Theme · liturgical
Priesthood
At Sinai, God sets apart the tribe of Levi and Aaron's house for priestly service — they offer sacrifices, teach the law, and mediate between a holy God and a sinful people. When the priesthood becomes corrupt, the prophets denounce it and point to a better priest. Psalm 110 prophesies a priest after Melchizedek's order. Jesus fulfills this as the priest who needs no successor. Peter declares that all believers are a royal priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God — the mediatorial function once restricted to a few now belongs to the whole people of God.
Passages expressing this theme
- 1Pet 2:5 — Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
- 1Pet 2:9 — 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 into his marvellous light:
- 1Sam 2:35 — And I will raise me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to that which is in mine heart and in my mind: and I will build him a sure house; and he shall walk before mine anointed for ever.
- Exod 19:6 — And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
- Exod 28:1 — And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Itham
- Heb 4:14 — Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
- Heb 5:6 — As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
- Heb 7:17 — For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
- Heb 7:24 — But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
- Heb 7:25 — Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
- Isa 61:6 — But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.
- Lev 8:12 — And he poured of the anointing oil upon Aaron’s head, and anointed him, to sanctify him.
- Mal 2:7 — For the priest’s lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.
- Num 3:10 — And thou shalt appoint Aaron and his sons, and they shall wait on their priest’s office: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.
- Ps 110:4 — The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
- Rev 1:6 — And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
- Rev 5:10 — And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
- Rev 20:6 — Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.