In order for Jesus to become a permanent High Priest and for the New Covenant to be established, first the entire law of commandments which came through Moses had to be annulled and brought to an end. This promise or word of the oath occurred “after the law,” where the Son was made perfect forever.
The old priesthood and commandments from the law were defined as weak and useless by the writer of Hebrews—and couldn’t bring the required perfection for the people. This resulted in a better hope and a better covenant than what the Israelites had been under since they had escaped from Egypt. Jesus is that New Covenant of grace and we have been brought into Him.
Our series in the book of Hebrews has us in Chapter 7, where the writer explains how the mysterious character of Melchizedek is a type of Christ. Although Mel is only mentioned a few times in the Old Testament, he becomes instrumental with the writer of Hebrews who reveals how Jesus established a permanent priesthood, according to the order of Melchizedek.
The law which came through Moses had to come to an end — every jot and title — otherwise Jesus could not have been considered an authentic High Priest forever in this New Covenant. A complete change of law was needed.
In the second program of our series in Hebrews, we find the writer reminding these new Jewish believers about their past covenant when every transgression or act of disobedience was rewarded with a just punishment. But it’s always compared and contrasted with the solution found within the Person of Jesus Christ. He is where salvation is found and He is the solution to the previous problem with sin. The writer is laying a foundation as to why they do not want to disregard such a great deliverance. Jesus is superior to the former priesthood and covenant which was established with Israel through Moses.
Under the Old Covenant, there were many priests who would serve under the law for many years or until they died; other priests would then replace them. They offered many sacrifices for the sins of the people, as well as their own sins. But the New Covenant would usher in a different priesthood with Jesus Christ, who was perfect, holy and undefiled. He would become the one and only mediator between us and God through one sacrifice for all. When did this occur? It came after the law, when the Old Covenant would be put aside and forgiveness would last forever. The shedding of blood is no longer needed.
Some may conclude the Bible seems to have a split personality between the Old Testament and the New Testament. Some of the differences can seem somewhat confusing, especially when portions of both are mixed into various Christian doctrines. So what changed? Was it God? No, he doesn't change. But there was a change to a different covenant, which resulted in a change of law and a change of priesthood. Our discussion this week revolves around these changes and what it means for us today in Christ.
As Gentiles who were never under the former covenant and the Mosaic law, why would we want to try to apply portions of it to our new life in Christ? The Old was weak, useless, unprofitable and had been put away to be replaced with something better. Mixing them brings confusion and condemnation. There was a change of priesthood which resulted in a change of law, so let's get some fresh perspectives on why we should avoid combining them, as though they were one covenant.
The Jewish people received the Old Covenant law through the Levitical priesthood. Because the law made nothing perfect, there was a need for another priest to arise (Jesus). The book of Hebrews explains that where there is a change of priesthood, there is a change of law also. When the religious world attempts to bring back the old commandments and mix them into the New Covenant, they should also be bringing back the old priesthood. Of course, this wouldn't bring perfection, life or forgiveness any more than the commandments themselves. Jesus established a permanent priesthood with something completely new, He took away the first covenant in order to establish the new one.
