Melchizedek

Articles

Lance Byers
04/27/24 - Topical Study

Melchizedek

The name of God’s first named priest rings strange in our ears for certain. It is an ancient but notable name as it is mentioned ten times throughout the bible. While very little revelation is given to us about the law of God during the patriarchal era, Genesis 14:17-24 gives us a glimpse into how the Law of God was set up with Melchizedek being a priest (and the king of the city state of Salem, later believed to be called Jerusalem.) We see how Abraham, called Abram at this time, insisted on honoring this man, humbling himself.

Abraham would understand that this man was appointed as priest by God, Himself; appointing him, and other priests like him, by qualifications which were not examined or determined by men. But, how do we know that if we have so little revelation as to what happened during this early dispensation of God? We turn to Hebrews for the answer.

Hebrews 6:19 We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, ²⁰where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

In the Law of Moses the order of priests were only of the tribe of Levi. There were measures in place which men could determine and appoint the priests based on the laws put forth by God. When placed against that measure, Jesus did not fit the criteria. His being from the tribe of Judah is enough to disqualify Him from being a priest, yet we see him being declared one by the inspired Hebrew writer.

The implication is that there must be a different order of priests that’s in effect today rather than the one ordained in the Law of Moses. This must be the case when we consider:

Colossians 2:13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, ¹⁴by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.

So, if the Law of Moses is set aside, or fulfilled, then what order of priests do we have by which to appoint Jesus? The only other one ever used by God: the order of Melchizedek, which is to say the order of priests appointed directly by God based on the criteria of God, not chosen by any human means, which can be corrupted. We see such corruption with the priests who crucified Jesus and the corruption within their ranks. Hebrews shows us that:

Hebrews 7:11 Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron?

The Hebrew writer makes it plain that we needed a priesthood that could intercede for you and I without any of the limitations of flawed human hearts. Jesus lived that perfect life, even having been tempted as we are. He is going to God directly, being in the presence of God for our sake, appointed by God the Father as prophesied in Psalm 110:4.

Lance Byers

4/27/2024