Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from Hebrews 7:11-22.

 

“¹¹ Now if perfection was through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the people received the Law), what further need was there for another priest to arise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be designated according to the order of Aaron?  ¹² For when the priesthood is changed, of necessity there takes place a change of law also.  ¹³ For the one concerning whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no one has officiated at the altar.  ¹⁴ For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, a tribe with reference to which Moses spoke nothing concerning priests.  ¹⁵ And this is clearer still, if another priest arises according to the likeness of Melchizedek, ¹⁶ who has become such not on the basis of a law of physical requirement, but according to the power of an indestructible life.  ¹⁷ For it is attested of Him,

¹⁸ For, on the one hand, there is a setting aside of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness ¹⁹ (for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.  ²⁰ And inasmuch as it was not without an oath ²¹ (for they indeed became priests without an oath, but He with an oath through the One who said to Him,

²² so much the more also Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.”  Hebrews 7:11-22.

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“For, on the one hand, there is a setting aside of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness (for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.”  Verses 18 and 19. 

“Now if perfection was through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the people received the Law), what further need was there for another priest to arise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be designated according to the order of Aaron?”  Verse 11.

 “… For if a law had been given which was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on law.  But the Scripture has shut up everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.  But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed.  Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith.  But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.  For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.”  Galatians 3:21-26.

Don’t go back to the “physical requirement” of the Law.  Cling to the “indestructible life” of Christ.  See Verse 16.    

For those who would reject this “better hope” and still cling to the Law, there is this warning.  “For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse;  for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law, to perform them.”  Galatians 3:10. 

God’s seal of approval is on Jesus.   

“The Lord has sworn
And will not change His mind,
‘You are a priest forever”.  See Verse 21.

“so much the more also Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.”  Verse 22.