23 Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing. 24 But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood.
Another reason that Jesus’ priesthood differs from the Levitical priesthood is that it is eternal, not temporal. Death does not interrupt it.
7:23
Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing.
No priest in the Old Testament was permanent because they all were subject to death. The death of one necessitated installing a new one. It was an issue of succession.
7:24
But He [Jesus], because He continues forever,
Christ’s priesthood is “forever,” so He will carry His work to completion because He never dies. He has no successor. He completed His work of salvation and conquered death, so neither anything nor anyone can change His priesthood (He 1:8, 11-12). Because Christ lives “forever,” this insures a perpetual priesthood.
has an unchangeable priesthood.
The Greek word for “unchangeable” is made up of three words placed into one: to step, across, and not. Thus, the idea of this word is to not step across. The thought is of something that cannot be violated or passed on to another. No person can assume Jesus’ priesthood other than our beloved Lord. Jesus’ priesthood was never transferred to another because His would last “forever.” His priesthood was unalterable and inviolable. His priesthood could not ever change.
PRINCIPLE:
Jesus’ priesthood is permanent, perpetual, and unchanging because He lives “forever.”
APPLICATION:
Jesus’ priesthood can never pass to another. It stands alone and forever. He stands as the only religious founder who is not in the grave. No one compares to Him.
Our Lord’s priesthood will never terminate. No successor will follow in His footsteps. In the New Testament there is no apostolic succession of priestly offices.
Since Jesus is no longer subject to death, His priesthood can never be interrupted. It is “unchangeable” or permanent. Every promise and privilege that comes from Christ will never terminate. We are forever assured that He will be there for us.
