Priests According to the Order of Melchizedek

Priests According to the Order of Melchizedek

There is only one valid priesthood in the new covenant and that is the priesthood according to the order of Melchizedek. Jesus had this testimony: “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” Heb. 7:17. In the old covenant only the Levitical priesthood was valid, thus one had to be of the tribe of Levi to be a priest. According to this law, Jesus could not have been a priest because He arose from the tribe of Judah. V. 14.

There is only one way by which we can be priests in the new covenant, and that is according to the power of an incorruptible life. All of us can receive this power of an incorruptible life within us through the Holy Spirit. By means of this new power of life we can overcome all the old life—everything that is a manifestation of the flesh with its passions and desires. Gal. 5:16. Then we become priests and witnesses of this new life that is nourished and grows by the Word of the living God.

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light . . . .” 1 Pet. 2:9. Here we can see the main purpose of the only valid priesthood in the new covenant.

On this basis, we understand that it is impossible to be a priest according to the order of Melchizedek by studying theology for a few years. On the contrary, if people pursue that way, they generally get further and further away from the true priesthood.

Melchizedek appeared suddenly with bread and wine, and said a few blessed words to Abraham as he was returning from his victory over the kings; then he vanished just as suddenly as he had appeared. He did not make a show of his own person by his blessed ministry. He came at the right time with what Abraham needed at that point in time to strengthen his body and spirit. To be a priest according to the order of Melchizedek means that we meet each other with bread and wine—with something that is nourishing and gives joy to the others—and we bless one another with the right words at the right time. This is true both in and out of the meetings. Paul says that when we serve, we are to serve for the profit of the others and for their edification.

Abraham deserved such a blessing from the priest of the Most High God when he returned victoriously from the battle with the kings because he had not fought for personal gain or honor. He had fought to liberate his nephew, Lot. Gen. 14. He saved Lot, who had been carried away captive, and brought back the possessions and the people that belonged to him. V. 16.

Abraham had an excellent opportunity to avenge himself if he had been harboring the least amount of malice in his heart against Lot. After all, Lot had chosen the best grazing grounds. But Abraham was full of goodness. Lot ended up among evil and sinful people, just like those who seek to accumulate the most and the best things in this world. One cannot expect to have good fellowship with such people. Abraham, who had no desire for anything in this world, lived in peace, with God’s abundant blessing over his life. If we have the mind of Abraham, we will be together in fellowship with such blessed people and be united with them for time and eternity.

Abraham was tested again after he had saved Lot and had been blessed by Melchizedek. The king of Sodom offered Abraham all the goods, but Abraham had been blessed and strengthened so much that he experienced perfect victory, despising all earthly things.

“But Abram said to the king of Sodom, ‘I have lifted my hand to the Lord, God Most High, the Possessor of heaven and earth, that I will take nothing, from a thread to a sandal strap, and that I will not take anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’” Vs. 22-23.

It is no wonder that Melchizedek, who was first of all king of righteousness and then king of peace, appeared at the right time to bless such a man! That was only righteousness!

May no one succeed in getting us to bow our hearts before riches and honor. It is God’s blessing—and nothing else—that makes us rich for time and eternity. It is God’s glory that shall rest over our lives.

Not much is written about Melchizedek, but it speaks volumes that first of all he was king of righteousness and then king of peace.

Righteousness is the foundation of God’s kingdom, because God’s kingdom is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Every priest according to the order of Melchizedek has to be grounded in righteousness, peace, and joy as well as in all the virtues of Christ in order to proclaim them to others.

Melchizedek was without father, without mother, and without genealogy. He was free from everyone so that he could be a priest of the Most High God.

If we want to be a priest according to the order of Melchizedek, we must, as Jesus says, hate father and mother, wife and children, brother and sister, and our own life also. No one must be permitted to exert any carnal influence over us. When things happen in life, it is easy for husband and wife, and relatives on the whole, to band together on a human level with the result that that which is true, just, and good does not gain the upper hand. Such human ties become like a veil over our eyes so that we cannot see clearly.

In the priesthood of Melchizedek only that which Christ Himself works in us by the Holy Spirit is valid. Everything that is of man is of secondary importance. No one can be a priest according to the order of Melchizedek because of his talents, education, or family bonds, etc. A better order that leads to perfection has been introduced.

Being a priest according to the order of Melchizedek also includes using few and blessed words. Our human nature can easily manifest itself when we make long speeches. All of us come from the field of battle—some with victory over the kings, others in defeat. Let us meet one another with the things that can be for our mutual benefit and edification—with bread, wine, and blessed words. Both brothers and sisters have been chosen for this blessed priestly ministry, in the home and in the church, according to the laws of the Spirit of life. Ps. 133.

God be praised for this exalted and glorious priesthood and brotherhood that, because of godliness and faithfulness, flows in the oil of blessing.