QT 6/26/2026 Heb 7:11–17, A totally new covenant is required

Hebrews 7:11–17 (ESV) —

11 Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron? 12 For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well. 13 For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. 14 For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests.

15 This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, 16 who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life. 17 For it is witnessed of him,

“You are a priest forever,

after the order of Melchizedek.”

 

NOTE: There are three main points in this passage. First, religion based on external works can never save anyone. The law was faulty and needed to be replaced. Second, a new High Priest violates the Old Testament law because under the Law, the high Priest had to be a Levite and a descendant of Aaron. Jesus is our new High Priest and he is from the tribe of Judah. Therefore, under the new Covenant, the old testament law is now invalid. Third, Jesus as a High Priest in the likeness of the story of Melchizedek, illustrates a totally new type of High Priest. Jesus, resurrected from the dead, is eternally our High Priest having offered his body, once for all, for the remission of sins. Our sins are not just covered as the OT law provided, but they are paid for completely. We are redeemed, paid for by Jesus, something religion could never do.

 

But you say Christianity is a religion. To some, that may be true, and it is worthless to those who treat it as such. Christianity is a new birth and a new relationship with God. It is by grace (it could never be earned) and is acquired by the simple act of faith.

 

PONDER:

1. Are you still playing the religion game, or have you been born again?

 

PRAYER: Father, open our eyes before it is too late. The days until you return are quickly passing. I think they are very close, possibly within a decade. Only you know for sure, but I want to be ready. Come Lord Jesus, come.