The concept of Christ as a High Priest "after the order of Melchizedek" is a profound theological theme found primarily in the New Testament, particularly in the Book of Hebrews. This designation underscores the unique and eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ, distinguishing it from the Levitical priesthood of the Old Testament.

Melchizedek in Scripture

Melchizedek is a somewhat enigmatic figure who appears in Genesis 14:18-20. He is described as the "king of Salem" and "priest of God Most High." Melchizedek blesses Abram and receives a tithe from him, establishing his role as both a king and a priest. The brevity of his appearance in Genesis belies the significant theological implications that are later drawn from his character.

Psalm 110:4 further develops the concept of Melchizedek's priesthood, stating, "The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind: 'You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.'" This verse is a messianic prophecy that is later applied to Jesus Christ in the New Testament.

Christ's Priesthood in Hebrews

The Epistle to the Hebrews provides the most comprehensive exposition of Christ's 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 the divine appointment of Christ's priesthood, which is not based on ancestry or the Law, as was the Levitical priesthood, but on the power of an indestructible life (Hebrews 7:16).

Hebrews 7:1-3 elaborates on the typology of Melchizedek, noting that he is "without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever." This description highlights the eternal and unchangeable nature of Christ's priesthood, contrasting it with the temporal and hereditary nature of the Levitical priests.

Superiority of Christ's Priesthood

The priesthood of Christ is superior to the Levitical priesthood in several key aspects. Firstly, it is eternal. Hebrews 7:24 states, "But because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood." This eternal nature ensures that Christ's intercession for believers is unending and effective.

Secondly, Christ's priesthood is based on a better covenant. Hebrews 8:6 declares, "But now Jesus has received a more excellent ministry, just as the covenant He mediates is better and is founded on better promises." This new covenant, established through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection, provides complete atonement for sin, something the old covenant could not fully achieve.

Finally, Christ's priesthood is characterized by His sinlessness and perfect sacrifice. Unlike the Levitical priests who had to offer sacrifices for their own sins, Christ, being sinless, offered Himself once for all (Hebrews 7:27). This perfect sacrifice is sufficient for the redemption of humanity, as Hebrews 9:12 affirms, "He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, not by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption."

Implications for Believers

The priesthood of Christ after the order of Melchizedek has profound implications for believers. It assures them of a constant and effective intercessor before God. Hebrews 4:14-16 encourages believers to "hold firmly to the faith we profess" and to "approach the throne of grace with confidence," knowing that they have a compassionate and understanding High Priest in Jesus.

Moreover, this priesthood invites believers into a deeper relationship with God, free from the constraints of the old covenant. Through Christ, believers have direct access to God, as Hebrews 10:19-22 exhorts them to "draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith."

In summary, the designation of Christ as a High Priest after the order of Melchizedek encapsulates the eternal, superior, and redemptive nature of His priesthood, offering believers a foundation of hope and assurance in their faith journey.Psalm 110:4
The LORD has sworn, and will not repent, You are a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 5:6
As he said also in another place, You are a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 6:20
Where the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 7:15,17
And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there rises another priest,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Great High-Priest.
... and this eternal, independent priesthood of Christ is typified ... said to Him, "Thou
art a Priest for ever ... God still addresses Him as a High-priest according to ...
/.../chapter iv the great high-priest.htm

The Satisfaction of Christ, Our Only High Priest, for Us...
... We believe that Jesus Christ is ordained with an oath to be an everlasting High
Priest, after the order of Melchizedek; and that He has presented Himself in ...
/.../various/the belgic confession /article xxi the satisfaction of.htm

Ps. cx. Is not Spoken of Hezekiah He Proves that Christ was First ...
... not spoken of Hezekiah He proves that Christ was first ... and will not repent: Thou
art a priest for ever ... of your unbelief) to be the High Priest after the order ...
/.../chapter xxxiii ps cx is not.htm

The Allegory of Melchizedek.
... the Psalmist is David himself, and Christ silenced the ... The Psalm speaks of a Priest
after the order, not ... the head of Joshua the high-priest, and proclamation ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter vii the allegory of.htm

St. Ambrose Returns to the Main Question, and Shows that Whenever ...
... body"even as we said above: "Christ having suffered ... blood of bulls and goats, this
High Priest was indeed ... the slaughter, and He is a priest after the order ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xi st ambrose returns.htm

The Doctrine of the Resurrection the Body Will Rise Again. ...
... too, who blessed the circumcised Abraham, after receiving from him the ... will be very
suitable; for Christ is the proper and legitimate High Priest of God. ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter ix the doctrine of the.htm

In what Manner Christ Shall Deliver up the Kingdom to God, Even ...
... This is probably what Augustin means by saying that Christ "no longer ... Head of those
whom he has redeemed, and their High Priest forever, after the order ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 10 in what manner christ.htm

Entire Sanctification in Patriarchal Times.
... Now, if Melchizedek was priest of the Most High God, if he was greater than Abraham,
if he was a type of Jesus Christ in His kingly and priestly offices ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter iii entire sanctification in.htm

The Epistle to the Hebrews
... Christ as High Priest is above the Aaronic priesthood, for He is "after
the order of Melchizedek" (Ps. ex.4) (iv.14-v.10). Then ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter xviii the epistle to.htm

The Epistle to the Hebrews
... Like every high priest Christ was taken from among men to represent them in ... in
distinction from these He was made a Priest after the order of Melchizedek ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the epistle to the hebrews.htm

Is suffering for Christ always going to be a part of being a follower of Christ? | GotQuestions.org

How is the church the Body of Christ? | GotQuestions.org

Who am I in Christ? | GotQuestions.org

Christ: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus