BROOKLYN, N.Y., FEBRUARY 18TH, 1932
BROOKLYN, N.Y., FEBRUARY 18TH, 1932
Beloved Brother, — I return herewith the paper on the hymn book revision and the other papers you sent.
I have made all the changes C.A.C. suggested for ‘smoother reading’, also nearly all those of the same character proposed by D.L.H. The paper is improved by all these changes.
As regards Hebrews 7 (your notes), the chapter begins — “For this Melchisedec” — thus a personage is before us, concerning whom certain things are said, including the fact that he was priest of the Most High God. Although the word personage (verse 4) is not in the original, it is clearly implied, and this is confirmed by the personal pronoun “whom” immediately following. I do not see, therefore, how “this” can be made to refer to “the system of priesthood”. What is in view is the person who is described in Genesis 14 as bearing the office of priest, so as to emphasise the force of Psalm 110. The thought of Melchisedec’s (Christ’s) personal greatness runs through the chapter, culminating in verse 28 — “the word of the swearing of the oath ... a Son perfected for ever”. We must distinguish between the Person and the office or offices He bears. Melchisedec had several, including priesthood, and all added to his greatness. Besides, he was without father, mother, genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life. All these features enter into his assimilation to the Son of God.
Your remarks as to assimilation being official rather than personal do not agree with what the passage states. “Son of God”, although involving His mediatorial office, is a personal [p. 351] title of Christ as Man and it is to Him Melchisedec is assimilated. That is, the Person of Christ is in view. His priesthood is based on this, not on parentage or genealogy.
What I have written as to Hebrews 7 bears also on Mr. Higgins’ thoughts. While, of course, priesthood is in view, the assimilating characteristics are personal. It is “this Melchisedec”, not ‘this priest’. “This Melchisedec” links with “abides a priest continually”, what lies between is characteristic of the man, and shows that he was “likened to” the Son of God. I am afraid of the statement, ‘He was not assimilated to Deity, but to the Son of God’. It exposes the one who makes it to the charge that he does not regard the Son of God as a Divine Person. Hebrews expressly attributes Deity to the Son (chapter 1: 8), and the fact that chapter 7 treats of priesthood does not make sonship in this chapter inferior. In both chapters, He is Man, but withal a Divine Person. If we keep the great fact of our Lord’s unchanged Personality steadily before us, we shall be preserved from error in thinking or treating of Him in His forms, offices or positions.
It is clear that the Spirit of God designed the description of Melchisedec in Genesis 14 so that it should convey the thought of a Divine Person on earth as Man. It is true that Christ’s official priesthood required that He should die, rise and ascend to heaven, but His sonship existed from the outset of His incarnation. Hebrews stresses the Deity of the Son, and it is to the Son of God that Melchisedec is assimilated. In this connection it is important to note that John does not give the Lord’s conception or birth, but a Divine Person becoming flesh. He owns His mother in John and so it is recognised that He came in through her, but still it is a Divine Person coming in and going out.
In view of what I have written, I have left the paragraphs of the paper dealing with Hebrews 7 almost as they were. I am assured they convey the truth, and I trust you and others will agree as you reconsider the subject. You will observe that I have added something to paragraph 1, page 3, as to Hebrews 13: 8. I never understood the verse otherwise, and after weighing it with similar passages I am assured that what I have stated is right. You will also see that I have accepted C.A.C.’s suggestion for paragraph 3, page 4.
The Lord has helped in the mutual preparation of this [p. 352] account of the hymn book revision, and I have not a doubt that it contains generally the truth of Scripture as to the subjects treated.
With love in Christ to you all in which my wife joins, I am,
Affectionately in Him,
James Taylor.