277. MELCHISEDEK

There is a difference between atonement and priesthood—

1. Atonement is a thing of death, and priesthood a thing of life.

2. Atonement is once for all, finished; priesthood is continuous.

3. Atonement was accomplished on earth, priesthood is carried on in heaven.

4. Atonement is for the sinner, and priesthood for the saint.

Christ is a priest after the order of Melchisedek. Melchisedek was without father or mother in a priestly sense, i.e.,, his priesthood was of a different order from Aaron's, which depended on descent and genealogy, and lasted for a definite period. Christ is the Eternal One. His priesthood begins and ends with Himself.

It is interesting to note the three things that Melchisedek did when he met Abraham (Gen 14:18-20).

• He brought forth bread and wine to him. Bread is strengthening and wine is symbolical of joy. Our High Priest ministers to us His own word and joy.
• He blessed him. We are blessed in our High Priest. We read that when Christ was about to ascend to heaven, He led His disciples as far as Bethany, and there, with uplifted hands, He blessed them (Luk 24:50). We never read that those hands were put down.

• He received from Abraham a tenth of what he had taken. Our High Priest waits for our gifts and offerings. There are four we can give—

5. Our bodies (Rom 12:1).

6. Our service (Phl 2:17; Hbr 13:16).

7. Our money (Phl 4:18).

8. Our praise (Hbr 13:15).