7. How does the epistle to the Hebrews speak about a change of priesthood from the Levitical Order to the Order of Melchisedec? Hebrews 8:13. Read also: Hebrews 10:8-9. (He taketh away the first, that He may establish the second.) Hebrews 7:19. (He brought in a better hope by which we draw nigh to God.) Hebrews 4:16. (We may now approach throne of grace with boldness.) Hebrews 6:19-20. (This hope in Christ is as an anchor within the veil.)
NOTE: ‘The ministry of our great High Priest is a blessed hope, sure and steadfast, an immovable anchor of the storm-tossed soul. Oh, that everyone would just now flee for refuge and lay hold upon this hope set before them, in the temptation and the triumph of the Lord Jesus in our flesh.’ A. T. Jones: The Lifeboat, August, 1902.
COMPILER’S THOUGHTS: He has experienced the temptations and the victory, for our blessing. He can answer our prayers in full. He can give us both forgiveness and power if only we would ask. He has been there in His life on earth and can respond with the very graces that we need. We are therefore invited to come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and grace to help in time of need, so that we may experience victory and that our sins may be blotted out.
8. How often did Jesus offer up a sacrifice? Hebrews 7:27.
COMPILER’S NOTE: On earth Christ Himself was the innocent and unblemished Lamb of sacrifice for sin. His sacrifice on the Cross was perfect and complete. There is no need for Him to be sacrificed anew daily, as in the old earthly sanctuary or even in the daily sacrifice of the Mass or the Eucharist. His sacrifice was accepted and sufficient. We know this as He was able to give gifts to men. He gave us the Holy Spirit to help us to overcome our sins and be cleansed, once again to be made favourable to God, if we will be willing to accept by faith all that He has available for those who sin.
NOTE: ‘Christ as the great high priest, making a perfect atonement for sin, stands alone in divine majesty and glory. Other high priests were only types, and when He appeared, the need for their services vanished. “But this Man, because He continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for His own sins, and then for the people’s: for this He did once, when He offered up Himself.” Review & Herald, March 17, 1903.