You are a priest forever in the line of Melchizedek (Hebrews 5:6).
The name of God we are studying today is “Priest Forever”. To understand the significance of this title, I had to go back to the Old Testament and consult my Life Application Study Bible (Tyndale House Publishers).
To the nation of Israel, God’s chosen people, priests were the highest religious authority in the land. One of the primary responsibilities of a priest was to make atonement for the sins of the Israel nation. Do you remember the various types of sacrifices required of God’s people? Take a look at Leviticus chapters 1-7 for the list of offerings and the procedures associated with each:
- Burnt offering – to make payment for sins in general
- Grain offering – to show honor and respect to God in worship
- Peace offering – To express gratitude to God
- Sin offering – To make make payment for unintentional sins of uncleanness, neglect or thoughtlessness
- Guilt offering – To make payment for sins against God and others
In reading through Leviticus a couple years ago, I remember that trying to keep track of all these sacrifices, what they were for, and the specific procedures of each simply wore me out. If the procedures for each sacrifice weren’t followed, no forgiveness was available. If, however, the procedures were dutifully followed, the sacrifice offered temporary forgiveness. These sacrifices had to be continuously repeated in order to stay in favor with God.
Under the new covenant, however, the Levitical priesthood was cancelled in favor of Jesus Christ’s role as the High Priest. Jesus’ sacrifice was a one time act that offers total and permanent forgiveness. It never requires repeating.
The details of the priestly role, the specific sacrifices and the difference between priests from the line of Levi and those from the line of Melchizedek can be confusing. Rather than try to sort them all out, I settled on this – don’t sweat it – keep your eyes on Jesus and focus on the significance of faith in him. There is no substitute. No earthly Christfollower can do what he did for us. He gave his life as the complete sacrifice for our sins. Once and for all, forever. He is all we need.