Law written in our hearts
Now if perfection came through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the people received the law), what further need was there for another priest to appear, said to be according to the order of Melchizedek and not according to the order of Aaron? For when there is a change of the priesthood, there must be a change of law as well. Hebrews 7:11-12 CSB
Although Melchizedek was a great individual, he would not be the successor of Aaron. Although the line of Aaron and the Levitical priesthood was well respected, it did not provide “perfection.” The priests were human, and in doing so, were flawed and would sin. In doing so, the priests would not be able to completely provide access to God. Hence, there was a need “for another priest to appear…according to the order of Melchizedek.” We see this happen in Psalm 110:4 speaking about Jesus Christ being in the order of Melchizedek, “The Lord has sworn an oath and will not take it back: “You are a priest forever according to the pattern of Melchizedek.” Then, in verse 12, “for when there is a change of the priesthood, there must be a change of law as well.” The Levitical law was the Mosaic Law. It was a temporary provision for the people to follow according to God’s instruction until Jesus Christ would come to fulfill it and provide a new law. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people” (Jeremiah 31:33 NIV). We see this distinction made by Paul in Galatians 3:24-26, “The law, then, was our guardian until Christ, so that we could be justified by faith. But since that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for through faith you are all sons of God in Christ Jesus.” Through Jesus Christ dying on the cross, resurrecting and ascending, He became the eternal High Priest, establishing the only way to God through Him. The old Law served its purpose. Now that Christ had come, the plan for salvation is completed through Him. Now that we are in Christ, our lives provide a testimony no longer about obedience to the law written in tablet of stones, but a testimony of a changed life for the Lord Jesus Christ had fulfilled the law on our behalf. “You show that you are Christ’s letter, delivered by us, not written with ink but with the Spirit of the living God—not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts” (2 Corinthians 3:3).
Blessings,
Isaac De Guzman
Comments