Summer 2013. Two unchangeable (immutable) things God’s word God’s irrevocable oath Provides “strong encouragement” For those who have fled to.

BETTER THINGS

Summer 2013

HEBREWS 6:13-20 – STANDING ON GOD’S PROMISES

Two unchangeable (immutable) things God’s word God’s irrevocable oath

Provides “strong encouragement” For those who have fled to Christ for refuge To “hold fast” to the hope set before us A “sure and steadfast anchor” A hope that enters into the inner place

behind the curtain” Where Jesus has gone

HEBREWS 6:13-20 – STANDING ON GOD’S PROMISES Pressed them for further spiritual progress Set before them the fatal consequences if

they do not progress Encouraged them to keep on the path of

salvation Their need to hold to their hope, anchored

in Christ They would have no hope if not for the

priestly work of Jesus in the Holy of Holies Christ’s priesthood was like Melchizedek’s

HEBREWS 7:1-28 – JESUS, LIKE MELCHIZEDEK Jesus is a true high priest (2:17)

Faithful to God Merciful to man

Melchizedekian order excels the Aaronic order Covenant Sanctuary Sacrifice

HEBREWS 7:1-28 – JESUS, LIKE MELCHIZEDEK

Priestly service and holy places were well-known in the ancient world

Symbols and types/anti-types link the Old and New Testaments

Chapters 7-10 focus on Christ and what He has done for us: Christ, as high priest, has offered Himself—one great, final offering for our sins

5:10—“a high priest after the order of Melchizedek”

6:20—“a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek”

HEBREWS 7:1-28 – JESUS, LIKE MELCHIZEDEK

In Hebrews 7, Melchizedek’s name appears 5 times, but the emphasis is on Christ

The foreverness of Christ’s priesthood “forever” (3, 17, 21, 24) “permanently” (24) “for all time” (25) “always lives” (25) “perfect forever” (28)

HEBREWS 7:1-28 – JESUS, LIKE MELCHIZEDEK

Melchizedek and Abraham (7:1-10) Melchizedek … met Abraham (1) Melchizedek met him [Abraham] (10)

Melchizedek mentioned only twice in O.T. Psalm 110 Genesis 14:18-20

Melchizedek is a priest who continues forever

Christ is a priest forever

HEBREWS 7:1-28 – JESUS, LIKE MELCHIZEDEK

Melchizedek King of Salem Name means “king of righteousness” Without father or mother or genealogy Without beginning of days or end of life Resembles the “Son of God” Remains a “priest forever”

HEBREWS 7:1-28 – JESUS, LIKE MELCHIZEDEK

Melchizedek Was a priest, so is Christ Was a king, so is Christ Is righteousness and peace, so is Christ

Psalm 72:7; Isaiah 9:6-7; Romans 5:1 A priest without genealogy, so is Christ

A priest, but not on the basis of family history His priesthood is timeless, so is Christ’s

HEBREWS 7:1-28 – JESUS, LIKE MELCHIZEDEK

Melchizedek is superior (better) than Abraham Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek Melchizedek blessed Abraham Melchizedek is immortal Levi paid tithes to Melchizedek

HEBREWS 7:1-28 – JESUS, LIKE MELCHIZEDEK

The inadequacy of the Old Priesthood (11-19) “perfect”, “perfection” Christ (2:10, 5:9) The Law could not “perfect” God’s people

No real sacrifice for sins (9:9; 10:4)

If the priesthood had to change, the Law had to change (12) The law concerning priesthood Jesus was from the tribe of Judah

HEBREWS 7:1-28 – JESUS, LIKE MELCHIZEDEK

The former commandment is set aside Weak Useless “set aside”

Cancel, disannul, out-of-date, over, finished, wiped away

The eternal priesthood of Christ A better hope By which we can draw near to God

HEBREWS 7:1-28 – JESUS, LIKE MELCHIZEDEK

The supremacy of the New Priesthood (20-28) Christ has become high priest with an oath Jesus is a “guarantor of a better covenant”

First time “covenant” is mentioned Jesus personally guarantees the terms of the covenant

Levitical priests were “many in number” 83 high priests from Aaron to A.D. 70, according to

Josephus Christ holds the priesthood permanently Christ saves for all times (to the uttermost)

Those who draw near to God He always lives to make intercession for them

HEBREWS 7:1-28 – JESUS, LIKE MELCHIZEDEK

Jesus lived a sinless life, now He lives a glorious life “separated from sinners”

He is the perfect priest AND the perfect sacrifice He offered the one perfect sacrifice “once

for all” Contrast:

The law and the word of the oath Men and a Son The Aaronic high priests in their

“weakness” and the Son as an eternally perfected high priest

HEBREWS 7:1-28 – JESUS, LIKE MELCHIZEDEK

Melchizedek The oldest recorded priesthood Suited for kings, not based on flesh and

blood The Levitical priests

Many, sacrifices had to be offered over and over

Their sacrifices kept the people at a distance

Jesus Can guarantee the new covenant because

of his indestructible life He is not weak, but holy, blameless,

unstained

BETTER THINGS

Summer 2013