Study Desk

that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have a strong encouragement, who have fled for refuge to take hold of the hope set before us,

where as a forerunner Jesus entered for us, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of God Most High, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him,

for he was yet in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him.

Now if there was perfection through the Levitical priesthood (for under it have the people received the law), what further need was there for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, and not be called after the order of Aaron?

For the priesthood being changed, there is of necessity a change made also of the law.

For he of whom these things are said belongs to another tribe, from which no man has given attendance at the altar.

For it is evident that our Lord has sprung out of Judah, as to which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood.

for it is testified, "You are a priest forever, According to the order of Melchizedek."

For there is an annulling of a foregoing commandment because of its weakness and uselessness

(for the law made nothing perfect), and a bringing in thereupon of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.

for they indeed have been made priests without an oath; but he with an oath by him that says of him, "The Lord swore and will not change his mind, 'You are a priest forever, According to the order of Melchizedek'".

Therefore he is also able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, seeing he ever lives to make intercession for them.

For such a high priest was fitting for us: holy, guiltless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;

who doesn't need, like those high priests, to daily offer up sacrifices, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. For this he did once for all, when he offered up himself.

For the law appoints men high priests, having infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was after the law, appoints a Son, perfected forevermore.

For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. Therefore it is necessary that this high priest also have something to offer.

For if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, seeing there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law;

who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, even as Moses was warned by God when he was about to make the tent, for, "See," he said, "that you make all things according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain."

For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second.