We contend that the new testament teaches that the incarnate Son of God, Jesus Christ, is God's singular high priest, who is superior to every old testament high priest (though they were types of Christ' priesthood), and who has no successor since he ever lives. Second, we will see how the new testament teaches that every born again believer is a priest under Christ. In theology this is called "the priesthood of believers." Proving this would also at the same be a denial of the Catholic teaching that the magisterium (bishops) are the only priests.
In this chapter we will discuss how the priesthood is generally an essential element of religion, and how the Christian religion, the religion that is "pure and undefiled before God," has its priesthood and how it excels all other priesthoods. Some may dispute whether all religions have priests, for many say that Islam has no priests. However, they do not have a clergy either. That does not mean that priesthood is non existent in Islam however. That is because some men function as such within the Islamic religion. They have leaders, Imams, those who are in charge of the Mosques and who instruct the worshipers in how to worship God. Also, when they pray, they often intercede for others, and this is a priestly function also. In "Who Is Muhammad in Islam? Prophet, Priest, or King?" John Span writes (See here):
"Even though Islam does not have the office of a priest, per se, it still bears some resemblances to the priesthood of the Bible."
He goes on to show how Muhammad was an intercessor. Muslims confess that he was a prophet, and was in many respects a king. He was a leader and teacher of Allah's followers in how they are to serve and worship Allah. Who can doubt that he also acted as a mediator between Allah and his followers?
Work of a Priest
God's priests were ordained by God to offer sacrifices and to act as mediators between God and the people. Wrote Paul:
"1 For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He can have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also subject to weakness. 3 Because of this he is required as for the people, so also for himself, to offer sacrifices for sins." (Heb. 5: 1-3 nkjv)
Though Paul says this of high priests, it is also true of every priest. The topical encyclopedia at Bible Hub says this about the duties of a priest in the Old Testament (See here - emphasis mine):
"The role of the priest in ancient Israel was integral to the spiritual and communal life of the nation. Priests were primarily from the tribe of Levi, specifically the descendants of Aaron, and were set apart for sacred duties. Their responsibilities were multifaceted, encompassing religious, educational, and judicial functions."
The encyclopedia then lists those functions, giving the various duties or activities of priests in Israel per the oracles of God to Moses. After looking at those several activities, we will then first speak of the priesthood of Christ and of its superiority over every other priesthood of other religions. Following that we will show how the new testament affirms the priesthood of all believers and what that means.
The encyclopedia gives us the following activities of a priest in Israel (emphasis mine).
"1. Offering Sacrifices: One of the primary duties of the priests was to offer sacrifices on behalf of the people. This included burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings. The Book of Leviticus provides detailed instructions on how these sacrifices were to be conducted. Leviticus 1:9 states, "The priest is to burn all of it on the altar as a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD."
The above text from Hebrews mentions some of these very things, such as "offering gifts and sacrifices for sins," and in teaching the worshipers in the service of God. As we will see, Christ as high priest fulfilled all the functions of a priest and offered himself as a sacrifice for sin. All lessor priests, i.e. all believers, though they do not offer animal sacrifices for sin, nevertheless offer other kinds of sacrifices and offerings. Wrote Paul: "Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name." (Heb. 13: 15 nkjv) Peter also wrote: "you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." (I Peter 2: 5 nkjv)
This is not what a select group within Christendom do but what all believers do, for they are all a "spiritual house" (or temple), and a "holy priesthood," and "offer spiritual sacrifices." Peter also wrote: "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." (I Peter 2: 9 nkjv)
In Romans 15:16 Paul uses the term "priestly service" in the context of his ministry to the Gentiles, saying that he is offering them to God as a pleasing offering.
"2. Maintaining the Tabernacle/Temple: Priests were responsible for the upkeep and service of the Tabernacle, and later the Temple. This included ensuring that the sacred space was kept holy and that all rituals were performed according to divine instructions. Numbers 18:5 emphasizes this duty: "You are to perform the duties of the sanctuary and of the altar, so that wrath will not fall on the Israelites again."
These are things that Christ the high priest does, for he oversees the temple in heaven, and the church which is his temple, and the individual temple of every believer. Believers also perform these functions for they oversee both their individual temple service and that of the local church of which they may be members.
"3. Teaching the Law: Priests were also tasked with teaching the Israelites the Law of God. They served as instructors and interpreters of the Torah, guiding the people in understanding and applying God’s commandments. Malachi 2:7 highlights this role: "For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he is the messenger of the LORD of Hosts."
This is what all Christians are called to do. This is especially true of those who become pastors or elders in the church of God. But, all are to teach. Christian parents are to teach their children. All are to bear witness to their neighbors and support missionaries. Many bible verses teach this.
"4. Mediating Between God and Man: As mediators, priests represented the people before God and God before the people. They interceded on behalf of the Israelites, offering prayers and sacrifices to atone for the sins of the nation. Hebrews 5:1 reflects this mediatory role: "Every high priest is appointed from among men to represent them in matters relating to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins."
This function Christ fulfills as the "one mediator between God and man" (I Tim. 2: 5). As priest and mediator he "intercedes" and prays for his people. "He ever lives to make intercession for them." (Heb. 7: 25) The Lord's people also share in Christ' mediation for they too mediate and intercede in their prayer lives. Also, as priests, they, like their high priest, represent God to others when they teach others the word of God; And they represent others to God when they pray to God on their behalf. (Matt. 5: 44; I Tim. 2: 1-2; James 5: 16) All these are functions of priests.
"5. Conducting Ritual Purifications: Priests were responsible for performing rituals of purification, which were necessary for maintaining the holiness of the community. This included diagnosing and cleansing leprosy, as well as purifying those who had become ceremonially unclean. Leviticus 14:11 describes this process: "The priest who performs the cleansing shall present the man to be cleansed, along with these offerings, before the LORD at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting."
Christ the great high priest fulfills this function when he saves the repenting and believing sinner, purifying him or her through his word and blood. Believers also are involved in this purification, both for themselves and for others when they act as soul winners in bringing the lost to Christ. The word of God cleanses. So wrote the Psalmist when he wrote: "How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word." (Psa. 119: 9 nkjv) Paul also speaks of "the washing of water by the word." (Eph. 5: 26) Believers do this to themselves and to others. Peter spoke to them saying "you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit" (I Peter 1: 22 nkjv). John also said "everyone who has this hope within him purifies himself." (I John 3: 3 kjv) Then there is the baptism of water which ceremoniously purifies the believer. So Ananias said to Saul (who became Paul the apostle) - "And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." (Acts 22: 16 kjv)
"6. Blessing the People: The priests were also charged with blessing the people in the name of the Lord. The Aaronic Blessing, found in Numbers 6:24-26, is a well-known example: "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace."
Christians are to bless others, and they often do this when they say "God bless you." Wrote Peter:
"Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing." (I Peter 3: 8-9 nkjv)
Paul said: "Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not." (Rom. 12: 14 kjv; See also I Cor. 4: 12; 14: 16) He also spoke of "the cup of blessing which we bless" (I Cor. 10: 16) The "we" here is not a special class of pastors, as in the Catholic religion, but stands for all believers.
7. Judicial Responsibilities: In addition to their religious duties, priests often served as judges in legal matters, particularly those involving religious law. Deuteronomy 17:9 instructs, "Go to the Levitical priests and to the judge who is in office at that time. Inquire of them, and they will give you the verdict."
This is a function of all believers. So Paul wrote:
"1 Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints? 2 Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 3 Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life? 4 If then you have judgments concerning things pertaining to this life, do you appoint those who are least esteemed by the church to judge? 5 I say this to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you, not even one, who will be able to judge between his brethren? 6 But brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers!" (I Cor. 6: 1-6 nkjv)
So, in conclusion we say that the Christian priesthood excels every other priesthood of any other religion. There is no high priest who can equal Jesus Christ. The priesthood of believers sets them in a high and lofty position and they are well rewarded for their service.
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