This is the fresh, new, life-giving way which Christ has opened up for us by tearing the curtain - His human body - to let us into the holy presence of God. Yes, the old system of priesthood based on family lines was canceled because it didn't work. It was weak and useless for saving people. It never made anyone really right with God. But now we have a far better hope, for Christ makes us acceptable to God, and now we may draw near to Him.
   Under the old arrangement there had to be many priests, so that when the older ones died off, the system could still be carried on by others who took their places.
   But Jesus lives forever and continues to be a Priest so that no one else is needed. He is able to save completely all who come to God through Him. Since He will live forever, He will always be there to remind God that He has paid for their sins with His blood.
   And since this great High Priest of ours rules over God's household, let us go right in, to God Himself, with true hearts fully trusting Him to receive us, because we have been sprinkled with Christ's blood to make us clean, and because our bodies have been washed with pure water. Now we can look forward to the salvation God has promised us. There is no longer any room for doubt, and we can tell others that salvation is ours, for there is no question that He will do what He says.
   When God made His promise to Abraham, He swore by Himself, because He had no one greater to swear by: "I vow that I will bless you abundantly and multiply Your descendants."
   Thus it was that Abraham, after patient waiting, attained the promise. Men swear by a greater than themselves, and the oath provides a confirmation to end all dispute; and so God, desiring to show even more clearly to the heirs of His promise how unchanging was His purpose, guaranteed it by oath. He has given us both His promise and His oath, two things we can completely count on, for it is impossible for God to tell a lie.
   The Lord is the Eternal One of Israel. He does not lie or change His mind. He is not a man. So He does not change His mind as men do. "The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: 'You are a priest forever.' "

Taken from Heb. 7, 10, 6, I Sam. 15, The Living Bible, The New International Version
and The Everyday Bible. For free Lifescope book, write to Box 1575,
Carlsbad, NM 88221. Please send $1.00 for postage and handling.