Why the Melchizedekian Priesthood is Better (Heb

Why the Melchizedekian Priesthood is Better
(Heb 7:11-22)
Part I
I. Greater Power (v. 11-14)
A. The Levitical priesthood could not perfect the saints. (v.11)
B. The Law could not perfect the saints (v.12)
a. The Purpose of the Mosaic Law:
1. Given only to Israel (Ex. 19:5)
2. Reveals God’s holy character (Lev.19:2, 20:7-8)
3. Reveals the sinfulness of man but did not provide a means of salvation.
4. The Law was divided into moral, civil (case laws), and ceremonial (religious) categories.
5. Instituted by a blood covenant (Ex. 24:1-8)
6. God bound himself to dealing only with those associated with the Covenant. Everyone else was excluded and had no hope. (Ex. 12:48; Lev. 19:34; Eph. 2:12)
C. The Levitical priests were from a temporary order. [cf., Ps 110:4] (v.13-14)
II. Greater Permanence (v.15-19)
A. The Levitical Priesthood and Law were never meant to be eternally binding (v.15-19)
III. Greater Promises (v.20-22)
A. God promised that Christ’s priesthood would be superior to the Levitical priesthood. (v.20-21)
B. Jesus is the guarantor of a new and better promise. (v.22)
a. The Promises will be fulfilled:
1. Spiritual Blessings - Now by exercising faith alone in Christ alone.
2. Material Blessings - These blessings will be fulfilled by Israel in the Millennial Kingdom.
Points to Ponder:
1. Our perfection or completion is found in nothing other than belief or trust in Christ, who is the mediator and guarantor of a new and better covenant.
2. Because the promises of life are based on God’s Word and not on our works, we can be sure that our eternal destinies are secure in Christ.
3. Is Jesus your High Priest this morning? If not, what prevents you from trusting in Him right now.
Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum, The Messianic Jewish Epistles: Hebrews, James, First Peter, Second Peter, Jude, 1st ed. (Tustin, CA: Ariel Ministries, 2005), 102.
Ibid., 102.
John F. MacArthur Jr., Galatians, MacArthur New Testament Commentary (Chicago: Moody Press, 1983), 86.
Charles Caldwell Ryrie, Basic Theology: A Popular Systematic Guide to Understanding Biblical Truth (Chicago: Moody Press, 1999), 351-52.
Zane C. Hodges, “Hebrews,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton: Victor Books, 1985), 798.
Fruchtenbaum, The Messianic Jewish Epistles, 105.
John MacArthur and Richard Mayhue, eds., Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth (Wheaton: Crossway, 2017), 880.