Melchizedek Priesthood

Pastor Martin transitions from the mystery of Christ's person to the majesty of His offices, introducing the threefold office of Prophet, Priest, and King. He shows that these offices are biblically rooted, that their success depends on the constitution of Christ's God-man person, that they are indivisible and must never be separated, and that they answer directly to the sinner's threefold need: ignorance, guilt, and rebellion.

Pastor Martin begins an in-depth treatment of Christ's priestly office, explaining that he departs from the traditional prophet-priest-king order because Scripture gives predominance to the priesthood and because the priestly office casts its shadow over the prophetic and kingly functions. He establishes the reality of Christ's priestly office two ways: Christ is specifically called a priest, and His work is described in strict priestly categories. He then unfolds the four essential ingredients of priestly function from Hebrews 5:1: taken from men, appointed for men, in things pertaining to God, to offer for sins.

Pastor Martin answers the question, by what specific activities does our great priest fulfill His task? He shows from the Old Testament Day of Atonement ritual in Leviticus 16 and its fulfillment in Hebrews that Christ's priestly work consists of two inseparable elements: oblation (the shedding of His blood) and intercession (the presentation of that blood in heaven). He argues that these must never be separated — like inhaling and exhaling, they form one complex priestly activity securing the salvation of God's people.

Pastor Martin turns from Christ's earthly priestly work to examine His continuous heavenly ministry of intercession. He establishes the fact from Hebrews 7:25, Romans 8:34, and Isaiah 53:12, then explains the nature of intercession both by the word used (interposing between two parties with requests) and by the end secured (salvation to the uttermost). He applies the doctrine to show that Christ has the preeminence in every phase of our salvation and that all dealings with the Father must be through the interceding Son.