THE PRIESTHOOD OF BELIEVERS

 

God has so much interest in His people that He will not want them to be oblivious of the right direction and guidance to Him. He provides for them priests to lead them in spiritual matters. In the Old Testament, God raised men from time to time, such as Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazer and Ithamar. In certain instances some occupied the office of the High Priest. Their duties were well spelt out as found in Leviticus 19, 21, 22; Numbers 3; Deuteronomy 31:9; Joshua 4, 4 and 1 Kings 8:3. Not only their duties but also the manner and garments for appearance before the Lord were specified. Priests are people who are qualified to perform religious duties and ceremonies. They are those whose lips should keep knowledge (Malachi 2:7), who bear rule (Jeremiah 5:31), and are obedient to the faith (Acts 6:7).

 

 “And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death. For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.” Hebrews 7:23 & 28. Prior to the coming of our Lord Jesus, the pattern, practice and appointment of priests followed an order. Appointment of priests and high priests was very much exclusive – thus it could be from a particular family or linage – like in the case of Aaron, Eli and the Levites. But Jesus, who is the High Priest of an unending priesthood and an everlasting covenant, has made all believers to be priests.

 

“Every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, and so it was necessary for this one also to have something to offer. They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven… But the ministry, Jesus had received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, and it is founded on better promises.” Hebrews 8:5& 6. A sacrificing priesthood of man was appointed under the law of Moses, but the animal sacrifices offered by those priests were mere types and shadows of the one sacrifice made by Christ.

 

By the one sacrifice made by Jesus, He put an end both to Levitical priesthood and Old Testament law – Hebrews 7:23-25, Colossians 2:14-17; and having redeemed us to God by His blood out of every nation, kindred, tongue, and people He has made us kings and priests – Revelation 5:9-18.

 

James GerrettJr said “Each believer is a priest, both before God for one self and by caring for fellow believers and for persons in the world for whom Christ died.”Being a priest confers on us opportunity and responsibility. In the Old Testament, a Priest holds a special place in the worship of God. Priests were responsible for certain aspects of worship, such as the sacrifice of animals, standing as mediators between the people and God. But by the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ man needs no longer the sacrifice of animals as Jesus had given himself as sacrifice for sin once and for all.

 

By this singular sacrifice, all believers therefore have the right to go directly to God through Jesus Christ, our High Priest – Hebrews 4:14-16. The New Testament teaches that all Christians are priests. When one obeys the gospel of Christ, he is added to the body of Christ and is thereby part of God’s holy priesthood. As priests, all can offer up spiritual sacrifices and draw nigh to God through the mediatorship of Jesus. “Ye also, as lively witness, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness unto his marvellous light:” 1 Peter 2:5 & 9. 

 

Jesus has made us kings and priests unto God, the Father – Revelation 1:6 and these are those who will reign with Him a thousand years – Revelation 20:6. Based on the completed work of grace in Christ, all believers have received the right and privilege to be priests and operate in that same capacity thereof.