By Present Truth NZ
Why is there so much confusion as to the identity of Melchizedek? The Scriptures are very clear on this matter of identifying just who Melchizedek is. If we took the Bible just as it reads, and particularly the very distinct identifying characteristics of Melchizedek given in the book of Hebrews, instead of placing human conjectures upon God’s Word, we would all know very definitely who Melchizedek is.
WHO, THEN, IS MELCHIZEDEK?
Melchizedek is first mentioned in the Bible on the occasion when Abraham was returning from rescuing his nephew Lot, who had been captured during what is called, in the Bible, the battle of the kings. Melchizedek, king of Salem, went out to meet Abraham and his army, and Melchizedek brought forth bread and wine to feed them all. Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek.
“And when Abram heard that his brother [brother in the faith – really Lot was Abraham’s nephew] was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan. And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus. And he brought back all the goods, and also brought again his brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people…And MELCHIZEDEK – king of Salem, brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the Most High God. And he [Melchizedek] blessed him [Abraham], and said, Blessed be Abram of the Most High God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the Most High God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he [Abraham] gave him [Melchizedek] tithes of all.” Genesis 14:14-20
This is the first mention in the Bible of the word “Priest”. It is long before the birth of Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel, and the establishment of the kingdom of Israel. It is long before the establishment of the Levitical priesthood. It is long before Aaron was made the first high priest of Israel, and the Aaronic line of high priests. Jesus was not made a High Priest after the earthly Aaronic line of high priests, but He was made a High Priest after the order of Melchizedek.
MELCHIZEDEK WAS KING OF SALEM.
“In Salem also is His Tabernacle, and His dwelling place in Zion.” Psalm 76:2
“As soon as David was established on the throne of Israel he began to seek a more appropriate location for the capital of his realm. Twenty miles from Hebron, a place was selected as the future metropolis of the kingdom. Before Joshua had led the armies of Israel over Jordan it had been called Salem. Near this place Abraham had proved his loyalty to God. Eight hundred years before the coronation of David it had been the home of Melchizedek, the priest of the Most High God. It held a central and elevated position in the country and was protected by an environment of hills. Being on the border between Benjamin and Judah, it was in close proximity to Ephraim and was easy of access to the other tribes.” Patriarchs and Prophets 703
MELCHIZEDEK was priest of the Most High God. The Most High God is God the Father, so Melchizedek is a priest of God the Father. Melchizedek’s priesthood is a heavenly priesthood, under God the Father, not an earthly priesthood after Aaron. Jesus was not made a High Priest after the earthly order of Aaron, but Jesus was made a High Priest after the heavenly order of Melchizedek.
The next Old Testament reference to Melchizedek is found in the book of Psalms.
“The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent [change His mind], Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.” Psalm 110:4
This verse in the Psalms applies to Jesus, and is quoted in the book of Hebrews, as pointing forward to Jesus being our heavenly High Priest.
“So also Christ glorified not Himself to be made an High Priest; but He that said unto Him, Thou art My Son, today have I begotten Thee. As He saith also in another place [in the Psalms], Thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec….And being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him; Called of God an High Priest after the order of Melchisedec.” Hebrews 5:5-20
“To lay hold upon the hope set before us. Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither THE FORERUNNER is for us entered, even Jesus, made an High Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.” Hebrews 6:18-20
The next reference to Melchizedek is in Hebrews chapter 7, where a full list of all the characteristics of Melchizedek is given. There is only one Person in all the Universe to whom all these characteristics can apply. Those who believe the Bible as the Inspired Word of God will have no difficulty in establishing exactly who Melchizedek is.
“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; 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; 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. Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. 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: But he [Melchizedek] whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises. And without all contradiction THE LESS [ABRAHAM] IS BLESSED OF THE BETTER [MELCHIZEDEK]. And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them [Melchizedek], of whom it is witnessed THAT HE LIVETH. And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, PAID TITHES IN ABRAHAM. For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him. If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, for under it the people received the law, what further need was there that another priest [Jesus] should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and NOT be called after the order of Aaron? For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. For He of whom these things are spoken [Jesus] pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Judah; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. For He testifieth, Thou art a priest FOREVER after the order of Melchisedec…And inasmuch as not without an oath – [that is, with an oath – the oath of God the Father] He [Jesus] was made Priest: For those priests [in Old Testament times] were made without an oath [they became priests by hereditary right, not by being sworn by oath into the priesthood]; but [this One – Jesus] with an oath by Him that said unto Him, The Lord sware [swearing into office by oath] and will not repent [will not change His mind], Thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec: By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better Testament.” Hebrews 7:1-22
THE SPECIAL ATTRIBUTES OF MELCHIZEDEK
1. King of Salem
2. Priest of the Most High God
3. King of Righteousness
4. King of Peace
5. Without father, without mother
6. Without descent
7. Without beginning of days
8. Without end of life
9. Made like unto the Son of God
10. Abideth a Priest continually
11. Greater than Abraham
12. HE LIVETH [continual present tense]
13. The Levitical priesthood paid tithes to, in the loins of Abraham
14. After the power of an endless life
15. Abideth a Priest FOREVER
There is only one Person in all the Universe of God who can fit into all these Biblical characteristics of Melchizedek, without wresting the Scriptures.
Melchizedek was not any normal human being upon this earth, because He was without father, without mother, without descent, without beginning of days, and without end of life.
Melchizedek was not an angel from heaven appearing in human form to Abraham, either, because angels too are created beings. No angel has ever been given the titles of King of Salem, King of Righteousness, King of Peace. Although angels are “without father, without mother” – and “without descent or genealogy” – yet they cannot be said to be “without beginning of days”.
Melchizedek was not a visitant to this world from any of the other unfallen worlds in God’s Universe, for all the above reasons as well.
Melchizedek was not God the Father appearing in human form to Abraham, because no man hath ever seen God the Father at any time, nor seen His shape.
“No man hath seen God [the Father] at any time.” John 1:18
“And the Father Himself, which hath sent Me, hath borne witness of Me. Ye have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His shape.” John 5:37
“God only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; WHOM NO MAN HATH SEEN, NOR CAN SEE.” 1 Timothy 6:16
Melchizedek was Priest of the Most High God [God the Father], therefore Melchizedek was not God the Father.
Melchizedek had many attributes which apply to Jesus, including King of Righteousness and King of Peace. Yet Melchizedek was not Christ, because Christ was made an High Priest after the order of Melchizedek, and Melchizedek was made like unto the Son of God.
The only Person, other than God the Father, and Jesus the Son of God, who fits into all the attributes and characteristics of Melchizedek that are given in the Bible IS THE HOLY SPIRIT.
Melchizedek was the Third Person of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit, appearing in human form to Abraham in that dispensation, just as Jesus, the Second Person of the Godhead, also appeared in human form, or in the form of an Angel, to Abraham and to the people of the Old Testament dispensation as well.
“It was Christ that spoke through Melchizedek, the priest of the Most High God. MELCHIZEDEK WAS NOT CHRIST, but He [Melchizedek] was the voice of God in the world, the representative of the Father.” Selected Messages Book 1 409,410
The voice of God in the world, and the representative of the Father is the Holy Spirit.
“God has never left Himself without witness on the earth. At one time Melchisedek represented the Lord Jesus Christ IN PERSON, to reveal the truth of heaven, and perpetuate the Law of God.” Bible Commentary Vol 1 1092,1093
Jesus is not Melchizedek, but through the Holy Spirit Jesus can also bear the name of Melchizedek, just as Jesus bears the name Jehovah – the special name of God the Father.
“Jesus is approaching the city with a great concourse of people….The rulers..enquire the cause of the tumultuous rejoicing. As they question, ‘Who is this?’ the disciples, filled with the spirit of inspiration, answer this question. In eloquent strains they repeat the prophecies concerning Christ: ‘Adam will tell you [who this is] – It is the seed of the woman that shall bruise the serpent’s head. Ask Abraham, he will tell you, It is Melchizedek King of Salem, King of Peace. Jacob will tell you, He is Shiloh of the tribe of Judah. Isaiah will tell you, Immanuel, Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Jeremiah will tell you, The Branch of David, the Lord our Righteousness. Daniel will tell you, He is the Messiah.’” Desire of Ages 578
Jesus was made an High Priest after the order of Melchizedek. Heaven is Jesus’ home. Heaven is the home of Melchizedek, the Holy Spirit.
“Christ Himself was a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. Heaven was His home. He came to this world to reveal the Father.” Signs of the Times August 16 1899
THE TESTIMONY OF ELLEN G. WHITE
When Mrs White was in Australia, there was a meeting held at the Avondale College – on the subject of Melchizedek. At the Council, the Editor of the Australian Signs of the Times had requested the privilege of presenting his views as to whom he supposed Melchizedek was. He read from a series of articles he had prepared for publishing in the Signs. Present at the meeting were Elder S. N. Haskell, Elder W. L. Baker, Professor Hughs, Mrs. White, and Elder G. B. Starr.
As the Editor of the Signs read through his articles, Mrs. White interrupted him, saying, “Brother, I would not publish those articles if I were you.” He enquired, “Why not?” She replied, “Because they are not correct.” The question was then asked, “Who was Melchizedek then?” Mrs. White answered:- “I will tell you who Melchizedek was. He was the Holy Spirit of God assuming human form. He represented Christ to the people of that generation.” That brought the meeting to a close.
A written report was made of the meeting, and was signed and authenticated by Elder G. B. Starr, one of the persons attending the meeting.
MELCHIZEDEK BROUGHT FORTH BREAD AND WINE
“And Melchizedek, king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and He was the priest of the Most High God.” Genesis 14:18
The original Hebrew word that has here been translated as “brought forth” in our Bibles is YATSA
The literal meaning of this Hebrew word is “to be caused to come forth.”
The same Hebrew word YATSA is used in Genesis 1:12 – “And the earth brought forth [YATSA] grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good.” – God brought forth grass and herbs and trees, where they were not there before.
The same Hebrew word – YATSA – is used in Genesis 1:24 – “And God said, Let the earth bring forth [YATSA] the living creature after his kind…and it was so.” The animals were brought forth by the power of God’s Word, where there were no animals before.
Notice also where the same Hebrew word is used relating to Aaron’s rod that budded, and to waters coming forth from the rock:-
“And it came to pass, that on the morrow Moses went into the tabernacle of witness; and, behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth [YATSA] buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds.” Numbers 17:8
“He brought streams also out of the rock, and caused waters to run down like rivers.” Psalm 78:16
Aaron’s rod brought forth buds, blossoms, and fruit, where there had been no buds, blossoms, or fruit the previous day.
The rock brought forth water, where there had been no water there before.
Why does the Bible record the fact that Melchizedek “brought forth” [YATSA] bread and wine for Abraham and his victorious army? It is because Melchizedek – the Holy Spirit – the Third Person of the Godhead – performed a divine miracle at the time of meeting Abraham with his army, similar to the miracles that Jesus – the Second Person of the Godhead – performed in turning the water into wine, and in feeding the 5,000.
LEARNING THE TRUTH BY COMPARING SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE
“Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” 1 Corinthians 2:13 “Jesus meant just what He said when He directed His disciples to ‘Search the Scriptures.’ Searching means to compare Scripture with Scripture, and spiritual things with spiritual. We should not be satisfied with a superficial knowledge. We should search for the hidden treasure concealed beneath the surface, as the merchantman seeks for goodly pearls. Light, great light, will reward the diligent searcher for truth.” Review and Herald June 4 1889
John 14:17,26 and 16:13-15, tell us who represents the Father in the earth. At the baptism of Christ the Holy Spirit appeared as a dove; on the day of Pentecost, as Cloven tongues of fire. It is not unreasonable (therefore) to conclude that the SAME SPIRIT could appear to Abraham in the person of the King of Salem. (“Priest of the most High God.”)
Comments (20)
Why is there so much confusion as to the identity of Melchizedek? | Sabbath Sermons | elcoqui7 - 25/01/2016
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Yahuceph - 11/10/2010
I believe the scriptures reveal Melchizedek as a manifestation of the Spirit of Yahuahsha (Christ), Melchizedek is one like Christ but is not Christ because he is the manifestation of the Spirit of Christ himself as a human, after his earthly life, he became an immortal spirit being who is distinct from the savior hence his priesthood never ceased.
cleonis - 18/08/2010
sorry to be so late regarding melchizedek identity i’ve heard a sermon about that he could be shem and have check his lifespan and he survives abraham even issac he came before the flood where people used to live near a 1000years when he (shem) come out the ark he is about 100 and will live to 600 if i’m not mistaken while the people’s lifespan after the flood get shorter
very easy to become a legend just like nimrod it seem to to me more plausible because shem was blessed has the elder he ahd some big responsablities that one of the brother would forsake later and don’t forget about the languages with peleg, just imagin when you were young you saw that guy when you became a man he till there he came to your wedding ,your first born,when you give your daugther away think about it
Pookito - 05/10/2013
I second that vote.
Melchizedek, Jesus was of the order of « God's Will? - 02/03/2010
[…] Why is there so much confusion as to the identity of Melchizedek? […]
Jacob Jones - 14/01/2010
It appears that I was wrong in claiming that Melchizedek is the Holy Spirit. I was wrong because the scripture does not say anywhere that Melchizedek is the Holy Spirit. I have misunderstood Hebrews 7:3 “Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, like the Son of God he remains a priest forever.” based on this verse I automatically assumed that Melchizedek was divine, that he was either the The Lord Jesus or the Holy Spirit however I learned that it is a stretch to assume that Melchizedek is either Jesus or the Holy Spirit, that’s too much theological gymnastics. While it is true that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is divine, it isn’t true to say that Melchizedek is divine because scripture does not reveal too much about Melchizedek to begin with. Melchizedek is only mentioned in three books in the entire bible Genesis 14, Psalms 110, and Heb 6 and 7 there is only 4 chapters that doesn’t tell us much nor could we stretch the truth and say Melchizedek is the Holy Spirit. Melchizedek is unknown simply because we do not have any of his genealogy, he is without mother and father, and without beginning and end, this is not to say that Melchizedek is divine it is to say that Melchizedek is a mystery and he was an example used to reflect the mystery of the Gospel, which is Gentile inclusion apart from the works of the Law (i.e.) Circumcision, Sabbaths and dietary foods, The word Righteousness in Hebrew is “Tsedeq” or “Zedek” as God mysterously accepts Melchizedek the Jews must accept Gentiles as children of God as well. Melchizedek foreshadows table fellowship between Hebrews and Gentiles alike, which Paul depicts as a mystery within itself, Rom 11:25 “[ All Israel Will Be Saved ] I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in.” Rom 16:25 “Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past,” and Colosians 4:3 “And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.” What is the Mystery of Christ it is the inclusion of Melchizedek, which is the inclusion of the Gentile race, Jesus has abolished the discrimination. If Melchizedek mysterously is like/equal to Christ (this is not to say Melchizedek is divine) than how much more Gentiles and Jews. Col 1:27 “To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Melchizedek according to Hebrews 7:3 is only one man, the Gentile mystery man whose likeness or equality to the Jewish Christ resembles the Jew and Gentile fellowship.
Sabbath Sermons - 14/01/2010
The bible states clearly that Melchisedec is the Holy Spirit. Read this article that you have never read before. http://www.scribd.com/doc/21265161/Melchizedek-by-Stephen-Haskell
Paul Chapman - 14/10/2010
The Bible does not state clearly that Melchisedek is the Holy Spirit. If it did, there would not be so much discussion over who Melchisedek was.
As I wrote over here Haskell’s explanation is not sound.
Jacob Jones - 02/01/2010
I will not go as far as to say Michael is Jesus because I do not believe that Jesus is a created being. Some scholars do believe that Michael is another name for Jesus, and that Jesus/Michael maintains his Godhood, but I disagree, I refuse to admit it. I will allow you to get the last word on the issue even if I prove from scripture that you are wrong however I do not pride myself in trying to be right all the time because we really do not know for certain if Jesus is the Archangel Michael.
Jacob Jones - 01/01/2010
According to the Dead Sea Scrolls: The Qumran Community: Melchizedek was identified with the Archangel Michael who was created as the Spirit of Truth, called Prince of Light or Angel of Light; these terms are interchangeable. In other words Melchizedek was identified not only as a heavenly priest (Michael), but also the Spirit of Truth. The Essenes were a popular sect of the first-century, some of the apostles (i.e. Paul and John) may have been familiar with their teachings for example Paul uses the word “Belial” another name for Satan (2 Cor 6:14) “14Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 15What harmony is there between Christ and Belial.” The name “Belial,” is found only in the Dead Sea Scrolls. In John’s writings we find similar terms that is only found in the writings of the Dead Sea Scrolls, example John 16:13 “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” And finally, John 14:17, “the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” It isn’t impossible for Paul and John or any other New Testament writer (i.e. the writer of Hebrews) to identify a heavenly being like Melchizedek as the Holy Spirit even as the first-century Qumran sect.
Though the New Testament writers was familiar with identifying the Holy Spirit (Spirit of Truth) with Melchizedek like the Dead Sea Scrolls, yet unlike the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Holy Spirit is said to have no beginning and no end (see Heb 7:1-3) In other words the Holy Spirit/Melchizedek (Our Heavenly Priest) isn’t a creation, but he is equal to Elohim and is not a lesser Elohim as he (Melchizedek) is in the Qumran. Michael the Archangel (Chief and Commander, not Priest) isn’t Melchizedek/Holy Spirit, but Michael is created by the Holy Trinity (Father, son & Holy Spirit/Melchizedek). The Qumran however does give us some evidence that the Holy Spirit (or Spirit of Holiness as described by the Qumran) is a personal being and can be identified as Melchizedek the Heavenly Priest. The Apostles were familiar with with the sects teachings on the Spirit of Holiness however they may have disagreed with the nature (or origin) of the Spirit of Holiness/Melchizedek.
Sabbath Sermons - 01/01/2010
Michael the arch-angel is JESUS – http://www.creation-science-prophecy.com/michael.htm
Melchisedec is the Holy Spirit
Jacob Jones - 30/12/2009
I do agree with Heresiarches the Egyptian concerning the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:26-27 is not the only scriptural passage that describes the Holy Spirit as an “intercessor.” In the John’s Gospel the Holy Spirit is called a “comforter,” the Greek transliterate word is “Parakltetos,” Which means intercessor, and counselor. The Greek transliterated word that is used in Romans 8:26-27 is the word “entugchano,” which means “to chance upon, or to entreat in favor or against:-deal with, make intercession,” the same word “entugchano,” is used to describe Jesus’ intercession for us in Romans 8:35. The word “entugchano” is also used in Hebrews 7:25. The word “enteuxis” is used in 1 Timothy 2:1. The word “enteuxis” means
supplication_intercession, prayer. The word “Parakltetos,” is also found in 2 Corinthians 7:7, as we intercede for others the Holy Spirit shall counsel or intercede for us. Based on the Greek the Holy Spirit shares the same role as the Lord Jesus himself and Melchizedek, this can only mean one thing, that is the Holy Spirit may be Melchizedek. I am only 90% certain.
Sabbath Sermons - 30/12/2009
You have provided some great information. Thank you.
Paul Chapman - 14/10/2010
When we speak of the Holy Spirit as an intercessor, we need to clarify who the Spirit intercedes (or mediates) for and to whom. The Holy Spirit mediates between us and Christ. Christ is wanting all of us to give our hearts to Him so that He can forgive and cleanse us from sin.
We can’t do this of ourselves. Therefore Christ’s has sent the Holy Spirit out into the world to convince men of their sin and to draw them to Himself. (John 14:8)
“The same divine mind that is working upon the things of nature is speaking to the hearts of men and creating an inexpressible craving for something they have not. The things of the world cannot satisfy their longing. The Spirit of God is pleading with them to seek for those things that alone can give peace and rest–the grace of Christ, the joy of holiness…” Steps to Christ, p 29.
The word “pleading” is the meaning of the Greek word for “intercession” in Rom 8:26.
The Holy Spirit pleads with us to the end that we will be led to the foot of the cross in repentence for our sins. It is through a knowledge of God’s love in giving His only begotten Son to die for us that the Holy Spirit does this. It is the work of the Spirit to glorify Christ. (John 16:14) (incidentally – a true teacher does not glorify himself John 7:17-18, therefore the Holy Spirit is not Christ.) The Holy Spirit glorifies Christ by revealing Him to us. One of the ways is by “shedding abroad” God’s love in our hearts (Rom 5:5). Herein is love, that God sent His son into our world to be a sacrifice for sin. (1 John 4:10).
This work of drawing, pleading, or interceding is the work of the Holy Spirit in leading us to Christ.
However, the work of Christ is to intercede for us in reconciling us to the Father. Hence, Christ is our High Priest who is now in heaven mediating for us to the Father in heaven. The Holy Spirit mediates, or intercedes for us on earth within our hearts to lead us to Christ.
In a nutshell, they both intercede, but do so in different manners and to different parties. One intercedes for us to Chirst, the other intercedes for us to the Father.
In terms of Melchisedec, his priesthood is a type of the eternal Priesthood, of which Christ’s work of intercession for us to the Father is the anti-type. This should not be confused with the work of the Holy Spirit in inteceding for us to Christ.
Paul Chapman - 14/10/2010
Well I guess they’ll know now that you’re not mainstream 🙂
Seriously, I know we differ on this point, and yeah, we did discuss this, I think it was about 12 years ago. You may remember that at the time John Thiel made a point of it because I happened to share with someone privately an alternative view. He strongly disagreed with my appreciation including the GC resolution on the subject.
Anyhow, as there is nothing explicitly stating that the Holy Spirit is Melchisedek, I don’t think we can be dogmatic on the point.
The main thing to understand, IMO, is why Paul makes mention of Melchisedek in Hebrews 6 and 7. My apprecation of this is that he wished to explain the significance of Christ being ordained High Priest after the order of the Melchisedek priesthood and not the Aaronic priesthood. He wished also to show which of the two priesthoods was the greater and better one. As their was a change in the Priesthood their must also be a consequent change in the law governing the priesthood. This was to help the Jewish readers of his epistle look to the heavenly priesthood and Christ’s work of intercession their for us, rather than the earthly sanctuary and priesthood.
I guess on this point we will agree to differ. However, it shouldn’t be a cause of disunity among God’s people. As the SOP says, “We cannot then take a position that the unity of the church consists in viewing every text of Scripture in the very same light…Nothing can perfect unity in the church but the spirit of Christlike forbearance.” (11MR267).
PS My repeated comment was in reply to Jacob Jones on this page. The first posting was in reply to yourself on another page.
Paul Chapman - 14/10/2010
You may be right about the SS lesson, but John became aware of my appreciation somehow (I think through the person who I had presented it to) and it soon passed around in the circle. John was still holding his group Bible study at the time. I spoke with John personally on the point because of the disquiet it was causing in both camps – basically I shared with him the GC resolution, and then agreed not to agitate the question.
I have an open mind on the subject, but have not read anything conclusive to this point to adopt the view that Haskell and other’s espouse re: the Holy Spirit. As I said, the main point for us to appreciate is Paul’s use of Melchisedek as a type of Christ’s ministry in heaven and to explain the change in the levitical law governing the Aaronic priesthood, and how that all relates to the New Covenant.
sandip - 14/12/2009
It is surprising that so many scholars failed to see the light… it is totally wrong to say that Melchizedek was Holy Spirit or God in human form or equalling him with God anyway. Melkizedek was a king who had no record of beginning and end of his days as king and not as God who is alpha and omega!!
http://blog.vishwas.org/archives/336
Melchizedek gives precedence in the law which enables Jesus to formally become a priest even though He was not a Levite!
The melchizedek and his kingdom and descendents of those believers may be the other fold of sheep Jesus talked about.
Just because Jesus was Emmanuel, God walking on earth, some Christians became brave and declared Melkizedek as Holy Spirit or God just because there is not enough said!!!
Read comment of Michael on my blog.
When you add too much to a button, it appears as a coat !
Those who have ear, let them hear!!!
Frank Zimmerman - 22/11/2009
Here are my reasons for differing from you on this point:
In the book of Revelation, there are kings and priests who appear in heaven with the Lamb. These were redeemed from men…they were taken from this earth (either through translation or resurrection). These are also “after the order of Melchizedek”, for that is the heavenly priesthood (there is no other in heaven). Therefore, the same points of identification for Melchizedek and for Christ as priests, apply to these priests as well. You will perhaps think that this contradicts the following qualifications:
– Without father, without mother
– Without descent
– Without beginning of days
But it does not. As far as the new bodies which the saints receive at the resurrection, these are “without father or mother” and “without descent”. Also, the spiritual life which the saints have received, to replace the old evil life inherited from Adam, is received from Christ, and Christ’s life (being divine) is “without beginning of days”. Therefore Christ’s life in the saints can also be said to be “without beginning of days.”
Man was originally made a little lower than the angels, but because Christ is their new father, and they partake of His life, they are able to sit with Him in His throne…something the angels cannot do (although Satan wanted that position).
Since in Abraham’s day there was only one saint who was taken from the earth (as far as the Bible states), he must be Melchizedek. That man was Enoch. His new name in heaven is Melchizedek, for when we enter heaven, we all receive new names, according to our character. The Holy Spirit certainly worked through him…so there is no contradiction with those statements regarding the Holy Spirit.
According to Hebrews 5 a priest should also be taken from among men, and learn obedience through suffering. This cannot reasonably apply to the Holy Spirit.
As well, the Aaronic priesthood was a pattern of the true one. Only Aaron and his sons were permitted to minister as priests in the earthly sanctuary. Likewise, only Christ, and His sons, can be priests in the heavenly sanctuary. Melchizedek therefore was a son of Christ. Again, this cannot be reasonably applied to the Holy Spirit.
Sabbath Sermons - 22/11/2009
The redeemed are not priests as Christ was ministering for fallen man. you can’t even compare. The redeemed are also not after the order of Melchisedec. That is unscriptural.
Frank Zimmerman - 24/11/2009
There are only two priesthoods mentioned in the Bible: that of Aaron (the type) and that of Melchisedec (the real). In the time of Aaron, the role of priest and king were divided into separate tribes, Judah and Levi. In the Melchisedec priesthood, king and priest are combined into one.
Revelation 5:8-10 makes it clear that the four living creatures and 24 elders have crowns and censers, and are kings and priests combined. Therefore they are after the order of Melchisedec…there is no other mentioned in the Bible.
In the typical priesthood, Aaron was the high priest and his sons were priests, so in the reality: Christ is High Priest, and His redeemed sons are priests, serving with Him.
In the book of Hebrews, there is a progression of truth that leads up to Jesus’ qualification as a priest. This progression is:
chapter 1 – partaking of divinity
chapter 2 – partaking of fallen humanity
chapter 3 and 4 – faithfulness to God during earthly life
chapter 5 – called a priest by God (the resurrection is implied)
Those are the pre-requisites for being a priest. The Holy Spirit was not begotten into human flesh, and did not live in that flesh during an earthly life. Therefore, the Holy Spirit cannot be a priest after the order of Melchisedec.
You have expressed some difficulty in seeing the redeemed as priests with Christ, but all the promises that were given to Christ are also given to His followers by inheritance. 2 Cor. 1:20, Gal. 3:29, Heb. 6:12.