JESUS Christ’s High Priesthood after the order of Melchisedec Heb. 7:1-10, FAR MORE EXCELLENT THAN Aaron’S PRIESTHOOD, 25-28
“This 7th chapter outlines the following, the pre-eminent excellency and superiority of the great High Priest of Christianity over that of the Levitical. The various proofs may be expressed thus. First, because Christ is called of God after the order of Melchizedek, Heb. 5:10. In enlarging this in Hebrews 7:1–10; appealed to proof of the Messianic prediction of Psalm 110:4 to show that the fulfillment of this prophecy necessarily involved the setting aside of the Levitical order. Second, distinguishing solemnity of its institution, namely, by the Divine oath, Heb. 7:20–22. Third, by the perpetual permanency of His Priesthood, Heb. 7:23, 24. Fourth, by the saving efficacy of His priestly work, Heb. 7:25. Fifth, by the personal qualifications which He possesses to serve as Priest, Heb. 7:26–28. Sixth, by the Heavenly Sanctuary in which He now ministers, Heb. 8:1–5. Seventh, by the New Covenant with which it is connected, Heb. 8:6–13.” Pink A. W. We now see the application of it unto the faith and comfort of the Church. He opens up the mysterious Old Testament scriptures, the glory and pre-eminence of Christianity over Judaism, by virtue of the priesthood of Christ; and the efficacy and eternal advantages of all true believers by these things. The purpose of God in the whole mystery of redemption by Jesus Christ and the institutions of the Gospel, is the salvation of His elect unto the praise of the glory of His grace. “Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost…” (v. 25). Why is it that Christ is here said to be able to “save unto the uttermost”? “Wherefore”—because of the oath of His consecration (v. 20), the immutability of the Father’s purpose (He “will not repent”) v. 21, the better covenant of which He is “Surety” (v. 22), and He “continueth ever” an unchanging Priest (v. 24)— “He is able” ch. 2:18; 5:7, Is. 45:22; 63:1, Dan. 3:15, 17, 29; 6:20, Jn. 5:37–40; 10:29, 30, Eph. 3:20, Phi. 3:21. 2Tim. 1:12, Jude 24. All power is His, abundant sufficiency of ability to accomplish His design of grace. “To save them to the uttermost”. Christ effects for His people a supernatural, spiritual and eternal freedom. The word “save” denotes that deliverance is secured. This is sin, with all its terrible consequences—pollution, guilt, the curse of the law, the captivity of Satan, the wrath to come. It is written of Christ that He saves His people “from their sins” Matt. 1:21, “from the curse” Gal. 3:13, “from the wrath to come” 1Thess. 1:10. “He is able also to save”. He subdued Satan, fulfill the law, take away sin, placate God, procure pardon, purchase grace and glory, with all that belongs unto God’s great salvation. But God “laid help upon One that is mighty” Ps. 89:19. God has appointed no other means to that end. “Unto the uttermost.” The last word here is variously rendered, completely and entirely or forevermore and forever. “He does not relinquish it by reason of death, but He lives on as long as it is necessary that anything should be done for the salvation of His people (A. Barnes). “Whatever hindrances and difficulties lie in the way of the salvation of believers, the Lord Jesus is fully competent… to carry out the work for them unto eternal perfection. He is more than sufficient to cope with and overcome any opposition. A complete salvation is a never-ending one.” Pink A. W. It continues
