The Redeemer will be an eternal priest.
“The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.'”
Jesus is our eternal high priest who draws us near to God with confidence to receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
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What is the significance of Melchizedek?
There is a curious figure in the Old Testament, Melchizedek, king of Salem, who is a metaphor of Jesus as our eternal priest. Melchizedek lived in the time of Abraham and was not only a king, but was also a priest of the Most High God. Melkizedek is mentioned in several places in the book of Hebrews to help us understand his significance. His name, Melchizedek, means “king of righteousness,” and also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.” Hebrews chapter 7 explains that Melchizedek has no genealogy, no father of mother spoken of, and no beginning or end, making him a metaphor for a different kind of priest, an eternal one.
Melchizedek, therefore, is a metaphor for Jesus as our eternal priest. Yes, it is a bit confusing, and we might not have even caught the significance of this obscure figure if it were not for one thing: David spells out the connection for us in a prophecy that he made about the coming Messiah. Speaking of the Messiah, David says, “You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.” Jesus, then, is the fulfillment of our “forever priest.” Having already paid for our sin, he eternally lives, representing us to God and making us acceptable to him by his one sacrifice for our sin for all time. This figure Melchizedek and the prophecy of the Messiah in Psalm 110, fulfilled by Jesus, reassures us that there is no condemnation, ever, for those who believe in him, because he is our priest, forever.
Heb 4:14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.