Hebrews 7:12 - For the priesthood being changed, there is of necessity a change made also in the law.
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What does "Hebrews 7:12" mean?
Hebrews 7:12 is a key verse in the book of Hebrews that explains the transition from the Old Covenant (Law of Moses) to the New Covenant (Law of Christ). Here's a breakdown of what it means:
Key Terms:
Priesthood: Refers to the system of priests established under the Old Covenant, specifically the Levitical priesthood descending from Aaron. Their role was to offer sacrifices and intercede for the people before God.
Law: Refers to the Mosaic Law, the entire body of laws and commandments given to Moses on Mount Sinai, including the sacrificial system, dietary laws, and moral principles.
Change (being changed / a change made): This speaks of a fundamental alteration, not just a minor adjustment. It implies a transformation in the very foundation of how people relate to God.
Meaning Explained:
1. Change in Priesthood: The verse starts by stating that the priesthood is "being changed." This alludes to the shift from the Levitical priesthood (which was hereditary and based on lineage) to the priesthood of Jesus Christ.
Jesus is presented as a priest "after the order of Melchizedek" (Hebrews 5:6, 6:20, 7:1-10). Melchizedek was a king and priest who pre-dated the Levitical priesthood. The writer of Hebrews emphasizes that Jesus' priesthood is superior because it is:
Not based on lineage: Jesus was from the tribe of Judah, not Levi.
Eternal: Jesus lives forever, unlike the Levitical priests who were mortal.
Perfect: Jesus is a sinless high priest who offered the ultimate sacrifice (himself) for the sins of humanity.
2. Necessity of a Change in the Law: Because the priesthood is changing, the law must also change. The two are inherently connected. The reason:
The Levitical priesthood was established to administer and enforce the Mosaic Law. The law provided the framework for sacrifices, atonement, and approaching God. If the priesthood itself changes, the law that it served also requires modification.
The Old Covenant Law was imperfect and temporary. It served as a "shadow" of the good things to come (Hebrews 10:1). It couldn't truly cleanse people from sin or provide perfect access to God. The New Covenant, established through Jesus' priesthood and sacrifice, offers a better and more complete way to relate to God.
A new priesthood requires a new covenant/law. Jesus, as our new High Priest, inaugurated a New Covenant, based on faith in him and his sacrifice. This New Covenant brings forgiveness, grace, and direct access to God through the Holy Spirit.
Implications:
The Old Covenant is fulfilled in Christ: The Law of Moses pointed to Jesus and found its ultimate fulfillment in him. The Old Covenant is not abolished entirely, but rather its purpose has been completed. The moral principles remain, but the ceremonial and sacrificial aspects are no longer required.
Emphasis on Jesus as the Mediator: Jesus is the bridge between God and humanity. Through his sacrifice and priesthood, believers can have a direct relationship with God.
Focus on Faith and Grace: The New Covenant emphasizes faith in Jesus Christ as the way to be justified before God, rather than strict adherence to the Law.
In summary, Hebrews 7:12 teaches that the change in priesthood (from the Levitical system to Jesus' superior priesthood) necessitates a corresponding change in the law (from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant). This change signifies a new and better way to relate to God through faith in Jesus Christ and his sacrifice.
Hebrews 7:12 - For the priesthood being changed, there is of necessity a change made also in the law.
What does "Hebrews 7:12" mean?
Hebrews 7:12 is a key verse in the book of Hebrews that explains the transition from the Old Covenant (Law of Moses) to the New Covenant (Law of Christ). Here's a breakdown of what it means:
Key Terms:
Priesthood: Refers to the system of priests established under the Old Covenant, specifically the Levitical priesthood descending from Aaron. Their role was to offer sacrifices and intercede for the people before God.
Law: Refers to the Mosaic Law, the entire body of laws and commandments given to Moses on Mount Sinai, including the sacrificial system, dietary laws, and moral principles.
Change (being changed / a change made): This speaks of a fundamental alteration, not just a minor adjustment. It implies a transformation in the very foundation of how people relate to God.
Meaning Explained:
1. Change in Priesthood: The verse starts by stating that the priesthood is "being changed." This alludes to the shift from the Levitical priesthood (which was hereditary and based on lineage) to the priesthood of Jesus Christ.
Jesus is presented as a priest "after the order of Melchizedek" (Hebrews 5:6, 6:20, 7:1-10). Melchizedek was a king and priest who pre-dated the Levitical priesthood. The writer of Hebrews emphasizes that Jesus' priesthood is superior because it is:
Not based on lineage: Jesus was from the tribe of Judah, not Levi.
Eternal: Jesus lives forever, unlike the Levitical priests who were mortal.
Perfect: Jesus is a sinless high priest who offered the ultimate sacrifice (himself) for the sins of humanity.
2. Necessity of a Change in the Law: Because the priesthood is changing, the law must also change. The two are inherently connected. The reason:
The Levitical priesthood was established to administer and enforce the Mosaic Law. The law provided the framework for sacrifices, atonement, and approaching God. If the priesthood itself changes, the law that it served also requires modification.
The Old Covenant Law was imperfect and temporary. It served as a "shadow" of the good things to come (Hebrews 10:1). It couldn't truly cleanse people from sin or provide perfect access to God. The New Covenant, established through Jesus' priesthood and sacrifice, offers a better and more complete way to relate to God.
A new priesthood requires a new covenant/law. Jesus, as our new High Priest, inaugurated a New Covenant, based on faith in him and his sacrifice. This New Covenant brings forgiveness, grace, and direct access to God through the Holy Spirit.
Implications:
The Old Covenant is fulfilled in Christ: The Law of Moses pointed to Jesus and found its ultimate fulfillment in him. The Old Covenant is not abolished entirely, but rather its purpose has been completed. The moral principles remain, but the ceremonial and sacrificial aspects are no longer required.
Emphasis on Jesus as the Mediator: Jesus is the bridge between God and humanity. Through his sacrifice and priesthood, believers can have a direct relationship with God.
Focus on Faith and Grace: The New Covenant emphasizes faith in Jesus Christ as the way to be justified before God, rather than strict adherence to the Law.
In summary, Hebrews 7:12 teaches that the change in priesthood (from the Levitical system to Jesus' superior priesthood) necessitates a corresponding change in the law (from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant). This change signifies a new and better way to relate to God through faith in Jesus Christ and his sacrifice.