The apostle continues his effort to explain to the Hebrews the imperfect and shadowy character of the Levitical system. He is showing that the real, living, and continuous priesthood of Christ had now begun, thus definitely marking a change of dispensation. The mysteries concerning Melchizedek were being unfolded.
1. What had been said in the Old Testament in regard to Israel’s Messiah? Jesus was chosen by the Father to be the High Priest (5:5, 10).
2. When was this fulfilled? When Christ went to Heaven after the resurrection (6:20).
3. What unusual combination do we have in Melchizedek? He was both a king and priest (v. 1; cf. Genesis 14:18-20).
4. What is the very meaning of the name Melchizedek? My king of righteousness (v. 2) and the meaning of Salem? My king of peace (v. 2).
5. What special point made Melchizedek a fitting type of Christ? No record of father or mother (v. 3).
6. Since the priesthood which descended from Abraham (v. 5) took tithes of the people, what was remarkable in what Abraham did? Abraham gave tithes to Melchizedek (v. 2).
7. What did this prove as to Melchizedek? Abraham recognized Melchizedek with God (v. 4).
8. Would Abraham have been likely to have received blessing from one in a lower station than himself? No (v. 6-7).
9. Since the Old Testament foretold the coming of a priesthood of an eternal order, what did this show as to the Aaronic priesthood? Priesthood of Melchizedek was greater than priesthood of Aaron (vv. 11-12).
10. Was Jesus of the priestly tribe of Israel? No, Jesus from Judah (vv. 13-14).
11. In spite of this, what had the Scriptures indicated? Melchizadek was greater than Aaronic priesthood. (v. 15).
12. While each Aaronic priest died and succeeded one another (v. 23), what should be true of God’s final Priest? Live forever cannot be destroyed (v. 16).
13. What do believers now have? A Priest who lives forever (v. 24).
14. Since we know that Jesus Christ had ascended within the veil, what does this prove as to the Mosaic order? Christ priesthood superior to Aaronic priesthood (v. 18).
15. What does the High Priesthood of Christ give us that was impossible before? Better hope (v. 19).
16. What makes Jesus a Guarantor of a better covenant? The Father’s oath guarantees Jesus’ ministry (vv. 21-22).
17. Jesus is a perfect Mediator because He is able to give security to both parties to the covenant. By His death He has met the Father’s requirements as to the penalty of our sins. By His life at the throne, He meets our requirement of giving us eternal life.
18. What may be called the “unfinished work” of Christ? His intercession for us (v. 25; cf. Romans 8:34).
19. Does the believer therefore find all he needs in the cross? We look to Jesus for all our spiritual needs (12:1-2). Throughout the ages of eternity our security will rest in the fact that “He ever lives.”
20. Why is Jesus fully fitted to all our needs? He is holy, blameless, unstained by sin
(v. 26).
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
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