The Priesthood: A Journey Through the Bible
In the beginning, God created mankind in His image to reflect His glory. In Eden, God crowned man with glory and honor, authorizing him to subdue and rule. This was the prototype of royal priesthood from which all other priests would be molded.
The Original Intent
When Adam sinned and fell short of God’s glory, God expelled him from the garden-sanctuary, destroying any chance of Adam serving God as priest-king. The fall made sacrifice necessary, and blood had to be shed. The original intent of the priesthood was lost, but the search for a new priest began.
A New Priesthood Emerges
From Eden to Sinai, priestly ministration continued in an itinerant fashion. Firstborn sons grew up to be mediators for their families, like Job and Abraham. These “priests” played an important role in understanding the earthly “priesthood” of Jesus – a priest in function, but without legal title.
The Levites and the Priesthood
At Sinai, God chose the sons of Aaron to stand before Him and serve at His altar. The Levites assisted the priests but could not draw near to God’s altar. This distinction is crucial in understanding the priesthood and its limitations.
The Failure of the Priesthood
Throughout Israel’s history, the priesthood failed to live up to its responsibilities. Priests showed themselves unfaithful, and the consequences were severe. The fall of Levi’s house is seen in the early days of Israel’s monarchy, and the fate of Israel is tied to the vacillating efficacy of the priesthood.
A Promise of a New Priesthood
In response to wicked priests, God promised to raise up a new priesthood. This promise is first seen in 1 Samuel 2:35 and increases in expectation throughout the Old Testament. Zechariah 3:1-10 presents a dramatic vision of this promise, where Joshua the high priest is purified and reappointed to service.
The Fulfillment of the Promise
The fulfillment of this promise comes in Jesus Christ, who enters the world in humiliation and obscurity. His priestly glory is veiled, but as the New Testament unfolds, His priesthood reflects His perfect sonship. Jesus’ high priesthood is established by His sonship, and He is given the right to sit at God’s right hand because of His perfect life.
The Royal Priesthood of Christ
Jesus’ greater priesthood ratifies a new and better covenant, sealed by His blood and the final atonement for sin. This is what the whole Bible anticipated – the recovery of the glory lost in Eden through the royal priesthood of Christ. But recovery is not the end; reproduction is. Christ sends forth His Spirit to anoint a people for priestly service, making the church a holy nation and royal priesthood.
Understanding the Priesthood
The most important book for understanding the priesthood is Hebrews. It weaves a tapestry that shows why a priest is needed and how Jesus, a son from the tribe of Judah, could be priest. Hebrews identifies Jesus as the royal and priestly son of God and finishes by showing how all those united to Christ by faith are made to be sons of God, heirs of the kingdom, and priests of God who offer sacrifices of praise.
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