“For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.”– Hebrews 7:12 (KJV)
“For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed also.”– Hebrews 7:12 (NLT)
“When there is a change of priesthood, there must also be a change of the law.”– Hebrews 7:12 (MSG)
What Does Hebrews 7:12 Mean?
Hebrews 7:12 brings us a significant statement regarding the relationship between the priesthood and the law. The verse highlights that when the priesthood changes, there is a necessitated change in the law itself. This is a profound statement that reflects the transformation that occurred with the arrival of Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, the priesthood was established under the line of Aaron, and the law governed Israel’s conduct, sacrifices, and worship. However, Jesus, functioning as our high priest, transformed what it means to connect with God. So, this verse sets the foundation to help us understand how the new covenant through Jesus brought a new way of relating with God based on grace rather than the old law.
What we see in this scripture is that Jesus is from the order of Melchizedek rather than Aaron, indicating a new kind of priesthood. The distinction here is crucial—Melchizedek was both a king and a priest, which signifies an entirely different order compared to the Levitical priesthood. With this change, we learn that Jesus fulfills and embodies the ultimate function of a priest by being not just an intermediary but also the perfect sacrifice for our sins. It shows us a fundamental shift in how we are to approach God; it’s no longer through rituals or legalistic practices the way it was before but through faith in Christ.
Hebrews 7:12 Explanation and Commentary
The commentary of Hebrews 7:12 explains this transformation from the old system to the new in some detail. The writer of Hebrews is addressing a Jewish audience familiar with the Levitical priesthood. In Judaism, the priests’ roles were of utmost importance, serving as mediators between God and the people. They facilitated sacrifices, and the law dictated how worship should be conducted. When the text references a change in the priesthood, it is essentially saying that God is doing something new and profound.
This change emphasizes that the law was never meant to be a permanent system. It was temporary, serving its purpose until the arrival of Jesus, who would establish a new, lasting covenant. Our faith in Christ signifies this new way of relating to God—a relationship not based on adherence to a long list of rules but rather through love, grace, and mercy. The law had its purpose; it was good and holy, but it revealed our inability to live perfectly. In contrast, Jesus, through His life, death, and resurrection, provides a way for us to approach God that does not stem from our efforts but relies solely on His grace.
In another light, we see that the change must also deal with how we interpret and live out the law. Rather than abolishing it, Jesus fulfilled the law, bringing it to its intended completion. As said in Matthew 5:17, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” What we realize is that with this new priesthood, the emphasis is now about how we live for God, empowered by the Holy Spirit and motivated by love rather than fear of judgment.
Furthermore, we undoubtedly benefit from this new arrangement, as it enables us to experience a personal relationship with God alongside our community of believers. We are no longer isolated in our efforts to please God but are welcomed into this beautiful family of faith, encouraging one another to grow in our love for Christ and others.
Context of Hebrews 7:12
To truly grasp Hebrews 7:12, it’s helpful to understand its intricate context. The book of Hebrews is a letter written primarily to Jewish believers who were struggling with their faith due to serious persecution. They were tempted to revert back to the familiar rituals of the old covenant, where the Levitical priesthood and adherence to the law provided them with a sense of security and belonging.
Throughout the letter, the author contrasts the old and new covenants, emphasizing Christ’s superiority over angels, Moses, and the Levitical priests. This chapter focuses on Melchizedek, a mysterious figure who appears in Genesis 14, highlighting the significance of Christ’s priesthood. In chapters preceding chapter seven, the author carefully lays down the foundation by explaining how Jesus is a high priest in a different order, derived from Melchizedek, indicating a complete reformation of how we approach God.
As we connect these dots, we can see that Hebrews 7:12 articulates the implications of these changes. The law, tied intricately with the priesthood, indicates a new way to approach God. The existing priesthood could not bring perfect forgiveness and peace; thus, a shift was necessary, and God provided through Jesus Christ. This change is a crucial aspect for readers in the early church, and it remains relevant for us today. We must continually remind ourselves of the richness of our faith and the privilege we have to enter God’s presence boldly.
In light of this context, the themes of faith, hope, and perseverance echo throughout Hebrews. We are encouraged to hold tightly to our new covenant, recognizing that Christ has fulfilled the law for us, allowing us access to God through faith in Him. By considering the rich context in which this verse was written, we guard ourselves against losing sight of the grace we have through Christ.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Hebrews 7:12
Hebrews 7:12 brings forth several key components, each crucial to grasping its full meaning. When we say “the priesthood being changed”, we recognize that the establishment of a new priesthood in Christ creates ripples throughout the entire system of worship. This was not merely a minor adjustment; it represents a radical shift that truly addresses our relationship with God.
The phrase, “there is made of necessity a change also of the law” sets forth the idea that shifts in leadership bring shifts in governance and practice. The law was integral in the lives of the early Israelites, and its function was to guide them toward holiness. However, as we understand from this verse, since Jesus has taken up the role of our High Priest, we are now under a new covenant where we embrace grace and truth.
Each word in this verse is loaded with theological significance. The concept of “necessity” suggests that the changes were not arbitrary; they were God’s plan from the beginning—a plan to reconcile us to Himself through His Son. During the time this letter was written, the Jewish believers were feeling a deep struggle against the backdrop of their religious identity. The necessity of change was to help them revisit the truth of the gospel and understand its depth.
Understanding this verse invites us to contemplate our own lives and how they mirror these changes. Are we living as if we are under the old law, holding to self-righteousness, guilt, or fear? Are we embracing the truth that, in Christ, we have been made whole? Acknowledging this transformation encourages us to approach our faith with a sense of freedom and openness rather than restriction.
In reflecting on this, we can see how vital it is to ensure our hearts align with God’s intentions for us. He desires relationship over rituals, connection over compliance, and love over law. As we embrace this change, we align ourselves with the heart of the gospel and the ministry of Jesus in our lives.
Lessons to Learn From Hebrews 7:12
As we unpack Hebrews 7:12, there are numerous lessons that we can glean for our everyday lives. The forefront lesson is that change, especially divinely orchestrated change, is often necessary. We must learn to accept and embrace changes in our lives with the assurance that God is in control. We can recognize that with Christ, we’re surrounded by a new understanding of how we relate to God and interact with one another.
This verse teaches us that our spiritual journey is not rooted in following a strict set of rules; rather it’s about fostering a personal relationship with God. We learn the significance of grace—a gift we receive that has been freely given without conditions attached to it. When we engage in our walk with God through faith instead of fear, we open the door to experiencing God’s peace in our hearts. This peace allows us to flourish in our relationships and spreads light to others.
Another principle we discover is the importance of community in our faith journey. Just as the early church supported each other during tumultuous times, we, too, need to uphold and encourage one another. The beauty of the new priesthood underscores our identity in Christ and how we collectively partake in His ministry as a body of believers.
By embracing our identity as a holy priesthood, we can serve others and share the love of God with the world around us—bringing light, hope, and encouragement into the lives of those who may not yet understand the transformative grace of Christ.
When we let go of the old legalistic mindset and embrace the principles of love and grace, we are invited into something beautiful. We discover the freedom to live our lives confidently and to invite others into this relationship with our Savior. We, therefore, become ambassadors of this new covenant. This lesson is a comforting reminder of a loving God’s desire for us to flourish, not merely survive.
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on Hebrews 7:12 is a beautiful reminder of how God continually works in our lives. This verse encapsulates the heart of the gospel, where Jesus changes everything. We can appreciate the transformation from the old covenant to the new—shedding the burden of the law and drawing closer to God through faith. We find ourselves encouraged to walk in grace, love, and freedom.
As we move forward in our faith, let us embrace the truth of our identity in Christ and the new priesthood we are a part of. Each day brings opportunities to reflect that transformation in our hearts and our lives. This change invites us to share the gospel boldly with those around us and build each other up in this beautiful community of believers.
This journey also encourages us to explore related scripture passages, delving deeper into themes of faith and grace. If interested, visit this link to read more about 1 Samuel 20:3 for further insights. Similarly, be inspired by the teachings of 1 Corinthians 14:17 as it relates to our understanding of how we worship.
In closing, let us celebrate the privilege of belonging to the new covenant and encourage one another to continue growing in faith, love, and community. God has truly given us a new start through His Son, and there is no greater joy than to walk in that light.