Ever since I was re-challenged to prove, whether God exists and the doctrines,
that I once had believed were accurate, I have wondered how it was before the
time of Moses, before God gave Moses the Law and the explanation, about it,
that we read in the Bible? What did Adam & Eve believe, and what did God
expect from them? Did they know about the Sabbaths? Not just the weekly
Sabbath. How about clean and unclean meats?
I remember reading a booklet showing how all of the 10 commandments were “in
force” prior to them being given at Mt. Sinai. I agree, that it can be
demonstrated, that they had to know the 10 commandments and that they were in
force.
But, when we discuss subjects like the government of God on earth today,
keeping the feast today, and many other topics, we always tend to gravitate
back to the time Moses and Mt. Sinai and the time following it. Many concepts
are based on those examples, as if they are the way we should do it today.
Today, I am not so sure that we should be predicating everything we do on that
model. Now that might sound like heresy, to some, and that I am throwing
practically the whole bible out. But, in truth, that is not what I am saying.
What I am saying is let us revisit the time before Mt. Sinai and see what was
expected of Adam & Eve and mankind up to Mt. Sinai”.
First, let us go back to Genesis and recount what is recorded. This will be a
thumbnail sketch.
Please remember as you look at the scriptures I am “mentioning” and
“commenting” on, that it is only a brief sketch of the overall chapters.
Gen. 1 & 2 We read about the Sabbath, Adam is told not to eat of the Tree
of Good & Evil. And I will mention at this time Eve was not created until
later. That would leave us with us presuming that Adam informed Eve of what God
said, concerning the Tree of Good and Evil, etc. Gen 2:17
Gen 3 & 4 Eve deceived and the account of Cain & Abel. Adam & Eve
was put out of the garden and then later we read about the offering of Cain
& Abel. Was the issue really because of “attitude”? Cain was put out as a
vagabond.
Gen 6:6 God repents in making man. Now go back then & read verse 5 and then
verse 3
Noah was found perfect & just. Was it attitude again?
Gen 7 In this chapter we read about clean & unclean meats. Prior to the
flood.
Gen 8:20 offered a sacrifice of “all” clean meats on the ark. Why seven of the
clean foods? If Noah had taken only two like he did of the unclean foods, he
would have had “none” by the time they would have gotten off the ark. By
sacrificing one of all the clean animals, Noah definitely reduced the stock of
clean animals.
Gen 9 meat given as food to eat.
Gen 14: Melchizedek is mentioned.
Gen 15:13 Then He said to Abram: ”Know certainly that your descendants will be
strangers in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them, and they will
afflict them four hundred years. (this scripture is important) Why? Read on.
So, we know that from this time forward, that 430 years will pass, before God
instructs them thru Moses and gives him the 10 Commandments. etc.
Now there is much given in these chapters of Genesis and for all of the
accounts mentioned prior to Mt. Sinai there can be many details extracted.
I could in a general overview now make the following statement. Israel was
familiar with clean and unclean food, Melchizedek is mentioned and so they were
aware of the priest Melchizedek and the priesthood it represented. They were
familiar with sacrifices and offerings and the Holy Sabbath day. They were
familiar with their heritage and the account of Adam & Eve, Cain &
Abel, Abraham, Noah, Jacob, Israel. They also knew that they would be delivered
from the bondage of the Egyptians. If Noah was found to be perfect & just,
they had to know it involved the spiritual attitude and not just physical.
Now, there is also another area that we do not wander into very much. It is the
area of Melchizedek and the Melchizedek priesthood.
I will agree that Melchizedek is not mentioned much nor in detail and yet when
it is mentioned, it is mentioned in a very powerful way, especially in the New
Testament.
I have a concept, that I would like to present, concerning the Melchizedek
priesthood. I am not saying that it is a “factual” concept, but it is my
thoughts on this priesthood.
I believe that we will all agree that the Bible has a lot to say on the
Levitical Priesthood. Also, I believe that we would agree that we base a lot of
our own traditions and beliefs by way of the Leviitical Priesthood. At the
time, when the Levitical Priesthood was instituted, Israel was told or given
instructions on the Law, sacrifices, offerings, etc. and how the Levitical
Priesthood had the responsibility in carrying them out on behalf of the people.
There is in fact a whole book in the Bible entitled Leviticus.
Perhaps, that is where we many times start and possibly stop in our thinking.
That is why I ask the question when I read about the Exodus, Mt. Sinai, the
Levitical Priesthood, etc., how was it before this period of time.
Why is Melchizedek mentioned along with the priesthood in the New Testament?
The following then are some of my thoughts.
One, I believe that the Melchizedek priesthood has never ceased to be in
existence. We read about it in the Old Testament, ever so briefly. Then, it is
not mentioned but the people are instructed in the responsibilities of the
Tribe of Levi and the Leviticul Priesthood being established. We read in
history of the Temple being destroyed and sacrifices ceasing around 70 AD. At
this same time we read about Christ and His being the Messiah and High Priest
after the order of Melchizedek.
Second, let me ask this question. Had the people not told Moses that they did
not want to hear the voice of God? And if they would have not done that, would
they have been given instructions following Melchizedek? And would we then
today, have had a book entitled Melchizedekel, instead of Leviticus? I am just
kidding by using this terminology and implying that we might have a different
book today. But, how far off am I? We will not know the answer to that till we
are changed into a spirit being.
Consider this for the moment. There definitely was no Levitical priesthood at
that time but we have shown that they were familiar with Melchizedek and the
Melchizedek priesthood. Why would God then, institute the Levitical priesthood,
unless the people had rejected and had been rejecting the Melchizedek
priesthood that was in affect.
So, I submit to you the following concept. It was, the Melchizedek Priesthood,
what the people were to be following and that is what they had rejected. When,
Moses came down from the mountain and the people told Moses that they did not
want to hear God’s voice and that they would do whatever God told Moses, they
were once again rejecting what they already knew.
Ex. 20:19Then they said to Moses, You speak with us, and we will hear: but let
not God speak with us, lest we die.
So, God gave them the Levitical priesthood in its place.
And here is another thought to consider, the Levitical priesthood was a
physical priesthood, whereas the Melchizedek priesthood was a spiritual
priesthood.
Now, under the Levitical priesthood, when the people sinned, or had one of
their animals hurt another human, they then were expected to make restitution
physically. If they had a good harvest and were blessed they were to give an
offering for the blessings they received. God had given them the opportunity to
have the right attitude, spiritually, from the beginning but they rejected it.
Just like when we were a child, we had to experience happiness and pain,
usually first from a physical point of view. Later we realized, that when we
did things right, we noticed how everything went smooth but when we didn’t do
things right and had problems we also knew why.
We also, have learned, by this process, that someone could do something for
another and still not have the right attitude.
Let me stop at this point and say that some of what I have stated is purely my
opinion and I could be wrong. I definitely am assuming some concepts. We all
know that we can get in trouble for doing that and that is why I acknowledge
it.
But, let us look at some scriptures in the New Testament and scriptures in the
Old Testament, that speak about the same subject. I will let you try to figure
out the parallels in them.
New Testament 1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood,
an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of
Old Testament Exodus 19:6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an
holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of
Israel.
Old Testament Deuteronomy 14:2 For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy
God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above
all the nations that are upon the earth.
Deuteronomy 26:18 And the LORD hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar
people, as he hath promised thee, and that thou shouldest keep all his
commandments;
New Testament Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from
all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation,
a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called
you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
In Psalms and in other scriptures we read the following about, if only they had
a heart in them. Psalms 40:6 ¶ Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire;
mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.
New Testament Hebrews 10:5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith,
Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:
Hebrews 10:8 Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and
offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are
offered by the law.
God in the New Testament says that sacrifice He dost not want. But He mentions
it in the Old Testament as well, and this is what is being quoted in the New
Testament book of Hebrews.
I submit that they were well aware of the spirit of the law but rejected it.
So, God gave them physical laws and ordinances to keep. Ironically, though they
rejected them as well.
We read the following concerning the Levitical priesthood.
Exodus 40:15 And thou shalt anoint them, as thou didst anoint their father,
that they may minister unto me in the priest's office: for their anointing
shall surely be an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations
The point I am making here is that the Levitical priesthood is confined to
strictly the Levi’s and their generations.
So, when we read in the new testament about Melchizedek and Christ after the
order of Melchizedek, we are being told and reminded of the fact that it has
never ceased. It was before the Levitical priesthood, as we read earlier. I
believe it existed during the Levitical priesthood and was re-established at
the time of Christ. And we are now to be following it.
As you now read the following verses taken from Hebrew, try to keep in mind
what we have just discussed. Remembering that those that were hearing this at
“this time” the “time of Christ”, had an understanding about all that was being
discussed
Romans 12:1 ¶ I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye
present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is
your reasonable service.
Exodus 19:6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation.
These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. 1 Peter
2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a
peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of
Romans 12:1 ¶ I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye
present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is
your reasonable service.
Deuteronomy 14:2 For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the
LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the
nations that are upon the earth.
Deuteronomy 26:18 And the LORD hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar
people, as he hath promised thee, and that thou shouldest keep all his
commandments;
Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity,
and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 1 Peter 2:9
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar
people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of
darkness into his marvellous light:
Deuteronomy 5:29 O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear
me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and
with their children for ever!
Psalms 40:6 ¶ Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou
opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.
Hebrews 10:5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and
offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:
Hebrews 10:8 Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and
offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are
offered by the law;
Exodus 40:15 And thou shalt anoint them, as thou didst anoint their father,
that they may minister unto me in the priest's office: for their anointing
shall surely be an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations.
Numbers 16:10 And he hath brought thee near to him, and all thy brethren the
sons of Levi with thee: and seek ye the priesthood also?
Numbers 18:1 ¶ And the LORD said unto Aaron, Thou and thy sons and thy father's
house with thee shall bear the iniquity of the sanctuary: and thou and thy sons
with thee shall bear the iniquity of your priesthood.
Numbers 25:13 And he shall have it, and his seed after him, even the covenant
of an everlasting priesthood; because he was zealous for his God, and made an
atonement for the children of Israel.
Joshua 18:7 But the Levites have no part among you; for the priesthood of the
LORD is their inheritance: and Gad, and Reuben, and half the tribe of Manasseh,
have received their inheritance beyond Jordan on the east, which Moses the
servant of the LORD gave them.
Ezra 2:62 These sought their register among those that were reckoned by
genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from
the priesthood.
Nehemiah 7:64 These sought their register among those that were reckoned by
genealogy, but it was not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the
priesthood.
Nehemiah 13:29 Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the
priesthood, and the covenant of the priesthood, and of the Levites.
Hebrews 7:5 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:
Hebrews 7:11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for
under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another
priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the
order of Aaron?
Hebrews 7:12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a
change also of the law.
Hebrews 7:14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe
Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
Hebrews 7:24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable
priesthood.
1 Peter 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy
priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus
Christ.
1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation,
a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called
you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
Nehemiah 13:28 And one of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high
priest, was son in law to Sanballat the Horonite: therefore I chased him from
me.
Psalms 110:4 The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for
ever after the order of Melchizedek.
Isaiah 8:2 And I took unto me faithful witnesses to record, Uriah the priest,
and Zechariah the son of Jeberechiah.
Hebrews 2:17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his
brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things
pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
Hebrews 3:1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling,
consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
Hebrews 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into
the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the
feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet
without sin.
Hebrews 5:1 For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in
things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:
Hebrews 5:5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but
he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.
Hebrews 5:6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after
the order of Melchisedek.
Hebrews 5:10 Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.
Hebrews 6:20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high
priest for ever after the order of Melchisedek.
Hebrews 7:1 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;
Hebrews 7:3 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.
Hebrews 7:11 ¶ If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for
under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another
priest should rise after the order of Melchisedek, and not be called after the
order of Aaron?
Hebrews 7:15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of
Melchisedek here ariseth another priest,
Hebrews 7:17 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of
Melchisedek.
Hebrews 7:21 (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an
oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a
priest for ever after the order of Melchisedek:)
Hebrews 7:26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless,
undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
Hebrews 8:1 Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have
such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty
in the heavens;
-----Ed Schneider