Hebrews 7:12

“For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.”

This verse is found in the New Testament book of Hebrews, which emphasises the superiority of Jesus Christ and the new covenant He established over the old covenant under the Mosaic law. In Hebrews 7, the author discusses the priesthood of Melchizedek, who was a figure in the Old Testament (Genesis 14:18-20).

To understand Hebrews 7:12, it is helpful to look at the context and the preceding verses. In Hebrews 7:11, the author states that if perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood (the priesthood under the Mosaic law), there would have been no need for another priest to arise according to the order of Melchizedek. This indicates that there were limitations and imperfections in the old system.

Hebrews 7:12 begins with the phrase “For the priesthood being changed.” Here, the author points out that a change has taken place in the priesthood. Jesus Christ, being from the tribe of Judah rather than the tribe of Levi, became the high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 6:20). This change in priesthood signifies a significant shift in the way God relates to His people.

The second part of Hebrews 7:12 states, “there is made of necessity a change also of the law.” This verse indicates that with the change in the priesthood, there is also a change in the law. The Mosaic law, which governed the religious and civil life of the Israelites, was given through Moses. It included various rituals, sacrifices, and regulations concerning worship, morality, and societal practices.

However, with the coming of Jesus Christ as the ultimate high priest, there was a shift in the way God’s people relate to Him. Jesus fulfilled the requirements of the law perfectly and became the ultimate sacrifice for sins. Through His death and resurrection, He established a new covenant, which offers salvation and forgiveness of sins through faith in Him.

This change in the law does not imply a rejection of God’s moral standards or principles. Rather, it signifies a fulfilment and completion of the law in Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:17). The ceremonial aspects of the law, such as the sacrificial system, were no longer necessary because Jesus offered Himself as the perfect and final sacrifice for sins (Hebrews 10:10-14).

The change in the law also includes a change in the way believers approach God. In the Old Testament, access to God was mediated through the priests, and the people had limited direct access to Him. However, in the new covenant, all believers have direct access to God through Jesus Christ as their high priest (Hebrews 4:14-16).

In summary, Hebrews 7:12 emphasises the change in the priesthood and the resulting change in the law. The old priesthood and the Mosaic law were insufficient to bring about perfection and reconciliation with God. Jesus Christ, as the high priest according to the order of Melchizedek, brought a new covenant that fulfilled the requirements of the law and provided a way for believers to have direct access to God.