The doctrine of Melchizedek — not a theophany

1. Theophanies are never given formal names.

2. Theophanies are never related to a specific geographical location. Melchizedek was the king of Salem. Salem is a specific geographical location.

3. Theophanies always disclose God as the messenger. Not so Melchizedek.

4. Psalm 110:4 — Christ is the one being addressed; the Father is speaking to the Son. The verses is conclusive. It does not say “You are Melchizedek", it says “You are a priest after the manner of Melchizedek”.

5. A priest must be true humanity to represent the human race before God.

6. Therefore Melchizedek was a true historical person rather than a theophany. As a historical person he is a king, the king of Salem, he is a priest under the family priesthood system, therefore a perfect illustration, a perfect pattern of the unique priesthood of Christ. Jesus Christ is a king as well as a priest.