Is, Was and Will Be – The Unknown Character of Christ and His Word » Revelation 1:8 "I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty » The Book of Hebrews – Heb 7:1-4 “Whither the Forefunner is for us Entered, Even Jesus”

The Book of Hebrews – Heb 7:1-4 “Whither the Forefunner is for us Entered, Even Jesus” – Part 1

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Tony Cullen
4 years ago

Heb 7:1-4 “Whither the Forefunner is for us Entered, Even Jesus” – Part 1

Heb 6:20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

[Study Aired October 15, 2020]

Heb 7:1 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;
Heb 7:2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;
Heb 7:3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.
Heb 7:4 Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.

The last verse of chapter six of Hebrews sets the stage for a very extensive and detailed parable that goes on to describe how Christ and His Christ are alike, and that parable gives us insight to what it means for Christ to be “the forerunner” and how God’s elect are as he is in that regard (1Jn 4:17, 1Co 15:23).

1Jn 4:17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

1Co 15:23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.

What Abraham is able to accomplish in battle “returning from the slaughter of the kings” typifies the ongoing spiritual battle in our heavens against powers and principalities within (Eph 6:12) that Christ who is represented by Melchisedec is “far above” (Eph 1:21). Offering a tithe to Melchisedec as Abraham did is synonymous with our presenting our “bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Rom 12:1).

Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Eph 1:21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

It really wouldn’t be a “reasonable service” if we didn’t have the hope of glory within us “the forerunner” Jesus Christ (Col 1:27) Who gives us the strength to go into battle and come out victorious as He builds the house, labouring within us both to will and to do of our Father’s good pleasure (Php 2:13, Psa 127:1, Luk 12:32).

Col 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

Php 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Psa 127:1 A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

Luk 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

There are twenty-eight verses in this seventh chapter of Hebrews and we will look at the first four in this study that should help set the stage for this very hope-filled section of scripture that reminds us what Christ’s role is in our lives “to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them” of verse 25.

God’s elect are being prepared through that process of salvation to join Christ in becoming saviours who come up on mount Zion “to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the LORD’S” (Oba 1:21). We are being being made ready through the life of Christ “our forerunner” who is typified by the life of this king Melchisedec who is of the “order of Melchisedec” whose title reminds us how God does all things “decently and in order” (1Co 14:40) as we’re shown that order of salvation through this very bright parable of chapter seven that was written for our sakes “upon whom the ends of the world are come” (2Co 4:15, 1Co 10:11, 1Pe 1:12).

Oba 1:21 And saviours shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the LORD’S.

1Co 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

1Co 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

1Pe 1:12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

When God causes us to realize that we are more than conquerors through Christ (Rom 8:37), we rejoice and again I say rejoice (Php 4:4) as we discover our safe haven in our Lord (Psa 107:30) who first gives us the victory over all those kings within us by His righteousness “first being by interpretation King of righteousness” that gives us the power to slaughter all those kings within us by the brightness of his coming (2Th 2:8). The resulting fruit of that victory is described for us in the names of Melchisedec – “king of Salem” or “King of peace” – that represent the fruit of the spirit that is born out of these battles or storms that God raises in our lives as we learn to recognize the peace that passes all understanding that comes from our Lord alone. The order is important, “first being by interpretation King of righteousness“, then after the battle “after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace” (Php 4:7).

Rom 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

Php 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

Psa 107:30 Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.

2Th 2:8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

Php 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Another parable or story that represents this peace and joy we find once we meet Christ on the road, typified by Melchisedec who “met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings“, is found in (Luk 24:16-36). The resulting peace described in this parable comes from Christ who states “Peace be unto you”, and causes our hearts to “burn within us” with a desire to know our Lord as we share our life together in him and tell each other “what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread”.

Luk 24:16 But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.
Luk 24:17 And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?
Luk 24:18 And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?
Luk 24:19 And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:
Luk 24:20 And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.
Luk 24:21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.

[Three days after this great spiritual life and death battle in Christ’s life against spiritual wickedness in the heavens represented by “the slaughter of the kings” that that Abraham overcame (Heb 7:1), we see our Lord the “Prince of peace” (Isa 9:6) show up and declare “Peace be unto you“]

Luk 24:22 Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;
Luk 24:23 And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.
Luk 24:24 And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.
Luk 24:25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:
Luk 24:26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?
Luk 24:27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
Luk 24:28 And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.
Luk 24:29 But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.
Luk 24:30 And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.
Luk 24:31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.
Luk 24:32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?
Luk 24:33 And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,
Luk 24:34 Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.
Luk 24:35 And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.
Luk 24:36 And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

Heb 7:3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.

We are told to “consider how great this man was” and this statement further identifies for us how Melchisedec is a type of the “one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1Ti 2:5).

John the baptist was also considered a great man by Christ, notwithstanding “he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he” and by extension greater than Melchisedec (Mat 11:11). All this language therefore is typical of who Christ was when we read Melchisedec was “without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually“.

Christ had one Father and was not as we all were, of our father the devil (Joh 8:44, Joh 1:18).

Joh 8:44  Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

Joh 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

Christ had a physical mother as did Melchisedec however it is expressed that Melchisedec was “without father” and “without mother” meaning the lineage was not known of who his parents were. This absence of knowing Melchisedec’s lineage is extended to the point of saying he was “without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God” and is typical language revealing who Christ is.

Christ’s true beginning was not in the earth but rather He was created as “the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God”(Rev 3:14) to whom God gave the power to create and “in him was life; and the life was the light of men” (Joh 1:1-5, 1Co 8:6). Melchisedec was surely born of a woman just like Jesus was born of Mary so again saying he was “without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God” is a shadow of the truth that Christ was the first of the first fruits (1Co 15:20, Jas 1:18) who was “without descent” because He was “the beginning of the creation of God”.

Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Joh 1:2 The same was in the beginning with God.
Joh 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Joh 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
Joh 1:5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

1Co 8:6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

The other thing to note about Melchisedec is that he “abideth a priest continually” which typifies for us what Christ’s role is for us today (Heb 7:25).

Heb 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Heb 7:4 Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.

We know that giving the “tenth of the spoils” represents our giving all our fleshly life unto God through Christ as living sacrifices (Rom 12:1). “The patriarch Abraham” represents the elect in this instance who are sojourners in this life who look for “a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God” as did Abraham (Heb 11:8-10, 1Jn 5:4, Mat 6:33).

Heb 11:8  By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
Heb 11:9  By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:
Heb 11:10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

1Jn 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

Mat 6:33  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

We find that country within in earnest, the kingdom of God within, when we die daily and “take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof”. That is the mindset of one who has given all their life, the “tenth of the spoils” unto the Lord typified in this verse that tells us to consider “how great this man was” Melchisedec who is a type of Christ that Abraham gave “the tenth of the spoils” (Heb 7:4). Abraham, as we will see in the later verses of this chapter, represents the elect who are subject unto Christ giving a “tenth of the spoils“. We are subject to one another and lose our lives for each other so that we might find them in Christ which is what this message is encouraging us to see (Eph 5:21, 1Co 11:1, Mat 10:39).

Heb 7:4 Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.

Eph 5:21  Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

1Co 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

Mat 10:39  He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

If we are granted to be dragged unto Christ in this life (Joh 6:44), it will be to learn what Christ learned in his flesh (1Pe 2:19-22), patiently enduring with sinners, of whom we know we are chief (1Ti 1:15), in order to receive an indescribable blessing simply because He determined to redeem us first from the foundation of the world (Eph 1:5), a redemption that comes through judgment (1Pe 4:17), and is confirmed with promises throughout God’s word that He will finish what He has started within His remnant (1Co 2:9-10, Eph 1:6-11, Rom 11:5).

Joh 6:44  No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

1Pe 2:19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.
1Pe 2:20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.
1Pe 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
1Pe 2:22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

Eph 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

1Co 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
1Co 2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

Eph 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
Eph 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
Eph 1:8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
Eph 1:9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
Eph 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
Eph 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

Rom 11:5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

When we present our lives unto God as a living sacrifice typified by the tenth or the tithe, we will receive in part, in earnest (Eph 1:14), what it is that God has set before us, so great a reward that it is indescribable in its magnitude and impossible for the flesh to be able to comprehend and receive in its fulness but will be understood in the first resurrection when we see him “face to face” (Mal 3:10, 1Co 2:9, 1Co 15:52, 1Co 13:12-13).

Eph 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Mal 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

1Co 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

1Co 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

1Co 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
1Co 13:13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

Let’s consider how great this man is, “Jesus Christ”, who is described as “the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus” and “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God”. We are to consider Christ in these verses (Heb 12:2-4) so we can be reminded and assured that through him that we can endure (Php 4:13, Php 4:19) until the end and overcome in the same manner as He did in the days of his flesh: “ought not Christ [and his Christ 1Jn 4:17] to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?” (Heb 5:7, Php 4:19).

Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Heb 12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Heb 12:4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

Php 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

1Jn 4:17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

Heb 5:7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;

Php 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Next week Lord willing we will look at this next section of Hebrews seven that draws a comparison with those who are “the sons of Levi” in (Heb 7:5) who represent the churches of Babylon, to “Abraham” (Heb 7:6) who typifies the elect who give their tithe that represents their life being given to “he [speaking of Melchisedec] whose descent is not counted from them [sons of Levi] received tithes of Abraham [God’s elect], and blessed him that had the promises“[Melchisedec who typifies Christ 2Co 1:20]. God’s elect are not represented by Levi but rather Abraham if God has determined that from the foundation of the world (Eph 1:4-5).

Heb 7:5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:
Heb 7:6 But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.
Heb 7:7 And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.
Heb 7:8 And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.
Heb 7:9 And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham.
Heb 7:10 For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.
Heb 7:11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?

The Book of Hebrews – Heb 7:1-4 “Whither the Forefunner is for us Entered, Even Jesus” – Part 1

Heb 7:1-4 “Whither the Forefunner is for us Entered, Even Jesus” – Part 1

Heb 6:20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

[Study Aired October 15, 2020]

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