The Superior Priesthood of Christ after Melchizedek
Hebrews 7:11-28
11If, on the other hand, perfection had therefore come through the Levitical priesthood—for the people had been placed under law upon it—there would still be need for another priest to arise according to the order of Melchizedek and not to be described according to the order of Aaron.12For when the priesthood is changed, a change of law necessarily follows.13For the one about whom these things are said belonged to another tribe, from which no one has served at the altar.14It is obvious that our Lord has arisen from Judah, and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests.15And it is still more evident if another priest arises according to the likeness of Melchizedek.16He has become priest not according to a fleshly commandment of law but according to the power of an indestructible life.17For it is testified: You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.18On the one hand, a setting aside of the preceding commandment occurs because of its weakness and uselessness.19For the law perfected nothing, but the introduction of a better hope does, through which we draw near to God.20And inasmuch as this was not without an oath—for they have become priests without an oath—21But he became priest with an oath through the one who said to him, "The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, 'You are a priest forever.'"22Accordingly Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant to that extent.23The former priests, on the other hand, were many because death prevented them from continuing.24But because he remains forever, he holds the priesthood permanently.25Consequently he is able to save completely those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to intercede for them.26For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.27He does not have daily necessity, as the high priests do, to offer sacrifices first for his own sins and then for the sins of the people, because he did this once for all when he offered himself.28For the law appoints men as high priests who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints a Son who has been perfected forever.