Lesson 5: Christianity Has a Better High Priest: Jesus Christ (3:1-10:18)--Part 2



Christ has a legitimate/better priesthood.



(5:1-10:18)

Christ was appointed by God. (5:1-10)

WARNING: THOSE WHO ARE DULLED, OR FALL AWAY, OR



ARE SLUGGISH WILL NOT INHERIT THE PROMISES. (5:11-6:20a)

Christ’s priesthood has a precedent and is a superior type of priesthood. (6:20b-7:10)    Another priesthood was needed to provide a new/better covenant. (7:11-19) Christ’s priesthood is without end. (7:22-8:1) Christ’s priesthood included appropriate sacrifices. (8:2-10:18)   The first (now obsolete) covenant had ineffective, temporary purification rites. (8:2-9:22) Christ’s covenant has an effective, once-for-all purification rite. (9:23-10:18)

Lesson 5: Christianity Has a Better High Priest: Jesus Christ (3:1-10:18)--Part 2

(Heb 10:1 NKJV) For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come,

and

not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect.

(Heb 8:4-5 NKJV …priests who offer the gifts according to the law; who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things… (Heb 9:23 NKJV) Therefore

it was

necessary that the copies of the things in the heavens should be purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.

(Col 2:16-17 NKJV) So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.



What is the relationship between the things of Christ’s priesthood and the things of the Levitical priesthood? (Heb. 10:1, 8:4-5, 9:23; Col. 2:16-17)

Lesson 5: Christianity Has a Better High Priest: Jesus Christ (3:1-10:18)--Part 2

(Heb 6:1-2 NKJV) Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary

principles

of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

(Heb 9:9 NKJV) It (Heb 9:10 NKJV)

was

symbolic for the present time in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make him who performed the service perfect in regard to the conscience; reformation.

concerned

only with foods and drinks, various washings, and fleshly ordinances imposed until the time of (Col 2:16-17 NKJV) So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ 

What problem was the author trying to address by comparing the Levitical system with Christianity?

Jesus Christ Has a Legitimate/Better Priesthood (5:1-10:18)

Christ was appointed by God (5:1-10)

(Heb 5:4 NKJV) And no man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaron

was.

(Heb 5:5 NKJV) So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest,

but it

was He who said to Him: "You are My Son, Today I have begotten You." (Heb 5:6 NKJV) As

He

also

says

in another

place:

"You

are

a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek"; (Heb 5:10 NKJV) called by God as High Priest "according to the order of Melchizedek," 

In God’s priesthood, who determined who would serve as priests? (5:4-6, 10)

Jesus Christ Has a Legitimate/Better Priesthood (5:1-10:18)

- Cont’d

Christ was appointed by God (5:1-10)- Cont’d

(Heb 5:1 NKJV) For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men in things

pertaining

to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.

(Heb 5:2 NKJV) He can have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also subject to weakness.



Why has God determined that high priests should be selected from among men? (5:1-2)

Jesus Christ Has a Legitimate/Better Priesthood (5:1-10:18)

- Cont’d

Christ was appointed by God (5:1-10)- Cont’d

(Heb 5:7 NKJV) who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, (Heb 5:8 NKJV) though He was a Son,

yet

He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.

(Heb 5:9 NKJV) And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, 

What did Christ learn from His days in the “flesh”? (5:7-9)



What is the significance of Jesus’ pleadings? (5:7-8)



What was the result of His “learning”? (5:9)

Jesus Christ Has a Legitimate/Better Priesthood (5:1-10:18)

- Cont’d

WARNING: THOSE WHO ARE DULLED, OR FALL AWAY, OR ARE SLUGGISH WILL NOT INHERIT THE PROMISES. (5:11-6:20a)

(Heb 5:11 NKJV) of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.

(Heb 5:12-14 NKJV) ...you need

someone

to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food…. But solid food belongs to those … who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.



Why was the writer of Hebrews disappointed and upset with his audience? (5:12-14)



Why was their condition a hindrance to the author at that particular time? (5:11

)

Jesus Christ Has a Legitimate/Better Priesthood (5:1-10:18)

- Cont’d

WARNING: THOSE WHO ARE DULLED, OR FALL AWAY, OR ARE SLUGGISH WILL NOT INHERIT THE PROMISES. (5:11-6:20a)- Cont’d

(Heb 5:13 NKJV) For everyone who partakes

only

of milk

is

unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.

(Heb 5:14 NKJV) But solid food belongs to those who are of full age,

that is,

those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.



How is the ability to distinguish between good and evil developed? (5:13-14)

Jesus Christ Has a Legitimate/Better Priesthood (5:1-10:18)

- Cont’d

WARNING: THOSE WHO ARE DULLED, OR FALL AWAY, OR ARE SLUGGISH WILL NOT INHERIT THE PROMISES. (5:11-6:20a)- Cont’d

(Heb 6:1 NKJV) Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary

principles

of Christ, let us go on to perfection [ maturity, NASB] , not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, (Heb 6:2 NKJV) of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

(Heb 6:3 NKJV) And this we will do if God permits.



In what direction does the writer of Hebrews want to take his lecture to them? (6:1-3)

Jesus Christ Has a Legitimate/Better Priesthood (5:1-10:18)

- Cont’d

WARNING: THOSE WHO ARE DULLED, OR FALL AWAY, OR ARE SLUGGISH WILL NOT INHERIT THE PROMISES. (5:11-6:20a)- Cont’d

(Heb 6:4-5 NKJV) For

it is

impossible for those who were once enlightened ...

(Heb 6:6 NKJV) if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since [while, NASB footnote] they crucify [Greek present tense indicates something in progress, sjc] again for themselves the Son of God, and put

Him

to an open shame.

(Heb 6:7 NKJV) For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God; (Heb 6:8 NKJV) but if it bears thorns and briars,

it is

rejected and near to being cursed, whose end

is

to be burned.



Who is it that cannot come to repentance? (6:4-8)

Jesus Christ Has a Legitimate/Better Priesthood (5:1-10:18)

- Cont’d

WARNING: THOSE WHO ARE DULLED, OR FALL AWAY, OR ARE SLUGGISH WILL NOT INHERIT THE PROMISES. (5:11-6:20a)- Cont’d

(Heb 6:9 NKJV) But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner.

(Heb 6:10 NKJV) For God

in that is

not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.



What had those to whom this book is addressed done right? (6:9-10)



Will good living alone (the “social gospel” ) bring salvation?

Jesus Christ Has a Legitimate/Better Priesthood (5:1-10:18)

- Cont’d

WARNING: THOSE WHO ARE DULLED, OR FALL AWAY, OR ARE SLUGGISH WILL NOT INHERIT THE PROMISES. (5:11-6:20a)- Cont’d

(Heb 6:9 NKJV) But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner. ….

(Heb 6:11 NKJV) And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, (Heb 6:12 NKJV) that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises .



What did the recipients of this letter need to do better? (6:9-12)



How reliable are God’s promises? (6:13-18)

Jesus Christ Has a Legitimate/Better Priesthood (5:1-10:18)

- Cont’d

WARNING: THOSE WHO ARE DULLED, OR FALL AWAY, OR ARE SLUGGISH WILL NOT INHERIT THE PROMISES. (5:11-6:20a)- Cont’d

(Heb 6:11 NKJV) And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, (Heb 6:18 NKJV) that by two immutable things, in which it

is

impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before

us.

(Heb 6:19-20 NKJV) This

behind

of Melchizedek.

hope

we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us,

even

Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order 

What is the connection between refuge and hope? (6:18)



How is hope an anchor? (6:19-20)

Jesus Christ Has a Legitimate/Better Priesthood (5:1-10:18)

- Cont’d

WARNING: THOSE WHO ARE DULLED, OR FALL AWAY, OR ARE SLUGGISH WILL NOT INHERIT THE PROMISES. (5:11-6:20a)- Cont’d

(Eph 2:12 NKJV) that at that time you were without Christ, .. having no hope and without God in the world.

(Col 1:27 NKJV) … Christ in you, the hope of glory (1 Tim 1:1 NKJV) … the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope, (1 Pet 1:3 NKJV) … God … has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, (1 Pet 1:13 NKJV) … rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; (Titus 2:13 NKJV) looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, (1 Th 2:19 NKJV) For what is our hope…. Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?



What is our hope?

Jesus Christ Has a Legitimate/Better Priesthood (5:1-10:18)

- Cont’d

Christ’s priesthood has a precedent and is a superior type of priesthood (6:20b-7:10)

(Psa 110:4 NKJV) The LORD has sworn And will not relent, "You

are

a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek." (Heb 6:20 NKJV) … Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

(Heb 5:6 NKJV) As

He

also

says

in another

place:

"You

are

a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek"; (Heb 7:11 NKJV) Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood … what further need be called according to the order of Aaron?

was there

that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not 

What is the precedent for the type of priesthood Christ has? (6:20b; 5:6, 10; 7:11, 15, 17, 21)

Jesus Christ Has a Legitimate/Better Priesthood (5:1-10:18)

- Cont’d

Christ’s priesthood has a precedent and is a superior type of priesthood (6:20b-7:10)- Cont’d

(Heb 7:4 NKJV) Now consider how great this man the promises.

blessed by the better.

was,

to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils.

(Heb 7:6 NKJV) but he whose genealogy is not derived from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had (Heb 7:7 NKJV) Now beyond all contradiction the lesser is (Heb 7:9 NKJV) Even Levi, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, so to speak, (Heb 7:10 NKJV) for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him.



What indicated that Melchizedek’s priesthood was superior? (7:4-10)

Jesus Christ Has a Legitimate/Better Priesthood (5:1-10:18)

- Cont’d

Christ’s priesthood has a precedent and is a superior type of priesthood (6:20b-7:10)- Cont’d

(Heb 7:3 NKJV) without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually.



In what sense was Melchizedek without father or mother or genealogy? (7:3)

Jesus Christ Has a Legitimate/Better Priesthood (5:1-10:18)

- Cont’d

Another priesthood was needed to provide a new/better covenant (7:11-19)

(Heb 7:11 NKJV) Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need

was there

according to the order of Aaron?

that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called (Heb 7:12 NKJV) For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law.



Which came first, a law or a priesthood? (7:11-12)



Should the Jews have been expecting a new law? (Jer. 31:31-33)



Should the Jews have been expecting a new priesthood? (Ps. 110:1-4)

Jesus Christ Has a Legitimate/Better Priesthood (5:1-10:18)

- Cont’d

Another priesthood was needed to provide a new/better covenant (7:11-19)- Cont’d

(Heb 7:11 NKJV) Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need

was there

that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not …Aaron?

(Heb 8:7 NKJV) For if that first

covenant

had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second.

(Heb 7:18-19 NKJV) For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness, 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.



Why did the covenant/law need to be changed? (7:11, 8:7, 7:18-19; Rom. 8:3; Jam. 2:10; Gal. 3:10, 2:16, 3:21; Rom. 3:20)

Jesus Christ Has a Legitimate/Better Priesthood (5:1-10:18)

- Cont’d

Christ’s priesthood is without end (7:20-8:1)

(Heb 7:23 NKJV) Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing.

(Heb 7:24 NKJV) But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood.

(Heb 7:16 NKJV) who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life .



Why did there have to be so many priests under the Levitical priesthood? (7:23)



Why does Christ’s priesthood not need additional priests? (7:24, 16)

Jesus Christ Has a Legitimate/Better Priesthood (5:1-10:18)

- Cont’d

Christ’s priesthood is without end (7:20-8:1)--Cont’d

(Heb 7:20 NKJV) And inasmuch as

He was

not

made priest

without an oath (Heb 7:21 NKJV) (for they have become priests without an oath, but He with an oath by Him who said to Him: "The LORD has sworn And will not relent, 'You

are

a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek'"), 

What kind of confidence can we have in the endurance of Christ’s priesthood? (7:20-21)

Jesus Christ Has a Legitimate/Better Priesthood (5:1-10:18)

- Cont’d

Christ’s priesthood is without end (7:20-8:1)--Cont’d

 (Heb 8:1 NKJV) Now

this is

the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, (Heb 7:25 NKJV) Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those

who come to God through Him

, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

(Heb 7:19 NKJV) 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

.

(Heb 9:8 NKJV) … the way into the Holiest of All was not yet made manifest while the first tabernacle was still standing .



How does the author of Hebrews summarize the main points he has been making? (8:1) Why is that so important? (7: 25 , 19; 9:8)

Jesus Christ Has a Legitimate/Better Priesthood (5:1-10:18)

- Cont’d

Christ’s priesthood included appropriate sacrifices (8:2-10:18)

(Heb 8:3 NKJV) For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. Therefore

it is

necessary that this One also have something to offer.

(Heb 8:4 NKJV) For if He were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law; 

What is one essential duty of a priest? (8:3, 4)

Jesus Christ Has a Legitimate/Better Priesthood (5:1-10:18)

- Cont’d

Christ’s priesthood included appropriate sacrifices (8:2-10:18)- Cont’d

(Heb 9:1 NKJV) Then indeed, even the first

covenant

had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary.

(Heb 9:7 NKJV) But into the second part the high priest

went

alone once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and

for

the people's sins

committed

in ignorance; (Heb 9:21 NKJV) Then likewise he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry.

(Heb 9:22 NKJV) And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.



What was one important function of sacrifices under the Law of Moses? (9:1, 7, 21-22)

Jesus Christ Has a Legitimate/Better Priesthood (5:1-10:18)

- Cont’d

Christ’s priesthood included appropriate sacrifices (8:2-10:18)- Cont’d

(Heb 9:18 NKJV) Therefore not even the first

covenant

was dedicated without blood.

(Heb 9:21 NKJV) Then likewise he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry.



What was another purpose of the blood sacrifices? (9:18-22)

 Compare:  (Exo 24:8 NKJV) And Moses took the blood, sprinkled which the LORD has made with you …."

it

on the people, and said, "This is the blood of the covenant  (Mat 26:28 NKJV) "For this is My blood of the new cove nant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins .

Jesus Christ Has a Legitimate/Better Priesthood (5:1-10:18)

- Cont’d



Christ’s priesthood included appropriate sacrifices (8:2-10:18)- Cont’d

(Heb 9:9 NKJV) It things to come,

and was

symbolic for the present time in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make him who performed the service perfect in regard to the conscience; (Heb 10:1 NKJV) For the law, having a shadow of the good not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifice ... make those who approach perfect.

(Heb 10:4 NKJV) For

it is

not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.

(Heb 10:8 NKJV) Previously saying, "Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and

offerings

for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure

in them"

(which are offered according to the law), (Heb 10:11 NKJV) And every priest … offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.

Did the blood offerings of the Law of Moses take away the guilt of sin? (9:9; 10:1, 4, 8, 11)

Jesus Christ Has a Legitimate/Better Priesthood (5:1-10:18)

- Cont’d

Christ’s priesthood included appropriate sacrifices (8:2-10:18)- Cont’d

(Heb 9:12 NKJV) … with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.

(Heb 9:14 NKJV) … the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

(Heb 7:27 NKJV) ... He offered up Himself.

(Eph 5:2 NKJV) … Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling aroma.

(Rev 1:5 NKJV) … To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, 

What sacrifice did Christ offer? (9:12, 14; 7:27; Eph. 5:2; Rev. 1:5)

Jesus Christ Has a Legitimate/Better Priesthood (5:1-10:18)

- Cont’d

Christ’s priesthood included appropriate sacrifices (8:2-10:18)- Cont’d

(Heb 9:14 NKJV) how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

(Heb 1:3 NKJV) who being the brightness of

His

glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,  (1 John 1:7 NKJV) But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Was Christ’s sacrifice effective? (9:12, 14; 10:12; 1:3; I Pet. 1:18-19; I John 1:7; Rev. 1:5)

Jesus Christ Has a Legitimate/Better Priesthood (5:1-10:18)

- Cont’d

Christ’s priesthood included appropriate sacrifices (8:2-10:18)- Cont’d

(Heb 10:1-2 NKJV) For the law … can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins.

(Heb 9:12 NKJV)…with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.

(Heb 10:12 NKJV) But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God,  (Heb 10:18 NKJV) Now where there is remission of these,

there is

no longer an offering for sin.

What is one way we know that Christ’s sacrifice was effective? (1:3; 9:12, 26; 10:1-2, 12, 14, 18)