Truth Be Told: A Blog by Pastor Bill Alderson

  One of the offices Messiah holds in the new covenant is that of High Priest, but it is not based on the position derived from Aaron, but rather after the order of Melchizedek. In Hebrews 7:1-2, “ For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God , who met Abraham as he was returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth part of all the spoils, was first of all, by the translation of his name, king of righteousness , and then also king of Salem, which is king of peace .” This priesthood is different in that it is an eternal priesthood and not derived from the Law of Moses since Jesus, of the tribe of Judah and not Levi, had fulfilled the Law (Matthew 5:17). Because Melchizedek is referred to as both king of righteousness and king of peace, this priesthood becomes the source for the righteousness and peace of the believer-priest. Romans 5:1 tells us that we have been justified [made righteous] by faith and therefore...

The Messiah’s time on earth would be limited to 30 or so years with the last three represented His public ministry. This meant that within those three years, He would have to identify and train His disciples, demonstrate His messiahship to them not only through teaching, but also through many miracles. He would need to lay a foundation for the entire church age. This foundation would include introducing the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit by the empowering of His followers as well as being the inspiration of New Testament writers. The indwelling Holy Spirit directs the believer to walk in God’s will and teaches him the dynamics of a progressive relationship with Jesus Christ and to be His witness. Just as Old Testament leaders were anointed to fulfill their obligations, the new covenant believer requires an anointing, God’s ability to complete. The Apostle Paul uses the terminology “in Christ” or “in Him’ nearly 100 times as a representation of the relationship ordained by the f...