Chapter 7 of the book of Hebrews harkins back to a point that the author was attempting to make in chapter 5. In 5:9-11 the author wrote “And having been perfected, He [Jesus] became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, called by God as High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek, of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.” That statement was then followed by 1 1/2 chapters of warning and rebuke for immaturity. Now the author goes back to teach about Jesus’ position as the High Priest, not of the Levitical order but instead according to the order of Melchizedek.
In this study we touch briefly on Melchizedek’s identity, but our focus is on Jesus’ priesthood and His superiority to every other priest. The culmination of Jesus’ priesthood is found in 7:24-25, “but Jesus on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. Therefore He is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” The Levitical priesthood covered sin by offering sacrifices, Jesus’ priesthood cleansed our sin forever by becoming sin and giving us His righteousness. The point of this passage is not debate about the identity of an ancient king but rather the revelation of the greatness of the eternal High Priest. Our sins are cleansed, the law has been accomplished and Jesus reigns; He is supreme; He is the High Priest of the order of Melchizedek and the fulfillment of the New Covenant.