Study From the Book of Hebrews,8

                      Study From the Epistle to Hebrews, 8

Today is the eighth  part of this series where we study chapter 7 and as usual we pick up a couple of biblical principles and lessons that can be useful in biblical counselling.

In chapter 7, the writer (Apostle Paul, most likely) talks about the king of righteousness.  The Lord Jesus ,who is appointed as a king and high priest, on according to the order of Melchizedek. He explains further by saying, the Lord Jesus is the King because He is a descendant of the tribe Judah in the flesh from the Virgin Mary.  He is also a High Priest although He has no connection to the descendants of Aaron. The symbolic example is Melchizedek as the latter appeared suddenly without mention of his parents and Abraham gave tithes to him. Melchizedek is translated as the king of righteousness and the king of peace.  These characters are also applied to the Lord Jesus.

So why then we need a new High Priest. Basically the old priesthood had been removed in the new covenant and replaced by the everlasting High Priest in heaven. The Lord Jesus offered himself as a sacrifice once for all   on the Cross. The Lord Jesus is holy, harmless, undefiled, separated from sinners and has become higher than the heaven(verse 26).

Structure:

Verse 1: 10: the king of righteousness

Verse 11: 19: the need for a new priesthood.

Verse 20: 28: the greatness of the New High Priest.

Principle 13 verse 7:19: “ –the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.”

Lesson 13: the law can show us God’s righteousness demands, but it has no power to help us comply with those demands. On the other hand salvation through faith in Christ, enables us to please God and grow close to Him (better hope).

Principle 14: verse 7:21:  “The Lord has sworn and will not relent, ‘You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.'”

Lesson 14: the priesthood of Jesus advantages over that of Aaron’s one for several reasons: 1. It has a longer history dating to Abraham’s day. 2. It boasts a greater heritage. 3. It lasts forever.                     17/5/2020