Thursday, December 04, 2003 (45)
REASONS WHY MELCHISEDEC IS CHRIST.
One of the keys to the identity of Melchisedec is the fact of the office being eternal. The NIV replaces this man, with because Jesus lives forever. Heb. 7:24 Thus readily exhibiting that this man, is none other than the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ. The contrast is once again made between the priesthood of succession and the priesthood that is everlasting. With the everlasting, the priest will abide and continue as the mediator for perpetuity. An office occupied and fulfilled by but one priest and that one is the Lord Jesus. A position which is unchangeable, and cannot be passed to another. That in itself should be persuading enough to establish the truth that Melchisedec and Christ are one and the same person. A rank that can only be consummated by the Lord Jesus. Then again, the NIV speaking of this Jesus states that he has a permanent priesthood. Not only is it untransfereable but it does not cease, or come to an end. There is only one God and one who has the responsibility of mediatorship. That is the Lord Jesus whose office of a mediator is after the order of Melchisedec. Whether we use the name Melchisedec or Jesus, they are one and the same person. There is only ONE go between, between God and man. No one else has the responsibility of performing the ministry that saves those who call upon His name. 1 Tim. 2:5
The spiritual prerequisites, the high standard of spirituality for this ministry can only be satisfied by one who is Deity, and that one is the Lord Jesus. Most certainly, for a God who is holiness personified, any and all who would ministry before Him must be holy. Being of a divine character, exhibiting the character of very God Himself in all holiness. Jesus came manifesting the holiness and purity of the Godhead. He was the harmless one, with the nature of the Lamb of God. Innocent and separate from all wrong acts or works of unrighteousness. Being born a man, He faced all the temptations which we must face He remained aloof and unsoiled by the filth and contamination of this world. Living His life as a perfect example of righteousness. We must always keep in mind the human nature which is in us was also in Him. He was tempted in every point of temptation possible, all of that which is common to man. As He overcame, we too may be victorious. The same Spirit which dwelt in Christ now dwells in us. He was separate from sinners. He made no room in His life to be a part of the iniquity of that day. He ministered to sinners but did not participate with them in their evil deeds. Evil companions produce weak and failing Christians. He was made to be higher than the heavens. He is above all. More than heaven, the eternal resting place of the redeemed, is the person who has made it all possible. The place called heaven is marvelous beyond description, but over and above all that is this glorious high priest who is one of a kind. The man who alone can be both sacrifice and the most high priest. The man whom the Father has exalted to His throne on high. Our savior, the Lord Jesus. Heb. 7:26