Messiah As Priest, No World Peace Here, Messiah Rules From Above, Levite Priests?

Table Of Contents

This explanation aims to be of benefit in the following matters;

■ The Priesthood Of Melchizadek Is Recognized By God:

Abraham tithed to Melchizadek the priest, and inturn so to did the Sons of Aaron (Levite Priests) whilst in his loins.

■ Messiah (Christ) Was Sent Here To Become A Priest In The Order Of Melchizadek.

Showing how human sacrifice is forbidden as per Torah Law. Also showing how one of the primary reasons the Messiah was sent here – was to walk faithfully, and ultimately be pronounced and appointed High Priest in the order of Melchizadek as per Psalm 110:4.

■ What Does This Then Mean For The Levitical Priesthood – Is It Abolished And No More?

The Levitical Priesthood exists forever as per Torah Law.

■ What is The Need Of A High Priest In The Order Of Melchizadek?

What is the point of a High Priest in the order of Melchizadek then, if the dear zealous sons of Aaron still serve him as priests? The New Covenant (ref. Jeremiah 31:31-34).

■ No Holy ‘World Peace’ Here Amongst Men, Rather It Is Between The Holy God and Mankind (Who Believe And Repent):

Messiah was not sent to make world peace among men as we know it, rather he was sent to make peace between the Holy G-d and fallen man (Isaiah 49:3, 49:5).

Scripture states this is an unclean, fallen place (Isaiah 66:24, Leviticus 18:25).

With this, verses which might speak of world peace are typically referring to the new earth which is above and spoken of as a monotheistic place of peace in Isaiah 65:17-23, 66:22-23, Revelation 21:1-4.

■ Messiah Rules From Above, Right Now In The New Heaven And Earth

The Messiah was prophesied to ultimately rule in the new heaven and new earth (Psalm 45:7), which are above (Isaiah 66:22).

■ Potential Rebuttal;
‘We don’t need a mediator’

A person might mistakenly think or say ‘we do not need a mediator’.

The example of Moses acting as a type of mediator is shared with supporting Scripture.

■ Intended Aim:
• By addressing the above matters to an extent here, the Messiah is further shown and confirmed to be the Lord Jesus (Yehoshua/Yeshua) Christ – the created righteous man the LORD has sent, given and raised.

• A firmer grasp of the Word.

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■ The Priesthood Of Melchizadek Is Recognized By God:

Abraham tithed to Melchizadek the priest of G-d, when they were both on the earth (Genesis 14:18-20);

‘And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.) And he blessed him… And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.’
(Genesis 14:18‭-‬20 ESV)

Scripture tells us that he observed all of G-d’s good laws and statutes (Genesis 26:5).

With this, Scripture also inturn tells us that the Sons of Aaron (Levite Priests) symbolically tithed to Melchizadek, whilst in Abraham’s loins;

One might even say that Levi himself, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, for he was still in the loins of his ancestor when Melchizedek met him.
Hebrews 7:9‭-‬10 ESV

As, Abraham and inturn the Levite priests tithed to Melchizadek – in this sense, Holy Scripture tells us how this was an indicator which shows that the Priesthood of Melchizadek is greater than that of the Levitical Priesthood;

And without all contradiction the less [Abraham, and inturn the Levitical priesthood] is blessed of the better [Melchizadek, and inturn the priesthood in the order of Melchizadek].
Hebrews 7:7 KJV [Explanation in brackets]

The Brit Chadasha (New Testament/Covenant) is very insightful here, as it essentially expounds on what we have just read from the book of Genesis – and this inturn assists in what we see in the Psalms, and other Scriptures, which we will share in a moment.

Briefly though, why would the Melchizadek Priesthood be described as greater?

Answer: It gives way to everlasting life upon ressurection (Isaiah 28:16; 28:18, Ephesians 2:20, Jeremiah 31:31), and not simply a ‘potential long life’ in the new heaven and new earth which are above (ref. IBN Ezra on Isaiah 65:20).

This is part of the New Covenant, and is explained in greater detail in a little later here.
A new heart and G-d’s Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit), as promised in Ezekiel 36:26-27 are also promised, and these enable a believer to ultimately be perfected (ref. Hebrews 7:11, Hebrews 10:14).

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■ Messiah (Christ) Was Sent Here To Become A Priest In The Order Of Melchizadek.

There is a lot of mainstream misunderstanding as to why Messiah (Christ) was even sent to the earth.

Holy Scripture totally forbids human sacrifice in the Torah (Deuteronomy 24:16, Jeremiah 31:30, Ezekiel 18:4. Ezekiel 18:20) – thus politely, any belief that a man was sent to be a literal human sacrifice for sins, is not and cannot be correct.

Ultimately the Messiah was sent to earth, to walk faithfully and observantly. He was appointed as High Priest in the order of Melchizadek, upon his ressurection.

This interpretation of a main, primary reason as to why the Messiah (Christ) was sent to the earth, is further reinforced in the Psalms where it says that he loved righteousness and hated wickedness [during his walk on the earth] – therefore he was annointed above his fellows (fellow creation) [upon being ressurected];

Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore [g]od [Messiah/Christ], thy God [the LORD], hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
Psalm 45:67 KJV [with amendments]

He was thus inturn declared High Priest – not in the order of the sons of Aaron (because he is not a levite by birth), but rather in the order of Melchizadek, by G-d decreeing it;

The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind, “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”
Psalm 110:4 ESV.

This Psalm is referred to in the Brit Chadasha (New Testament/Covenant) in places such as Hebrews 7:17.

This a priesthood based on Hashem’s (the LORD’s) decree and not by lineage (blood descendants) (Hebrews 7:16, 7:21).

The Levitical Priesthood is based by genealogy, and here men though relativley righteous, are fallible.

Whereas the Messah is sinless (Hebrews 4:15), was declared a Priest by G-d, and is the mediator of the New Covenant (ref. Jeremiah 31:31-34), to which the promised new heart and Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) causing a person to walk in God’scommandments and statutes, with everlasting life (ref. Ezekiel 36:26-27, Isaiah 28:16, 28:18, Ephesians 2:20, John 3:14-16).

We also see Scripture agreeing, where in another place it states that Messiah becomes a Priest [after G-d raised him from the dead], in a definitive verse which shows the Psalms and even Isaiah 53:12, even more clearly;

Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.
Hebrews 2:17 ESV.

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■ What Does This Then Mean For The Levitical Priesthood – Is It Abolished And No More?

The Levitical Priesthood exists forever as per Torah Law. There is no dispute here, these zealous men serve Hashem (G-d) and the king Messiah above;

‘…Aaron and his sons…shall have the priesthood by a permanent statute. So you shall ordain Aaron and his sons.’
(Exodus 29:9 NASB2020)

‘“Phinehas the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest… and… his descendants after him, a covenant of a permanent priesthood, because he was jealous for his God and made atonement for the sons of Israel.’ ”‘
(Numbers 25:11‭-‬13 NASB2020)

Other supporting perhaps include Isaiah 66:21.

Messiah (Christ), being above all, except for G-d Himself Who is above all;

For he “has put everything under his feet.” Now when it says that “everything” has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:27 NIV

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■ What is The Need Of A High Priest In The Order Of Melchizadek?

What is the point of a High Priest in the order of Melchizadek then, if the dear zealous sons of Aaron still serve him as priests? The New Covenant (ref. Jeremiah 31:31-33, Isaiah 42:6, 49:8).

To be brief: Everlasting life (Isaiah 28:16, 28:18), instead of a potentially long life (ref. IBN Ezra on Isaiah 65:20) above – after this short life, is the purpose and need of Messiah as High Priest for the New Covenant, which is better.

The New Covenant, which Jeremiah 31:31 speaks of in required a new priesthood, the priesthood in the order of Melchizadek as per Psalm 110:4 – Messiah (Christ) as the mediator of it (Isaiah 42:6, 49:8, 1 Timothy 2:5).

How do we know?

Isaiah 42:6 and 49:8 both tell us that Mesaiah was given to the people for a [new] covenant;

‘…I will give you as a covenant for the people,  a light for the nations,’
(Isaiah 42:6 ESV)

‘…I will keep you and give you as a covenant to the people…’
(Isaiah 49:8 ESV).

It is this person (Adonai Yehoshua/Jesus HaMoshiach) whom mediates the new covenant – just as it is written;

‘…he… makes intercession for the transgressors.’
(Isaiah 53:12 ESV)

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■ No Holy ‘World Peace’ Here Amongst Men, Rather It Is Between The Holy God and Mankind (Who Believe And Repent):

“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.
Matthew 10:34 ESV

^{[Note: The sword mentioned in Matthew 10:34 refers to the word of G-d. This can be noted in Hebrews 4:12, Revelation 19:15.]}

Messiah was not sent to make world peace among men as we know it, rather he was sent to make peace between the Holy G-d and fallen man, spiritually by faith and repentance (Isaiah 49:3, 49:5).

Scripture states that this is sadly an unclean, fallen place forever (Isaiah 66:24) – it is a designated, smokey wasteland (ref. Isaiah 9:18-21), a lake that burns with fire (Revelation 21:8).

With this, verses which might speak of world peace are instead typically referring to the new earth and new heaven which are above – as above is a monotheistic, and peaceful especially in the holy city of new Jerusalem, and on G-d’s Holy mountain (Isaiah 65:17-23, 66:22-23, Revelation 21:1-4).

The Holy Scriptures instead show us that the Messiah was sent to bring back Israel (spiritually) to Hashem (G-d) in faith and repentance;

³ And he said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified.”  

⁵ And now the LORD says, he who formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him; and that Israel might be gathered to him— for I am honored in the eyes of the LORD , and my God has become my strength—
Isaiah 49:3‭, ‬49:5 ESV

(The explanation for the riddle of Isaiah 49:3 and 49:5 (above) can be found here.)

Essentially, verse 3’s ‘Israel‘ is one man, whilst verse 5’s is the nation Israel, whom verse 3’s ‘Israel’ (Messiah/Christ) brings back to G-d, in faith and repentance.

Through trials in a body of flesh, Messiah relied on G-d, in a weak body of flesh (Matthew 26:41).

Also note Isaiah 49:6, it was a relatively ‘light’ thing for Messiah to bring back fallen Israel to G-d, and be a light to the nations of hope – by his own individual faithful walk which led to him becomming High Priest.
We then see in verse 4, which communicates Messiah’s caring desire and yearning to have all saved – as sadly not all currently believe. Scriptually this is the will of G-d (ref. 1 Timothy 2:3-4).

How is this peace between the Holy God and mankind achieved?

As Abraham’s offspring, and as priest of the new covenant in the order of Melchizadek – Messiah (Christ) makes intercession (prayers) for transgressors, as per Isaiah;

‘…he… makes intercession for the transgressors.’
(Isaiah 53:12 ESV)

This is referred to and spoken of continually in the Brit Chadasha (New Testament/Covenant), in verses such as;

‘…he always lives to make intercession for them.’
(Hebrews 7:25 ESV)

And,

‘…Christ Jesus… is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.
(Romans 8:34 ESV).

By his knowing of the Torah, and his faithful observance of it, with G-d blessing and annointing him with the Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh) (Isaiah 48:16 NIV) – the Messiah never sinned (‘he knew no violence’ – 53:9) – and once G-d raised him from the dead (‘prolong his days’ – 53:10), he continued to care for his people and made intercession (prayer) for them.

G-d accepts his prayer (Proverbs 15:29, Isaiah 53:12), and this results in many being accounted righteous;

‘…by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities.
Isaiah 53:11 ESV

Explanation: Messiah (Christ) bears the iniquities of believing mankind by his prayer to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

So here, we have peace between the Holy God and fallen mankind, by believing in Messiah (Christ).

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■ Messiah Rules From Above, Right Now In The New Heaven And Earth

The Messiah was prophesied to ultimately rule in the new heaven and new earth, which are both above this old earth (Isaiah 9:7, 66:22, 66:24).

This is arrived at as Psalm 45:7 states that Messiah hated wickedness, though loved righteousness during his walk in the earth here – he was therefore then annointed above his fellows.

Thy throne, O [g]od [Messiah/Christ], is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. 
Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore [g]od [Messiah/Christ], thy God [the LORD], hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
Psalm 45:6‭-‬7 KJV [with amendments / explanation]

Psalm 110:4 states that the Messiah (Christ) was inturn declared High Priest in the order of Melchizadek;

The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
Psalm 110:4 KJV

Psalm 110:1 shows us that God has Messiah (Christ) sitting at His right hand (in the highest heaven) – as it says;

‘The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand…’
(Psalm 110:1 ESV).

Messiah being High Priest and in turn mediator of the New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31, 1 Timothy 2:5).

His throne as our king who serves G-d, is forever (Psalm 45:6).

The Scriptural fact that Messiah reigns from above and not here, is further reinforced when we review Isaiah chapter 9.

Isaiah 9:6-7 speaks of Messiah (Christ) being born and ruling forever more.

How do we read it?

After reading verse 6 where he was born, a reader pauses and then can complete Isaiah 53 (his death and ressurection), then they resume Isaiah 9:7.

Verse 7 goes on to speak of the Messiah’s ever increasing government and rulership forever more, above in the new the heaven and new earth – where things are described as monothiestic and peaceful
(Isaiah 65:17-23, 66:22-23, Revelation 21:1-4).

The rest of of Isaiah 9, then goes on to agree with Isaiah 66:24, in that this place is an unclean smokey place – a lake burning with fire (judgement and wrath), forever.

This is the view when looking down from above;

“And they will go out and look on the dead bodies of those who rebelled against me; the worms that eat them will not die, the fire that burns them will not be quenched, and they will be loathsome to all mankind.”
Isaiah 66:24 NIV

For reference, the passage of Isaiah 9:6-7 reads as follows;

‘For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders…. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.’
(Isaiah 9:6‭-‬7 NIV)

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■ Potential Rebuttal;

● ‘We don’t need a mediator’

A person might mistakenly think or say ‘we do not need a mediator’.

The peaceable, Scriptural response is, ‘ Whilst he was on the earth, Moses was the mediator between the Holy God and Israel, as we see here;

‘Now when all the people… stood far off and said to Moses, “You speak to us, and we will listen; but do not let God speak to us, lest we die.” The people stood far off, while Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was.’
(Exodus 20:18‭-‬19‭, ‬20:21 ESV)

Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God.
Exodus 18:15 NASB2020

Isaiah 42:6, 49:8 has just shown us that there was one given [as a mediator] for the new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31, Hebrews 8:8) – to which the Brit Chadasha (New Testament) agrees and explains is Christ (Messiah);

For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
1 Timothy 2:5 ESV

‘…one between Hashem and kol Bnei Adam, the man Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach Yehoshua,’
(Timotiyos I 2:5 OJB, ^{for context in this instance})

Isaiah further speaks on the statute and promise which ultimately means everlasting life to all whom believe in this mediator;

‘…a precious cornerstone…
‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.’ 
Then your covenant with death will be annulled, and your agreement with Sheol will not stand…’
(Isaiah 28:16‭, ‬28:18 ESV)

The identity of this man (the ‘precious cornerstone‘), is then revealed in the New Testament, once again;

‘…Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,’
(Ephesians 2:20 ESV)

The mediator of the new covenant which means everlasting life to all whom believe.

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Hoping it is fruitful, and may the Holy G-d bless you beyond maximum, believing in His risen Son Adonai Yehoshua HaMoshiach (the Lord Jesus Christ). Amen.

Shalom v’kind regards,

http://www.theGodofIsrael.com
http://www.OrthodoxMessianicJudaism.com
http://www.Christianity-in-Context.com
http://www.FewWhoFindit.com

Related Reading;

■ There Is No Trinity

■ How Christ Prays, And Is Not A Literal Human Sacrifice For Sin – (Verse explanations; Hebrews 9:26, 9:23, 10:5, 10:9, 10:12, 10:14, Isaiah 53:12)

http://www.orthodoxmessianicjudaism.com/2021/04/22/how-christ-prays-and-is-not-a-literal-human-sacrifice-for-sin-verse-explanations-hebrews-926-923-105-109-1012-1014-isaiah-5312/

■ Christ [Became] A High Priest – (Hebrews 2:17)

http://www.orthodoxmessianicjudaism.com/2021/04/08/christ-became-a-high-priest-hebrews-217/

■ ‘Propitiation’: Intercession, Not Human Sacrifice (1 John 2:2, Isaiah 53:12)

http://www.orthodoxmessianicjudaism.com/2021/03/10/propitiation-1-john-2-2-isaiah-5312/