Genesis: Abraham, Covenant, and Promise

Messiah's Divine Rights-Part 8

Transcript: AI Transcript

Professor: John Weaver

Subject: Old Testament Studies

Genre: Sermon

Dictation Name:

Date: 2005-03-20

Synopsis: In this sermon, John Weaver examines Psalm 110:4, focusing on the declaration that Christ is a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. He reviews the identity of Melchizedek, arguing from Hebrews 7 that Melchizedek was a real man, a type of Christ, and not a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. Weaver explains that the mysterious phrases about Melchizedek (without father, without mother, etc.) refer to his priesthood, not his person, highlighting that Christ's priesthood is superior, eternal, and sufficient. Applications emphasize Christ as our only needed high priest, the boldness this gives believers, and the assurance of salvation because Christ, as our forerunner, has entered the heavenly sanctuary on our behalf.

[John Weaver] Psalm 110 verse 1, the Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion, rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, and the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning thou hast to do of thy youth. The Lord hath sworn and will not repent, thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings on the day of his wrath.

[John Weaver] He shall judge among the heathen. He shall fill the places with the dead bodies. He shall wound the heads over many countries. He shall drink of the brook in the way, therefore shall he lift up the head." Psalm 110, and we have gotten down to verse 4, the Lord has sworn and will not repent of our priests forever after the order of Melchizedek.

[John Weaver] Now very quickly, let me just take a few moments in review. In this psalm, of course, we've looked at verse one where our Lord has the right to royal honor. In verse two, where our Lord has the right to rule the heathen. And then verse three, he has a right to reverend homage. And then in the latter part of verse three, I pointed out the fact that since he is not only king, but a priest, therefore he Produces and sires warrior priest and I dealt with that as a transition from the verse 3 to verse 4 because the first three verses basically deals with this kingship. Verse 4 then with this priesthood now. I told you last week that his priesthood basically consisted of two parts. First of all, his satisfaction that is his actual sacrifice. And that satisfaction involved two parts.

[John Weaver] There was this active and passive obedience. His active obedience is where he kept the law of God perfectly. John 8, verse 29, where he said, I do always those things which please the Father. So he was the only one who ever obeyed the law of God personally, perfectly and perpetually. And then there is his passive obedience where the wrath and the justice of God was poured upon him.

[John Weaver] And he suffered in our stead. So that is his satisfaction.

[John Weaver] He calls them for our acquittal. He is always there interceding for us.

[John Weaver] Now, today I'm going to try to deal with what everyone has a question about in verse 4. The Lord has sworn and will not repent. Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. Now, everyone wonders about the statement that Christ was made a priest after the order of Melchizedek. So the question automatically arises, who was Melchizedek? And why is everything about Melchizedek basically clothed in mystery? Now, there have been numerous suggestions, some absolutely heretical, in trying to identify Melchizedek. Some of the old heretics tried to say that Melchizedek was none other than the Holy Ghost. Some say that Melchizedek was an angel. Others teach that Melchizedek was Shem, the son of Noah. And still others would say that he was Ham, or Job, or Enoch, or some Canaanite priest that was miraculously and extraordinarily raised up by God to be a priest of the Gentiles. And some have said that Melchizedek was Christ himself.

[John Weaver] who manifested himself by special dispensation during the time of Abraham in the flesh. And of course, they would take then John 8 in verse 56 where Christ said, Abraham rejoiced to see my day and was glad. Of course, that verse can be interpreted just simply means that Abraham saw Christ by faith. And I believe that's exactly what it means. I believe one of the most logical explanations as to who Melchizedek was has been given by John Brown of Edinburgh, Scotland, who died in 1858. Here is what John Brown said, quote, the most probable opinion is that he was one of the descendants of Japheth who possessed the supreme authority over a small tribe of which Salem was the chief town among whom the true primitive religion was preserved and who was invested with priestly as well as regal office." So he just says that probably he was a descendant of Japheth, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Now, the importance of Melchizedek may be seen in the fact that Christ is said to be a priest after the order of Melchizedek.

[John Weaver] The interesting thing is this. Christ is said to be a priest after the order of Melchizedek one time in the Old Testament. And then he is said to be a priest after the order of Melchizedek seven times in the New Testament. So eight times, specifically, God mentions the fact that Christ is a priest after the order of Melchizedek. I usually like to ask this question. How many times does God have to say something to make it true?

[John Weaver] And the answer is only once. So if God says something eight particular times, it means, therefore, that it is exceedingly important. And of course, you know that the number eight signifies always a new beginning. If you would hold Psalm 110 and look in your Bibles to the book of Hebrews, In fact, we'll look there several times, so mark that book if you would. The book of Hebrews, chapter 8, and let's look in verse 6, showing you that indeed the priesthood of Christ does mark a new beginning. In the book of Hebrews, chapter 8 and verse 6, we read this. Hebrews 8, verse 6. But now hath he, Christ, obtained a more excellent ministry by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant which was established upon better promises. So we have a new beginning, we have the new covenant. Look in chapter 9 and verse 15. And for this cause he, that is Christ, is the mediator of the New Testament, or the new covenant, that by means of death for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, or covenant, They which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

[John Weaver] So over and over in the book of Hebrews and Christ is spoken of as being the mediator of the new covenant. Now, if you will go back in your Bible to Genesis chapter 14, you're going to find the stage being set for the appearance of Melchizedek. You remember how Lot. And a number of other people were taken captive. Abram finds out that his nephew has been taken captive. And so he arms his trained men and he goes to recover Lot and those individuals who were taken captive. So look in Genesis chapter 14 verse 17. Genesis 14 verse 17.

[John Weaver] And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Shadrollahomer. and of the kings that were with him in the valley of Sheba, which is the king's dale. And Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought forth bread and wine, and he was the priest of the Most High God. And he blessed him and said, Blessed be Abram of the Most High God, possessor of heaven and earth. And he blessed the Most High God, who had delivered thine enemies into thine hand, and he gave him tithes of all. And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods thyself. And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lifted up mine hand unto the Lord, the Most High God, the Possessor of heaven and earth, that I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatching, and that I will not take anything that is thine, lest thou shouldst say, I have made Abram rich. Save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre, let them take their portion."

[John Weaver] Now, Abraham returns triumphantly. with Lot and all the people that have been captured. It is at this point that the king of Sodom and Melchizedek go out to meet Abram. And by the way, this is the first and the last time you meet Melchizedek in the Old Testament. The only other time he is mentioned is in Psalm 110 in verse 4 where God says concerning Christ that he was a priest after the order of Melchizedek. So, here's the first and only time that he's mentioned in the Old Testament.

[John Weaver] Now, let me lay out at least five things very quickly for you. First of all, let me point out that Melchizedek was a man. Now, the Bible says that Melchizedek went out to meet Abram. And how can I say that he was a man? Well, there are a number of other passages, but hold Genesis 14, but look in your Bibles to the book of Hebrews, chapter 5, And notice if you would particularly verse 1 and then verse 4 Hebrews chapter 5. Notice if you would what is said concerning the priesthood. Hebrews chapter 5 verse 1 for every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sin. How do we know that Melchizedek was a man? Because he was a priest. And every priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God. And then look in verse 4. And no man taketh his honor unto himself, but he that is called of God as was Aaron.

[John Weaver] So I'm going to point out the fact that every priest basically was taken from man in order that he might offer sacrifices unto God. So first and foremost, Melchizedek was a man. Secondly, if you go back in your Bibles to Genesis 14 and verse 18, the Bible explicitly tells us that Melchizedek was a priest of the Most High God. The Bible says that Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought forth bread and wine, and he was the priest of the Most High God. Now, I want you to know, thirdly, that Melchizedek as a man and as a priest of the Most High God did exactly that which priests were ordained to do. Look in verse 19. And he, that is Melchizedek, blessed him, that is Abram, and said, Blessed be Abram of the Most High God, possessor of heaven and earth. So what in the world do priests do? Priests not only offer sacrifices, but they also give blessings. And here he is blessing Abram. Then I want you to note the generosity of Melchizedek. The Bible says in verse 18, and Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought forth bread and wine.

[John Weaver] Now. You say, how does that indicate his generosity? Well, look in chapter 14 in verse. Let's go to verse 13, Genesis 14, verse 13, and there came one that escaped and told Abram the Hebrew. For he dwelt in the plain of Mamre, the Amorite, brother of Eschol, and brother of Aner. And these were confederate with Abram. And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan." So Abram then had 318 trained, fighting men that had been born in his own house. That doesn't count, maybe some that were not born in his own house. So now if he is going to bring forth bread and wine to feed these hungry, weary warriors, and by the way, the 318 does not count the men who were with Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre in verse 24. And the Bible tells you that they were confederate with Abram in verse 13. So there may have been seven or eight hundred warriors.

[John Weaver] And here comes Melchizedek with bread and wine. Now, anyone who knows anything about the New Testament would automatically think of communion. You would think of a spiritual act and you would think of a spiritual feast. But here he is, a man who is a priest, who blesses Abram, demonstrates his generosity in giving bread and wine to those who were with Abram. And then if you look in verse 20, he also received tithes from Abram. And he blessed the Most High God, who had delivered thine enemies into thine hand, watch, and he, that is Abram, gave him Melchizedek tithes of all. So Abram then paid tithes to Melchizedek. Now, when tithes are given and tithes are received, it is indeed evident of a divine priesthood. Now, this significance is not lost upon the writers of the New Testament because the very fact that Abram paid tithes to Melchizedek indicates that here was a greater priest and a greater priesthood than that of Levi.

[John Weaver] You say, well, how can you say that? Well, look in your Bibles, if you would, the Hebrews chapter 7. Hebrews chapter 7. And let's begin reading there with verse 1. Hebrews 7 and verse 1. Watch carefully. Hebrews 7, verse 1. Let's begin reading there. Hebrews 7, verse 1. For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, Priest of the Most High God who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him. To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all. First being by interpretation King of Righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is King of Peace, without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like unto the Son of God, abided the priest continually.

[John Weaver] Now consider how great this man was. Now watch. Now consider how great this man was, on whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils. And verily they that are the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham. But he whose descent is not pounded from them, that is Melchizedek, received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises. And where there are all contradictions, the less is blessed of the better. And here men that die receive tithes, but there he received them of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. And as I may so say, Levi also, who received tithes, paid tithes in Abraham. for he was yet in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him. If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, for under it the people received the law, what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchizedek and not be called after the order of Aaron?"

[John Weaver] Now, this whole passage is pointing out the fact that Melchizedek received tithes from Abraham. Levi was yet in the loins of Abraham. And so the scripture is saying in that sense of the word, even Levi paid tithes and recognized the greater priesthood of Melchizedek. So it's very obvious then that the very fact that Abram paid tithes to Melchizedek had a great significance and the apostle is certainly outlining that here.

[John Weaver] Now, here's the point I wish to make. Here's the point that we're to learn. The lesson to be learned from Genesis chapter 14 is that there has always been a priesthood prior to and superior to that of Aaron and Levi even though they sprung from the loins of Abraham. Let me say that again. There has always been a priesthood prior to and superior to that of Aaron and Levi, even though they sprung from the loins of Abraham. The superior priesthood is where the priest was both king and priest. Christ would never ever be made a priest after the order of an inferior priesthood, one that was merely symbolical and emblematical and a shadow of the real thing, which the Levitical priesthood was.

[John Weaver] Now, the Bible specifically tells us that Melchizedek was king of Salem. Genesis 14 in verse 18. He was the king of Salem. Where in the world is Salem? What is Salem? Well, look in your Bibles to Psalm 76. Psalm 76. And let's read verses one and two. Psalm 76. Verses one and two. Look at what the Bible says. Psalm 76 verse 1. In Judah is God known.

[John Weaver] His name is great in Israel. In Salem also is his tabernacle and his dwelling place in Zion. So what is Salem? It is short for Jerusalem. In Salem also is his tabernacle. So the tabernacle then was in Jerusalem. So here he is counted as King of Salem or King of Jerusalem. And the word Salem means peace. So he is King of Salem, King of Jerusalem, or King of Peace. Now, the word Melchizedek is also made up of another Hebrew word, Melchizedek, which is the Hebrew word of righteousness or for righteousness. So the very name Melchizedek literally means My Righteous King or the King of Righteousness. Now the Bible tells you in Hebrews 7 and verses 1 and 2, look there again, For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all, first being by interpretation the King of Righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is King of Peace."

[John Weaver] Now, let me just point out the fact that Mount Pisadek, in his person, was a representative type of Jesus Christ. For Jesus Christ alone is the true King of Peace and the true King of Righteousness. In all probability, Melchizedek received his name from the pure and righteous administration of his government, which exemplified one of the attributes of our Lord, which character is essential in our Lord. If I were to take the time today, I could go all through the Bible and show you where he is called the branch, the righteous branch, the righteous one. He is the king of peace.

[John Weaver] Isaiah 9, 6 and many, many other passages. Thus, we have here Melchizedek, who then is a type and a representative of Jesus Christ.

[John Weaver] Now, I hope you're putting together this one thought so far. That Melchizedek is a man and only a man, although he is a type of and a representative of Jesus Christ.

[John Weaver] Now, I'm going to be showing you that there are other scriptures that teach undeniably that Melchizedek was merely a man. Yet, there are other scriptures that most certainly have to be explained in light of this. For instance, let's look in our Bibles to the book of Hebrews 7 and verse 15. Here are the ones, first of all, that demonstrate that Melchizedek was just merely a man. Notice Hebrews 7 and verse 15. He says, and it is yet far more evident for that after the similitude of Melchizedek, there arises another priest, he's talking about Christ, who is made not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of the endless life. Now, watch verse 15 carefully, and it is yet far more evident for that after The similitude of Melchizedek, there ariseth another priest. First, I want you to look at the word similitude. The Greek word is hominates, which literally is translated as likeness or similitude. What is a similitude?

[John Weaver] A similitude means that something is like something else, but it's not the same thing. So the Bible says very plainly then that there arises another priest after the similitude of Melchizedek. So here is Melchizedek and here's Christ. And Melchizedek was a similitude and Christ is like him in certain ways and he is like Christ in certain ways, but they're not one in the same.

[John Weaver] Now look in verse 15 again. He says, and it is yet far more evident for that after the similitude of Melchizedek there ariseth another priest. Now the second obvious point in this verse is the word another. A-N-O-T-H-E-R, another.

[John Weaver] Now, you and I have a great disadvantage In our English language, I could give Gene a billfold, and he could say, well, I don't want to take your billfold, and I could respond, well, I have another one just like it at home. Go ahead. Now, when I say I have another one, or I have another one at home, it means basically I've got one just like it at home. I don't need two of them, so I'm giving him one of them. In the Greek language, you have two distinct words for another.

[John Weaver] And they mean totally different things. The first word is alos. A-L-L-O-S. Alos. That word, when you see it, means another of the same kind. So if I gave him my billfold, And he said, I don't want to take your billfold. And I say, but I have a loss back at home. I just told him I've got another one just like it back at home. But the word heteros, which is also translated another in the Bible, means another of a different kind.

[John Weaver] That's why we talk about a heterosexual marriage, marriage between a man and a woman. We may be alike in some ways, but we're certainly unalike in a multitude of other ways. Look carefully now. The Bible says in verse 15, and yet it is far more evident for that after the similitude, after the likeness of Melchizedek, there ariseth a heteros, a different kind of priest, a priest of a different kind. In other words, Christ is not like Levi. in some ways, and he's not like Melchizedek in some ways as well. The Bible teaches that another priest has risen, even Jesus Christ, the son of David, of the tribe of Judah, which was totally different from the Aaronic priesthood, which was of the tribe of Levi. Hence, we learn, not only is Christ not a priest after the order of Levi, He is a priest after the order of Melchizedek, but they are not one and the same persons. He is another of a different kind, and there was a similitude, there was a likeness, but they are not one and the same thing.

[John Weaver] So the Bible is teaching us, I believe very clearly here, that the order and the similitude of Melchizedek implies very clearly there are some things like him, and there is a resemblance between them, But they are totally different individuals. Thirdly. Just trying to show you that in verse 15 that Jesus Christ and Melchizedek are two totally different people. Thirdly, the context demands that we differentiate not only between the Levitical priesthood and the priesthood of Christ, but also it demands that we differentiate between Christ and Melchizedek. Why? Look in verse 11. If, therefore, perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, it was not. If, therefore, perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, for under it the people receive the law, what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchizedek and not be called after the order of Aaron?

[John Weaver] In other words, here's the argument of the apostle. If the Levitical priesthood was perfect, if it could do what needed to be done, why change What's our old adage? If it's not broke, don't fix it. But what he's pointing out is that perfection could never, ever be under the Levitical priesthood. Why could it not be under the Levitical priesthood? Well, look at Hebrews 8, beginning there with verses 9 and 10. Hebrews 8, verse 9.

[John Weaver] Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt. because they continue not in my covenant and I regarded them I said the Lord for this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days said the Lord I will put my laws into their mind and write them in their hearts and I will be to them a God and they shall be to me a people God says here is a new covenant and this new covenant is not going to be written in stone it's going to be written in our hearts it's going to be written in our minds look in chapter 10 Look in Chapter 10, beginning there in verse 1.

[John Weaver] For the law, now note these phrases, they're very important. For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never, with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually, make the comers therein too perfect. No man was ever saved by those bulls and goats that were sacrificed. They could not make the comers therein too perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered, because that the worshippers, once purged, should have no more conscience of sins. Now watch. But in those sacrifices, there is a remembrance made of sins every year.

[John Weaver] Now, what is his argument? Very obviously, the argument is this. Everything was tied in shadow. You came with a bull or a goat to offer sacrifice. Guess what? You had to do it again the next year. You had to do it the year after that and the year after that. Why? Because it was not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sin. Everything there was a type and shadow.

[John Weaver] Perfection was not under the Levitical priesthood. So there must necessarily then be a change in that priesthood. Go back, if you would please, to Hebrews chapter 7. Hebrews chapter 7 and notice verse 16. Jesus Christ, then, was made a priest not after the order of Levi, but after the order of Melchizedek, the Bible says in verse 16, who is made not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. Look in verse 24 and 25. But this man, talking about Christ, Because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood, wherefore he is able to save them to the uttermost, that come unto God by him. Why? Seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. Now, look down in verse 27.

[John Weaver] Christ needs not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice first for his own sins and then for the people's. For this he did once when he offered up himself. Now watch. For the law maketh men high priests which have an infirmity, but the word of the oath which was since the law maketh the son who is consecrated forevermore. So we have been perfection in Jesus Christ.

[John Weaver] Now let me ask you this question. Where is Melchizedek? And the answer is he is dead. Only Christ is the eternal Son of God. Now, I've showed you passage after passage where Melchizedek is a man. He does have a similitude to Christ. He is a representative of Christ.

[John Weaver] Now, you're going to say, Brother Weaver, I understand all of that, but wait till you hit some other scriptures and they're going to make you change your mind. No, let's look at those other scriptures. Because here's the passage that throws most people. Look in Hebrews 7 in verse 3. In fact, we're talking about Melchizedek. Now look in verse 1. For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all, who being by interpretation king of righteousness, and after that also king of Salem, which is king of peace, without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made light unto the Son of God, abided the priest continually." Ah, now you say, how are you going to explain those passages? Well, first of all, I want to call your attention to verse 3. I want to go back and look at these phrases, one at the time.

[John Weaver] But he says, without father, without mother, without descent, have it neither beginning of days nor end of life. And boy, that's where we normally stop. But look at it. But made, what's that next word? Like unto the Son of God. Made like unto the Son of God. Now, if he was made like unto the Son of God, Very obviously, they're two different people. They're two different persons.

[John Weaver] They are not one and the same. Now, the Greek word is apomorio, which literally translated means to cause a model to pass off into an image, to express oneself as, or a facsimile, or to be made like, or to render similar. So the word actually means that Melchizedek was a facsimile. He was made like. Not the real thing, but he was like him. It was indeed something that was similar. So this once again indicates that Melchizedek was a picture. He was a type. He was a shadow. He was a semblance of what was going to actually be in Jesus Christ. Melchizedek would have been the shadow, Christ would be the substance. So now the apostle is seeking to illustrate the nature and the perpetuity of the office of Messiah by comparing it to Melchizedek.

[John Weaver] Hence he is pressing then the idea of resemblance. So he is saying he was made like unto the Son of God. This thought hit me as I was looking at this passage. Isn't it interesting that the Bible says Melchizedek was made like unto the Son of God. The Son of God was not made like unto Melchizedek. There's a difference. If Melchizedek was made like unto the Son of God, what does that mean? It means the Son of God is the original and Melchizedek is the copy. In other words, not only was there a priesthood before Aaron and Levi, there was also a priesthood before Melchizedek and that great original. was the priesthood of Jesus Christ. You see the Bible tells us in Colossians 1 in verse 18 that in all things Jesus Christ might have the preeminence. And Jesus Christ was the great high priest that was ordained from eternity. Jesus Christ was the true high priest and Melchizedek was made like unto him.

[John Weaver] Now you're going to ask me, well Brother Weaver, how do you explain these phrases, without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days nor end of life? How are we to understand that if Melchizedek is nothing but a man? Let me explain it, and we're going to think about it, I hope. Do not refer. To his person. But rather, they refer to his priesthood. Listen carefully. These phrases do not refer to his person, but rather they refer to his priesthood. What does it mean without father, without mother, without descent, having either beginning of days or end of life?

[John Weaver] Now you and I know there is one God. There is one eternal being. The father of Melchizedek was not a priest. His mother did not descend from any in the priestly office. Neither did he have a predecessor or a successor as appears from any of the biblical accounts. Now, Melchizedek was a man. He did have a father. He did have a mother. He did have a natural lineage.

[John Weaver] But no account of that is given to us in Scripture. Therefore, he is said to be without them. The Syriac version renders it whose father and mother are not written in the genealogies. In other words, there is no genealogical account of his father and his mother. It has to do with his priesthood, not with his person. Without descent literally means without pedigree. In other words, his descent is unknown. He can't go back and prove that his father was a priest, his grandfather was a priest, his great-grandfather. No, no. He's without pedigree. It has nothing to do with this person. It has to do with his priesthood. And when the Bible says, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, all that means is this.

[John Weaver] There is no record of his birth. There is no record of his death. There is even not a record of when he began his priesthood and when he ended his priesthood. And by the way. I can tell you somebody else in the Bible. That was without father and without mother. That we know nothing about his beginning or his end. That's Adam. You see what I'm saying, but this phrase does not necessarily refer to his person, but to his priesthood.

[John Weaver] And so here's why Christ is made after the order of Melchizedek. Christ, as to His priesthood, had no predecessor, and Christ will have no successor. Look in your Bibles to Hebrews 7, verse 16. Hebrews 7, verse 16. Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. Verse 24. But this man, because he continued ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

[John Weaver] Now, I want you to understand that it was very important to the Jews in the Old Testament and in the New Testament to have those genealogical records down pat. They knew who was a priest and who was not a priest. Because you had to be of a priestly family. You had to be of the line of Aaron or in the line of the tribe of Levi. Else you could not be a priest.

[John Weaver] In fact, let me just read to you. I'm going to turn back. to the book of Ezra, if you want to turn there, that's fine, Ezra 2, and look in your Bibles at verse 62, because here were some who wanted to participate in the priesthood, but here's what the Bible says. These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found, therefore they, as polluted, were put from the priesthood.

[John Weaver] In other words, they were kicked out. They could not prove a genealogical descent from Levi and Aaron. So they were kicked out of the priesthood. You'll find that in Nehemiah 7 verses 63 and 64 again. Once again, they were polluted. They were kicked out of the priesthood. In other words, under the Mosaic dispensation, under that, everything had to come down through Levi. And do you realize there were regulations saying when a priest could work? when he had to cease work. What he could do and what he could not do.

[John Weaver] Originally, they begin their service at 30 years of age. And then by the time they were 50, they were retired, or at least from the more arduous task. Later on, according to First Chronicles 23, that was reduced and they began starting their priestly work at 20 years of age. But everything had to be by genealogy, everything had to be outlined. And here's the Apostle's argument in Hebrews chapter 7.

[John Weaver] He is just simply saying there is no genealogical table in regard to Melchizedek. As far as the record is concerned, as far as his priesthood is concerned, he was without father, he was without mother. He had no pedigree. He had no descent. There's nothing about his birth. There's nothing about his death. And in that sense, He was made like unto Christ. Here is the whole emphasis that the Apostle is laying down. Are you listening? Melchizedek stood alone. Melchizedek stood alone. Jesus Christ stands alone. As far as we know, Genesis 14 is the first and the last that we hear of Melchizedek. And the only thing we have in the New Testament is that which is basically repeated from Genesis chapter 14 with the exception of Hebrews chapter 7. No one knows anything about Melchizedek outside of that. The important point was in his priesthood he stood Alone. He did not come.

[John Weaver] From a great line of priests. Nor was his family a priestly family, and if you look in verse 14. Of Hebrews chapter 7. Hebrews chapter 7 verse 14. Look what the Scripture says. In fact, let's read verse 13. For he of whom these things are spoken, that is Christ. pertaining to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar, for it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Judah, of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning the priesthood."

[John Weaver] Now let that sink in just for a moment. Our Lord was not of Levi. He was of Judah. Just like Melchizedek stood alone, Jesus Christ stands alone. He had no predecessors. He will have no successors.

[John Weaver] Now, although we have the genealogy of Christ as far as His birth, we have that in Matthew 1 and Luke chapter 3 of His life. But we do not have a genealogy of his priesthood. There is no record given of Christ's priesthood. In that, he, like Melchizedek, is that he stands alone. Now, there are differences between the Melchizedekal priesthood and the Levitical priesthood. Let me give you those differences very quickly. Three of them. First of all, there is no account of Melchizedek's ancestry as a priest, neither his father or his mother are mentioned, and that was indispensable to the Levitical priesthood. You had to have it in order to be a priest. Secondly, there was no account of any descendants in his office, and no reason to believe that he had any, thus he stood alone. No Levitical priest ever stood alone.

[John Weaver] There were always people before him and after him. And then thirdly, there was no account of the commencement or the close of his office as a priest. But as far as the record goes, we're talking about the biblical record. It is just as if his priesthood had neither beginning or ending. And therefore, there was a difference because every Levitical priest in their priesthood, they had a definite beginning and they had a definite ending. This is how the Melchizedekal priesthood differs from the Levitical priesthood.

[John Weaver] Now let me give you the points of similes between Christ and Melchizedek. How is Melchizedek made like unto Christ? First of all, in name. Because his name means King of Righteousness and King of Peace. Jesus Christ is the true King of Righteousness and the true King of Peace. Secondly, he was made likened to Christ in the fact that he had no predecessors and no successors in his priestly office. Thirdly, he was made likened to Christ in the fact that he evidently had a perpetual priesthood in the sense that there is no record given of his beginning or his ending. And fourthly, he was made likened to Christ in that he united in himself kingship and priesthood. And that's the whole point of Psalm 110, that Jesus Christ is not only king of kings, he is indeed the great high priest. So when the Bible says that Melchizedek abided a priest continually, all that means is as far as the Genesis record goes. As far as the record in the Word of God goes, He had no beginning or ending and that's the only thing that you could say.

[John Weaver] Now look in your Bibles, the Hebrews 7 and verse 23. Watch this carefully, Hebrews 7 verse 23. And they truly were many priests. Why were they so many Levitical priests? Because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death. And then what is the argument in the rest of Hebrews chapter 7? Jesus Christ does not die. So he is a priest after the order of Melchizedek. Now, you and I know that if Melchizedek was a man.

[John Weaver] There was a time when he was born and there was a time when he died. We don't know when. We don't know where. There was a time when he ceased to be priest. And I could show you in the Bible where there's a time in one sense of the word when Jesus Christ will cease to be a priest. You say, when is that? Well, let me show you.

[John Weaver] Look in your Bibles to 1 Corinthians 15. 1 Corinthians 15, and let's begin reading there with verse 25. When all of our lords elect When all of his church is redeemed and safely with him, look at what the Bible says, verse 25, for he that is Christ must reign till he has put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For he hath put all things under his feet, but when he saith, All things are put under him, it is manifest that he is accepted. Who did put all things under him? And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all."

[John Weaver] So in the end, there our Lord renders everything unto the Father. Jesus Christ is the true Melchizedek. Jesus Christ was the great high priest in the eternal covenant. Look in your Bibles in Hebrews 13 and verse 20. Hebrews 13 and verse 20. Look at what the Bible says. Hebrews 13 and verse 20. Now the God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the what? Of the everlasting covenant before the world ever began. God the Father gave God the Son to be the mediator, to be the great high priest, to be the substitute, to be the Lord, It was an eternal government. If it's eternal, it had no beginning. It had no ending. So Jesus Christ was the true Melchizedek. That's why the Bible says this earthly Melchizedek was made like unto him. So Jesus Christ is the only one who was ever ordained priest before the world began. He had no predecessor.

[John Weaver] He will have no successor. He is all.

[John Weaver] Now, let me make at least three applications, all right, just three. Listen carefully. It should be exceedingly obvious to everyone that Jesus Christ is not only the great high priest, but he is the only high priest that we will ever need. Jesus Christ is perfect man and Jesus Christ is perfect God. Therefore, he is the perfect mediator. He represents man and he also represents God. He is perfectly suited then to be the divine daysman, to be the divine mediator. Scripture emphasizes this truth. Look in your Bibles.

[John Weaver] First of all, the Hebrews chapter two, Hebrews chapter two. Watch what the Bible says, beginning there with verse 17. Hebrews 2 verse 17, Wherefore, in all things, it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren. Why did Christ assume our nature? Here's why. That he might be a merciful and faithful high priest, and things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

[John Weaver] For in that he himself has suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted. And if that's not plain enough, look in chapter four, if you would, beginning there, verse 15, showing you that Jesus Christ understands verse 14, seeing that we have a great high priest that is passed in the heavens. Jesus, the Son of God. Let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities.

[John Weaver] Watch what was in all points, tipped it like as we are yet without sin. Let us, therefore, come boldly into the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace there for the time of need.

[John Weaver] Now, let me just kind of spell this out for you. He said, for we have not a high priest who cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities, but he was tempted in all points such as we are yet without sin. What's that mean? You say, I'm hungry. Our Lord hungered. I'm thirsty. Our Lord thirsted. I'm tired. The Lord being weary with his journey set us on the well. But you say you don't understand, Brother Weaver, my friends betrayed me. Our Lord understands that. His friends betrayed him. But you don't understand. I don't have anything in this world. I'm penniless. I'm broke. What did our Lord say?

[John Weaver] The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man hath not where to lay his head. He understands everything that we go through because he's been through it. And yet, he did not sin. Many times we're the ones who sin in our tests, in our trials, but yet he went through everything we did without murmuring, without complaining, without sinning. So Jesus Christ is the only high priest that we will ever, ever need.

[John Weaver] Secondly, since we're already there, in Hebrews chapter 4, if we grasp the reality of the priesthood of Jesus Christ and understand that He is a priest after the order of Melchizedek, which means that He will never die, He will always be capable of fulfilling His office, it should give us extreme boldness. You say, what are you talking about? Look in verse 14 again. Hebrews 4 verse 14, seeing then that we have a great high priest that is passing the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession or our confession. Now, the word hold fast is kratos in the Greek from kratos, which is the word for power. It is translated 47 times in our Bible, and it means to be powerful, to have power, to exercise dominion, to get possession over, to take hold of. What is he saying? He's saying if we understand the priesthood of Christ, it ought to enable us to hold fast powerfully to our confession that Jesus Christ is God incarnate, that He is the one true and the living God.

[John Weaver] that he is always interceding for us. He is always successful. And if we understand that, how can we do anything less than hold fast? Why would we turn from him? Why would we turn from our confession? If we understand his priesthood like Timothy, we're to hold fast that good confession that we've made before many witnesses. One last application and I want you to look at Hebrews 6. And verse 20.

[John Weaver] And I have wanted for some time to preach an entire message on this and and maybe I will in the future. But I want you to know this is in line with the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 6 verse 20, whether in fact, let's read verse 19. Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, which entereth into that within the veil, whether the forerunners for us entered, even Jesus, made a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek."

[John Weaver] Now, let me just set the stage for you. Look in verse 19. Which hope, we're talking about Christ, we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, which entereth into that within the veil." What does it mean by the phrase, within the veil? It means within the Holy of Holies, in the very presence of God. Okay? Whither the forerunner is for us entered. I want you to note the forerunnership of Jesus Christ is connected with His priesthood. Whether the forerunners for us entered, even Jesus made a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. Do you know what a forerunner is? The Greek word is prodromos, which literally means a forerunner or a scout.

[John Weaver] That has been sent on ahead. To clear the way. It also refers to someone who goes in advance to take possession of something for the others who are following.

[John Weaver] Now, listen carefully, look what he said, verse 19, which hope that is our hope in Jesus Christ? which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, which entered into that within the veil, that is, into the Holy of Holies, in the very presence of God, where the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus the high priest, made a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek." What is he saying? Our Lord has preceded us, He has scouted the way, He has cleared the enemies, and He's occupying and holding our place in the very presence of God for us. And if He's there, we're going to be there as well. No wonder the Bible says we have an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast. Christ, the great I Am, the great High Priest, the great Redeemer, has gone before us and secured our place in the presence of God. Now, one last scripture. Look in your Bibles to John 17. Everyone knows that John 17 is the high priestly prayer of our Lord.

[John Weaver] Let me ask you a question. Does God the Father always answer the prayers of God the Son? Yes. Has he ever had a prayer that was not answered? No. What did our Lord say? Father, thou hearest me always. I want you to look at John 17, verse 24. One of the requests that our Lord makes in his high priestly prayer to the Father, he says, Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me, for thou lovest me before the foundation of the world." Now, if Jesus Christ is our forerunner, if He is our Great High Priest, and He is in the very presence of God holding our place for us, and if He prays to the Father, I will that they who thou hast given me be with me where I am."

[John Weaver] Is there any possibility for us to fail? No. Because the Father always hears the prayers of His Son. No wonder Scripture says we have an anchor of the soul, sure and steadfast. Let's pray. Father, help us. Help us to behold the glory of Jesus Christ, the greatness of His priesthood, the wonders of His person, and help us to rejoice in thy so great salvation. He stands alone.

[John Weaver] He is the God-man, the Redeemer, the Savior. And we give him honor and glory. And we rejoice in the fact that one day, by his grace and by his merits, We will be with Him where He is and behold His glory and worship and serve Him alone. Give us grace to be faithful and true. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray, amen.

Messiah's Divine Rights-Part 8

John Weaver | SermonAudio

Lecture Metadata	Details
Speaker	John Weaver
Source	SermonAudio
Media ID	32505154311
Subject	Old Testament Studies
Course	Genesis: Abraham, Covenant, and Promise
Genre	Sermon
Date	2005-03-20
Dictation Name
Book	Book 188: Messiah's Divine Rights — Chapter 8
Source Timed Segments	79

Formatted Transcript

Introduction and Review of Psalm 110

Weaver reads Psalm 110 and reviews previous verses: Christ's right to royal honor (v.1), rule over heathen (v.2), reverend homage (v.3), and the transition to His priesthood (v.4).

Psalm 110 verse 1,

Scripture Reading — Psalm 110:1-7

"The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion, rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, and the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning thou hast the dew of thy youth. The Lord hath sworn and will not repent, thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings on the day of his wrath." "He shall judge among the heathen. He shall fill the places with the dead bodies. He shall wound the heads over many countries. He shall drink of the brook in the way, therefore shall he lift up the head."

Psalm 110, and we have gotten down to verse 4,

Scripture Reading — Psalm 110:1-7

"The Lord has sworn and will not repent, thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek."

Now very quickly, let me just take a few moments in review. In this psalm, of course, we've looked at verse one where our Lord has the right to royal honor. In verse two, where our Lord has the right to rule the heathen. And then verse three, he has a right to reverend homage. And then in the latter part of verse three, I pointed out the fact that since he is not only king, but a priest, therefore he produces and sires warrior priests, and I dealt with that as a transition from verse 3 to verse 4 because the first three verses basically deal with his kingship. Verse 4 then with his priesthood. Now, I told you last week that his priesthood basically consisted of two parts. First of all, his satisfaction, that is his actual sacrifice. And that satisfaction involved two parts.

The Question of Melchizedek's Identity

Various theories about Melchizedek are surveyed, including heretical views, and Weaver presents John Brown's opinion that Melchizedek was likely a descendant of Japheth, a king-priest preserving true religion.

who manifested himself by special dispensation during the time of Abraham in the flesh. And of course, they would take then John 8 in verse 56 where Christ said,

Scripture Reading — John 8:56

"Abraham rejoiced to see my day and was glad."

Of course, that verse can be interpreted just simply means that Abraham saw Christ by faith. And I believe that's exactly what it means. I believe one of the most logical explanations as to who Melchizedek was has been given by John Brown of Edinburgh, Scotland, who died in 1858. Here is what John Brown said, quote, "the most probable opinion is that he was one of the descendants of Japheth who possessed the supreme authority over a small tribe of which Salem was the chief town among whom the true primitive religion was preserved and who was invested with priestly as well as regal office." So he just says that probably he was a descendant of Japheth, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Now, the importance of Melchizedek may be seen in the fact that Christ is said to be a priest after the order of Melchizedek.

Melchizedek as a Man and Priest

From Hebrews 5:1,4, Weaver argues Melchizedek was a man because every priest is taken from among men. Genesis 14 shows him as priest of the Most High God, blessing Abram and receiving tithes.

Now, let me lay out at least five things very quickly for you. First of all, let me point out that Melchizedek was a man. Now, the Bible says that Melchizedek went out to meet Abram. And how can I say that he was a man? Well, there are a number of other passages, but hold Genesis 14, but look in your Bibles to the book of Hebrews, chapter 5, and notice if you would particularly verse 1 and then verse 4. Hebrews chapter 5. Notice if you would what is said concerning the priesthood. Hebrews chapter 5 verse 1, "For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sin." How do we know that Melchizedek was a man? Because he was a priest. And every priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God. And then look in verse 4. "And no man taketh his honor unto himself, but he that is called of God as was Aaron."

So I'm going to point out the fact that every priest basically was taken from man in order that he might offer sacrifices unto God. So first and foremost, Melchizedek was a man. Secondly, if you go back in your Bibles to Genesis 14 and verse 18, the Bible explicitly tells us that Melchizedek was a priest of the Most High God. The Bible says that Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought forth bread and wine, and he was the priest of the Most High God. Now, I want you to know, thirdly, that Melchizedek as a man and as a priest of the Most High God did exactly that which priests were ordained to do. Look in verse 19. "And he," that is Melchizedek, "blessed him," that is Abram, "and said, Blessed be Abram of the Most High God, possessor of heaven and earth." So what in the world do priests do? Priests not only offer sacrifices, but they also give blessings. And here he is blessing Abram. Then I want you to note the generosity of Melchizedek. The Bible says in verse 18, "And Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought forth bread and wine."

Now, you say, how does that indicate his generosity? Well, look in chapter 14 in verse—let's go to verse 13, Genesis 14, verse 13, "And there came one that escaped and told Abram the Hebrew. For he dwelt in the plain of Mamre, the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner. And these were confederate with Abram. And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan." So Abram then had 318 trained, fighting men that had been born in his own house. That doesn't count, maybe some that were not born in his own house. So now if he is going to bring forth bread and wine to feed these hungry, weary warriors, and by the way, the 318 does not count the men who were with Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre in verse 24. And the Bible tells you that they were confederate with Abram in verse 13. So there may have been seven or eight hundred warriors.

And here comes Melchizedek with bread and wine. Now, anyone who knows anything about the New Testament would automatically think of communion. You would think of a spiritual act and you would think of a spiritual feast. But here he is, a man who is a priest, who blesses Abram, demonstrates his generosity in giving bread and wine to those who were with Abram. And then if you look in verse 20, he also received tithes from Abram. "And he blessed the Most High God, who had delivered thine enemies into thine hand," watch, "and he," that is Abram, "gave him," Melchizedek, "tithes of all." So Abram then paid tithes to Melchizedek. Now, when tithes are given and tithes are received, it is indeed evident of a divine priesthood. Now, this significance is not lost upon the writers of the New Testament because the very fact that Abram paid tithes to Melchizedek indicates that here was a greater priest and a greater priesthood than that of Levi.

The Superiority of Melchizedek's Priesthood

Hebrews 7 demonstrates that Abraham paying tithes to Melchizedek shows a priesthood greater than Levi's, as Levi was still in Abraham's loins. This priesthood combines king and priest.

You say, well, how can you say that? Well, look in your Bibles, if you would, to Hebrews chapter 7. Hebrews chapter 7. And let's begin reading there with verse 1. Hebrews 7 and verse 1. Watch carefully. Hebrews 7, verse 1. Let's begin reading there. Hebrews 7, verse 1. "For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him. To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all. First being by interpretation King of Righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is King of Peace, without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like unto the Son of God, abideth a priest continually."

"Now consider how great this man was." Now watch. "Now consider how great this man was, on whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils. And verily they that are the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham. But he whose descent is not counted from them," that is Melchizedek, "received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises. And without all contradiction, the less is blessed of the better. And here men that die receive tithes, but there he receiveth them of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, paid tithes in Abraham. For he was yet in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him. If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, for under it the people received the law, what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchizedek and not be called after the order of Aaron?"

Now, this whole passage is pointing out the fact that Melchizedek received tithes from Abraham. Levi was yet in the loins of Abraham. And so the scripture is saying in that sense of the word, even Levi paid tithes and recognized the greater priesthood of Melchizedek. So it's very obvious then that the very fact that Abram paid tithes to Melchizedek had a great significance and the apostle is certainly outlining that here.

Now, here's the point I wish to make. Here's the point that we're to learn. The lesson to be learned from Genesis chapter 14 is that there has always been a priesthood prior to and superior to that of Aaron and Levi even though they sprung from the loins of Abraham. Let me say that again. There has always been a priesthood prior to and superior to that of Aaron and Levi, even though they sprung from the loins of Abraham. The superior priesthood is where the priest was both king and priest. Christ would never ever be made a priest after the order of an inferior priesthood, one that was merely symbolical and emblematical and a shadow of the real thing, which the Levitical priesthood was.

Melchizedek as a Type of Christ

Melchizedek's name means King of Righteousness, and he was King of Salem (Peace), making him a representative type of Christ. However, Hebrews 7:15 uses 'another' (heteros) to show Christ is a different kind of priest.

"His name is great in Israel. In Salem also is his tabernacle and his dwelling place in Zion." So what is Salem? It is short for Jerusalem. "In Salem also is his tabernacle." So the tabernacle then was in Jerusalem. So here he is counted as King of Salem or King of Jerusalem. And the word Salem means peace. So he is King of Salem, King of Jerusalem, or King of Peace. Now, the word Melchizedek is also made up of another Hebrew word, Melchi, which is the Hebrew word for righteousness. So the very name Melchizedek literally means "My Righteous King" or "the King of Righteousness." Now the Bible tells you in Hebrews 7 and verses 1 and 2, look there again, "For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all, first being by interpretation the King of Righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is King of Peace."

Now, let me just point out the fact that Melchizedek, in his person, was a representative type of Jesus Christ. For Jesus Christ alone is the true King of Peace and the true King of Righteousness. In all probability, Melchizedek received his name from the pure and righteous administration of his government, which exemplified one of the attributes of our Lord, which character is essential in our Lord. If I were to take the time today, I could go all through the Bible and show you where he is called the branch, the righteous branch, the righteous one. He is the king of peace. Isaiah 9:6 and many, many other passages. Thus, we have here Melchizedek, who then is a type and a representative of Jesus Christ.

Now, I hope you're putting together this one thought so far. That Melchizedek is a man and only a man, although he is a type of and a representative of Jesus Christ. Now, I'm going to be showing you that there are other scriptures that teach undeniably that Melchizedek was merely a man. Yet, there are other scriptures that most certainly have to be explained in light of this. For instance, let's look in our Bibles to the book of Hebrews 7 and verse 15. Here are the ones, first of all, that demonstrate that Melchizedek was just merely a man. Notice Hebrews 7 and verse 15. He says, "And it is yet far more evident for that after the similitude of Melchizedek, there ariseth another priest," he's talking about Christ, "who is made not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of the endless life." Now, watch verse 15 carefully, "and it is yet far more evident for that after the similitude of Melchizedek, there ariseth another priest." First, I want you to look at the word similitude. The Greek word is homoiōtēs, which literally is translated as likeness or similitude. What is a similitude?

A similitude means that something is like something else, but it's not the same thing. So the Bible says very plainly then that there arises another priest after the similitude of Melchizedek. So here is Melchizedek and here's Christ. And Melchizedek was a similitude and Christ is like him in certain ways and he is like Christ in certain ways, but they're not one and the same.

Now look in verse 15 again. He says, "and it is yet far more evident for that after the similitude of Melchizedek there ariseth another priest." Now the second obvious point in this verse is the word another. A-N-O-T-H-E-R, another. Now, you and I have a great disadvantage in our English language. I could give Gene a billfold, and he could say, well, I don't want to take your billfold, and I could respond, well, I have another one just like it at home. Go ahead. Now, when I say I have another one, or I have another one at home, it means basically I've got one just like it at home. I don't need two of them, so I'm giving him one of them. In the Greek language, you have two distinct words for another.

And they mean totally different things. The first word is allos. A-L-L-O-S. Allos. That word, when you see it, means another of the same kind. So if I gave him my billfold, and he said, I don't want to take your billfold, and I say, but I have an allos back at home, I just told him I've got another one just like it back at home. But the word heteros, which is also translated another in the Bible, means another of a different kind.

That's why we talk about a heterosexual marriage, marriage between a man and a woman. We may be alike in some ways, but we're certainly unalike in a multitude of other ways. Look carefully now. The Bible says in verse 15, "and yet it is far more evident for that after the similitude, after the likeness of Melchizedek, there ariseth a heteros, a different kind of priest, a priest of a different kind." In other words, Christ is not like Levi in some ways, and he's not like Melchizedek in some ways as well. The Bible teaches that another priest has risen, even Jesus Christ, the son of David, of the tribe of Judah, which was totally different from the Aaronic priesthood, which was of the tribe of Levi. Hence, we learn, not only is Christ not a priest after the order of Levi, He is a priest after the order of Melchizedek, but they are not one and the same persons. He is another of a different kind, and there was a similitude, there was a likeness, but they are not one and the same thing.

Explaining the Mysterious Phrases in Hebrews 7:3

Phrases like 'without father, without mother' refer to Melchizedek's priesthood, not his person. There is no genealogical record of his priestly lineage, making him a fitting type of Christ's eternal priesthood.

Now, you're going to say, Brother Weaver, I understand all of that, but wait till you hit some other scriptures and they're going to make you change your mind. No, let's look at those other scriptures. Because here's the passage that throws most people. Look in Hebrews 7 in verse 3. In fact, we're talking about Melchizedek. Now look in verse 1. "For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all, who being by interpretation king of righteousness, and after that also king of Salem, which is king of peace, without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like unto the Son of God, abideth a priest continually." Ah, now you say, how are you going to explain those passages? Well, first of all, I want to call your attention to verse 3. I want to go back and look at these phrases, one at a time.

But he says, "without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days nor end of life." And boy, that's where we normally stop. But look at it. "But made," what's that next word? "like unto the Son of God." Made like unto the Son of God. Now, if he was made like unto the Son of God, very obviously, they're two different people. They're two different persons. They are not one and the same. Now, the Greek word is aphomoioō, which literally translated means to cause a model to pass off into an image, to express oneself as, or a facsimile, or to be made like, or to render similar. So the word actually means that Melchizedek was a facsimile. He was made like. Not the real thing, but he was like him. It was indeed something that was similar. So this once again indicates that Melchizedek was a picture. He was a type. He was a shadow. He was a semblance of what was going to actually be in Jesus Christ. Melchizedek would have been the shadow, Christ would be the substance. So now the apostle is seeking to illustrate the nature and the perpetuity of the office of Messiah by comparing it to Melchizedek.

Hence he is pressing then the idea of resemblance. So he is saying he was made like unto the Son of God. This thought hit me as I was looking at this passage. Isn't it interesting that the Bible says Melchizedek was made like unto the Son of God. The Son of God was not made like unto Melchizedek. There's a difference. If Melchizedek was made like unto the Son of God, what does that mean? It means the Son of God is the original and Melchizedek is the copy. In other words, not only was there a priesthood before Aaron and Levi, there was also a priesthood before Melchizedek and that great original was the priesthood of Jesus Christ. You see the Bible tells us in Colossians 1 in verse 18 that in all things Jesus Christ might have the preeminence. And Jesus Christ was the great high priest that was ordained from eternity. Jesus Christ was the true high priest and Melchizedek was made like unto him.

Now you're going to ask me, well Brother Weaver, how do you explain these phrases, "without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days nor end of life"? How are we to understand that if Melchizedek is nothing but a man? Let me explain it, and we're going to think about it, I hope. Do not refer to his person. But rather, they refer to his priesthood. Listen carefully. These phrases do not refer to his person, but rather they refer to his priesthood. What does it mean "without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days nor end of life"?

Now you and I know there is one God. There is one eternal being. The father of Melchizedek was not a priest. His mother did not descend from any in the priestly office. Neither did he have a predecessor or a successor as appears from any of the biblical accounts. Now, Melchizedek was a man. He did have a father. He did have a mother. He did have a natural lineage.

But no account of that is given to us in Scripture. Therefore, he is said to be without them. The Syriac version renders it "whose father and mother are not written in the genealogies." In other words, there is no genealogical account of his father and his mother. It has to do with his priesthood, not with his person. "Without descent" literally means without pedigree. In other words, his descent is unknown. He can't go back and prove that his father was a priest, his grandfather was a priest, his great-grandfather. No, no. He's without pedigree. It has nothing to do with his person. It has to do with his priesthood. And when the Bible says, "having neither beginning of days nor end of life," all that means is this.

There is no record of his birth. There is no record of his death. There is even not a record of when he began his priesthood and when he ended his priesthood. And by the way, I can tell you somebody else in the Bible that was without father and without mother, that we know nothing about his beginning or his end. That's Adam. You see what I'm saying, but this phrase does not necessarily refer to his person, but to his priesthood. And so here's why Christ is made after the order of Melchizedek. Christ, as to His priesthood, had no predecessor, and Christ will have no successor. Look in your Bibles to Hebrews 7, verse 16. Hebrews 7, verse 16. "Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life." Verse 24. "But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them."

Differences Between Melchizedekal and Levitical Priesthoods

Three differences: no priestly ancestry recorded, no descendants in office, and no recorded beginning or end of his priesthood. Christ, like Melchizedek, stands alone with no predecessor or successor.

Now, although we have the genealogy of Christ as far as His birth, we have that in Matthew 1 and Luke chapter 3 of His life. But we do not have a genealogy of his priesthood. There is no record given of Christ's priesthood. In that, he, like Melchizedek, is that he stands alone. Now, there are differences between the Melchizedekal priesthood and the Levitical priesthood. Let me give you those differences very quickly. Three of them. First of all, there is no account of Melchizedek's ancestry as a priest, neither his father or his mother are mentioned, and that was indispensable to the Levitical priesthood. You had to have it in order to be a priest. Secondly, there was no account of any descendants in his office, and no reason to believe that he had any, thus he stood alone. No Levitical priest ever stood alone.

There were always people before him and after him. And then thirdly, there was no account of the commencement or the close of his office as a priest. But as far as the record goes, we're talking about the biblical record. It is just as if his priesthood had neither beginning or ending. And therefore, there was a difference because every Levitical priest in their priesthood, they had a definite beginning and they had a definite ending. This is how the Melchizedekal priesthood differs from the Levitical priesthood.

Points of Similarity Between Christ and Melchizedek

Similarities include name (King of Righteousness/Peace), no priestly predecessors/successors, perpetual priesthood in the record, and uniting kingship and priesthood.

Now let me give you the points of similes between Christ and Melchizedek. How is Melchizedek made like unto Christ? First of all, in name. Because his name means King of Righteousness and King of Peace. Jesus Christ is the true King of Righteousness and the true King of Peace. Secondly, he was made likened to Christ in the fact that he had no predecessors and no successors in his priestly office. Thirdly, he was made likened to Christ in the fact that he evidently had a perpetual priesthood in the sense that there is no record given of his beginning or his ending. And fourthly, he was made likened to Christ in that he united in himself kingship and priesthood. And that's the whole point of Psalm 110, that Jesus Christ is not only king of kings, he is indeed the great high priest. So when the Bible says that Melchizedek abideth a priest continually, all that means is as far as the Genesis record goes. As far as the record in the Word of God goes, He had no beginning or ending and that's the only thing that you could say.

Now look in your Bibles, to Hebrews 7 and verse 23. Watch this carefully, Hebrews 7 verse 23. "And they truly were many priests." Why were they so many Levitical priests? "Because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death." And then what is the argument in the rest of Hebrews chapter 7? Jesus Christ does not die. So he is a priest after the order of Melchizedek. Now, you and I know that if Melchizedek was a man,

Applications: Christ Our Only High Priest

Christ is the only high priest we need, perfectly suited as mediator. He sympathizes with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15-16), giving us boldness to hold fast our confession.

Now, let me make at least three applications, all right, just three. Listen carefully. It should be exceedingly obvious to everyone that Jesus Christ is not only the great high priest, but he is the only high priest that we will ever need. Jesus Christ is perfect man and Jesus Christ is perfect God. Therefore, he is the perfect mediator. He represents man and he also represents God. He is perfectly suited then to be the divine daysman, to be the divine mediator. Scripture emphasizes this truth. Look in your Bibles.

First of all, to Hebrews chapter two. Hebrews chapter two. Watch what the Bible says, beginning there with verse 17. Hebrews 2 verse 17, "Wherefore, in all things, it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren." Why did Christ assume our nature? Here's why. "That he might be a merciful and faithful high priest, in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people." "For in that he himself has suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted." And if that's not plain enough, look in chapter four, if you would, beginning there, verse 15, showing you that Jesus Christ understands. Verse 14, "Seeing that we have a great high priest that is passed into the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God. Let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities."

Watch what was "in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us, therefore, come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Now, let me just kind of spell this out for you. He said, "for we have not a high priest who cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities, but he was tempted in all points such as we are, yet without sin." What's that mean? You say, I'm hungry. Our Lord hungered. I'm thirsty. Our Lord thirsted. I'm tired. The Lord being weary with his journey sat thus on the well. But you say you don't understand, Brother Weaver, my friends betrayed me. Our Lord understands that. His friends betrayed him. But you don't understand. I don't have anything in this world. I'm penniless. I'm broke. What did our Lord say?

"The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man hath not where to lay his head." He understands everything that we go through because he's been through it. And yet, he did not sin. Many times we're the ones who sin in our tests, in our trials, but yet he went through everything we did without murmuring, without complaining, without sinning. So Jesus Christ is the only high priest that we will ever, ever need.

Christ as Forerunner and Our Anchor

As our forerunner (Hebrews 6:19-20), Christ has entered the heavenly sanctuary ahead of us, securing our place. His high priestly prayer in John 17:24 guarantees our future with Him.

that he is always interceding for us. He is always successful. And if we understand that, how can we do anything less than hold fast? Why would we turn from him? Why would we turn from our confession? If we understand his priesthood like Timothy, we're to hold fast that good confession that we've made before many witnesses. One last application and I want you to look at Hebrews 6. And verse 20.

And I have wanted for some time to preach an entire message on this and maybe I will in the future. But I want you to know this is in line with the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 6 verse 20, whether in fact, let's read verse 19. "Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, which entereth into that within the veil, whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek."

Now, let me just set the stage for you. Look in verse 19. "Which hope," we're talking about Christ, "we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, which entereth into that within the veil." What does it mean by the phrase, "within the veil"? It means within the Holy of Holies, in the very presence of God. Okay? "Whither the forerunner is for us entered." I want you to note the forerunnership of Jesus Christ is connected with His priesthood. "Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus made a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek." Do you know what a forerunner is? The Greek word is prodromos, which literally means a forerunner or a scout.

That has been sent on ahead to clear the way. It also refers to someone who goes in advance to take possession of something for the others who are following. Now, listen carefully, look what he said, verse 19, "which hope," that is our hope in Jesus Christ, "which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, which entereth into that within the veil," that is, into the Holy of Holies, in the very presence of God, "whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus the high priest, made a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek." What is he saying? Our Lord has preceded us, He has scouted the way, He has cleared the enemies, and He's occupying and holding our place in the very presence of God for us. And if He's there, we're going to be there as well. No wonder the Bible says we have an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast. Christ, the great I Am, the great High Priest, the great Redeemer, has gone before us and secured our place in the presence of God. Now, one last scripture. Look in your Bibles to John 17. Everyone knows that John 17 is the high priestly prayer of our Lord.

Let me ask you a question. Does God the Father always answer the prayers of God the Son? Yes. Has he ever had a prayer that was not answered? No. What did our Lord say? "Father, thou hearest me always." I want you to look at John 17, verse 24. One of the requests that our Lord makes in his high priestly prayer to the Father, he says,

Scripture Reading — John 17:24

"Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me, for thou lovest me before the foundation of the world."

Now, if Jesus Christ is our forerunner, if He is our Great High Priest, and He is in the very presence of God holding our place for us, and if He prays to the Father,

Scripture Reading — John 17:24

"I will that they who thou hast given me be with me where I am,"

Study Guide

Major Themes

The Identity of Melchizedek

Summary: Melchizedek was a real man, a king-priest of Salem, who served as a type of Christ. He was not a pre-incarnate Christ, angel, or the Holy Spirit.

Evidence: Weaver states, 'Melchizedek was a man... because he was a priest. And every priest taken from among men is ordained for men' (Hebrews 5:1). He also says, 'Melchizedek, in his person, was a representative type of Jesus Christ.'

The Superiority of Christ's Priesthood

Summary: Christ's priesthood after the order of Melchizedek is superior to the Levitical priesthood because it is eternal, not based on genealogy, and unites kingship and priesthood.

Evidence: Hebrews 7:11 argues that if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood, there would be no need for another priest. Weaver says, 'Christ would never ever be made a priest after the order of an inferior priesthood.'

Typology and Fulfillment

Summary: Melchizedek is a shadow or type of Christ, who is the substance. The mysterious phrases about Melchizedek point to the eternal nature of Christ's priesthood.

Evidence: Weaver explains, 'Melchizedek was a facsimile... He was a picture. He was a type. He was a shadow... Christ would be the substance.'

Christ as the Believer's Only High Priest

Summary: Jesus Christ is the only high priest believers need because He is both God and man, able to sympathize with weaknesses and intercede effectively.

Evidence: Weaver says, 'Jesus Christ is not only the great high priest, but he is the only high priest that we will ever need.' He cites Hebrews 4:15-16.

Assurance Through Christ's Forerunnership

Summary: Christ has entered the heavenly sanctuary as our forerunner, securing our place and guaranteeing our future with Him, as seen in His high priestly prayer.

Evidence: Weaver states, 'Our Lord has preceded us... He's occupying and holding our place in the very presence of God for us.' He references Hebrews 6:19-20 and John 17:24.

Key Arguments

Melchizedek was a man, not a divine being

Summary: Hebrews 5:1 states every high priest is taken from among men, so Melchizedek must be human. Hebrews 7:15 uses 'heteros' (another of a different kind) to distinguish Christ from Melchizedek.

Evidence: Weaver says, 'How do we know that Melchizedek was a man? Because he was a priest. And every priest taken from among men is ordained for men.' He also notes the Greek word 'heteros' indicates a different kind of priest.

The mysterious phrases in Hebrews 7:3 refer to priesthood, not person

Summary: 'Without father, without mother' means no genealogical record of his priestly lineage exists, not that he lacked human parents. This typifies Christ's eternal priesthood.

Evidence: Weaver explains, 'These phrases do not refer to his person, but rather they refer to his priesthood... There is no genealogical account of his father and his mother.'

Christ's priesthood is eternal and unchangeable

Summary: Unlike Levitical priests who died, Christ lives forever and has an unchangeable priesthood, able to save completely those who come to God through Him.

Evidence: Weaver cites Hebrews 7:24-25: 'But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost.'

Christ's priesthood guarantees bold access to God

Summary: Because Christ sympathizes with our weaknesses and has passed into the heavens, believers can hold fast their confession and approach the throne of grace with confidence.

Evidence: Weaver says, 'If we understand the priesthood of Christ, it ought to enable us to hold fast powerfully to our confession.' He references Hebrews 4:14-16.

Christ as forerunner secures our heavenly hope

Summary: Christ has entered the Holy of Holies ahead of us, clearing the way and holding our place, making our hope an anchor of the soul, sure and steadfast.

Evidence: Weaver states, 'Our Lord has preceded us, He has scouted the way, He has cleared the enemies, and He's occupying and holding our place in the very presence of God for us.'

Scripture References

Psalm 110:1-7

Context: Read at the beginning of the sermon as the primary text, focusing on verse 4 about the priesthood of Melchizedek.

John 8:29

Context: Cited to show Christ's active obedience: 'I do always those things which please the Father.'

John 8:56

Context: Mentioned in discussing the view that Melchizedek was a pre-incarnate Christ; Weaver interprets it as Abraham seeing Christ by faith.

Hebrews 8:6

Context: Used to show Christ's priesthood marks a new beginning with a better covenant.

Hebrews 9:15

Context: Christ is mediator of the new covenant, providing redemption from transgressions under the first covenant.

Genesis 14:17-24

Context: The historical account of Melchizedek meeting Abram, bringing bread and wine, blessing him, and receiving tithes.

Hebrews 5:1,4

Context: Every high priest is taken from among men, proving Melchizedek was a man.

Hebrews 7:1-11

Context: Extensive discussion of Melchizedek's greatness, Abraham's tithes, and the superiority of his priesthood over Levi's.

Psalm 76:1-2

Context: Identifies Salem as Jerusalem, where God's tabernacle is, linking Melchizedek as King of Salem.

Isaiah 9:6

Context: Briefly mentioned as a passage calling Christ the Prince of Peace, connecting to Melchizedek as King of Peace.

Hebrews 7:15-16

Context: Christ arises as another priest (heteros) after the similitude of Melchizedek, not by carnal commandment but by endless life.

Hebrews 8:9-10

Context: The new covenant written in hearts and minds, contrasting with the old covenant.

Hebrews 10:1-3

Context: The law is a shadow; sacrifices could not make perfect, requiring annual repetition.

Hebrews 7:24-27

Context: Christ's unchangeable priesthood, ability to save utterly, and once-for-all sacrifice.

Colossians 1:18

Context: Christ has preeminence in all things, supporting that He is the original, not Melchizedek.

Ezra 2:62

Context: Those without genealogical proof were put from the priesthood, illustrating the importance of lineage under the law.

Hebrews 7:13-14

Context: Christ sprang from Judah, a tribe with no priestly service, emphasizing His unique priesthood.

1 Corinthians 15:25-28

Context: Christ will reign until all enemies are subdued, then deliver the kingdom to the Father, showing a sense in which His priestly work concludes.

Hebrews 13:20

Context: Christ is the great shepherd through the blood of the everlasting covenant, highlighting His eternal priesthood.

John 17:24

Context: Christ's high priestly prayer that believers be with Him and behold His glory, guaranteeing their future.

Historical References

John Brown of Edinburgh (died 1858)

Context: Weaver quotes John Brown's opinion that Melchizedek was likely a descendant of Japheth, a king-priest preserving true religion.

Old heretics who identified Melchizedek as the Holy Ghost

Context: Mentioned as one of the heretical views about Melchizedek's identity.

Views that Melchizedek was Shem, Ham, Job, Enoch, or a Canaanite priest

Context: Listed as other speculative identifications of Melchizedek.

Important Quotes

the most probable opinion is that he was one of the descendants of Japheth who possessed the supreme authority over a small tribe of which Salem was the chief town among whom the true primitive religion was preserved and who was invested with priestly as well as regal office.

Significance: Weaver presents this as a logical explanation of Melchizedek's identity from John Brown, emphasizing his human, king-priest role.

There has always been a priesthood prior to and superior to that of Aaron and Levi even though they sprung from the loins of Abraham.

Significance: Summarizes the argument for the superiority of Melchizedek's priesthood over the Levitical.

Melchizedek was a facsimile. He was made like. Not the real thing, but he was like him.

Significance: Clarifies the typological relationship between Melchizedek and Christ.

These phrases do not refer to his person, but rather they refer to his priesthood.

Significance: Key hermeneutical point explaining 'without father, without mother' in Hebrews 7:3.

Jesus Christ is not only the great high priest, but he is the only high priest that we will ever need.

Significance: Application emphasizing the sufficiency of Christ's priesthood.

Our Lord has preceded us, He has scouted the way, He has cleared the enemies, and He's occupying and holding our place in the very presence of God for us.

Significance: Explains the forerunner concept, giving assurance of salvation.

Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me, for thou lovest me before the foundation of the world.

Significance: Christ's high priestly prayer, demonstrating His will for believers' eternal destiny.

Discussion Questions

Why is it important to understand that Melchizedek was a real man and not a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ?

Context: Weaver spends significant time arguing that Melchizedek was a man, a type of Christ, not Christ Himself.

How does the use of the Greek word 'heteros' in Hebrews 7:15 help us distinguish between Christ and Melchizedek?

Context: Weaver explains that 'heteros' means another of a different kind, showing Christ is distinct from Melchizedek.

What does it mean that the phrases 'without father, without mother' refer to Melchizedek's priesthood rather than his person?

Context: Weaver argues these phrases indicate no genealogical record for his priesthood, not a lack of human parents.

In what ways does Christ's priesthood after the order of Melchizedek give believers boldness in approaching God?

Context: Weaver applies Hebrews 4:14-16, emphasizing Christ's sympathy and our confident access to the throne of grace.

How does the concept of Christ as our 'forerunner' (Hebrews 6:19-20) provide assurance of salvation?

Context: Weaver explains that Christ has entered the heavenly sanctuary ahead of us, securing our place.

Why is it significant that Christ's high priestly prayer in John 17:24 is always answered by the Father?

Context: Weaver uses this to show the certainty of believers being with Christ in glory.

Applications

Christ is the only high priest we need

Summary: Believers should rest in Christ alone as their mediator, recognizing He is perfectly suited to represent them before God and sympathize with their weaknesses.

Evidence: Weaver says, 'Jesus Christ is not only the great high priest, but he is the only high priest that we will ever need.' He cites Hebrews 2:17-18 and 4:15-16.

Hold fast your confession with boldness

Summary: Understanding Christ's eternal priesthood should empower believers to hold firmly to their faith in Him, not turning away despite trials.

Evidence: Weaver states, 'If we understand the priesthood of Christ, it ought to enable us to hold fast powerfully to our confession.' He references Hebrews 4:14.

Find assurance in Christ's forerunnership

Summary: Because Christ has entered the heavenly sanctuary as our forerunner, believers can have a sure and steadfast hope, anchored in His finished work and intercession.

Evidence: Weaver says, 'Our Lord has preceded us... He's occupying and holding our place in the very presence of God for us. And if He's there, we're going to be there as well.'

deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | clean_readable_transcript | 2026-06-05T22:45:51Z

deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | weaver_study | 2026-06-06T14:09:14Z

Clean Transcript

Messiah's Divine Rights-Part 8

Clean readable transcript. This view follows the Commentary.net cleaned segment text while preserving timestamps for audio follow-along.

Psalm 110 verse 1, "The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion, rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, and the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning thou hast the dew of thy youth. The Lord hath sworn and will not repent, thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings on the day of his wrath."
#1 | 0:02 to 0:33 | cleaned
"He shall judge among the heathen. He shall fill the places with the dead bodies. He shall wound the heads over many countries. He shall drink of the brook in the way, therefore shall he lift up the head." Psalm 110, and we have gotten down to verse 4, "The Lord has sworn and will not repent, thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek."
#2 | 0:34 to 0:58 | cleaned
Now very quickly, let me just take a few moments in review. In this psalm, of course, we've looked at verse one where our Lord has the right to royal honor. In verse two, where our Lord has the right to rule the heathen. And then verse three, he has a right to reverend homage. And then in the latter part of verse three, I pointed out the fact that since he is not only king, but a priest, therefore he produces and sires warrior priests, and I dealt with that as a transition from verse 3 to verse 4 because the first three verses basically deal with his kingship. Verse 4 then with his priesthood. Now, I told you last week that his priesthood basically consisted of two parts. First of all, his satisfaction, that is his actual sacrifice. And that satisfaction involved two parts.
#3 | 0:59 to 1:59 | cleaned
There was his active and passive obedience. His active obedience is where he kept the law of God perfectly. John 8, verse 29, where he said, "I do always those things which please the Father." So he was the only one who ever obeyed the law of God personally, perfectly, and perpetually. And then there is his passive obedience where the wrath and the justice of God was poured upon him.
#4 | 1:59 to 2:23 | cleaned
And he suffered in our stead. So that is his satisfaction.
#5 | 2:23 to 2:27 | cleaned
He calls them for our acquittal. He is always there interceding for us.
#6 | 2:53 to 2:59 | cleaned
Now, today I'm going to try to deal with what everyone has a question about in verse 4. "The Lord has sworn and will not repent. Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek." Now, everyone wonders about the statement that Christ was made a priest after the order of Melchizedek. So the question automatically arises, who was Melchizedek? And why is everything about Melchizedek basically clothed in mystery? Now, there have been numerous suggestions, some absolutely heretical, in trying to identify Melchizedek. Some of the old heretics tried to say that Melchizedek was none other than the Holy Ghost. Some say that Melchizedek was an angel. Others teach that Melchizedek was Shem, the son of Noah. And still others would say that he was Ham, or Job, or Enoch, or some Canaanite priest that was miraculously and extraordinarily raised up by God to be a priest of the Gentiles. And some have said that Melchizedek was Christ himself.
#7 | 2:59 to 4:18 | cleaned
who manifested himself by special dispensation during the time of Abraham in the flesh. And of course, they would take then John 8 in verse 56 where Christ said, "Abraham rejoiced to see my day and was glad." Of course, that verse can be interpreted just simply means that Abraham saw Christ by faith. And I believe that's exactly what it means. I believe one of the most logical explanations as to who Melchizedek was has been given by John Brown of Edinburgh, Scotland, who died in 1858. Here is what John Brown said, quote, "the most probable opinion is that he was one of the descendants of Japheth who possessed the supreme authority over a small tribe of which Salem was the chief town among whom the true primitive religion was preserved and who was invested with priestly as well as regal office." So he just says that probably he was a descendant of Japheth, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Now, the importance of Melchizedek may be seen in the fact that Christ is said to be a priest after the order of Melchizedek.
#8 | 4:18 to 5:35 | cleaned
The interesting thing is this. Christ is said to be a priest after the order of Melchizedek one time in the Old Testament. And then he is said to be a priest after the order of Melchizedek seven times in the New Testament. So eight times, specifically, God mentions the fact that Christ is a priest after the order of Melchizedek. I usually like to ask this question. How many times does God have to say something to make it true?
#9 | 5:37 to 6:11 | cleaned
And the answer is only once. So if God says something eight particular times, it means, therefore, that it is exceedingly important. And of course, you know that the number eight signifies always a new beginning. If you would hold Psalm 110 and look in your Bibles to the book of Hebrews, in fact, we'll look there several times, so mark that book if you would. The book of Hebrews, chapter 8, and let's look in verse 6, showing you that indeed the priesthood of Christ does mark a new beginning. In the book of Hebrews, chapter 8 and verse 6, we read this. Hebrews 8, verse 6. "But now hath he," Christ, "obtained a more excellent ministry by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant which was established upon better promises." So we have a new beginning, we have the new covenant. Look in chapter 9 and verse 15. "And for this cause he," that is Christ, "is the mediator of the New Testament," or the new covenant, "that by means of death for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament," or covenant, "they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance."
#10 | 6:12 to 7:37 | cleaned
So over and over in the book of Hebrews, Christ is spoken of as being the mediator of the new covenant. Now, if you will go back in your Bible to Genesis chapter 14, you're going to find the stage being set for the appearance of Melchizedek. You remember how Lot and a number of other people were taken captive. Abram finds out that his nephew has been taken captive. And so he arms his trained men and he goes to recover Lot and those individuals who were taken captive. So look in Genesis chapter 14 verse 17. Genesis 14 verse 17.
#11 | 7:37 to 8:23 | cleaned
"And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him in the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale. And Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought forth bread and wine, and he was the priest of the Most High God. And he blessed him and said, Blessed be Abram of the Most High God, possessor of heaven and earth. And he blessed the Most High God, who had delivered thine enemies into thine hand, and he gave him tithes of all. And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods thyself. And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lifted up mine hand unto the Lord, the Most High God, the Possessor of heaven and earth, that I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take anything that is thine, lest thou shouldst say, I have made Abram rich. Save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre, let them take their portion."
#12 | 8:23 to 9:23 | cleaned
Now, Abraham returns triumphantly with Lot and all the people that have been captured. It is at this point that the king of Sodom and Melchizedek go out to meet Abram. And by the way, this is the first and the last time you meet Melchizedek in the Old Testament. The only other time he is mentioned is in Psalm 110 in verse 4 where God says concerning Christ that he was a priest after the order of Melchizedek. So, here's the first and only time that he's mentioned in the Old Testament.
#13 | 9:23 to 10:02 | cleaned
Now, let me lay out at least five things very quickly for you. First of all, let me point out that Melchizedek was a man. Now, the Bible says that Melchizedek went out to meet Abram. And how can I say that he was a man? Well, there are a number of other passages, but hold Genesis 14, but look in your Bibles to the book of Hebrews, chapter 5, and notice if you would particularly verse 1 and then verse 4. Hebrews chapter 5. Notice if you would what is said concerning the priesthood. Hebrews chapter 5 verse 1, "For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sin." How do we know that Melchizedek was a man? Because he was a priest. And every priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God. And then look in verse 4. "And no man taketh his honor unto himself, but he that is called of God as was Aaron."
#14 | 10:02 to 11:19 | cleaned
So I'm going to point out the fact that every priest basically was taken from man in order that he might offer sacrifices unto God. So first and foremost, Melchizedek was a man. Secondly, if you go back in your Bibles to Genesis 14 and verse 18, the Bible explicitly tells us that Melchizedek was a priest of the Most High God. The Bible says that Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought forth bread and wine, and he was the priest of the Most High God. Now, I want you to know, thirdly, that Melchizedek as a man and as a priest of the Most High God did exactly that which priests were ordained to do. Look in verse 19. "And he," that is Melchizedek, "blessed him," that is Abram, "and said, Blessed be Abram of the Most High God, possessor of heaven and earth." So what in the world do priests do? Priests not only offer sacrifices, but they also give blessings. And here he is blessing Abram. Then I want you to note the generosity of Melchizedek. The Bible says in verse 18, "And Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought forth bread and wine."
#15 | 11:19 to 12:36 | cleaned
Now, you say, how does that indicate his generosity? Well, look in chapter 14 in verse—let's go to verse 13, Genesis 14, verse 13, "And there came one that escaped and told Abram the Hebrew. For he dwelt in the plain of Mamre, the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner. And these were confederate with Abram. And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan." So Abram then had 318 trained, fighting men that had been born in his own house. That doesn't count, maybe some that were not born in his own house. So now if he is going to bring forth bread and wine to feed these hungry, weary warriors, and by the way, the 318 does not count the men who were with Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre in verse 24. And the Bible tells you that they were confederate with Abram in verse 13. So there may have been seven or eight hundred warriors.
#16 | 12:38 to 13:54 | cleaned
And here comes Melchizedek with bread and wine. Now, anyone who knows anything about the New Testament would automatically think of communion. You would think of a spiritual act and you would think of a spiritual feast. But here he is, a man who is a priest, who blesses Abram, demonstrates his generosity in giving bread and wine to those who were with Abram. And then if you look in verse 20, he also received tithes from Abram. "And he blessed the Most High God, who had delivered thine enemies into thine hand," watch, "and he," that is Abram, "gave him," Melchizedek, "tithes of all." So Abram then paid tithes to Melchizedek. Now, when tithes are given and tithes are received, it is indeed evident of a divine priesthood. Now, this significance is not lost upon the writers of the New Testament because the very fact that Abram paid tithes to Melchizedek indicates that here was a greater priest and a greater priesthood than that of Levi.
#17 | 13:56 to 15:18 | cleaned
You say, well, how can you say that? Well, look in your Bibles, if you would, to Hebrews chapter 7. Hebrews chapter 7. And let's begin reading there with verse 1. Hebrews 7 and verse 1. Watch carefully. Hebrews 7, verse 1. Let's begin reading there. Hebrews 7, verse 1. "For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him. To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all. First being by interpretation King of Righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is King of Peace, without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like unto the Son of God, abideth a priest continually."
#18 | 15:18 to 16:09 | cleaned
"Now consider how great this man was." Now watch. "Now consider how great this man was, on whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils. And verily they that are the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham. But he whose descent is not counted from them," that is Melchizedek, "received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises. And without all contradiction, the less is blessed of the better. And here men that die receive tithes, but there he receiveth them of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, paid tithes in Abraham. For he was yet in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him. If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, for under it the people received the law, what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchizedek and not be called after the order of Aaron?"
#19 | 16:10 to 17:15 | cleaned
Now, this whole passage is pointing out the fact that Melchizedek received tithes from Abraham. Levi was yet in the loins of Abraham. And so the scripture is saying in that sense of the word, even Levi paid tithes and recognized the greater priesthood of Melchizedek. So it's very obvious then that the very fact that Abram paid tithes to Melchizedek had a great significance and the apostle is certainly outlining that here.
#20 | 17:16 to 17:49 | cleaned
Now, here's the point I wish to make. Here's the point that we're to learn. The lesson to be learned from Genesis chapter 14 is that there has always been a priesthood prior to and superior to that of Aaron and Levi even though they sprung from the loins of Abraham. Let me say that again. There has always been a priesthood prior to and superior to that of Aaron and Levi, even though they sprung from the loins of Abraham. The superior priesthood is where the priest was both king and priest. Christ would never ever be made a priest after the order of an inferior priesthood, one that was merely symbolical and emblematical and a shadow of the real thing, which the Levitical priesthood was.
#21 | 17:49 to 18:49 | cleaned
Now, the Bible specifically tells us that Melchizedek was king of Salem. Genesis 14 in verse 18. He was the king of Salem. Where in the world is Salem? What is Salem? Well, look in your Bibles to Psalm 76. Psalm 76. And let's read verses one and two. Psalm 76. Verses one and two. Look at what the Bible says. Psalm 76 verse 1. "In Judah is God known."
#22 | 18:50 to 19:27 | cleaned
"His name is great in Israel. In Salem also is his tabernacle and his dwelling place in Zion." So what is Salem? It is short for Jerusalem. "In Salem also is his tabernacle." So the tabernacle then was in Jerusalem. So here he is counted as King of Salem or King of Jerusalem. And the word Salem means peace. So he is King of Salem, King of Jerusalem, or King of Peace. Now, the word Melchizedek is also made up of another Hebrew word, Melchi, which is the Hebrew word for righteousness. So the very name Melchizedek literally means "My Righteous King" or "the King of Righteousness." Now the Bible tells you in Hebrews 7 and verses 1 and 2, look there again, "For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all, first being by interpretation the King of Righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is King of Peace."
#23 | 19:28 to 20:51 | cleaned
Now, let me just point out the fact that Melchizedek, in his person, was a representative type of Jesus Christ. For Jesus Christ alone is the true King of Peace and the true King of Righteousness. In all probability, Melchizedek received his name from the pure and righteous administration of his government, which exemplified one of the attributes of our Lord, which character is essential in our Lord. If I were to take the time today, I could go all through the Bible and show you where he is called the branch, the righteous branch, the righteous one. He is the king of peace.
#24 | 20:52 to 21:39 | cleaned
Isaiah 9:6 and many, many other passages. Thus, we have here Melchizedek, who then is a type and a representative of Jesus Christ.
#25 | 21:40 to 21:52 | cleaned
Now, I hope you're putting together this one thought so far. That Melchizedek is a man and only a man, although he is a type of and a representative of Jesus Christ.
#26 | 21:52 to 22:07 | cleaned
Now, I'm going to be showing you that there are other scriptures that teach undeniably that Melchizedek was merely a man. Yet, there are other scriptures that most certainly have to be explained in light of this. For instance, let's look in our Bibles to the book of Hebrews 7 and verse 15. Here are the ones, first of all, that demonstrate that Melchizedek was just merely a man. Notice Hebrews 7 and verse 15. He says, "And it is yet far more evident for that after the similitude of Melchizedek, there ariseth another priest," he's talking about Christ, "who is made not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of the endless life." Now, watch verse 15 carefully, "and it is yet far more evident for that after the similitude of Melchizedek, there ariseth another priest." First, I want you to look at the word similitude. The Greek word is homoiōtēs, which literally is translated as likeness or similitude. What is a similitude?
#27 | 22:08 to 23:21 | cleaned
A similitude means that something is like something else, but it's not the same thing. So the Bible says very plainly then that there arises another priest after the similitude of Melchizedek. So here is Melchizedek and here's Christ. And Melchizedek was a similitude and Christ is like him in certain ways and he is like Christ in certain ways, but they're not one and the same.
#28 | 23:23 to 23:57 | cleaned
Now look in verse 15 again. He says, "and it is yet far more evident for that after the similitude of Melchizedek there ariseth another priest." Now the second obvious point in this verse is the word another. A-N-O-T-H-E-R, another.
#29 | 23:58 to 24:20 | cleaned
Now, you and I have a great disadvantage in our English language. I could give Gene a billfold, and he could say, well, I don't want to take your billfold, and I could respond, well, I have another one just like it at home. Go ahead. Now, when I say I have another one, or I have another one at home, it means basically I've got one just like it at home. I don't need two of them, so I'm giving him one of them. In the Greek language, you have two distinct words for another.
#30 | 24:21 to 25:12 | cleaned
And they mean totally different things. The first word is allos. A-L-L-O-S. Allos. That word, when you see it, means another of the same kind. So if I gave him my billfold, and he said, I don't want to take your billfold, and I say, but I have an allos back at home, I just told him I've got another one just like it back at home. But the word heteros, which is also translated another in the Bible, means another of a different kind.
#31 | 25:13 to 25:53 | cleaned
That's why we talk about a heterosexual marriage, marriage between a man and a woman. We may be alike in some ways, but we're certainly unalike in a multitude of other ways. Look carefully now. The Bible says in verse 15, "and yet it is far more evident for that after the similitude, after the likeness of Melchizedek, there ariseth a heteros, a different kind of priest, a priest of a different kind." In other words, Christ is not like Levi in some ways, and he's not like Melchizedek in some ways as well. The Bible teaches that another priest has risen, even Jesus Christ, the son of David, of the tribe of Judah, which was totally different from the Aaronic priesthood, which was of the tribe of Levi. Hence, we learn, not only is Christ not a priest after the order of Levi, He is a priest after the order of Melchizedek, but they are not one and the same persons. He is another of a different kind, and there was a similitude, there was a likeness, but they are not one and the same thing.
#32 | 25:54 to 27:14 | cleaned
So the Bible is teaching us, I believe very clearly here, that the order and the similitude of Melchizedek implies very clearly there are some things like him, and there is a resemblance between them, but they are totally different individuals. Thirdly, just trying to show you that in verse 15 that Jesus Christ and Melchizedek are two totally different people. Thirdly, the context demands that we differentiate not only between the Levitical priesthood and the priesthood of Christ, but also it demands that we differentiate between Christ and Melchizedek. Why? Look in verse 11. "If, therefore, perfection were by the Levitical priesthood," it was not. "If, therefore, perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, for under it the people receive the law, what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchizedek and not be called after the order of Aaron?"
#33 | 27:15 to 28:18 | cleaned
In other words, here's the argument of the apostle. If the Levitical priesthood was perfect, if it could do what needed to be done, why change? What's our old adage? If it's not broke, don't fix it. But what he's pointing out is that perfection could never, ever be under the Levitical priesthood. Why could it not be under the Levitical priesthood? Well, look at Hebrews 8, beginning there with verses 9 and 10. Hebrews 8, verse 9.
#34 | 28:18 to 28:54 | cleaned
"Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt. Because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people." God says here is a new covenant, and this new covenant is not going to be written in stone, it's going to be written in our hearts, it's going to be written in our minds. Look in chapter 10. Look in Chapter 10, beginning there in verse 1.
#35 | 28:54 to 29:33 | cleaned
"For the law," now note these phrases, they're very important. "For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never, with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually, make the comers thereunto perfect." No man was ever saved by those bulls and goats that were sacrificed. They could not make the comers thereunto perfect. "For then would they not have ceased to be offered, because that the worshippers, once purged, should have no more conscience of sins." Now watch. "But in those sacrifices, there is a remembrance made of sins every year."
#36 | 29:33 to 30:16 | cleaned
Now, what is his argument? Very obviously, the argument is this. Everything was tied in shadow. You came with a bull or a goat to offer sacrifice. Guess what? You had to do it again the next year. You had to do it the year after that and the year after that. Why? Because it was not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sin. Everything there was a type and shadow.
#37 | 30:16 to 30:41 | cleaned
Perfection was not under the Levitical priesthood. So there must necessarily then be a change in that priesthood. Go back, if you would please, to Hebrews chapter 7. Hebrews chapter 7 and notice verse 16. Jesus Christ, then, was made a priest not after the order of Levi, but after the order of Melchizedek, the Bible says in verse 16, "who is made not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life." Look in verse 24 and 25. "But this man," talking about Christ, "because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood, wherefore he is able to save them to the uttermost, that come unto God by him." Why? "Seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them." Now, look down in verse 27.
#38 | 30:41 to 31:36 | cleaned
"Christ needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice first for his own sins and then for the people's. For this he did once when he offered up himself." Now watch. "For the law maketh men high priests which have an infirmity, but the word of the oath which was since the law maketh the Son who is consecrated forevermore." So we have been perfection in Jesus Christ.
#39 | 31:36 to 32:02 | cleaned
Now let me ask you this question. Where is Melchizedek? And the answer is he is dead. Only Christ is the eternal Son of God. Now, I've showed you passage after passage where Melchizedek is a man. He does have a similitude to Christ. He is a representative of Christ.
#40 | 32:02 to 32:25 | cleaned
Now, you're going to say, Brother Weaver, I understand all of that, but wait till you hit some other scriptures and they're going to make you change your mind. No, let's look at those other scriptures. Because here's the passage that throws most people. Look in Hebrews 7 in verse 3. In fact, we're talking about Melchizedek. Now look in verse 1. "For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all, who being by interpretation king of righteousness, and after that also king of Salem, which is king of peace, without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like unto the Son of God, abideth a priest continually." Ah, now you say, how are you going to explain those passages? Well, first of all, I want to call your attention to verse 3. I want to go back and look at these phrases, one at a time.
#41 | 32:26 to 33:38 | cleaned
But he says, "without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days nor end of life." And boy, that's where we normally stop. But look at it. "But made," what's that next word? "like unto the Son of God." Made like unto the Son of God. Now, if he was made like unto the Son of God, very obviously, they're two different people. They're two different persons.
#42 | 33:39 to 34:09 | cleaned
They are not one and the same. Now, the Greek word is aphomoioō, which literally translated means to cause a model to pass off into an image, to express oneself as, or a facsimile, or to be made like, or to render similar. So the word actually means that Melchizedek was a facsimile. He was made like. Not the real thing, but he was like him. It was indeed something that was similar. So this once again indicates that Melchizedek was a picture. He was a type. He was a shadow. He was a semblance of what was going to actually be in Jesus Christ. Melchizedek would have been the shadow, Christ would be the substance. So now the apostle is seeking to illustrate the nature and the perpetuity of the office of Messiah by comparing it to Melchizedek.
#43 | 34:10 to 35:17 | cleaned
Hence he is pressing then the idea of resemblance. So he is saying he was made like unto the Son of God. This thought hit me as I was looking at this passage. Isn't it interesting that the Bible says Melchizedek was made like unto the Son of God. The Son of God was not made like unto Melchizedek. There's a difference. If Melchizedek was made like unto the Son of God, what does that mean? It means the Son of God is the original and Melchizedek is the copy. In other words, not only was there a priesthood before Aaron and Levi, there was also a priesthood before Melchizedek and that great original was the priesthood of Jesus Christ. You see the Bible tells us in Colossians 1 in verse 18 that in all things Jesus Christ might have the preeminence. And Jesus Christ was the great high priest that was ordained from eternity. Jesus Christ was the true high priest and Melchizedek was made like unto him.
#44 | 35:17 to 36:55 | cleaned
Now you're going to ask me, well Brother Weaver, how do you explain these phrases, "without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days nor end of life"? How are we to understand that if Melchizedek is nothing but a man? Let me explain it, and we're going to think about it, I hope. Do not refer to his person. But rather, they refer to his priesthood. Listen carefully. These phrases do not refer to his person, but rather they refer to his priesthood. What does it mean "without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days nor end of life"?
#45 | 36:56 to 37:52 | cleaned
Now you and I know there is one God. There is one eternal being. The father of Melchizedek was not a priest. His mother did not descend from any in the priestly office. Neither did he have a predecessor or a successor as appears from any of the biblical accounts. Now, Melchizedek was a man. He did have a father. He did have a mother. He did have a natural lineage.
#46 | 37:53 to 38:34 | cleaned
But no account of that is given to us in Scripture. Therefore, he is said to be without them. The Syriac version renders it "whose father and mother are not written in the genealogies." In other words, there is no genealogical account of his father and his mother. It has to do with his priesthood, not with his person. "Without descent" literally means without pedigree. In other words, his descent is unknown. He can't go back and prove that his father was a priest, his grandfather was a priest, his great-grandfather. No, no. He's without pedigree. It has nothing to do with his person. It has to do with his priesthood. And when the Bible says, "having neither beginning of days nor end of life," all that means is this.
#47 | 38:35 to 39:25 | cleaned
There is no record of his birth. There is no record of his death. There is even not a record of when he began his priesthood and when he ended his priesthood. And by the way, I can tell you somebody else in the Bible that was without father and without mother, that we know nothing about his beginning or his end. That's Adam. You see what I'm saying, but this phrase does not necessarily refer to his person, but to his priesthood.
#48 | 39:25 to 40:03 | cleaned
And so here's why Christ is made after the order of Melchizedek. Christ, as to His priesthood, had no predecessor, and Christ will have no successor. Look in your Bibles to Hebrews 7, verse 16. Hebrews 7, verse 16. "Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life." Verse 24. "But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them."
#49 | 40:03 to 40:45 | cleaned
Now, I want you to understand that it was very important to the Jews in the Old Testament and in the New Testament to have those genealogical records down pat. They knew who was a priest and who was not a priest. Because you had to be of a priestly family. You had to be of the line of Aaron or in the line of the tribe of Levi. Else you could not be a priest.
#50 | 40:46 to 41:21 | cleaned
In fact, let me just read to you. I'm going to turn back to the book of Ezra, if you want to turn there, that's fine, Ezra 2, and look in your Bibles at verse 62, because here were some who wanted to participate in the priesthood, but here's what the Bible says. "These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found, therefore they, as polluted, were put from the priesthood."
#51 | 41:21 to 41:48 | cleaned
In other words, they were kicked out. They could not prove a genealogical descent from Levi and Aaron. So they were kicked out of the priesthood. You'll find that in Nehemiah 7 verses 63 and 64 again. Once again, they were polluted. They were kicked out of the priesthood. In other words, under the Mosaic dispensation, under that, everything had to come down through Levi. And do you realize there were regulations saying when a priest could work, when he had to cease work. What he could do and what he could not do.
#52 | 41:48 to 42:29 | cleaned
Originally, they begin their service at 30 years of age. And then by the time they were 50, they were retired, or at least from the more arduous task. Later on, according to 1 Chronicles 23, that was reduced and they began starting their priestly work at 20 years of age. But everything had to be by genealogy, everything had to be outlined. And here's the Apostle's argument in Hebrews chapter 7.
#53 | 42:31 to 43:01 | cleaned
He is just simply saying there is no genealogical table in regard to Melchizedek. As far as the record is concerned, as far as his priesthood is concerned, he was without father, he was without mother. He had no pedigree. He had no descent. There's nothing about his birth. There's nothing about his death. And in that sense, he was made like unto Christ. Here is the whole emphasis that the Apostle is laying down. Are you listening? Melchizedek stood alone. Melchizedek stood alone. Jesus Christ stands alone. As far as we know, Genesis 14 is the first and the last that we hear of Melchizedek. And the only thing we have in the New Testament is that which is basically repeated from Genesis chapter 14 with the exception of Hebrews chapter 7. No one knows anything about Melchizedek outside of that. The important point was in his priesthood he stood alone. He did not come
#54 | 43:01 to 44:25 | cleaned
from a great line of priests. Nor was his family a priestly family, and if you look in verse 14 of Hebrews chapter 7. Hebrews chapter 7 verse 14. Look what the Scripture says. In fact, let's read verse 13. "For he of whom these things are spoken," that is Christ, "pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar, for it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Judah, of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning the priesthood."
#55 | 44:27 to 45:06 | cleaned
Now let that sink in just for a moment. Our Lord was not of Levi. He was of Judah. Just like Melchizedek stood alone, Jesus Christ stands alone. He had no predecessors. He will have no successors.
#56 | 45:11 to 45:34 | cleaned
Now, although we have the genealogy of Christ as far as His birth, we have that in Matthew 1 and Luke chapter 3 of His life. But we do not have a genealogy of his priesthood. There is no record given of Christ's priesthood. In that, he, like Melchizedek, is that he stands alone. Now, there are differences between the Melchizedekal priesthood and the Levitical priesthood. Let me give you those differences very quickly. Three of them. First of all, there is no account of Melchizedek's ancestry as a priest, neither his father or his mother are mentioned, and that was indispensable to the Levitical priesthood. You had to have it in order to be a priest. Secondly, there was no account of any descendants in his office, and no reason to believe that he had any, thus he stood alone. No Levitical priest ever stood alone.
#57 | 45:35 to 46:44 | cleaned
There were always people before him and after him. And then thirdly, there was no account of the commencement or the close of his office as a priest. But as far as the record goes, we're talking about the biblical record. It is just as if his priesthood had neither beginning or ending. And therefore, there was a difference because every Levitical priest in their priesthood, they had a definite beginning and they had a definite ending. This is how the Melchizedekal priesthood differs from the Levitical priesthood.
#58 | 46:45 to 47:21 | cleaned
Now let me give you the points of similes between Christ and Melchizedek. How is Melchizedek made like unto Christ? First of all, in name. Because his name means King of Righteousness and King of Peace. Jesus Christ is the true King of Righteousness and the true King of Peace. Secondly, he was made likened to Christ in the fact that he had no predecessors and no successors in his priestly office. Thirdly, he was made likened to Christ in the fact that he evidently had a perpetual priesthood in the sense that there is no record given of his beginning or his ending. And fourthly, he was made likened to Christ in that he united in himself kingship and priesthood. And that's the whole point of Psalm 110, that Jesus Christ is not only king of kings, he is indeed the great high priest. So when the Bible says that Melchizedek abideth a priest continually, all that means is as far as the Genesis record goes. As far as the record in the Word of God goes, He had no beginning or ending and that's the only thing that you could say.
#59 | 47:21 to 48:44 | cleaned
Now look in your Bibles, to Hebrews 7 and verse 23. Watch this carefully, Hebrews 7 verse 23. "And they truly were many priests." Why were they so many Levitical priests? "Because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death." And then what is the argument in the rest of Hebrews chapter 7? Jesus Christ does not die. So he is a priest after the order of Melchizedek. Now, you and I know that if Melchizedek was a man,
#60 | 48:44 to 49:23 | cleaned
there was a time when he was born and there was a time when he died. We don't know when. We don't know where. There was a time when he ceased to be priest. And I could show you in the Bible where there's a time in one sense of the word when Jesus Christ will cease to be a priest. You say, when is that? Well, let me show you.
#61 | 49:25 to 49:52 | cleaned
Look in your Bibles to 1 Corinthians 15. 1 Corinthians 15, and let's begin reading there with verse 25. When all of our Lord's elect, when all of his church is redeemed and safely with him, look at what the Bible says, verse 25, "For he," that is Christ, "must reign till he has put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For he hath put all things under his feet, but when he saith, All things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all."
#62 | 49:52 to 50:46 | cleaned
So in the end, there our Lord renders everything unto the Father. Jesus Christ is the true Melchizedek. Jesus Christ was the great high priest in the eternal covenant. Look in your Bibles in Hebrews 13 and verse 20. Hebrews 13 and verse 20. Look at what the Bible says. Hebrews 13 and verse 20. "Now the God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the" what? "of the everlasting covenant." Before the world ever began, God the Father gave God the Son to be the mediator, to be the great high priest, to be the substitute, to be the Lord. It was an eternal government. If it's eternal, it had no beginning. It had no ending. So Jesus Christ was the true Melchizedek. That's why the Bible says this earthly Melchizedek was made like unto him. So Jesus Christ is the only one who was ever ordained priest before the world began. He had no predecessor.
#63 | 50:48 to 52:13 | cleaned
He will have no successor. He is all.
#64 | 52:14 to 52:18 | cleaned
Now, let me make at least three applications, all right, just three. Listen carefully. It should be exceedingly obvious to everyone that Jesus Christ is not only the great high priest, but he is the only high priest that we will ever need. Jesus Christ is perfect man and Jesus Christ is perfect God. Therefore, he is the perfect mediator. He represents man and he also represents God. He is perfectly suited then to be the divine daysman, to be the divine mediator. Scripture emphasizes this truth. Look in your Bibles.
#65 | 52:18 to 53:01 | cleaned
First of all, to Hebrews chapter two. Hebrews chapter two. Watch what the Bible says, beginning there with verse 17. Hebrews 2 verse 17, "Wherefore, in all things, it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren." Why did Christ assume our nature? Here's why. "That he might be a merciful and faithful high priest, in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people."
#66 | 53:01 to 53:32 | cleaned
"For in that he himself has suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted." And if that's not plain enough, look in chapter four, if you would, beginning there, verse 15, showing you that Jesus Christ understands. Verse 14, "Seeing that we have a great high priest that is passed into the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God. Let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities."
#67 | 53:32 to 54:02 | cleaned
Watch what was "in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us, therefore, come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
#68 | 54:02 to 54:13 | cleaned
Now, let me just kind of spell this out for you. He said, "for we have not a high priest who cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities, but he was tempted in all points such as we are, yet without sin." What's that mean? You say, I'm hungry. Our Lord hungered. I'm thirsty. Our Lord thirsted. I'm tired. The Lord being weary with his journey sat thus on the well. But you say you don't understand, Brother Weaver, my friends betrayed me. Our Lord understands that. His friends betrayed him. But you don't understand. I don't have anything in this world. I'm penniless. I'm broke. What did our Lord say?
#69 | 54:13 to 54:56 | cleaned
"The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man hath not where to lay his head." He understands everything that we go through because he's been through it. And yet, he did not sin. Many times we're the ones who sin in our tests, in our trials, but yet he went through everything we did without murmuring, without complaining, without sinning. So Jesus Christ is the only high priest that we will ever, ever need.
#70 | 54:56 to 55:33 | cleaned
Secondly, since we're already there, in Hebrews chapter 4, if we grasp the reality of the priesthood of Jesus Christ and understand that He is a priest after the order of Melchizedek, which means that He will never die, He will always be capable of fulfilling His office, it should give us extreme boldness. You say, what are you talking about? Look in verse 14 again. Hebrews 4 verse 14, "Seeing then that we have a great high priest that is passed into the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession" or our confession. Now, the word hold fast is krateō in the Greek from kratos, which is the word for power. It is translated 47 times in our Bible, and it means to be powerful, to have power, to exercise dominion, to get possession over, to take hold of. What is he saying? He's saying if we understand the priesthood of Christ, it ought to enable us to hold fast powerfully to our confession that Jesus Christ is God incarnate, that He is the one true and the living God.
#71 | 55:34 to 57:00 | cleaned
that he is always interceding for us. He is always successful. And if we understand that, how can we do anything less than hold fast? Why would we turn from him? Why would we turn from our confession? If we understand his priesthood like Timothy, we're to hold fast that good confession that we've made before many witnesses. One last application and I want you to look at Hebrews 6. And verse 20.
#72 | 57:01 to 57:37 | cleaned
And I have wanted for some time to preach an entire message on this and maybe I will in the future. But I want you to know this is in line with the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 6 verse 20, whether in fact, let's read verse 19. "Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, which entereth into that within the veil, whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek."
#73 | 57:37 to 58:10 | cleaned
Now, let me just set the stage for you. Look in verse 19. "Which hope," we're talking about Christ, "we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, which entereth into that within the veil." What does it mean by the phrase, "within the veil"? It means within the Holy of Holies, in the very presence of God. Okay? "Whither the forerunner is for us entered." I want you to note the forerunnership of Jesus Christ is connected with His priesthood. "Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus made a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek." Do you know what a forerunner is? The Greek word is prodromos, which literally means a forerunner or a scout.
#74 | 58:13 to 59:10 | cleaned
That has been sent on ahead to clear the way. It also refers to someone who goes in advance to take possession of something for the others who are following.
#75 | 59:12 to 59:34 | cleaned
Now, listen carefully, look what he said, verse 19, "which hope," that is our hope in Jesus Christ, "which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, which entereth into that within the veil," that is, into the Holy of Holies, in the very presence of God, "whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus the high priest, made a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek." What is he saying? Our Lord has preceded us, He has scouted the way, He has cleared the enemies, and He's occupying and holding our place in the very presence of God for us. And if He's there, we're going to be there as well. No wonder the Bible says we have an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast. Christ, the great I Am, the great High Priest, the great Redeemer, has gone before us and secured our place in the presence of God. Now, one last scripture. Look in your Bibles to John 17. Everyone knows that John 17 is the high priestly prayer of our Lord.
#76 | 59:38 to 1:01:04 | cleaned
Let me ask you a question. Does God the Father always answer the prayers of God the Son? Yes. Has he ever had a prayer that was not answered? No. What did our Lord say? "Father, thou hearest me always." I want you to look at John 17, verse 24. One of the requests that our Lord makes in his high priestly prayer to the Father, he says, "Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me, for thou lovest me before the foundation of the world." Now, if Jesus Christ is our forerunner, if He is our Great High Priest, and He is in the very presence of God holding our place for us, and if He prays to the Father, "I will that they who thou hast given me be with me where I am,"
#77 | 1:01:07 to 1:02:22 | cleaned
is there any possibility for us to fail? No. Because the Father always hears the prayers of His Son. No wonder Scripture says we have an anchor of the soul, sure and steadfast. Let's pray. Father, help us. Help us to behold the glory of Jesus Christ, the greatness of His priesthood, the wonders of His person, and help us to rejoice in thy so great salvation. He stands alone.
#78 | 1:02:28 to 1:03:23 | cleaned
He is the God-man, the Redeemer, the Savior. And we give him honor and glory. And we rejoice in the fact that one day, by his grace and by his merits, we will be with Him where He is and behold His glory and worship and serve Him alone. Give us grace to be faithful and true. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray, amen.
#79 | 1:03:25 to 1:04:00 | cleaned

deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | clean_readable_transcript | 2026-06-05T22:45:51Z

Messiah's Divine Rights-Part 8

John Weaver | Freedom Ministries

In this sermon, John Weaver examines Psalm 110:4, focusing on the declaration that Christ is a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. He reviews the identity of Melchizedek, arguing from Hebrews 7 that Melchizedek was a real man, a type of Christ, and not a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. Weaver explains that the mysterious phrases about Melchizedek (without father, without mother, etc.) refer to his priesthood, not his person, highlighting that Christ's priesthood is superior, eternal, and sufficient. Applications emphasize Christ as our only needed high priest, the boldness this gives believers, and the assurance of salvation because Christ, as our forerunner, has entered the heavenly sanctuary on our behalf.

Introduction and Review of Psalm 110

Weaver reads Psalm 110 and reviews previous verses: Christ's right to royal honor (v.1), rule over heathen (v.2), reverend homage (v.3), and the transition to His priesthood (v.4).

Psalm 110 verse 1,

Scripture Reading — Psalm 110:1-7

"The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion, rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, and the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning thou hast the dew of thy youth. The Lord hath sworn and will not repent, thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings on the day of his wrath." "He shall judge among the heathen. He shall fill the places with the dead bodies. He shall wound the heads over many countries. He shall drink of the brook in the way, therefore shall he lift up the head."

Psalm 110, and we have gotten down to verse 4,

Scripture Reading — Psalm 110:1-7

"The Lord has sworn and will not repent, thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek."

The Question of Melchizedek's Identity

who manifested himself by special dispensation during the time of Abraham in the flesh. And of course, they would take then John 8 in verse 56 where Christ said,

Scripture Reading — John 8:56

"Abraham rejoiced to see my day and was glad."

Melchizedek as a Man and Priest

From Hebrews 5:1,4, Weaver argues Melchizedek was a man because every priest is taken from among men. Genesis 14 shows him as priest of the Most High God, blessing Abram and receiving tithes.

The Superiority of Melchizedek's Priesthood

Hebrews 7 demonstrates that Abraham paying tithes to Melchizedek shows a priesthood greater than Levi's, as Levi was still in Abraham's loins. This priesthood combines king and priest.

Melchizedek as a Type of Christ

Explaining the Mysterious Phrases in Hebrews 7:3

Differences Between Melchizedekal and Levitical Priesthoods

Points of Similarity Between Christ and Melchizedek

Similarities include name (King of Righteousness/Peace), no priestly predecessors/successors, perpetual priesthood in the record, and uniting kingship and priesthood.

Applications: Christ Our Only High Priest

Christ is the only high priest we need, perfectly suited as mediator. He sympathizes with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15-16), giving us boldness to hold fast our confession.

Christ as Forerunner and Our Anchor

As our forerunner (Hebrews 6:19-20), Christ has entered the heavenly sanctuary ahead of us, securing our place. His high priestly prayer in John 17:24 guarantees our future with Him.

Scripture Reading — John 17:24

"Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me, for thou lovest me before the foundation of the world."

Now, if Jesus Christ is our forerunner, if He is our Great High Priest, and He is in the very presence of God holding our place for us, and if He prays to the Father,

Scripture Reading — John 17:24

"I will that they who thou hast given me be with me where I am,"

Messiah's Divine Rights-Part 8

John Weaver | SermonAudio

Lecture Metadata	Details
Speaker	John Weaver
Source	SermonAudio
Media ID	32505154311
Subject	Old Testament Studies
Course	Genesis: Abraham, Covenant, and Promise
Genre	Sermon
Date	2005-03-20
Dictation Name
Book	Book 188: Messiah's Divine Rights — Chapter 8
Source Timed Segments	79

Lecture Guide

Outline

Introduction and Review of Psalm 110: Weaver reads Psalm 110 and reviews previous verses: Christ's right to royal honor (v.1), rule over heathen (v.2), reverend homage (v.3), and the transition to His priesthood (v.4).
The Question of Melchizedek's Identity: Various theories about Melchizedek are surveyed, including heretical views, and Weaver presents John Brown's opinion that Melchizedek was likely a descendant of Japheth, a king-priest preserving true religion.
Melchizedek as a Man and Priest: From Hebrews 5:1,4, Weaver argues Melchizedek was a man because every priest is taken from among men. Genesis 14 shows him as priest of the Most High God, blessing Abram and receiving tithes.
The Superiority of Melchizedek's Priesthood: Hebrews 7 demonstrates that Abraham paying tithes to Melchizedek shows a priesthood greater than Levi's, as Levi was still in Abraham's loins. This priesthood combines king and priest.
Melchizedek as a Type of Christ: Melchizedek's name means King of Righteousness, and he was King of Salem (Peace), making him a representative type of Christ. However, Hebrews 7:15 uses 'another' (heteros) to show Christ is a different kind of priest.
Explaining the Mysterious Phrases in Hebrews 7:3: Phrases like 'without father, without mother' refer to Melchizedek's priesthood, not his person. There is no genealogical record of his priestly lineage, making him a fitting type of Christ's eternal priesthood.
Differences Between Melchizedekal and Levitical Priesthoods: Three differences: no priestly ancestry recorded, no descendants in office, and no recorded beginning or end of his priesthood. Christ, like Melchizedek, stands alone with no predecessor or successor.
Points of Similarity Between Christ and Melchizedek: Similarities include name (King of Righteousness/Peace), no priestly predecessors/successors, perpetual priesthood in the record, and uniting kingship and priesthood.
Applications: Christ Our Only High Priest: Christ is the only high priest we need, perfectly suited as mediator. He sympathizes with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15-16), giving us boldness to hold fast our confession.
Christ as Forerunner and Our Anchor: As our forerunner (Hebrews 6:19-20), Christ has entered the heavenly sanctuary ahead of us, securing our place. His high priestly prayer in John 17:24 guarantees our future with Him.

Major Themes

Key Arguments

Melchizedek was a man, not a divine being

Hebrews 5:1 states every high priest is taken from among men, so Melchizedek must be human. Hebrews 7:15 uses 'heteros' (another of a different kind) to distinguish Christ from Melchizedek.

Weaver says, 'How do we know that Melchizedek was a man? Because he was a priest. And every priest taken from among men is ordained for men.' He also notes the Greek word 'heteros' indicates a different kind of priest.

The mysterious phrases in Hebrews 7:3 refer to priesthood, not person

'Without father, without mother' means no genealogical record of his priestly lineage exists, not that he lacked human parents. This typifies Christ's eternal priesthood.

Weaver explains, 'These phrases do not refer to his person, but rather they refer to his priesthood... There is no genealogical account of his father and his mother.'

Christ's priesthood is eternal and unchangeable

Unlike Levitical priests who died, Christ lives forever and has an unchangeable priesthood, able to save completely those who come to God through Him.

Weaver cites Hebrews 7:24-25: 'But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost.'

Christ's priesthood guarantees bold access to God

Because Christ sympathizes with our weaknesses and has passed into the heavens, believers can hold fast their confession and approach the throne of grace with confidence.

Weaver says, 'If we understand the priesthood of Christ, it ought to enable us to hold fast powerfully to our confession.' He references Hebrews 4:14-16.

Christ as forerunner secures our heavenly hope

Christ has entered the Holy of Holies ahead of us, clearing the way and holding our place, making our hope an anchor of the soul, sure and steadfast.

Weaver states, 'Our Lord has preceded us, He has scouted the way, He has cleared the enemies, and He's occupying and holding our place in the very presence of God for us.'

Scripture References

Psalm 110:1-7: Read at the beginning of the sermon as the primary text, focusing on verse 4 about the priesthood of Melchizedek.
John 8:29: Cited to show Christ's active obedience: 'I do always those things which please the Father.'
John 8:56: Mentioned in discussing the view that Melchizedek was a pre-incarnate Christ; Weaver interprets it as Abraham seeing Christ by faith.
Hebrews 8:6: Used to show Christ's priesthood marks a new beginning with a better covenant.
Hebrews 9:15: Christ is mediator of the new covenant, providing redemption from transgressions under the first covenant.
Genesis 14:17-24: The historical account of Melchizedek meeting Abram, bringing bread and wine, blessing him, and receiving tithes.
Hebrews 5:1,4: Every high priest is taken from among men, proving Melchizedek was a man.
Hebrews 7:1-11: Extensive discussion of Melchizedek's greatness, Abraham's tithes, and the superiority of his priesthood over Levi's.
Psalm 76:1-2: Identifies Salem as Jerusalem, where God's tabernacle is, linking Melchizedek as King of Salem.
Isaiah 9:6: Briefly mentioned as a passage calling Christ the Prince of Peace, connecting to Melchizedek as King of Peace.
Hebrews 7:15-16: Christ arises as another priest (heteros) after the similitude of Melchizedek, not by carnal commandment but by endless life.
Hebrews 8:9-10: The new covenant written in hearts and minds, contrasting with the old covenant.
Hebrews 10:1-3: The law is a shadow; sacrifices could not make perfect, requiring annual repetition.
Hebrews 7:24-27: Christ's unchangeable priesthood, ability to save utterly, and once-for-all sacrifice.
Colossians 1:18: Christ has preeminence in all things, supporting that He is the original, not Melchizedek.
Ezra 2:62: Those without genealogical proof were put from the priesthood, illustrating the importance of lineage under the law.
Hebrews 7:13-14: Christ sprang from Judah, a tribe with no priestly service, emphasizing His unique priesthood.
1 Corinthians 15:25-28: Christ will reign until all enemies are subdued, then deliver the kingdom to the Father, showing a sense in which His priestly work concludes.
Hebrews 13:20: Christ is the great shepherd through the blood of the everlasting covenant, highlighting His eternal priesthood.
John 17:24: Christ's high priestly prayer that believers be with Him and behold His glory, guaranteeing their future.

Historical References

John Brown of Edinburgh (died 1858): Weaver quotes John Brown's opinion that Melchizedek was likely a descendant of Japheth, a king-priest preserving true religion.
Old heretics who identified Melchizedek as the Holy Ghost: Mentioned as one of the heretical views about Melchizedek's identity.
Views that Melchizedek was Shem, Ham, Job, Enoch, or a Canaanite priest: Listed as other speculative identifications of Melchizedek.

Important Quotes

the most probable opinion is that he was one of the descendants of Japheth who possessed the supreme authority over a small tribe of which Salem was the chief town among whom the true primitive religion was preserved and who was invested with priestly as well as regal office.

Weaver presents this as a logical explanation of Melchizedek's identity from John Brown, emphasizing his human, king-priest role.

There has always been a priesthood prior to and superior to that of Aaron and Levi even though they sprung from the loins of Abraham.

Summarizes the argument for the superiority of Melchizedek's priesthood over the Levitical.

Melchizedek was a facsimile. He was made like. Not the real thing, but he was like him.

Clarifies the typological relationship between Melchizedek and Christ.

These phrases do not refer to his person, but rather they refer to his priesthood.

Key hermeneutical point explaining 'without father, without mother' in Hebrews 7:3.

Jesus Christ is not only the great high priest, but he is the only high priest that we will ever need.

Application emphasizing the sufficiency of Christ's priesthood.

Our Lord has preceded us, He has scouted the way, He has cleared the enemies, and He's occupying and holding our place in the very presence of God for us.

Explains the forerunner concept, giving assurance of salvation.

Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me, for thou lovest me before the foundation of the world.

Christ's high priestly prayer, demonstrating His will for believers' eternal destiny.

Discussion Questions

[Question]

Why is it important to understand that Melchizedek was a real man and not a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ?

[Context]

Weaver spends significant time arguing that Melchizedek was a man, a type of Christ, not Christ Himself.

[Question]

How does the use of the Greek word 'heteros' in Hebrews 7:15 help us distinguish between Christ and Melchizedek?

[Context]

Weaver explains that 'heteros' means another of a different kind, showing Christ is distinct from Melchizedek.

[Question]

What does it mean that the phrases 'without father, without mother' refer to Melchizedek's priesthood rather than his person?

[Context]

Weaver argues these phrases indicate no genealogical record for his priesthood, not a lack of human parents.

[Question]

In what ways does Christ's priesthood after the order of Melchizedek give believers boldness in approaching God?

[Context]

Weaver applies Hebrews 4:14-16, emphasizing Christ's sympathy and our confident access to the throne of grace.

[Question]

How does the concept of Christ as our 'forerunner' (Hebrews 6:19-20) provide assurance of salvation?

[Context]

Weaver explains that Christ has entered the heavenly sanctuary ahead of us, securing our place.

[Question]

Why is it significant that Christ's high priestly prayer in John 17:24 is always answered by the Father?

[Context]

Weaver uses this to show the certainty of believers being with Christ in glory.

Applications

Format deepseek deepseek-v4-pro structured study JSON | Source Commentary.net transcript enrichment

deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | weaver_study | 2026-06-06T14:09:14Z