Author: Charlie Garrett

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.

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.