Writings

Thursday, 29 November 2018

And inasmuch as He was not made priest without an oath… Hebrews 7:20

Although it is getting ahead in thought, to understand what the author is saying in this verse, it must be understood what the thought is being contrasted to. That will be revealed in the next verse, but in order to properly identify what that is, a history lesson concerning the Levitical priesthood is necessary.

In Israel, Aaron was appointed as high priest apart from any oath. He was selected by God and told that this would be his position. This is recorded in Exodus 28 –

“Now take Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister to Me as priest, Aaron and Aaron’s sons: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. ² And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty. ³ So you shall speak to all who are gifted artisans, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron’s garments, to consecrate him, that he may minister to Me as priest.” Exodus 28:1-3 

Later, the Levites were selected by God in place of the firstborn of Israel to minister under Aaron and his sons. This is recorded in Numbers 3 –

“Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: ¹²‘Now behold, I Myself have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of every firstborn who opens the womb among the children of Israel. Therefore the Levites shall be Mine, ¹³ because all the firstborn are Mine. On the day that I struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, I sanctified to Myself all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast. They shall be Mine: I am the Lord.’” Numbers 3:11-13

This appointment of Levi was the Lord’s will. He simply decided this was how it was to be, and He made the appointment. On the other hand, Jesus’ priesthood came about in a different way. The author states as much by saying, “And inasmuch as He was not made priest without an oath.” In other words, He was given an oath assuring His priesthood would be established. Both of these thoughts will be further explained in the coming verse.

Life application: Having an understanding of the Old Testament helps us to more fully understand what is being relayed in the New Testament. If one only reads the New, they will have the information they need, but they may not have the answer as to “why” things are the way they are. We might be told by a mechanic that the motor is now fixed and ready to be used again. If we are content with that, we will get in the car and drive away satisfied. However, if we want to know why the thing stopped working, we will want to review what the underlying cause of the breakdown was, through an explanation of how the motor works, what keeps it running properly, and how to avoid future breakdowns. In understanding the results which are revealed in the New, but without knowing all of the mechanics of the Old, we can have future breakdowns in our theology when someone comes along and gives bad information on what the results “really” mean. Without the foundation, we can be led astray by cheating car mechanics (if such people actually exist!). The same is true with theology and with those who would misdirect our understanding of a matter, by incorrectly explaining how we got to the result which is revealed in the New. In other words, it is the wise and prudent Christian who will be studied in both the Old and the New Testaments.

Great are Your ways O Lord and greatly are You to be praised! We lift our hands to You in praise for the glorious work of Jesus which was accomplished on our behalf. Instead of death, we receive life. Instead of fear, we can worship with joy! How precious You are O God! Thank You for what You have done through Jesus Christ our Lord! Amen.

Wednesday, 28 November 2018

…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. Hebrews 7:19

The word “for” once again builds on the continuing thought. The previous verse said, “the former commandment” was annulled “because of its weakness and unprofitableness.” That was a clear and precise statement. The law was ineffectual in accomplishing what it was purposed to do, and thus the law was annulled through the coming of Christ who alone could fulfill it. The reason for the ineffectual nature of the law was the inherent defect of sin in man. As the author now states, “for the law made nothing perfect.”

Fallen man (all men born from Adam are fallen) is imperfect. The law was given to restore man to a right relationship with God. However, that never came about. If it did, man would have stopped dying. As it says 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.”

Those under the law were promised that they would live if they did the things of the law. None under the law lived… until the coming of Christ. Why did Christ live? Because He was and is perfect. The law did not perfect Him; He fulfilled the law. This is why the author next says, “on the other hand.” This is in contrast to the words of the previous verse. Lining the two up side by side shows this –

7:18 – “…on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment.”

7:19 – “…on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope.”

That “better hope” is “the change of the law” referred to in verse 7:12 which comes with another priest according to the order of Melchizedek as stated in 7:15, 16. It is through this “better hope” that “we draw near to God.” This better hope is founded on the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. He died in fulfillment of the law. In His death and burial, He carried away the sins of the people. And in His resurrection, He offers eternal life to all who believe in Him and what He has done.

Stated again, the entire thought is that the law was set aside because it lacked the power necessary to make a man righteous before God. The imperfection of the temple worshipers remained after each and every visit to the temple. But perfection and holiness is what God demands of us –

“Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.’” Leviticus 19:2

Because the law could not produce this in fallen man, by fallen man, he could not draw near to God. Nothing unholy can enter into the presence of the holy God. In this, it is seen that the law could never make man righteous, but instead could only show him how utterly sinful he is in the presence of God. Something more was needed to bring us near to Him… something perfect in and of itself. This is the purpose of the incarnation.

In and by His perfection Jesus prevailed over the law. Now, through faith in Him alone we stand righteous and holy in God’s presence. This isn’t because the righteousness is inherent in ourselves, but because Christ’s righteousness is imputed to us. Paul explains this transaction in Galatians 3:10-14 –

“For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.” ¹¹ But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for “the just shall live by faith.’ ¹² Yet the law is not of faith, but ‘the man who does them shall live by them.’

¹³ Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), ¹⁴ that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”

Life application: Take time to ponder the wonderful love of God towards us in Christ Jesus! When we were powerless to help ourselves, Christ stepped in and carried our burdens and failings. He became a curse for us so that we could be redeemed from the curse of the law. Now think again on that. If the law brings a curse, why would anyone want to be back under that law? What perverse attitude would say to God, “Thanks for trying, but I will do it on my own?” Only condemnation awaits such a perverse soul.

O God! Surely we have a “better hope” than the ancient worshipers. Their hope looked forward to the Messiah and they only saw darkly what was coming – through shadows and figures. But our hope looks back on His glorious work, accomplished on our behalf and forward to the day we are glorified in Him. How marvelous are your wondrous ways O God! Amen.

Tuesday, 27 November 2018

For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness, Hebrews 7:18

The word “For” is used again by the author of Hebrews to continue building his case concerning the superiority of Jesus’ priesthood over that of Aaron. Now, to show this as in indisputable truth, he reveals that not only is it superior, but it fully replaces the very commandment which established the Levitical priesthood. The words are, “For on the one hand there is the annulling of the former commandment.” He is referring to the Law of Moses. This is the “commandment” which established the priesthood. This is derived from verse 12 where he stated, “For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law.”

The priesthood is that of Aaron. In changing that to the priesthood of Christ Jesus, the law is changed. But now he further clarifies that. Not only is it “changed,” the law itself is “annulled.” The second supersedes and entirely replaces the first. Therefore, in the coming of Christ’s priesthood, the law which established the priesthood of Aaron is annulled. The word annulled means “declared invalid.” The covenant known as the Law of Moses is made null and void through the establishment of the New Covenant. This is what Paul proclaimed all the way back in the book of Romans. There he said, “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes” (Romans 10:4). For those who have come to Christ, the law is completed for them in Him and it is annulled. Righteousness comes through Christ’s fulfillment of it, not through continued observance of it.

The author then explains the failing of the Law of Moses in regards to fallen man with the words, “because of its weakness and unprofitableness.” The word translated as “weakness” refers to someone who is sick, and thus without vigor or strength. The word translated as “unprofitableness” simply means “useless.” The law lacked the strength to accomplish its intended purpose, which was to reconcile man to God. Because of this, it was useless. Something that cannot accomplish what it is made for is discarded. A cup with a hole in it is thrown away. A computer without a processor is a pointless piece of junk. Anything which is defective because it cannot accomplish its main purpose is replaced. Such is the case with the Law of Moses. The main thing the law could actually do for fallen man was to show him how sinful he was in the eyes of God. Paul explains that in Romans as well –

“Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, ²¹ so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 5:20, 21

In annulling the former commandment, Christ brought in a new one. But the way He did this was by fulfilling the law. The law must stand until it is fulfilled. But once it is fulfilled, it is then replaced. Paul again explains this in Romans –

“For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, ⁴ that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” Romans 8:3, 4

As far as the “annulling of the former command,” it is important to understand that this means “in its entirety.” Throughout the years, people have attempted to divide the law into that which is still pertinent and that which isn’t by naming parts of it the “moral law” and other parts of it the “ceremonial law.” However, no such distinction is made in Scripture. Rather, the Old Covenant law is annulled in its entirety.

This doesn’t mean that there isn’t overlap in what was mandated in the Old and that which is expected in the New. Many of the Old Covenant laws are incorporated into the New as binding precepts, such as not murdering. If the supposed “moral law” of the Old was still in effect, then the Sabbath, which is clearly spoken of as fulfilled in Christ, and not required to be observed, would still be a requirement. All Christians would be home doing nothing on Saturdays. However, the Sabbath is not mentioned as a requirement in the New Covenant, and is therefore set aside. It’s that simple. As it was one of the Ten Commandments, then this clearly demonstrates that the entire law of Moses was annulled irrespective of a “moral” or “ceremonial” distinction.

Understanding this, does this mean the former regulation was defective or having some type of error? Not at all! As Paul says, “Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good” (Romans 7:12).

The law fulfilled one purpose in that it demonstrated that no one could be justified by observing it because no one could keep it perfectly. Only Jesus was able to meet its strict requirements, which He did. Thus, He fulfilled it on our behalf. As He said, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill” (Matthew 5:17).

Paul then explains this in Galatians with the words, “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.” Galatians 3:21

The law could not bring fallen man to righteousness, not because there was a defect in the law, but because there is a defect in man. Christ, in whom there was no sin (no defect), was able to fulfill the law. In its fulfillment, He annulled the law. For those who are in Christ, He is the end of the law for righteousness. Now, God is no longer imputing sin to those who are in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:19). For those who are not in Christ, sin – because of the law – is still being imputed. The choice is ours. We can come to Christ and His fulfillment of the law, or we can attempt to be righteous apart from Christ by observance of the law. Choose wisely.

Life application: The words of Hebrews 7:18 are explicit and they are prescriptive. Jesus fulfilled what we couldn’t, and for those who accept that premise, the law is annulled for them. They move to a new and better covenant. However, the law is not abolished for those who do not come to Christ. If one chooses to reject Christ, it remains binding on them; they must fulfill it perfectly or be eternally lost. What a sad state of affairs Christianity is in today. The Hebrew Roots movement has brought many to a state of rejecting the finished work of Christ and reimposing precepts of a law which could never save fallen man. They have set aside grace, and they have brought on themselves condemnation. Run, don’t walk, from this terrible theology.

Jesus, how grateful we are… You alone could meet the strict demands of the law which otherwise only bring death. And You have given us the choice – we can accept Your fulfillment of it on our behalf, or we can attempt (and fail) to meet its mandates on our own. We choose You, O Christ! We choose life! To Your honor and glory alone! Amen.

Monday, 26 November 2018

For He testifies:
“You are a priest forever
According to the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 7:17

The author now returns to his proof text concerning Melchizedek to support his words of the previous verse. There he said that the Lord’s priesthood, which is in the likeness of Melchizedek, is “according to the power of an endless life.” From there, this verse is now introduced with the word, “For.” He has made the statement, and now he supports it by going back to inspired Scripture, which contains the words of God being spoken out through the psalmist. There, God testifies concerning Christ that, “You are a priest forever.”

David was speaking by inspiration of the Holy Spirit as he penned these words, and they looked forward to the coming work of Jesus. As was seen in the previous verse, this new priesthood is eternal because it is based “not according to the law of a fleshly commandment.” Instead, it is one which is spiritual in nature, and it deals with the internals, not the externals. How absolutely unimaginable it must have been to the Levitical priests and the Sanhedrin that the One they accused and condemned as worthy of death, and who indeed they asked to be crucified, would supersede their priestly order by an indestructible life! As Paul says it in Romans 1:1-4 –

“Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God ² which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, ³ concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, ⁴ and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.”

It is by the power of the resurrection that Jesus proved He was and is fully God, eternal, and a “priest forever.” Further, this is “According to the order Melchizedek.” Thus, it is one of inherent right, one which is greater than Levi (just as Abraham was greater than Levi), and most especially because of its eternal nature. As Christ is eternal, and as He is the High Priest of the New Covenant, He is “a priest forever.” It is for this glorious reason that the believer in Him is both eternally secure and always allowed access into the most holy place.

Life application: We have an eternal Mediator who sits at the right hand of the Father and is always interceding on our behalf. If your prayers seem like they are not being answered, don’t fret – they are. Jesus is there, working out His office of High Priest, and aligning your needs with His glory so that in the end you will see the absolute wisdom of what was accomplished on your behalf. Please understand this as you face trials or hardships – Jesus is there with you and is tending to every need as an empathetic and merciful High Priest.

Lord, may I never doubt Your glorious hand in my life. Rather, Your word assures me that You are now and always “a Priest forever.” You can empathize with my weakness and you have the exalted position at Your Father’s right hand. Certainly, those things assure me of Your ability to handle every woe and trial I may face. Glory to You, and may Your glorious name ever be praised. Amen.

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.