HEBREWS 7

JESUS ACCOMPLISHED WHAT THE LAW COULD NOT

The author recalls the account of Genesis 14, where the priest Melchizedek blesses Abraham. Melchizedek serves as an image of Jesus, breaking bread, serving wine, and living as both a priest and a king. Pointing out that Jesus is not a descendant of the priestly line, the author notes how Jesus is not what the Israelites expected as the Savior. Jesus was a descendant of the line of Judah, a tribe that had never before appointed priests.

Recognizing the necessity of a Savior, the author reminds believers that they were unable to atone for their sins on their own. Sacrifices were offered in response to sin, but they were continually required. Because Jesus was sinless and perfect, He was not required to make sacrifices for Himself. Instead, He served as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of humanity. Because He was without guilt, His blood covered the guilt of others, reconciling believers to God.

Comparing the hope of Jesus to the law, the author shows how Jesus’ sacrifice was permanent and final. Through His perfect sacrifice, Jesus accomplished what the law could not. Fulfilling the law perfectly, Jesus is the guarantor of a new, better covenant.