CHAPTER 7
Priesthood in the Law gets Changed
The main concept that Judah should see here is that the Levitical Priesthood is a preparatory and temporary priesthood whereas the Melchizedek Priesthood is a final and eternal priesthood. The only priesthood that we see in the forever and in the Millennium is the Melchizedek Priesthood. Animal sacrifices could never adequately atone for human transgressions. That only happens with human proxy salvation in the Melchizedek Priesthood.
Melchizedek and an Eternal Priesthood
Chapter seven opens with the person of Melchizedek. Some believe that Melchizedek was Shem Noah’s son. Here we see that Melchizedek was a priest of the most high God v.1, was a king of righteousness and a king of peace v.2. the priesthood he held was eternal v.3.
Like the Son of God
In verse three, we see that Melchizedek was “like the Son of God”. This concept connects to proxy salvation and to chapter six that Melchizedek had reached perfection and had become “a new creation of the Son”.
Abraham and Proxy Salvation
Another concept that we can connect here is that Abraham had the Melchizedek Priesthood and was a proxy savior in that he had won favor with God and saved Lot from the destruction of Sodom - Genesis 19:29. Though Abraham was a proxy savior, it was not at the same level as Melchizedek, who was like the Son of God.
The Levitical Priesthood is a Preparatory and Temporary Priesthood
From verse 2 to 11, we have this interesting sequence – Melchizedek < Abraham < Levi – and tithing. What we see here is that Melchizedek and Abraham’s priesthood is greater than the Levitical Priesthood, which is a lesser priesthood that was according to the Law v.5, did not have the same promises as Abraham v.6, was a lesser priesthood v.7, was subject to death v.8, did not include perfection v.11.
The Priesthood in the Law Needed to be Changed
In verse 12, we see that the Priesthood in the Law needed to be changed because it didn’t adequately atone for sin, didn’t provide for immortality and was not eternal. Though animal sacrifice provided Israel with the reality of the relationship between sin and death. Moreover, the Melchizedek Priesthood is the priesthood that becomes operative for those who are Born Again who keep God’s Law and Word, and for those who Go Onto Perfection.
Melchizedek and an Eternal Priesthood
Chapter seven opens with the person of Melchizedek. Some believe that Melchizedek was Shem Noah’s son. Here we see that Melchizedek was a priest of the most high God v.1, was a king of righteousness and a king of peace v.2. the priesthood he held was eternal v.3.
Like the Son of God
In verse three, we see that Melchizedek was “like the Son of God”. This concept connects to proxy salvation and to chapter six that Melchizedek had reached perfection and had become “a new creation of the Son”.
Abraham and Proxy Salvation
Another concept that we can connect here is that Abraham had the Melchizedek Priesthood and was a proxy savior in that he had won favor with God and saved Lot from the destruction of Sodom - Genesis 19:29. Though Abraham was a proxy savior, it was not at the same level as Melchizedek, who was like the Son of God.
The Levitical Priesthood is a Preparatory and Temporary Priesthood
From verse 2 to 11, we have this interesting sequence – Melchizedek < Abraham < Levi – and tithing. What we see here is that Melchizedek and Abraham’s priesthood is greater than the Levitical Priesthood, which is a lesser priesthood that was according to the Law v.5, did not have the same promises as Abraham v.6, was a lesser priesthood v.7, was subject to death v.8, did not include perfection v.11.
The Priesthood in the Law Needed to be Changed
In verse 12, we see that the Priesthood in the Law needed to be changed because it didn’t adequately atone for sin, didn’t provide for immortality and was not eternal. Though animal sacrifice provided Israel with the reality of the relationship between sin and death. Moreover, the Melchizedek Priesthood is the priesthood that becomes operative for those who are Born Again who keep God’s Law and Word, and for those who Go Onto Perfection.
CHANGE IN THE PRIESTHOOD >>> |
Levitical Priesthood (preparatory/temporary) |
Processes of Transformation |
Melchizedek Priesthood (eternal) |
Weakness Sin |
Born Again Going Onto Perfection |
Strength Obedience Perfection |
Animal Sacrifice |
Human Proxy Salvation |
|
Relationship of Sin and Death Not adequate to atone for sin No Immortality |
Atone for Sin Immortality |
The Levitical Priesthood Goes Inactive
Under the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Levitical Priesthood becomes inactive and its duties shift to the firstborn males who serve as temple priests and to fathers who serve as priests and teachers to their families which we see initially depicted in the Threshold Covenant at Passover. Indeed, we see elements of kingship and priesthood in the Threshold Covenant.
Yeshua Obtains the Melchizedek Priesthood
The balance of chapter seven shows how Yeshua obtains the Melchizedek Priesthood, which is a pattern for those who ascend to be like Him.
The Melchizedek Priesthood doesn’t require descendancy
We see at verses 13 through 15, that Yeshua, even though he descended through Judah and not Levi, He obtained the Melchizedek Priesthood.
The Melchizedek Priesthood had the power of immortality
At verse 16, we see that the Melchizedek Priesthood had the power of immortality.
The Melchizedek Priesthood supersedes the Levitical Priesthood
In verses 16,18,28 we see that the Melchizedek Priesthood supersedes the Levitical Priesthood because the Levitical Priesthood administered animal sacrifices and judgements for weakness and sin. Those who are Born Again and Go Onto Perfection have overcome weakness and sin and come under the Melchizedek Priesthood.
The Melchizedek Priesthood is Obtain with an Oath
In verses 20,21,28, we see that the Melchizedek Priesthood is obtained by swearing an oath or in other words entering into covenant. For high priests and priests in the Melchizedek Priesthood, they sustain and support Yeshua’s promises of eternal and everlasting life.
Yeshua's Proxy Salvation Promises |
High Priests (communities) |
Priests (families) |
Covenant Perfection > Long Life/Peace - Eternal Life |
Covenant Pure > Life and Peace - Everlasting Life (collective with the Sinai Covenant) |
Yeshua’s Proxy Salvation in the Melchizedek Priesthood
In verses 25 through 27, we see that through Yeshua’s Atonement, Death, and Resurrection, He saved the world, provided everlasting life for those who are Born Again, and eternal life for those who Go Onto Perfection.
The Spirit |
House of the Son |
House of the Father |
--- |
Born Again |
Go Onto Perfection |
The Unjust |
Just Men |
Just Men Made Perfect |
Honest |
Pure |
Holy |
No Priesthood |
Priests |
High Priests |
Saved |
Everlasting Life |
Eternal Life |