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Hebrews 7:11-19
The author of Hebrews states in Hebrews 7:11 (NKJV), “…if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood…” and in so brings to light the fact that the Law, which was established under the Levitical priesthood, does not bring perfection. Romans 3:20 (ESV) states, “For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.” In that the Law brought about the knowledge of sin, and the Law being brought about through man (the Levitical priesthood), the necessity for salvation in a greater priesthood was necessary (Hebrews 7:12).
Jesus came through the tribe of Judah, not the priestly tribe of Levi (Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-38; Hebrews 7:14) and was of the everlasting priesthood of Melchizedek (Hebrews 5:9-10), also being prophesied of in Psalm 110:4. The Law brought about the knowledge of sin to make man aware of his imperfections (sin), and to show man the need for something greater than himself to bring righteousness in the eyes of God. Hebrews 7:19 (NKJV) states, “for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.” The Law was instituted to point man to God – to point man to the need for forgiveness in and through a perfect law of God that is only found in the everlasting priesthood of Jesus, whom God sent to save the world from sin (John 3:16-17; Hebrews 7:18-19).
This is an example of the weakness of the Law and the perfection of salvation in Christ Jesus.
As Satan disobeyed God and thus committed sin, which by definition is, disobedience to God, and then corrupted man through sin which reigns through Adam and Eve to all man (Genesis 3), the way of salvation in righteousness is broken and rendered impossible for man because of man’s own sinfulness. God gave the Law to show man his sin and impossibility to follow the Law; (the requirement for righteousness in the Law is to follow all the Law – not just part of the Law – but all the Law). In this, the Law is not sufficient for man to gain righteousness because of man’s inability to follow all the Law, that is why righteousness was granted to Abraham through believing in God – through his faith in God. Salvation requires a heartfelt change, which is true repentance, and that is believing in God, just as Abraham was declared righteous by God, we too find righteousness by believing – in the greater way in which God has provided to save us from sin – by believing in Jesus, who is of the everlasting perfect priesthood of Melchizedek, the “king of righteousness” and the “king of peace” (Hebrews 7:2 (NKJV).
Dear LORD,
You have shown us that we cannot save ourselves as we are imperfect and sinful rendering us unable to cleanse ourselves from that which we are bound to through the sinful nature that we have inherited from Adam and Eve when they fell to sin and corrupted their hearts. But You have also shown us the way to a forgiven heart that may be cleansed pure in the righteousness of Christ Jesus, who is of the everlasting priesthood of Melchizedek, the king of righteousness and the king of peace (Hebrews 7:2). Please speak to our hearts and draw us near to You – that we would bring in a better hope through repentance and asking Jesus into our hearts to forgive us of our sins – for all eternity – in Christ. In Jesus name I pray, amen.