A study of Hebrews part 7

 Before we get started, please read the previous article, here; A study of Hebrews 6, and please check out my latest on Locals; I was one of the people searching for Javeayah Harris (that was heartbreaking)

“For this Melchisedech was king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the s of the kings, and blessed him: To whom also Abraham divided the tithes of all: who first indeed by the interpretation, is king of justice; and then also king of Salem. Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but likened unto the Son of God, continueth a priest for ever.

Now consider how great this man is to whom, to whom also Abraham the patriarch gave tithes out of the principal things. And indeed hey that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is to say, of their brethren: though they themselves also came from the loins of Abraham. But he whose pedigree is not numbered among them, received tithes that had the promises. And without all contradiction that which is less, is blessed by the better. And here indeed, men, that die, receive tithes; but there he hath witness that he liveth. And (as it maay be said) even Levi who received tithes, pay tithes in Abraham: For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedech met him. If then perfection was by the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people perceived that law), what further need was there that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchisedech and not be called according to the order of Aaron? For the priesthood being translated, it is necessary that a translation also be made of the law. For he, of whom these things are spoken, is of another tribe, of which no one attended the altar. For it is evident that our Lord sprung of Juda: which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priests. And it is yet far more evident: if according to the similitude of Melchisedech there ariseth another priest, Who is made not according to the law of a carnal commandment, but according to the power of indissoluble. Life: For he testifieth: Thou art a priest for ever according to the order of Melchisedech.

There is indeed a setting aside of the former commandment, because of the weakness and unprofitableness thereof: (For the law brought nothing to perfection,) But a bringing in of a better hope, by which we draw nigh to God. And inasmuch as it is not with an oath (for the others indeed were made priests with an oath; But this with an oath, by him that said unto him: the Lord hat sworn and he will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever.) By so much as is Jesus made a surety of a better testament. And the others indeed were made many priests, because by reason of death they were not suffered to continue: But this, for that he continueth for ever, hath an everlasting priesthood, Whereby he is able also to save for ever them that come to God by him; For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners. And made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily (as the other priests) to offer sacrifices first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, in offering himself. For the law maketh men priests, who have infirmity: but the word of the oath, which was since the law, the Son, who is perfected evermore.” (Hebrews 7:1-28)

There's a lot of repetition in Hebrews (that's okay, that how you learn), but, this sticks out to me, “For it is evident that our Lord sprung of Juda: which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priests. And it is yet far more evident: if according to the similitude of Melchisedech there ariseth another priest,” Christ's priesthood is a big deal because he ISN'T from the stock of Old Testament priests, yet, he's a priest forever. So, why according to the order of Melchisedech?

“To whom also Abraham divided the tithes of all: who first indeed by the interpretation, is king of justice; and then also king of Salem. Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but likened unto the Son of God, continueth a priest for ever.” Of course, this doesn't mean that Melchisedech didn't have a mother or a father. It means that Melchisedech was a priest, according to the function of his office, not because of his familial line.

“ For he testifieth: Thou art a priest for ever according to the order of Melchisedech. There is indeed a setting aside of the former commandment, because of the weakness and unprofitableness thereof: (For the law brought nothing to perfection,) But a bringing in of a better hope, by which we draw nigh to God. “ Jesus is the only perfect high priest.

As I have stated before, this does NOT abolish the need for ministerial priests (we'll get into that in a few chapters). But, how is it that we can draw nigh to perfection? Well, because of the one perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Remember, Jesus admonishes to “be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect “(Matthew 5:48) well, how can we do that? ONLY through the grace of God (Matthew 19:26) by the cross of Christ (Ephesians 2:16).

*All verses from the Douay Rheims

Adam Charles Hovey is the founder of the Catholicism, News, and whatever community on Locals, and, if you want to help me out, go here.