The Son Superior to Angels

For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father”? Or again, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son”?

But about the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.

They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment.

You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But you remain the same, and your years will never end.”

Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.

Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.

He says, “I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; in the assembly I will sing your praises.”

And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again he says, “Here am I, and the children God has given me.”

For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.

A Sabbath-Rest for the People of God

Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it.

There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God;

Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.

Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.

This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people.

But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

And God permitting, we will do so.

But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned.

God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.

saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.”

People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument.

Now the law requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their fellow Israelites—even though they also are descended from Abraham.

In the one case, the tenth is collected by people who die; but in the other case, by him who is declared to be living.

Jesus Like Melchizedek

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

but he became a priest with an oath when God said to him: “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: ‘You are a priest forever.’”