Thursday, June 5, 2008
Hebrews 7:18-24
For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.
And it was not without an oath. For those who formerly became priests were made such without an oath, but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him:
“The Lord has sworn
and will not change his mind,
‘You are a priest forever.’”
This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant.
The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. (ESV)
by Leota Stevens
From the time of Melchizedek until the time of Christ there were many men who held the office of High Priest. These men were elevated to the position of high priest because of their lineage, not because God declared with a sworn oath that they should hold this office. As each of these gentlemen died and others succeeded them, the priesthood would change to some degree with the variation of incoming personalities. Jesus is the only High Priest marked with God’s eternal seal of approval. He remains constant and true in his role as intercessor between God and man.
Copyright Information
Daily Bible Meditations are taken from The Helping Hand,a Sabbath School student quarterly for youth and adults. Copyright © 2008, Seventh Day Baptist Board of Christian Education, Inc.
Scripture quotations marked "ESV" are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Text provided by the Crossway Bibles Web Service .
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