Jesus, the Christ: Priesthood of: Melchizedek
Jump to: Nave'sLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
The priesthood of Jesus Christ is intricately linked to the order of Melchizedek, a figure who appears in the Old Testament and is further expounded upon in the New Testament. This connection is foundational for understanding the eternal and superior nature of Christ's priesthood.

Melchizedek in the Old Testament

Melchizedek first appears in Genesis 14:18-20, where he is described as the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High. He meets Abram (later Abraham) after the latter's victory over the kings, bringing out bread and wine and blessing him. Abram, in turn, gives Melchizedek a tenth of everything. This brief encounter establishes Melchizedek as a priest-king, a dual role that prefigures the ministry of Jesus Christ.

Psalm 110:4

The significance of Melchizedek is further highlighted in Psalm 110:4, a messianic psalm that prophesies about a future priest-king: "The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind: 'You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.'" This verse is pivotal as it links the coming Messiah to the eternal priesthood of Melchizedek, setting the stage for the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ.

The Book of Hebrews

The New Testament book of Hebrews provides the most comprehensive exposition of Jesus' priesthood in the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 5:6, quoting Psalm 110:4, affirms, "And in another passage God says: 'You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.'" This establishes Jesus' priesthood as divinely ordained and eternal.

Hebrews 7 elaborates on the superiority of Melchizedek's priesthood over the Levitical priesthood. Hebrews 7:1-3 describes Melchizedek as "king of righteousness" and "king of peace," without genealogy, beginning, or end, resembling the Son of God. This typology underscores the eternal and unchangeable nature of Christ's priesthood.

Superiority Over the Levitical Priesthood

The author of Hebrews argues that Jesus' priesthood surpasses the Levitical priesthood. Hebrews 7:11-12 states, "If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood... why was there still need for another priest to appear, one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron?" The change in priesthood necessitates a change in the law, highlighting the new covenant established through Christ.

Hebrews 7:23-25 emphasizes the permanence of Jesus' priesthood: "Now there have been many other priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office. But because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood. Therefore, He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them."

A Perfect and Eternal High Priest

Jesus, as a priest in the order of Melchizedek, offers a perfect and once-for-all sacrifice, unlike the repeated sacrifices of the Levitical priests. Hebrews 7:27 states, "Unlike the other high priests, He does not need to offer daily sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for sin once for all when He offered up Himself."

In summary, the priesthood of Jesus Christ, according to the order of Melchizedek, is characterized by its eternal nature, its superiority over the Levitical priesthood, and its fulfillment of the messianic prophecy. This priesthood assures believers of a perfect mediator who intercedes on their behalf, providing complete salvation and access to God.
Nave's Topical Index
Genesis 14:18-20
And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Allegory of Melchizedek.
... The priesthood of Melchizedek sprang from the man's inherent greatness. How much
more is it true of Jesus Christ that His greatness is personal! ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter vii the allegory of.htm

Psalm 110 Christ's Kingdom and Priesthood.
... CM Christ's kingdom and priesthood. Jesus, our Lord, ascend thy throne,. And near
the Father sit; ... Nor changes what he swore: "Eternal shall thy priesthood be,. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/psalm 110 christs kingdom and.htm

The Man Christ Jesus
... he was veritably an appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ. ... He had no predecessor in
his priesthood, and he ... another "after the order of Melchizedek," the glorious ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 31 1885/the man christ jesus.htm

Entire Sanctification in Patriarchal Times.
... Old Testament type of the Lord Jesus Christ in his ... Both Melchizedek and Christ are
priests, and yet the ... The priesthood of Melchizedek was before that of Aaron. ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter iii entire sanctification in.htm

The Epistle to the Hebrews
... Paul's Epistles we find fuller titles employed, such as "our Lord Jesus Christ.". ...
Christ as High Priest is above the Aaronic priesthood, for He is "after ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter xviii the epistle to.htm

Index of Subjects.
... Jerusalem Targum, 207. Jesus. See Christ. ... Priesthood of our Lord, 485. Priesthood,
Levitical, typical of Christ, 119, 236; ... Priesthood of Melchizedek, 583, seq. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barrows/companion to the bible/index of subjects.htm

Psalm 110 Part 2 the Kingdom and Priesthood of Christ.
... LM The kingdom and priesthood of Christ. Thus the great Lord of earth and sea. ... "Eternal
shall thy priesthood be,. ... Jesus the Priest ascends his throne,. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/psalm 110 part 2 the.htm

On the Clause, and in one Lord Jesus Christ, with a Reading from ...
... men he might represent at once both the High Priesthood, and the Kingship of the
One Jesus Christ who was ... For Christ is a High Priest like Aaron; since He ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture x on the clause.htm

Summary.
... 4. The allegory sets forth the eternal duration of Christ's priesthood. ... covenant
ratified in the death of Christ: ix.15 ... maintained if we look unto Jesus (1) as ...
/.../edwards/the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/summary.htm

Index.
... Joshua son of Hanan, 188. Judah, Jesus sprang from, 122. ... Priesthood, the
foundation of Christ's power, 43; of Christ on earth, 169. ...
/.../edwards/the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/index 2.htm

Resources
What is the Jesus Family Tomb? Has the lost tomb of Jesus Christ been discovered? | GotQuestions.org

Is Jesus the Messiah? | GotQuestions.org

Why did God send Jesus? | GotQuestions.org

Jesus: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Jesus, the Christ: Priesthood of: Made Reconciliation
Top of Page
Top of Page