With these verses the writer took his argument one step further. Not only is Melchizedek greater than Aaron, but Melchizedek has replaced Aaron. It is no longer “the order of Aaron” or “the order of Levi.” It is forever “the order of Melchizedek.” Why would God effect such a radical change?

Because both the priesthood and the Law were imperfect (vv. 11-14): The words translated “perfect” and “perfection” are key words in this epistle. They essentially mean “completed, fulfilled.” The Old Testament priests could not by their ministry complete the work of God in the heart of a worshiper. The animal sacrifices could not give any worshiper a perfect standing before God. The Mosaic system of divine Law was not a permanent system. It was “added” to serve as a “schoolmaster” to prepare the way for the coming of Christ (Gal. 3:19-4:7). The new arrangement does not suggest that a Christian has the right to be lawless. “Free from the Law” does not mean “free to sin.” Rather it means that we are free to do the will of God. We obey, not because of outward compulsion, but because of inward constraint. The indwelling Holy Spirit enables us to fulfill the “righteousness of the Law” as we yield to Him (Rom. 8:1-4).

Because, being imperfect, the priesthood and the Law could not continue forever (vv. 15-19): The word “another” in verse 15 means “another of a different kind.” The Levitical priests were made priests by the authority of a temporary and imperfect Law. Jesus Christ was made Priest by a declaration of God. Because the Law was “weak and useless (v. 18), it could not continue forever. But because Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, He lives by “the power of an endless life” (v. 16). What a contrast between the profitless Law and an endless life. The writer kept in mind the temptation his readers were facing to go back into the old temple system. This is why he reminded them (v. 19) that Jesus Christ has accomplished what the Law could never accomplish: He brought in a better hope, and He enables us to draw near to God. To go back to Judaism would mean losing the enjoyment of their fellowship with God through Christ. The only hope Judaism had was the coming to Christ, and that blessing these believers already had.

Because God’s oath cannot be broken (vv. 20-22): No priest in the order of Aaron was ever ordained and established on the basis of God’s personal oath. The important thing was that a priest belonged to the right tribe and met the right physical and ceremonial requirements (Lev. 21:16-24). Jesus Christ’s heavenly priesthood was established on the basis of His work on the cross, His character, and the oath of God (v. 21). Note the introduction of the statement: “The Lord swore and will not repent [change His mind].” The matter is finally settled and it cannot be changed. The writer has given these three reasons why God changed the order of the priesthood from that of Aaron to that of Melchizedek. Then the writer of this letter to the Hebrews closed this section with a fourth.

Because, being men, the priests died (vv. 23-25): Not only was the priesthood imperfect, but it was also interrupted by death. There many high priests because no one priest could live forever. In contrast, the church has one High Priest, Jesus the Son of God, who lives forever. An unchanging priest means an unchanging priesthood, and this means security and confidence for God’s people. The fact that the unchanging Christ continues as High Priest means, logically, that there is an “unchangeable priesthood” (v. 24). The Greek word translated “unchangeable” carries the idea of “valid and unalterable.” The word was used at the end of legal contracts. Our Lord’s priesthood in heaven is “valid and unalterable.” Because it is, we can have confidence in the midst of this shaking, changing world. The conclusion of the matter is in verse 25. The fact is that Christ saves completely, forever, for all who put their faith in Him. Because He is our High Priest forever, He can save forever.

Hebrews 7:11-25 Reflection Questions:

How do you yield to Jesus through the Holy Spirit?

Are you fellowshipping with God daily?