“And it is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek, there arises another priest who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life. For He testifies: ‘You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.’ For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness, for the Law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God” (Hebrews 7:15-19).
A significant reason why Jesus’ High Priesthood is superior to the Old Testament’s Aaronic High Priesthood is its forever-ness.
It is true, in one sense of the word, the Aaronic High Priesthood was “forever” (i.e., it was authorized by God from the first day of the Law of Moses until its final day). However, the person serving as High Priest was not forever (i.e., Aaron died, his son and successor Abiather died, etc.). Therefore, the Old Testament’s office of the High Priest was “forever” (i.e., as long as the old covenant lasted—from Mount Sinai to Mount Calvary). The person serving as High Priest was never forever; this changed during these 1,500 years.
Not so with the Forever High Priest.
Like the Aaronic High Priesthood, His office is forever in the sense that it will last from the first day to the last of His reign as King. But it is also “forever” in the sense that He is and will be the only one serving in this capacity. He will continuously serve because of His endless life. As the resurrected and exalted Christ, death is no threat to Him. He always lives to make intercession (Hebrews 7:25).
Aaron’s High Priesthood was perpetually stymied by human flaws and by men who were of less than stellar character. Not so with our Forever High Priest. His death at Calvary forever annulled the Old Testament’s commandments. His resurrection brought in a better hope and provides perfect and intimate access to God. FOREVER.
