7-30-07 Hebrews 7: 15-17

Hebrews 7: 15-17 (NAS)
And this is clearer still, if another priest arises according to the likeness of Melchizedek, who has become such not on the basis of a law of physical requirement, but according to the power of an indestructible life. For it is witnessed of Him, "THOU ART A PRIEST FOREVER ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK."

Hebrews 7: 15-17 (NRSV)
It is even more obvious when another priest arises, resembling Melchizedek, one who has become a priest, not through a legal requirement concerning physical descent, but through the power of an indestructible life. For it is attested of him, "You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek."

Hebrews 7: 15-17 (Philips)
How fundamental is this change becomes all the more apparent when we see this other priest appearing according to the Melchizedek pattern, and deriving his priesthood not by virtue of a command imposed from outside, but from the power of indestructible life within. For the witness to him, as we have seen, is: Thou are a priest for ever After the order of Melchizedek

A priest arose who was not of the priestly tribe; He, in fact, existed before that tribe had been established. Likewise, another has arisen not of Levi, the priestly tribe. It has become abundantly clear that the former was Melchizedek and the latter is Yeshua (Jesus), the Messiah. These two are of similar nature, resembling and corresponding to each other. Jesus Christ comes from Melchizedek's order of priesthood. Like Yeshua, Melchizedek is a priest of the Most High God and also a king of righteousness.

Neither of these priests came into existence through the fleshly, carnal nature of man. No merely human charge established them in their offices. Jesus and Melchizedek received their being through the strength and power of Almighty God. Neither was subject to destruction nor overthrow, for their lives are endless and everlasting. The life they possess has such vital power that death has no hold on them.

God's word bears witness, giving testimony, to Jesus and to His everlasting priesthood. Perpetually and incessantly He will be of this order. Adonai appointed and ordained Him for this office, from the beginning unto eternity. Jesus Christ, like Melchizedek, is a King and a Priest. He reigns in righteousness and ministers peace (shalom) to His followers.