Jesus Like Melchizedek

¹¹ If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood—and indeed the law given to the people^(A) established that priesthood—why was there still need for another priest to come,^(B) one in the order of Melchizedek,^(C) not in the order of Aaron?

²⁰ Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law;^(A) rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.^(B)

The Law and Sin

⁷ What shall we say, then?^(A) Is the law sinful? Certainly not!^(B) Nevertheless, I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law.^(C) For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.”^[a](D)

⁸ But sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment,^(A) produced in me every kind of coveting. For apart from the law, sin was dead.^(B)

²¹ Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not!^(A) For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law.^(B)

⁹ This is an illustration^(A) for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered^(B) were not able to clear the conscience^(C) of the worshiper.

Christ’s Sacrifice Once for All

10 The law is only a shadow^(A) of the good things^(B) that are coming—not the realities themselves.^(C) For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect^(D) those who draw near to worship.^(E)