Who Was Melchisedec?

You might be surprised to discover that Melchisedec was of far greater importance than any other Bible personality we hear so much about.

You might be surprised to discover that Melchisedec was of far greater importance, much more notable, more illustrious than any other Bible personality we hear so much about. Why?

Because the Bible says Melchisedec was the Spokesman, the divine Logos Who was in the beginning with God (John 1:1-2); the One Who created the heavens and the earth (Gen. 1:1); the Word Who “made Himself of no reputation” (Phil. 2:7) to become human as the only begotten Son of God—Jesus Christ (John 3:16; 1 John 4:9). 

He was the God of the Old Testament manifested in human form.

Let’s examine the proof — directly from God’s Word — that Jesus Christ and Melchisedec are one and not two beings.

First of all, Melchisedec was the “king of Salem” (Gen. 14:18).

Back in the days of Abraham, the kings of the city-states of Mesopotamia formed an alliance to defeat the kings of the Canaanite cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Among the captives taken by the victorious kings was Abraham’s nephew Lot. So Abraham mobilized 318 of his men, defeated the Mesopotamian forces and rescued Lot.

Upon Abraham’s return, he was welcomed by Melchisedec who brought forth bread and wine then blessed him for his triumphant victory (Gen. 14:18-19).

And this Melchisedec was the king of Salem — the city of Jerusalem (Ps. 76:2), which means “Peace.” He then was the King of peace (Heb. 7:1-2).

It is no coincidence that the prophet Isaiah referred to Jesus Christ as “The Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6).

Secondly, when translated from the Hebrew, Melchisedec means “King of righteousness” (Heb. 7:2).

Righteousness means sincere and wholehearted obedience to God’s law, the Ten Commandments (Ps. 119:172).

Jesus Christ Himself said, “There is none good, but One, that is, God” (Luke 18:19); for, all men have sinned (Rom 3:23).

Therefore, only Jesus Christ can call Himself righteous because, though tempted in all things, He never sinned (Heb. 4:15). NOT ONCE!

Jesus Christ the Prince of Peace will, at His return, establish His government and there will be everlasting peace under His rule (Isa. 9:7).

Righteousness will produce peace. It is the way to peace. Unrighteousness — which is breaking God’s law — brings about war and strife (James 4:1-2).

Thirdly, Melchisedec, in the book of Hebrews, is described as “Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually” (Heb. 7:3).

Melchisedec was without descent. He was without genealogy. He had no record of his ancestry. Therefore, he could not have been an ordinary human being.

“Having neither beginning of days nor end of life” means there was never a time when his life began because it has always been! He has always existed from eternity.

“Nor end of life” means Melchisedec did not die. Melchisedec then must be immortal.

He is ALIVE!

Jesus Christ now sits in the right hand of His Father’s throne in the third heaven as our high priest after the order of Melchisedec (Heb. 5:5-6; 8:1).

In the book of Hebrews, the apostle Paul wrote that Melchisedec abides a priest of the Most High God continually or permanently (Gen. 14:18; Heb. 7:3).

Likewise, Jesus Christ is designated High Priest forever with the rank of Melchisedec (Heb. 5:6-7; 6:20).

Melchisedec and Jesus Christ are both high priests.

We have read the scriptures that prove Melchisedec is the King of Peace as well as the King of Righteousness. Both titles apply only to Jesus Christ, the second Person of the Godhead, the Word Who dwelt among men.

Having neither father nor mother, having neither beginning nor end but abides a priest forever, leads us to this inescapable conclusion: Melchisedec and Jesus Christ are one and the same Being!

Melchisedec was the one who later became Jesus Christ.