LITMIR.BIZ

      `

      “Now if perfection was through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the people received the Law), what further need was there for another priest to arise  according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be designated according to the order of Aaron? For when the priesthood is changed, of necessity there takes place a change of law also. For the one concerning whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no one has officiated at the altar [tribe of Judah did not perform any priestly functions] For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, a tribe with reference to which Moses spoke nothing concerning priests. And this is clearer still, if another priest arises according to the likeness of Melchizedek, who has become such not on the basis of a law of physical requirement, [descended from Levi] but according to the power of an indestructible life. For it is attested of Him, “You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek.” [Psalm 110:4]. For, on the one hand, there is a setting aside of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness [the Mosaic Law] (for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God. And inasmuch as it was not without an oath (for they indeed became priests without an oath, but He with an oath through the One who said to Him, “The Lord has sworn And  will not change His mind, ‘You are a priest  forever’ ”); [Psalm 110:4] so much the more also Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant. The former priests, [the Levitical priests] on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing, but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens; who does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people, because this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. For the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints a Son, made perfect forever” [forever (eis to diēnekes) occurs only in Hebrews (here and in 10:12, 14) and means “continuously” or “uninterruptedly.]” (Hebrews 7:11-28). The bottom line is that Christ was identified, not with the Levitical priesthood, but with an eternal priesthood more similar to the priesthood of Melchizedek.