Hebrews 7:20-26 “… The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: ‘You are a priest forever.’” Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant. Now there have been many 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 come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Such a high priest meets our need – one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners.

The world is longing for priests who are holy and blameless. But God has already provided one – a Savior, one who exemplifies perfection. In every culture, language and ethnicity, people seek to serve, worship or pacify a deity. Some choose the planets, water, mountains or, in some cases, something they fashion with their own hands. In each instance there is the recognition that there is someone greater than themselves whose favor they need and who will forgive the wrong they do.

In the case of the Israelites, God chose them to be his people and to show them favor. God gave them leaders such as Moses and Aaron to teach them about his deity and what they should do to please him. Aaron was consecrated as priest together with his sons. (See Exodus 29) These men were to bring sacrifices to God first for their own sins and then for the sins of the people. But none of these men were perfect. Therefore, in time, God set aside this order and sent Jesus to die for the sins of all. In this way God grants access to his throne to everyone who believes that Jesus is his Son and will accept and worship him as Savior.

Christ’s priesthood is holy, pure, blameless, set apart and unchangeable as he died and was raised from the dead to sit at God’s right hand. In this capacity he is the Advocate of the believer. He is perfect because he had no sins of his own for which he had to atone; unchangeable because he still lives.  Jesus’ priesthood is permanent because God took an oath that he would be a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek. (See Psalm 110:4).  See also Hebrews 7: 1 – 3 and Genesis 14:18-20 for more information on Melchizedek.