1523. Christ, the King-Priest

Christ, the King-Priest

"Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec" (Heb_5:6).

1. Chapters 5 and 7, give us the fundamental statements concerning Jesus Christ and the Melchisedec priesthood. Melchisedec is without any revealed lineage, father or mother; and without any recorded death; therefore, he speaks of the eternity of Christ's priesthood.

Melchisedec combined the office of king with that of priest. This anticipated the ministry of the Lord Jesus, not only as High Priest at the right hand of God, but as King-Priest on the Davidic throne.

(1) A joint office, King-Priest. When the Lord Jesus comes riding upon the white horse, He has a name "King of kings, and Lord of lords" (Rev_19:16). This name suggests the fulfillment of the Melchisedec type. As King of kings, He wears the crown of civil authority; as Lord of lords, He wears the crown of spiritual authority. He is to reign as King, and He is to rule as Priest.

(2) King of Salem, which is, King of Peace. Jesus Christ is to be King of Jerusalem, the City of Peace; He is also to be King over the whole world, and His name will be "The Prince of Peace" (Isa_9:6).

(3) A King-Priest receiving tithes. Abraham (and Levi in Abraham) paid tithes unto Melchisedec. This incident is used in Hebrews, as a type of Melchisedec's superiority, as priest of the Most High God, to the Aaronic priesthood. In this, Melchisedec again types Christ, who has a priesthood superior to Aaron and the Levitical priesthood (see Heb_7:14-16).

2. Jesus Christ, as King-Priest, is able to save to the completion. The Melchisedec priesthood type assures us that Jesus Christ continueth for ever, having an unchangeable priesthood. He does not act as Priest to-day, only to be supplanted by another priest to-morrow; He ever liveth to make intercession for us (see Heb_7:25).

"Wherefore (because of His unchangeable priesthood) He is able to save to the completion, them that come unto God by Him (see Heb_7:25).

The word "completion" carries with it the final reaches of salvation. It includes the "salvation" which is to be brought unto us at the appearing of Christ (see Heb_9:28).

Jesus Christ, a Priest after the order of Melchisedec, says unto us: "Because I live, ye shall live also" (Joh_14:19). Again He says, "I will come again, and receive you unto Myself" (Joh_14:3).

The Lord hath sworn, "Thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec" (Heb_5:6). As such, He will surely save to the uttermost, and will bring us into His glorious reign of peace.

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR