rsv Hebrews:7:11-26-27 SEEK
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Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levit '
ical priesthood (
for under it the people received the law ),
what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchiz '
edek ,
rather than one named after the order of Aaron ?
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For when there is a change in the priesthood ,
there is necessarily a change in the law as well .
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For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe ,
from which no one has ever served at the altar .
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For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah ,
and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests .
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This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchiz '
edek ,
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who has become a priest ,
not according to a legal requirement concerning bodily descent but by the power of an indestructible life .
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For it is witnessed of him , "
Thou art a priest for ever ,
after the order of Melchiz '
edek ."
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On the one hand ,
a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness
* (
for the law made nothing perfect );
on the other hand ,
a better hope is introduced ,
through which we draw near to God .
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And it was not without an oath .
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Those who formerly became priests took their office without an oath ,
but this one was addressed with an oath , "
The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind , `
Thou art a priest for ever .'"
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This makes Jesus the surety of a better covenant .
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The former priests were many in number ,
because they were prevented by death from continuing in office ;
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but he holds his priesthood permanently ,
because he continues for ever .
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Consequently he is able for all time to save those who draw near to God through him ,
since he always lives to make intercession for them .
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For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest ,
holy ,
blameless ,
unstained ,
separated from sinners ,
exalted above the heavens .