A Reality of the Unchangeable Priesthood
The law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; and because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. In all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, in all their affliction he is afflicted, for ever, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest. But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.
Therefore, if ye love me, keep my commandments. And if ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.
Called of God and not called after the order of Aaron, the priesthood is changed. Therefore, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens.
Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. Here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God.
Many will say to me, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, then is the offence of the cross ceased. For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
Look unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins.
© 2008 by Joyce C. Lock
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