The Order Of Melchizedek

by Sands, A. P. | Category: Christ In Type And Shadow | Aug 1989

Our Christian experience comes broadly under two headings: Salvation and Service. The salvation of our soul depends on what Christ did in the past; the acceptance of our service on what Christ is also doing now.

This, His priestly work, is in stark contrast to the very limited benefits provided by the long line of Old Covenant priests, for it is of a superior order - the order of Melchizedek. Genesis 14 and Hebrews 6:20 to 7:25 give an understanding of this precious and vital truth.

Background - a Parable for Today

The story of Abraham and Lot is a challenge to us because these men remind us of two types of Christians. On the one hand, Abraham in allegiance to the God who had called him walked by faith in obedience and separation. In contrast, Lot leaned upon his own understanding and was captivated by the world to his tragic loss.

We are introduced to Melchizedek following the occasion when Abraham took his party of trained men and rescued Lot and other citizens of Sodom who had been taken prisoner during the battle of the nine kings. As Abraham returned victorious he was met by two kings: the king of Sodom (from a word meaning burning, volcanic), and Melchidezek, the king of Salem (meaning peace). The king of Sodom wanted to reward Abraham with possessions which he refused, but in contrast the king of Salem brought blessings from God Most High, the Possessor of heaven and earth. And so it is for us today: there is one who is destined for the Lake of Fire who offers us much, or so it seems; but the pilgrim Christian refuses because he experiences now the foretaste of those surpassing blessings from the King of Peace who is not only Priest of God Most High, but is Himself Possessor of heaven and earth.

"Like the Son of God"

The writer to the Hebrews tells us that Melchizedek was "made like unto the Son of God" (Heb. 7:3). We do not therefore share the view held by some that Melchizedek was a "Christophany" (a pre-incarnate appearance of the Son of God). Rather he was made like the Son of God and is described in the above verse as:

"without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life". It is not that Melchizedek had no parents, but in contrast to the Levitical priesthood, where the divine record shows that pedigree was both essential and clearly stated, this man who is described as "priest of God Most High" is without ancestors or descendants as far as the record is concerned. Throughout the revelation he is always the priest, without predecessor or successor - he "abideth a priest continually", as a unique type of Christ.

Note that Meichizedek was made like the Son of God. As Son of Man he had a family, and a pedigree of the tribe of Judah which was not the priestly line (Heb. 7:14). But as Son of God He is without beginning or end.

The passage in Hebrews quotes this divine declaration on our theme: "the LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek" (Ps. 110:4). This is the divine appointment of the resurrected Christ, "a priest for ever", but not an eternal priest. He was neither such in heaven nor on earth, but became this in resurrection and ascension to glory. He is without beginning as Son of God; and although His priesthood had a beginning, it has no human pedigree. He inherited it from no man and He will never have to

relinquish it.

The Person and His work for us

Abraham's encounter with Melchizedek teaches us valuable lessons about the One who is the Great High Priest for the people of God today. Here are four of them:

1.King and Priest. Under the Old Testament law these offices were held by separate persons. Originally God was King and Aaron (a man) was priest. Later, God appointed a man as king, a separate man of a separate tribe and dynasty from the priestly line. But under the New Covenant these offices are combined in the one Supreme Person who alone is qualified for both. He was prefigured by Melchizedek described as king of Salem, priest of God Most High. He was also promised by Zechariah: "Behold, the Man whose name is the Branch... He shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon His throne; and He shall be a Priest upon His throne" (Zech. 6:12,13).

So if we are to enjoy the Lord's priestly work, we must as the people of God recognize Him as our King. He who refreshes is the One who rules; He who gives succour looks for subjection.

2.Righteousness and Peace. Melchizedek means "king of righteousness" (Heb. 7:2) and Salem means "peace"; so the one who uniquely prefigures our King-Priest is king of both righteousness and peace. Equity and peace, what beautiful characteristics of our Lord! "A sceptre of equity is the sceptre of Thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated wickedness" (Ps. 45:6,7) and "His Name shall be called Prince of Peace" (Is. 9:6). Only in Him do the following beautiful words have fulfilment, "righteousness and peace have kissed each other" (Ps. 85:10).

His future reign on earth will display these glorious qualities, but now as Priest for the people of God, He also rules over the kingdom of God, which He has designed to be a unique expression on earth of "righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Rom. 14:17).

3.Giver of Succour and Blessing. The weariness of battle and the temptation from the king of Sodom could have thrown Abraham off his course of faith. How timely then was the coming of Melchizedek with bread and wine to sustain his body and with the blessing of God Most High to sustain his spirit. We are reminded of the precious words concerning our own High Priest: "For in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succour them that are tempted" (Heb. 2:18). How thankful we are for the One who has complete knowledge of all our circumstances, who comes to us in our trials and difficulties, and encourages us to draw close to Him. Through His sacrifice and present service we are blessed "with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" (Eph. 1:3). Praise His Name!

4.Receiver of Offerings. Abraham's response to Melchizedek introduced the tithe into Scripture and an important principle in giving to God was established. In giving a tenth of all the spoil to Melchizedek, Abraham was thereby making an offering to the Most High God and thus completing for us the picture of our Great High Priest. The One who through His death has brought us untold blessing, is the One who comes with succour and lavishes mercy and grace "to help us in time of need" (Heb. 4:16). He gives to us richly and in return He is pleased to receive our offerings, be they in the form of worship, service or material substance. Then through His own lovely matchless Person they are made acceptable to His Father, God Most High.

It is then' through this marvellous two-way ministry for us, manward and Godward, that God both gives grace and gets glory.

The Need for the Better Order

Quite simply, the Old Testament system of the hereditary Aaronic priesthood was ineffectual. It could not complete the task of dealing with the problem of human sin, so it could not provide a satisfactory basis either for salvation or service. If it could, why change? The writer to the Hebrews in chapter 7 makes this point: "If perfection (completeness) could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood... why was there still need for another priest to come - one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron?" (v.11 NIV).

The problem was threefold. Firstly, because of human frailty the law which appointed the priesthood was flawed by "weakness and unprofitableness" (v.18) and it could not make man fit for God because it "made nothing perfect" (v.19). Secondly, the priests themselves were unfit. They had to observe a daily ritual of sacrifices as a temporary and partial solution for their own sin, before they could offer anything for the people (v.27). Thirdly, because of death a long succession of priests was required. Even the best were sinners, but sometimes men who were quite unsuited, even by human standards, were appointed, obviously not because of personal qualities, but because of a law of natural succession. For these and many other reasons there had to be a change.

God has made the great change and brought in "another priest like Melchizedek ... One who has become a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to His ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life" (vv 15,16 NIV). And what a difference He has made. His appointment is guaranteed to us by a divine oath which cannot be changed (v.21); He Himself is

the Guarantor of a better covenant (v.22); and He has secured for us a better hope by which we can confidently and gladly draw near to God (v.19).

Encouragement for All

One of the great anchors of our faith is Hebrews 7:25: "He is able to save to the uttermost (margin: completely) them that draw near unto God through Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them".

The context of this verse is the order of Melchizedek - the present priestly work of our Lord Jesus Christ. We use this powerful text in the gospel, and may we continue to see its dynamic effect in more and more lives, but let us remember that its primary application is to God's people. May we all be encouraged in our personal Christian lives and together in God's service, to draw close to God through Him. May we also be strong in the confidence of the complete ability and willingness of our Lord Jesus to save (both to rescue and to preserve) because He lives for ever and keeps on pleading our cause.

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool (Is. 1:18).

Sands, A. P. | Aug 1989
Christ In Type And Shadow