1. The Epistle to the Hebrews
Lesson 10
Better Things from the Better Priesthood
Hebrews 7:18-28

2. Better Things from a Better Priesthood
A better hope (7:18-19)
A surety of a better covenant (7:20-22)
An unchangeable priesthood (7:23-24)
Salvation to the uttermost (7:25-26)
A sinless sacrifice sufficient for all men for all time (7:27-28)

3. The Better Priest Brings A Better Hope
There is “an annulling of the former commandment” because it is weak (7:18; 8:13; 2 Cor. 3:7-11)
The word translated “annulling” means “cancelation” (Strong’s Dictionary)
The Law was weak because of its inferior sacrifices (Heb. 10:1-4, 10-12), but in the present context its weakness relates more to its weaker priesthood.
Priests were not made by an oath of God (7:21)
Priests were prevented by death from continuing (7:23)
Priests needed to offer daily sacrifices (7:27)
The Law made nothing perfect! (7:19)
The bringing in of a “better hope” enables US to “draw near to God” (7:19)

4. Note the Contrasts in Hebrews 7:18-19
On the One Hand
“former commandment… made nothing perfect”
“annulling”
“weak & unprofitable”
On the Other Hand
“better hope”
“bringing in”
“we draw near to God”

5. The Better Priest is the Guarantee of a Better Covenant
He was made a priest by God’s oath (7:20-21)
A law can be annulled, but an oath of God lasts forever (6:16-18)
“He has sworn and will not relent, ‘You are a priest forever.’” (7:21)
The permanence of Christ’s priesthood guarantees the better, more enduring nature of the covenant. (7:22)

6. The Better Priest Brings an Unchanging Priesthood
The Law had “many priests” because each one was prevented by death from continuing (7:23)
Old Testament priests might begin their service between the ages of 20 and 30, and their duties ceased when they turned 50, if they lived that long. (1 Chronicles 23:24, 27; 2 Chronicles 31:17; Numbers 8:23-26; 4:3, 23, 30, 35ff.)
Because Christ “continues forever” He has an unchangeable priesthood. (7:24-25, 7:16)
He continues as a priest forever by virtue of His everlasting life AND God’s everlasting oath
Note: Contrary to the teaching of some religions, Christ’s Priesthood cannot be fulfilled by or transferred to another, and no non-Levite can be a Levitical priest (cf. 7:13-14)

7. The Better Priest is Able to “Save to the Uttermost”
Christ is able to save to the uttermost both in terms of QUANTITY and QUALITY (7:25)
Salvation is for all men (Heb. 2:9; 1 Tim. 2:6). The gospel was to be carried to the “uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8, KJV)
And every spiritual need is amply supplied (Ephesians 1:3; Philippians 4:19)
Christ is so ABLE because He is perfectly qualified
Holy
Harmless
Undefiled
Separated from sinners
Made higher than the heavens – exalted (1:3; 8:1)
Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

8. The Better Priest made the Best Sacrifice
Old Testament priests needed to offer daily sacrifices for themselves and the people (7:26; Exodus 29:38-42; Numbers 28:3-8; Lev. 16:6, 11)
Christ did not need to offer a sacrifice for Himself, and the sacrifice that He did offer was offered “once for all”! (7:27)
The effects of His sacrifice are permanent (9:26)

9. The Better Priest is Perfect Hebrews 7:28
Which Priest Would You Rather Have?
One appointed by the law or…
One appointed by an eternal oath?
One taken from men or…
One Who is God’s Son?
One who has weakness or…
One who has been perfected forever?