17. For it is testified, “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.”
18. For on the one hand a preceding commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness
19. (for the law made nothing perfect), but on the other hand there is the introduction of a better hope through which we draw near to God.
20. And by as much as this was not without an oath (for these on the one hand have become priests without an oath,
21. but he with an oath by the one who said to him, “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever’ ”),
22. by so much more Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.
23. And indeed many have become priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office,
24. but he, because he continues forever, holds the priesthood permanently.
25. Therefore also he is able to save completely those who draw near to God through him, because he always lives in order to intercede on their behalf.
26. For a high priest such as this indeed is fitting for us, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and having become exalted above the heavens,
27. who does not need every day like the former high priests to offer up sacrifices for his own sins and then for the sins of the people, because he did this once for all when he offered up himself.
28. For the law appoints men as high priests who have weakness, but the statement of the oath, after the law, appoints a Son, who is made perfect forever.