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What is the priesthood?


Introduction. To answer our question, we shall divide our reply into two sections: the priesthood in the Hebrew scriptures and the priesthood in the New Testament.

The priesthood under the law of Moses. We can read of the Aaronic Priesthood in Exodus 25-40. Aaron and his sons were the first priests (Ex. 28). The priests were selected from the tribe of Levi (Heb. 7: 11). Specific apparel is enjoined for Aaron and his sons (Ex. 28). They were involved in the offering of different sin sacrifices for the people (Ex. 29). Even though the Levitical Priesthood was consecrated (Ex. 29), Nadab and Abihu, sons of Aaron, sinned and were destroyed (Lev. 10: 1, 2). Their sin was in performing an unauthorized sacrifice. The Aaronic Priesthood was imperfect and was only designed as a type (Heb. 7: 11, 12).

The New Testament priesthood. The Levitical Priesthood was physical (the type) while the New Testament Priesthood is spiritual (the antitype). There had to be a change in the priesthood (Heb. 7: 12). Christ is the High Priest (Heb. 2: 17, 18: 4: 14-16). Jesus is the sinless High Priest (Heb. 4: 15, see chapter seven). Jesus' priesthood is "unchangeable" (Heb. 7: 24). As High Priest Jesus is experienced and "can be touched with the feeling of our infirmities" (Heb. 4: 15). Jesus' priesthood is "after the order of Melchisedec" (Heb. 5: 6). Jesus' Priesthood is superior (Heb. 9). Under Jesus' High Priesthood, individual Christians are priests. Peter said Christians make up a "holy priesthood" and a "royal priesthood" (1 Pet. 2: 5, 9). Christians, as priests, "offer up spiritual sacrifices" (2: 5).

Conclusion. The New Testament does not teach a separate priesthood in which a certain select group officiates for others. Each individual Christian approaches God for himself. The Christian's body and mind are offerings (Rom. 12: 1, 2).
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