Day 2254 – Hebrews 12 – A Perfect and Permanent Priesthood – Daily Wisdom

Welcome to Day 2254 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.
This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom
Hebrews-12 A Perfect and Permanent Priesthood – Daily Wisdom
Putnam Church Message – 07/17/2023

“A Perfect and Permanent Priesthood”

Hebrews 7:18-28

We continued our extended series three weeks ago through the book of Hebrews in the New Testament. Our focus compared Melchizedek and Messiah. We saw that the Messiah was a priest and king in the order of Melchizedek. In doing so, we noticed that the Levitical priesthood was replaced by our great High Priest Jesus Christ.

This week, the comparison between the Levitical and Melchizedekian priesthood will continue. Jesus Christ established a perfect and permanent priesthood as our Great High Priest.

Let’s read Hebrews 7:18-28.

The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.

And it was not without an oath! Others became priests without any oath, but he became a priest with an oath when God said to him:

“The Lord has sworn
and will not change his mind:
‘You are a priest forever.’”

Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant.

Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. For the law appoints as high priests men in all their weakness; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.

Sometimes, you can’t tell the actual quality of something without comparing it with something else. A cotton bed sheet with a thread count of 200 may feel like silk to the touch … until you hold a sheet with a thread count of 800 in your other hand. A television screen with a medium resolution might seem crisp … until you place it beside a state-of-the-art high-definition screen. And one pair of corrective lenses might make the letters in front of you appear crystal clear … until the optometrist contrasts it with an even better match for your nearsightedness. In all these cases, only by comparing two examples can a person see which is superior and which is inferior.

In the first part of Hebrews 7, the writer of Hebrews asserts that the priesthood of Jesus Christ, which was established according to the order of Melchizedek, is superior to that of Aaron and the Levites. The second part of Hebrews 7 builds on that foundation, pointing out that Jesus—our perfect and permanent High Priest—greatly exceeds all others. The author accomplishes this demonstration of the superior priesthood of Christ by placing His priesthood beside that of the Levites. When he does, the superior far outshines the inferior in His character, permanence, and work. Only

Welcome to Day 2254 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.
This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom
Hebrews-12 A Perfect and Permanent Priesthood – Daily Wisdom
Putnam Church Message – 07/17/2023

“A Perfect and Permanent Priesthood”

Hebrews 7:18-28

We continued our extended series three weeks ago through the book of Hebrews in the New Testament. Our focus compared Melchizedek and Messiah. We saw that the Messiah was a priest and king in the order of Melchizedek. In doing so, we noticed that the Levitical priesthood was replaced by our great High Priest Jesus Christ.

This week, the comparison between the Levitical and Melchizedekian priesthood will continue. Jesus Christ established a perfect and permanent priesthood as our Great High Priest.

Let’s read Hebrews 7:18-28.

The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.

And it was not without an oath! Others became priests without any oath, but he became a priest with an oath when God said to him:

“The Lord has sworn
and will not change his mind:
‘You are a priest forever.’”

Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant.

Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. For the law appoints as high priests men in all their weakness; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.

Sometimes, you can’t tell the actual quality of something without comparing it with something else. A cotton bed sheet with a thread count of 200 may feel like silk to the touch … until you hold a sheet with a thread count of 800 in your other hand. A television screen with a medium resolution might seem crisp … until you place it beside a state-of-the-art high-definition screen. And one pair of corrective lenses might make the letters in front of you appear crystal clear … until the optometrist contrasts it with an even better match for your nearsightedness. In all these cases, only by comparing two examples can a person see which is superior and which is inferior.

In the first part of Hebrews 7, the writer of Hebrews asserts that the priesthood of Jesus Christ, which was established according to the order of Melchizedek, is superior to that of Aaron and the Levites. The second part of Hebrews 7 builds on that foundation, pointing out that Jesus—our perfect and permanent High Priest—greatly exceeds all others. The author accomplishes this demonstration of the superior priesthood of Christ by placing His priesthood beside that of the Levites. When he does, the superior far outshines the inferior in His character, permanence, and work. Only through the superior priesthood of Christ can a person indeed draw near to God.

7:18–19

To a large degree, the first point of comparison in 7:18–19 sets the pattern for the rest of the discussion. It establishes the profound implications and practical application of the superiority of Christ’s priesthood over the priesthood of the Old Testament. In the original Greek text, the author uses a common device for contrasting two elements: men…de often translated, “on the one hand…but on the other…” If you have watched the musical Fiddler on the Roof, there is a perfect portrayal of this in that play. Let’s watch a clip of one of those scenes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oSK6l24buk. On the one hand, the author argues, the Law was set aside because of “its weakness and uselessness” at providing genuine access to God and a means of spiritual growth—“for the Law made nothing perfect” (7:18–19). On the other hand, with the installation of Christ’s priesthood, “a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God” (7:19).

It is this access to God—not the accumulation of religious merit—that transforms us from the inside out. Nothing could be more profoundly practical for lost sinners like us. Knowing God and having personal access to Him are the hallmarks of true religion. Therefore, fallen humanity needs a reliable bridge to span the chasm separating sinful humans from a holy, righteous God. That bridge of mediation between God and humankind is Jesus Christ (1 Tim. 2:5). “For, there is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus.” Through Him, we have access to God (John 14:6). “Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’”

But wasn’t that also the function of the Old Testament priesthood? Weren’t they, in a sense, bridges to a relationship with God? Didn’t they point the way, turn worshipers’ attention to their Creator, and mediate His blessings? Aren’t the Old Testament priesthood and the priesthood of Jesus just two different bridges leading to the same place? As Paula’s mom would often say, “Isn’t it just ‘six of one, half a dozen of the other’?” The author of Hebrews answers these lingering questions with a resounding “NO!” Not only are the priesthoods not the same, but Christ’s priesthood is absolutely superior to that of the Levites.

7:20–25

The author continues his study in contrast by comparing the Levitical priests under the Mosaic system with Jesus, our great High Priest, according to the order of Melchizedek. Four significant comparisons stand out.

In Hebrews 7:21, the author emphasizes the fact that Christ’s Melchizedekian priesthood was established by a divine oath, as found in Psalm 110:4. In light of this, Jesus Christ has become the guarantee of a covenantal arrangement superior to that of Moses (Heb. 7:22). The key word in this verse is “guarantee,” which conveys both meanings of guarantor and mediator. The Greek word engyos “is used for someone who puts up bail for someone charged with an offense; that person guarantees that the one accused will appear at the trial.” Because Christ is superior in His priesthood, those who place their trust in Him are guaranteed a better kind of salvation.

Thus, Christ’s permanent priesthood means that we who have come to the Father through the mediating work of the Son are saved forever. Because He lives forever, we will live forever. We sinful mortals are in perpetual need of a mediating high priest; Christ is a perpetual, perfect High Priest. What a great reminder of our eternal security in Jesus Christ! “Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him” (25).

In light of verse 25, how were Old Testament persons saved?

The comparison between Christ’s eternal priesthood and the Levites under the Old Covenant raises the critical question of how Old Testament saints were saved. Were they saved by obeying the Law and sacrificing animals? Did the old system save them temporarily until Christ came to save them permanently? Were there two ways of salvation—one through the imperfect sacrificial system, the other by grace through faith in Christ’s sacrifice? Some people mistakenly believe that the Old Testament saints were saved and bound for heaven by obeying the Law and seeking forgiveness through animal sacrifices when they fell short. However, as Hebrews makes clear, only Christ is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him (Heb. 7:25); furthermore, Hebrews 10:4 says categorically, “For it is not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.”

Christians need to understand that under the Mosaic covenant, with its laws and its sacrificial system, God never promised eternal life in heaven for those who were faithful to the covenant. Instead, the promises to Israel were earthly and temporal. God said to Israel (Exod. 19:5–6). “Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me. 6 And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.’ This is the message you must give to the people of Israel.” And in Deuteronomy 28:1–2, Moses declared, “If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully keep all his commands that I am giving you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the world. You will experience all these blessings if you obey the Lord your God.” The blessings for obedience listed are related to their safe, secure, bountiful lives in the Promised Land (Deut. 28:3–14). Not a single line offers them eternal salvation in heaven for obedience. Likewise, the list of curses resulting from breaking the covenant contains no threat of eternal punishment in hell—only temporal judgments on the earth, including death and destruction (Deut. 28:15–68).

Just as the Law gave no provision for earning eternal salvation in heaven, neither did the sacrificial system provide eternal payment for sin. Instead, the “forgiveness” gained through the sacrificial system was also earthly and temporal. Under the old covenant, disobedience to the Law would bring temporal curses instead of blessings. However, God provided a means of temporal forgiveness through the sacrifices offered in sincerity and repentance. These would result not in eternal salvation of the soul, but in turning away the temporal judgments that should have come upon Israel for their disobedience.

How, then, were Old Testament saints eternally saved, born again, and sealed for heaven? The Bible clarifies that eternal salvation has always come by grace through faith (Rom. 4:1–15). Eternal salvation has never been earned by works, by obeying the Law (Gal. 2:21), or by animal sacrifices (Heb. 10:4). Rather, eternal salvation has always been based on the atoning work of Christ (Rom. 3:21–26).

Of course, the Old Testament saints under the Mosaic covenant didn’t have the complete story that came with the revelation of Jesus Christ in the Incarnation, Crucifixion, and Resurrection. However, they had prophecies, promises, and pictures of the ultimate salvation that would come through the future Messiah (Rom. 1:1–4; 1 Pet. 1:10–12). They could therefore exercise simple, childlike faith in God’s goodness, mercy, and promises (Gen. 15:6; Rom. 4:3). Their salvation, like ours, was by grace through faith, not by works. As theologian, Charles Ryrie famously put it, “The basis of salvation in every age is the death of Christ; the requirement for salvation in every age is faith; the object of faith in every age is God; but the content of faith changes in the various dispensations.”

The salvation provided under the old priesthood related to the restoration of covenantal fellowship. That is, if they obeyed the Law, they would receive temporal blessings in the Promised Land—bountiful crops, freedom from sickness and disease, protection from enemies, and provision in the land. However, the salvation provided by Christ under His eternal priesthood relates to these fancy $2 words: justification, sanctification, and glorification—including resurrection and eternal life with God. One receives eternal salvation by simply exercising faith in Christ’s person and work.

7:26–28

Finally, Hebrews 7:26–28 gives three additional reasons for Christ’s superiority over the Old Testament priesthood, all related to His person and work. First, Jesus is superior because He is sinless (7:26). That is, He is superior in His very nature: one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens (7:26). Not a single member of the Levitical priesthood could claim such a status. As Brown notes, “The former priesthood stressed the importance of outward cleansing and ritual purity, but Christ’s priesthood is effective because of his inward moral purity and his sinless perfection.”

Second, Jesus is superior because His sacrifice was offered once for all (7:27). That is, He is superior in His work as Priest. Being perfectly holy, He didn’t need to offer animal sacrifices for His own purification and for the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself (7:27). Jesus Christ was Himself the sacrifice. He stretched Himself out over that altar and offered His life to atone for sin (9:24–28; 10:11–14). No other priest could take that role of the sacrificial lamb. Each one of them was sinful and in need of a sacrifice. Jesus alone was the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29; Isa. 53:7–12).

Third, Jesus is superior because He is the perfect, powerful Son of God (Heb. 7:28). The Law of Moses appointed imperfect, weak men as priests in a temporary system put in place until the coming of the great High Priest. In the meantime, though, by the lips of David, God made an oath that the Messiah would come with a superior priesthood after the order of Melchizedek (Ps. 110:4). This Messiah would be no mere, sinful human, but the perfect, powerful Son of God with a permanent priesthood—Jesus our great High Priest.

Application: Hebrews 7:18–28

Christ: Our Permanent Perfect Pontifex – Bridge Builder

In pagan ancient Rome, a priest who served as a mediator between the people and their gods was given the title “pontifex.” Though the origin of the Latin word Pontifex is shrouded by the mists of ancient history, many believe it comes from two Latin words, pons (bridge) and facere (to make). This notion may have been related to rites of sacrifices and offerings made upon a bridge. Others interpret the root of Pontifex as referring to the priestly function of creating a bridge between gods and the people. Though the Roman Catholic Church has pasted the label Pontifex Maximus, or “supreme bridge-maker,” on the Pope, this title correctly belongs to Christ and Christ alone. Apart from Christ, there is no need for a priesthood, Pontifex, or bridge-maker between God and man.

If we’re separated from God by what seems to be an unbridgeable chasm of sin, Christ alone is our good news. We can reach God and know God through Jesus Christ, our permanent Pontifex. He is the perfect High Priest, the Bridge over the broiling waters of sin that separate us from the heavenly shores of a holy God.

This idea of Christ as the Bridge—between sinful humanity and our holy God—has become a helpful way of thinking about (and communicating) the gospel of salvation. As a reminder for us as well as a motivator to share this simple good news with others, let’s consider five ways in which Christ serves as our perfect, permanent “Bridge-builder.”

All humanity is separated from God, and each person is under judgment because of sin (John 3:17–21, 36; see also Rom. 3:23; 6:23; Heb. 9:27).
The many statements made by Jesus about eternal life indicate there is a solution to this separation from God (for example, John 5:24).
Humans attempt to build their own bridges to God (John 1:12–13). However, Jesus declared that He alone is the Way (John 14:6; Eph. 2:8–9).
Jesus is the Way because of who He is: God and man (John 1:14) and an unblemished Lamb (John 1:36) … and because of what He has done: He died (John 6:51; see also Rom. 5:8) and rose from the dead (Luke 24:5–7; John 11:25).
Jesus calls on us to respond to this message—to hear and believe (John 5:24). By simple faith, we receive the message (John 1:12) and are born again by God’s Spirit (John 3:3). Whoever believes in Him will be saved (John 3:16).


Do you know God through Jesus Christ, our only perfect Pontifex? Or have you tried to build your own bridge to Him through good works, rites, rituals, church membership, or other man-made means? If you know Him, are you drawing nearer to God through our exclusive Way; or have you resorted to a flimsy religion built by dos and don’ts, self-righteous works, or legalistic rituals? Finally, if you know the good news of the perfect Pontifex, and if you truly know God and are drawing near to Him, are you sharing this good news with others? Have you taken the hand of an unbeliever stuck on the wrong side of the chasm and carefully walked them through God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ?

Only through Christ can we reach God and know Him. Speaking with His disciples, “Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me,” (John 14:6). He alone is our “pontifex maximus”—the perfect, permanent High Priest who grants eternal access to God.

Next week, we will continue our adventure through Hebrews as we turn from Christ as our perfect High Priest to His promise in a lesson titled, Christ Covenant…New and Never Obsolete. So please read Hebrews 8:1-13 in preparation for next week.

As we continue our journey through the pages of the Bible, remember that the wisdom it offers is our guiding light in navigating the complexities of life. Until next time, keep seeking God’s wisdom and make it a part of your daily trek.

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As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity...