How can understanding Jesus' priesthood in Hebrews 7:15 strengthen our faith today? A Superior Priest Appears “And it is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears,” (Hebrews 7:15) • The writer of Hebrews points to Jesus as “another priest,” distinct from the Levitical line. • Because Scripture cannot err, this declaration guarantees Jesus’ priesthood is real, present, and superior. Why a New Priest Was Essential • Levitical priests were mortal, sinful, and temporary (Hebrews 7:23). • Animal sacrifices never fully removed sin (Hebrews 10:1-4). • God had already promised a permanent, better priesthood centuries earlier (Psalm 110:4). Like Melchizedek—How Jesus Stands Apart • No recorded genealogy ties Him to Levi, underscoring a heavenly, not earthly, appointment (Hebrews 7:3, 16). • His priesthood is based on “the power of an indestructible life” (7:16), proven by the resurrection. • He is both King and Priest, uniting authority and mediation in one Person (Genesis 14:18). Faith Lift #1: Confidence in His Unchanging Intercession • “He always lives to intercede” (Hebrews 7:25). • Because Jesus can never die again, His advocacy for us can never lapse (Romans 8:34; 1 John 2:1). • Our faith gains stability: the One praying for us today will still be praying tomorrow. Faith Lift #2: Assurance of Access and Approachability • “Since we have a great high priest…let us draw near with confidence” (Hebrews 4:14-16). • The veil is gone (Matthew 27:51). We need no earthly mediator, ritual, or pedigree. • Daily prayer becomes a relational conversation, not a religious performance. Faith Lift #3: Freedom from Guilt • A perfect, final sacrifice means no lingering debt (Hebrews 9:12). • Guilt is answered by blood that speaks “a better word than the blood of Abel” (Hebrews 12:24). • We can reject condemnation and walk in joyful obedience. Faith Lift #4: Hope Anchored Beyond the Veil • “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul…where Jesus our forerunner has entered on our behalf” (Hebrews 6:19-20). • Our future is secured in the very presence of God, not in shifting earthly circumstances. • Faith thrives when hope is fixed on a throne that cannot be shaken. Living It Out Today 1. Start each day remembering you already have a living Priest — talk to Him before anyone else. 2. When sin surfaces, confess immediately, trusting His once-for-all sacrifice rather than wallowing in shame. 3. In trials, picture your hope anchored behind the veil and refuse to be moved by temporary storms. 4. Encourage fellow believers with Hebrews 7:25; remind them Jesus is praying for them in real time. |
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