BiblicalInsights.net

     Jesus Christ is our high priest.  In Hebrews 7, the author quotes from Psalm 110:4, “The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek” (KJV).  The priesthood of Jesus Christ means that the Law of Moses has been abrogated (set aside).  Jesus Christ is not a high priest after the order of Aaron.  Let me appeal once again to Hebrews 7:11-19.  “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 Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?  For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.”  Jesus is not from the tribe of Levi.  He is from the tribe of Judah (v. 14).  Consequently, Jesus could not be a priest if the Law of Moses was still in effect.  A change in the priesthood necessitates a change in the law.  This is positive proof that we are not living under the Law of Moses today.  We are living under the law of Christ (the New Testament). 
     Jesus is a priest after the order of Melchizedek.  He is God appointed. “And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest” (Heb. 7:15).  Melchizedek was both a priest and a king (Heb. 7:1).  He is a type of Christ.  Christ is also a priest and a king.  Notice this, Jesus is a priest and a king at the same time!  Whenever Jesus ascended up into heaven, He became a priest and a king (Dan. 7:13,14; Heb. 1:8; 7:14).  Jesus could not be a priest on the earth (8:4).  “For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law.”  If Jesus could not be a priest on the earth, He could not be a king on the earth!  The doctrine of premillennialism which promotes the idea that Jesus will have a future reign on the throne of David in the city of Jerusalem is false.  Jesus reigns right now from the throne of God in heaven (Heb. 1:8). 
     The consequences mentioned above follow a proper understanding of the high priesthood of Jesus Christ.