Study Desk

So if perfection had in fact been possible through the Levitical priesthood—for on that basis the people received the law—what further need would there have been for another priest to arise, said to be in the order of Melchizedek and not in Aaron's order?

For when the priesthood changes, a change in the law must come as well.

For it is clear that our Lord is descended from Judah, yet Moses said nothing about priests in connection with that tribe.

For here is the testimony about him: " You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek ."

for the law made nothing perfect. On the other hand a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.

And since this was not done without a sworn affirmation—for the others have become priests without a sworn affirmation,

So he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

For it is indeed fitting for us to have such a high priest: holy, innocent, undefiled, separate from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.

He has no need to do every day what those priests do, to offer sacrifices first for their own sins and then for the sins of the people, since he did this in offering himself once for all.

For the law appoints as high priests men subject to weakness, but the word of solemn affirmation that came after the law appoints a son made perfect forever.

For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. So this one too had to have something to offer.

The place where they serve is a sketch and shadow of the heavenly sanctuary, just as Moses was warned by God as he was about to complete the tabernacle. For he says, " See that you make everything according to the design shown to you on the mountain ."

For if that first covenant had been faultless, no one would have looked for a second one.

" It will not be like the covenant that I made with their fathers , on the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt , because they did not continue in my covenant and I had no regard for them , says the Lord .

" For this is the covenant that I will establish with the house of Israel after those days , says the Lord . I will put my laws in their minds and I will inscribe them on their hearts . And I will be their God and they will be my people .

" And there will be no need at all for each one to teach his countryman or each one to teach his brother saying , ‘ Know the Lord ,' since they will all know me , from the least to the greatest .

" For I will be merciful toward their evil deeds , and their sins I will remember no longer ."

Now the first covenant, in fact, had regulations for worship and its earthly sanctuary.

For a tent was prepared, the outer one, which contained the lampstand, the table, and the presentation of the loaves; this is called the holy place.

But only the high priest enters once a year into the inner tent, and not without blood that he offers for himself and for the sins of the people committed in ignorance.