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 lay hold of the hope set before us:

whither as a forerunner Jesus entered for us, having become a high priest for ever 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 hath the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should arise after the order of Melchizedek, and not be reckoned after the order of Aaron?

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

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

For it is evident that our Lord hath sprung out of Judah; as to which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priests.

for it is witnessed of him, Thou art a priest for ever After the order of Melchizedek.

For there is a disannulling of a foregoing commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness

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

(for they indeed have been made priests without an oath; but he with an oath by him that saith of him, The Lord sware and will not repent himself, Thou art a priest for ever);

but he, because he abideth for ever, hath his priesthood unchangeable.

Wherefore also he is able to save to the uttermost them that draw near unto God through him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

For such a high priest became us, holy, guileless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;

who needeth not daily, like those high priests, to 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 appointeth men high priests, having infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was after the law, appointeth a Son, perfected for evermore.

For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is necessary that this high priest also have somewhat to offer.

who serve that which is a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, even as Moses is warned of God when he is about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern that was showed thee in the mount.

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