Definitions

'Priest' is from the root word meaning 'to draw near.' "The idea of priesthood connects with sin. Men know they have broken a law. They dare not approach the power above them who is holy. They crave the intervention of someone who is likely to be acceptable. He becomes their representative."

Requirements

1. The priest must be capable of sympathizing with others in their infirmities. Heb. 4:15; 5:2
2. He must also partake of their nature. Heb. 2:14-16
3. The priest must be called of God and not self-appointed. Heb. 5:4, 5
4. He must have something to offer. Heb. 8:3; 13:15

1. Patriarchal Times: head of each household Gen. 8:20; 26:25; 31:54; Job 1:5

2. Before the Law: God purposed to make the whole nation of Israel a kingdom of priests Ex. 19:5-6

3. After Law Broken: Moses Ex. 20:19 Aaron and sons Ex. 28:1; Num. 18:6-7

4. Some tried to approach God apart from priesthood and were punished I Sam. 13; II Chron. 26

1. The Great High Priest Heb. 8:1,2; 10:21
2. The Believer-Priests
   • Scope: All believers are priests I Pet. 2:5,9* Rev. 1:6
   • Purpose: The chief privilege of the NT priesthood is access to God.
     See Heb. 10:19-22; Rom. 5:2; Matt. 27:51 (compare Heb. 9:7 as under law)
   • Function:

     a. sacrifice of body Rom. 12:1, 2

     b. sacrifice of Praise Heb. 13:15

     c. sacrifice of service Heb. 13:16

     d. sacrifice of substance Heb. 13:16

     e. Intercession I Tim. 2: 1

   Note:In connection with the activities of the NT priesthood, note the difference in the terms in I Pet. 2:5, 9. In I Pet. 2:5 it is the Holy Priesthood - the character is stressed. It pertains to offering up to God spiritual sacrifices and comes first in order and priority. In I Pet. 2:9 it is the Royal Priesthood - the relationship is stressed. This pertains to testimony in the world and comes second in order and priority.

1. We must see ourselves as God sees us - a kingdom of holy and royal priests.

2. We should study to understand and then practice the Biblical worship and service of the NT priesthood.

3. We should meet where these truths can be exercised, i.e. the freedom for the Holy Spirit to lead the believers in both worship and ministry.

4. Avoid false priesthoods cf. I Tim. 2:5