How can understanding Hebrews 7:18 deepen our appreciation for Christ's priesthood? The former commandment set aside “So the former commandment is set aside because it was weak and useless” (Hebrews 7:18) • The “former commandment” refers to the Mosaic regulations governing the Levitical priesthood (Hebrews 7:11). • “Set aside” means annulled, rendered inoperative—God Himself retires the earlier system. • This is not a critique of God’s Law in itself; it highlights what the Law could never accomplish: permanent, sin-cleansing access to God (Romans 8:3). Why the Law was called “weak and useless” • Weak—incapable of producing the inner righteousness it demanded (Galatians 3:21-24). • Useless—unable to guarantee lasting fellowship with God because it could only cover sin temporarily (Hebrews 10:1-4). • The flaw lay in human inability, not divine design; the Law functioned as a tutor pointing forward to something greater (Galatians 3:24-25). What replaces it: a better hope “For the Law made nothing perfect, and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God” (Hebrews 7:19). • “Better hope” = Christ’s priesthood “in the order of Melchizedek” (Hebrews 7:11, 17). • Unlike Levitical priests, Jesus is appointed by divine oath (Hebrews 7:21) and serves forever (Hebrews 7:24). • Because His sacrifice is once for all, He perfects forever those who are being sanctified (Hebrews 10:14). Christ’s indestructible priesthood • Rooted in an “indestructible life” (Hebrews 7:16) – resurrection guarantees perpetual ministry. • He “always lives to intercede” (Hebrews 7:25) – intercession is ongoing and personal. • He is both priest and sacrifice (Hebrews 9:11-12) – no further offerings required. How this deepens appreciation for Christ’s priesthood • Contrast fuels gratitude: seeing the Law’s limits spotlights Christ’s limitless sufficiency. • Assurance replaces anxiety: His once-for-all atonement ends fear of unfinished business. • Access becomes intimate: we draw near confidently, not through human mediators (Hebrews 4:16; 10:19-22). • Worship shifts from ritual to relationship: the veil is gone; the heart engages (Matthew 27:51). • Hope becomes unshakable: His priesthood is guaranteed by oath—“a sure and steadfast anchor” (Hebrews 6:19-20). • Ministry turns outward: freed from self-effort, believers serve others in His strength (1 Peter 2:9). Key cross-references to savor • Colossians 2:14 – the written code canceled at the cross. • Romans 3:21-22 – righteousness of God revealed apart from the Law. • 1 Timothy 2:5 – one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. • Hebrews 8:6 – a superior covenant, enacted on better promises. • John 19:30 – “It is finished” seals the end of the old order. Living in the light of Hebrews 7:18 • Rest in the finished work; stop measuring worth by performance. • Celebrate direct access—pray boldly, worship freely. • Share the “better hope”—invite others to the open way Christ secured. |
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