t miss this fact. The error in returning to the Law of Moses is to go from that which can save to that which cannot. Christ has come, a New Covenant has been brought forth, and a new High Priest is realized for God’s people. Nothing else is effective in bringing humanity back to God. Only through Christ is this possible.

Thank You O God for allowing us to become living stones in Your glorious eternal temple. How precious it is to be considered as a part of Your handiwork. And, may our lives be used to Your glory until we attain our final glorification some splendid day ahead. This we pray to the honor of Jesus our Lord! Amen.

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.