July 20, 2010 Lesson 9 of Hebrews 7:15-28

V15-25. What are the distinctive differences between the Levitical and the Melchizedek orders of priesthood – in qualification for office, in continuance in office and in efficacy? In relation to Christ’s office, what is added by God’s oath? Answer: 1) Levitical is based on ancestry and regulation; Melchizedek is not. 2) Levitical was weak; Melchizedek is powerful. 3) Levitical has no oath; Melchizedek is based on an oath. 4) (this is where Melchizedek has better efficacy and continuance in office) Jesus is the priest forever, His is a priesthood that lasts for all time, and for this reason is able to save all those who come to God.


V 23-28. How do these verses show that in Jesus we have a perfect High Priest, and that he perfectly meets the sinner’s need? In what ways is he unique both in person and work? Answer: 1) Jesus lives forever, making His priesthood an everlasting appointment and giving Him the ability to save all who come to Him. 2) Christ does not have to offer daily sacrifices (v27) because he is “holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens” (v26). 3) the Law appointed priests, while the new oath appointed Jesus who “has been made perfect forever.”


Note: V25. ‘Completely’: the Greek phrase means ‘to the uttermost’ both of time and of degree.