God's Purpose in Salvation

 

If you weren't able to be with us for the worship gathering, you can watch the service here: SERMON

Hebrews 7 is a great passage that helps us to know more about who Christ is as our Great High Priest. In verses 11-28, we see the amazing work of Jesus on our behalf, and tucked away in verses 19 and 25 are an amazing truth that's absolutely central to the Christian experience.

Perfection (11-12)

One of the main things Melchizedek teaches us is that the Priesthood Wasn’t Perfect

The word perfect in this passage refers to salvation. 

The priesthood system, necessary though it was, could not bring salvation.

Judaism has been replaced. The old priesthood is obsolete, done, finished.

All the rituals and requirements of the Old Covenant are meaningless!

Another Tribe (13-19)

Verse 15 – …if another priest arises according to the likeness of Melchizedek,

Another priest
Still a priest - but one far better.

The central truth is in verse 19 - The hopelessness of the old system with it’s inability to bring true salvation, has been replaced with that which CAN!!

A priest through whom we draw near to God.

A Better Covenant (20-22)

The New Covenant brings that which the Old could not:

Freedom from guilt - 

Freedom from sin

        Grace and mercy

Drawing Near to God (19b)

Remember: OT - you couldn’t draw near

God is holy - you are not

The veil is there to prevent it

The whole vibe was “STAY BACK!!”

Our primary participation in Christianity

Our fundamental ambition

Is to draw near to God

John MacArthur says: The fullest expression of faith is to enter into the presence of God in His heavenly Holy of Holies and to fellowship with Him. 

We can boldly approach the throne of grace with confidence. 

Not only can we - we should - we must.

Steps to Drawing Near

• Disconnect - turn all the “noise” off. Go somewhere quiet. Turn off your phone. Get where there are no distractions. 

• Pray - we cannot draw near to anyone relationally without talking to them. 

• Listen - to God through His Word. We speak to God in prayer, He speaks to us through His Word.

• Write - whether writing prayers, thoughts in response to His Word, or other things of a spiritual nature, the difference between swirling thoughts in your head and real communion with God could be the discipline of Journaling.

• Worship (worth-ship) — whether it’s listening to worship music, singing along, marveling at His creation, or meditating on a passage of Scripture, worship is an emotional expression of praise to God. (Heart-value)

• Time - We cannot draw near in just a few minutes here or there. Extended, focused, intentional time spent purposefully drawing near is what we need in our frenetic, busy, fast-paced lives. 

The Beautiful promise from Hebrews 4:16 – Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. 


Intercession (23-25)

After accomplishing our salvation, Jesus ascended back to Heaven

And sat down at the right hand of the Father where He is actively, intentionally, purposefully praying for you TO DRAW NEAR

The chapter concludes by turning our thoughts back to Jesus:

The Perfect One (26-28)

Te whole point of Melchizedek was that there has always been a plan for something greater than the Levitical priesthood.

Jesus is

holy - incapable fo sin

innocent - never harmed, wronged, or slighted anyone.

undefiled - not a single blemish

separated from sinners - around people but not influenced by them. 

            (We can’t spend time with anyone w/o influence)

exalted - God also highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is 

    above every name.

Jesus is Our Great High Priest

The One who brings us to God

I pray you draw near to Him in a powerful way this week!

Soli Deo Gloria!

Pastor Rob