For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
He is testified to be a true high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. That order of priesthood is permanent, and it does not pass to another priesthood nor is superseded by another. The earthly high priest was designed in an especial manner to represent Christ who was to become such a high priest.
The men who held the high-priestly office at Christ's first advent were corrupt and not divinely appointed. By contrast He is a priest appointed by God forever in that order, which Caiaphas was not. Caiaphas obtained his office through an unbelieving government, where it could be bought and sold, and he used its power to oppress rather than to obey God.
Having voluntarily humbled Himself, He suffered crucifixion, burial, and death as both priest and sacrificial victim. He was raised from the grave in triumph over death, having given Himself for the world, and He continues as priest forever.
His death finished His work as sacrifice and opened the way to God, and His ascension began His heavenly ministry as priest. He ascended and remains at God's right hand. Through Him people can approach God without sacrificial offerings and without earthly and human priests.
He is testified to be a true high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. That order of priesthood is permanent, and it does not pass to another priesthood nor is superseded by another. The earthly high priest was designed in an especial manner to represent Christ who was to become such a high priest.
The men who held the high-priestly office at Christ's first advent were corrupt and not divinely appointed. By contrast He is a priest appointed by God forever in that order, which Caiaphas was not. Caiaphas obtained his office through an unbelieving government, where it could be bought and sold, and he used its power to oppress rather than to obey God.
Having voluntarily humbled Himself, He suffered crucifixion, burial, and death as both priest and sacrificial victim. He was raised from the grave in triumph over death, having given Himself for the world, and He continues as priest forever.
His death finished His work as sacrifice and opened the way to God, and His ascension began His heavenly ministry as priest. He ascended and remains at God's right hand. Through Him people can approach God without sacrificial offerings and without earthly and human priests.