A Brief Look at Hebrews 7:16

[O]ne who has become a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life.

The life of Jesus looked anything by indestructible when He was hung upon the Cross, bleeding and dying. And yet the life of our Lord reached back to an endless past as well as an endless future. The priesthood of Aaron was after the passing of the Law; but Christ’s, the true Melchisedec, was after the power of an endless life. Jesus Christ is “alive forevermore!” Let’s consider, not so much the “endlessness” and “indestructibility” of Christ’s life, but the power of that life. It is–

1. Life-imparting power. The coming of the quickening Spirit at Pentecost is proof of it. Every single converted sinner is a witness for Christ, and is a witness that He lives! And the life He imparts to us is also endless.

2. A peace-speaking power. Jesus, our Great High Priest, has entered by His own blood, into the presence of God, and even now is making intercession for us, Romans 8:34. We are now at peace with God, never again to be objects of His wrath.

3. A strength-sustaining power. The ever-living vine sustains the ever-abiding branch! Jesus said that because He lives, we also will live, John 14:1.

4. A Comfort-giving power. It was in the very pits of despair that Job was able to cry out: “I know my redeemer lives!” Your redeemer lives, even though all your friends may have deserted you, your Redeemer lives! Praise the Lord, He lives on and on, even though His valued and much loved servants may pass away.

5. A Soul-satisfying power. All you need, Jesus has. Jesus alone is able to save to the uttermost because He is alive! Jesus gives life, John 4:10.

6. A Hope-inspiring power. Because His life is indestructible and endless, He is able to care for His own forever and ever. He is able to perfect that which concerns us by carrying on the good work which He has begun in us and in the Church and world at large, Psalm 138:8.

7. A Christ-witnessing power. The power of His endless and indestructible life dwells in each and every believer through the Holy Ghost. It is an amazing power you have within; a power to witness and share your faith with those who need to know the One from whom endless life comes. Jesus said in John 10:10–

I have come that you might have life.

When we come to Jesus, He not only forgives our sins and grants us eternal life, but we also receive this indestructible life–the same kind of life Jesus has–and we become sons of God, John 1:12.