“If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the law was given to the people), why was there still need for another priest to come—one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron?” ( Hebrews 7:11 )

When Adam and Eve were created, they were created into a perfect fellowship with God. They always enjoyed the Sabbath rest, in which they were created, right from the beginning. They were blameless before God and enjoyed an intimate fellowship with him.

This is still the goal. This passage says if perfection, or perfect fellowship between God and mankind could have been attained by the Levitical priesthood, then there would not have been a need for another priest. However, it could never be achieved in this way so there was a call for another priest, not from the line of Aaron, who mediated on behalf of the law, but from the order of Melchizedek who retained his position on the basis of an indestructible life ( Hebrews 7:15 ).

This is a profound statement. This shows us that a right relationship with God can never come through the law. In fact, the very next verse says, “For when there is a change of the priesthood, there must also be a change of the law” ( Hebrews 7:12 ). This means the old law, the old system of doing things, no longer applies. Instead, we have a new High Priest and a new law. In fact, it is so radically different that we cannot even use the Levitical priesthood as a basis for understanding it, which is why there is nothing in Jesus’ ancestry to connect Him to it.

“The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God” ( Hebrews 7:18-19 ). This hope is Jesus. The law merely served as an illustration, a type and shadow of Christ ( Hebrews 10:1 ). But now that He has come, there is no longer the need for this illustration ( Hebrews 8:13, Hebrews 9:9-10 ).

“First he said, “Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them” (although the law required them to be made). Then he said, “Here I am, I have come to do your will.” He sets aside the first to establish the second. And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” ( Hebrews 10:8-10 ).

Jesus’ sacrifice atoned for the sins of the world which restored the perfect fellowship between God and mankind. ( Hebrews 8:12, Hebrews 9:26, Hebrews 10:10, Hebrews 10:12, Hebrews 10:14, Hebrews 10:18, I John 2:2 ). Jesus accomplished what the law could never do. Through faith we enter into the Sabbath Rest in which Adam and Eve were created and God promised to the Israelites ( Hebrews 4:1-3 ). This is why there was need for another priest to come in the order and with the rank of Melchizedek; because He was able to restore this relationship. Jesus’ death and resurrection brought about the forgiveness of sins making us holy by faith ( I Corinthians 1:2, Ephesians 1:4, Ephesians 4:24, Hebrews 2:11 ). If we are holy, then perfection, or the perfect fellowship between God and the worshipper has been restored. If it is restored, then we can approach God confidently through faith. “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” ( Hebrews 4:16 ).

The law could never do this because it reminded us of our sin making us unsure and guilty before God ( Romans 3:20, Hebrews 10:1-4 ). However, Jesus restored our confidence by completely wiping away our guilt and shame. This is why Jesus is after the order of Melchizedek and not the order of Aaron.

“In the one case, the tenth is collected by men who die; but in the other case, by him who is declared to be living. One might even say that Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham, because when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the body of his ancestor” ( Hebrews 7:8-10 )

One of the great things about being a believer is that we can serve God well in whatever station of life we are in. Throughout the Scriptures we see this example. Paul told the church in Colosse, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” ( Colossians 3:23-24 ). He told the Ephesians, “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.” ( Ephesians 6:7-8 ). We do not have to be a missionary in Africa to bless the Lord and be used mightily. We can advance the kingdom from our cubical at work or our kitchen at home by putting this principal into action; whatever we do, we do it as unto the Lord.

This fundamental concept is explained in this passage in Hebrews. Abraham gave Melchizedek a tenth of his possessions when he saw the greatness of this High Priest. The author of Hebrews is drawing the connection that the gifts the Levitical priesthood received also ended up with Melchizedek because Levi, the father of this line, was still in the body of Abraham when this offering was made. This shows us that our gifts and offerings, when given in faith, really go to God.

As New Testament believers we can rest assured that when we give, our offerings become a sweet smelling aroma to the Lord ( Philippians 4:18 ). Paul told the Philippian church that the gifts that were given were then credited back to their account. We also see this between Melchizedek and Abraham. As the offering was made, Abraham was blessed by Melchizedek.

This passage illustrates an amazing concept because it shows us that everything we do boils down to a matter of the heart. God said to Samuel when on mission to anoint the next king of Israel, “The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” ( I Samuel 16:7 ). When we give we give as unto the Lord. When we serve, we serve as unto the Lord. When we work at our jobs, we can do it as unto the Lord. We know that whatever we do in word and deed we can do it as if it is the Lord himself we are serving. Understanding this can change your perspective and you can live a radical life for Jesus right where you are.