Hebrews 7:18-22

Jesus Compared to Melchizedek

18 For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside d because of its weakness and uselessness 19 (for e the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, f a better hope is introduced, through which g we draw near to God.

20 And it was not without an oath. For those who formerly became priests were made such without an oath,

21 but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him:
h "The Lord has sworn
and will not change his mind,
'You are a priest forever.'"

22 This makes Jesus the guarantor of i a better covenant.

  1. Cross References
    Romans 8:3
    For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh.
    Galatians 4:9
    But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more?
  2. Cross References
    Hebrews 9:9
    (which is symbolic for the present age). According to this arrangement, gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the conscience of the worshiper.
    Hebrews 10:1
    For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near.
    Leviticus 16:16
    Thus he shall make atonement for the Holy Place, because of the uncleannesses of the people of Israel and because of their transgressions, all their sins. And so he shall do for the tent of meeting, which dwells with them in the midst of their uncleannesses.
    Acts 13:39
    And by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.
  3. Cross References
    Hebrews 6:18
    So that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.
  4. Cross References
    Hebrews 7:25
    Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
    Leviticus 10:3
    Then Moses said to Aaron, "This is what the Lord has said, 'Among those who are near me I will be sanctified, and before all the people I will be glorified.'" And Aaron held his peace.
    Hebrews 4:16
    Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
  5. Cross References
    Hebrews 7:17
    For it is witnessed of him, "You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.
  6. Cross References
    Psalms 110:4
    The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, "You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.
  7. Cross References
    Hebrews 8:6
    But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.