177 Why ‘New’ Is Better

Hebrews 5–10, TBC Book Two, Chapter 177
Hundreds of years before Moses appointed his brother, Aaron, as the first high priest from the tribe of Levi, the Hebrews’ founding father, Abraham, honored the priest-king Melchizedek, whose name meant “king of righteousness” and “king of peace.” Because no account was ever given of Melchizedek’s lineage, it was said “he had no father and no mother,” giving him a timeless quality and an air of reverence. By likening Jesus to Melchizedek, the author of this letter explains that God was restoring his priestly order—and why that was good news.

Every high priest is selected by men and appointed to represent the people before God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for our sins. . . . 

No one appoints himself as a high priest. Rather, one is called by God, just as Aaron was. Neither did Christ take this role for himself. Instead, he responded in obedience when God said to him, “You are my Son. . . . I have appointed you as a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek. . . .”

Once a year the high priest would enter the Most Holy Place, carrying blood from an animal sacrifice, which he offered first for himself, then for the people. But those gifts and sacrifices were never able to clear the conscience of the worshiper. For the blood of bulls and goats could never take away sins. . . . They served to remind us of our sins. . . .

How far superior is the blood of Christ—he offered himself up as a perfect sacrifice, cleansing our consciences from sinful acts that lead to death, enabling us to serve the living God!
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So Christ has become the mediator of a new and better covenant. . . . 

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 177, for the rest of the story.)
​​Available in book, e-book, and audiobook formats, sold by Amazon and your favorite bookstores/vendors.​

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Today’s Takeaways
     A proverb to guide you: The blood of Christ trumps the blood of animals, freeing mankind via One eternal sacrifice.
     A promise to cling to: “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, . . . let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:19-20, 22-23 NIV
     A praise to fill you: Righteousness, Peace, Joy in the Holy Ghost  Ron Kenoly     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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