The Everlasting Covenant

A Kingly Priest

He was a type of Christ, and was like Him: “Made like unto the Son of God.” He was a type of Christ in that he was both king and priest. His name signifies, “king of righteousness;” and Salem, of which he was king, means “peace;” ² so that he was not only priest, but king of righteousness and king of peace. So of Christ it is said: “The Lord said unto My Lord, Sit Thou at My right hand, until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool.” “The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek.” ³ And the name whereby He shall be called is “The Lord our Righteousness.” ⁴ EVCO 61.2

Christ’s kingly priesthood is thus set forth in the Scriptures: “Thus speaketh the Lord of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH; and He shall grow up out of His place, and He shall build the temple of the Lord; even He shall build the temple of the Lord; and He shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon His throne; and He shall be a priest upon His throne; and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.” ⁵ The power by which Christ as priest makes reconciliation for the sins of the people, is the power of the throne of God, upon which He sits. EVCO 61.3

But the main thing with reference to Melchizedek, is that Abraham lived under the same “dispensation” that we do. The priesthood was the same then as now. Not only are we the children of Abraham, if we are of faith, but our great High Priest, who is passed into the heavens, is by the oath of God made a High Priest for ever, “after the order of Melchizedek.” Thus in a double sense it is shown that “if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” ¹ “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day; and he saw it, and was glad.” ² EVCO 61.4