7 Powerful Things You Need to Know About God's Priesthood

1. The Old Testament Priesthood Failed

The priesthood was established to repair the fallen relationship between Holy God and sinful man. Initially a function of the head of each household, it was codified and expanded under Moses, with Aaron as the first High Priest.

When Jesus arrived, the priesthood had failed in every capacity. The Aaronic bloodline had been cut off and, under Caiaphas, the office had prostituted itself to Rome. The words of the prophet Hosea had come true:

“Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children. The more the priests increased, the more they sinned against me; they exchanged their Glory for something disgraceful.” (Hosea 4:6-7)

The writer of Hebrews goes into great detail about the priesthood. He explains the necessity of Christ’s transformation of the priesthood in order to initiate a new and better covenant. Because Jesus will never fail, the new priesthood will remain forever.

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2. You Are a Priest

Christ rescued and completed the priestly line, claiming the office of High Priest forever. He atoned for our sins, gave the law under which we live, and provides the only way for sinful man to come to Holy God.

When Moses went up to Mount Sinai, God said to the Israelites, “you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests.” (Exodus 19:6) Peter explained how Jesus Christ expanded that blessing to every believer, calling us a “royal priesthood.” (1 Peter 2:9) This change in the priesthood through Christ handed down many of the priestly functions to all Christians today.

If you are a believer, then you are a priest. You are ordained by God to fulfill a specific role under the authority of Jesus Christ, the eternal High Priest. Understanding the roles we are anointed to perform allows you to fearlessly function in the specific ones to which you are called.

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3. You Represent God

Right after Peter calls believers a “royal priesthood,” he states that the purpose is “so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9)

Note the verb: proclaim. We don’t whisper it. We don’t confine it to church buildings on Sunday morning. A proclamation is declared abroad, published for all to read, and spoken loud enough that anyone can hear it.

Our proclamation contrasts dark and light, blindness and sight. Metaphorically, it also represents knowledge and ignorance. It surpasses human comprehension.
When we claim the name of Christ, people look for His reflection in us. While this may sound like bad news (and it would be if we were left to represent Him in our own power), it comes with a promise. Jesus said, “If I am lifted up from the earth, [I] will draw all men to Myself.” (John 12:32) If we simply lift Him up – in our triumphs, failures, and everyday life – He will draw people to Him.

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4. You Can Teach Others

In our priestly role, we can teach and instruct people in the thoughts and ways of God. This, obviously, requires us to first know the thoughts and ways of God. But is that even possible?

Paul addressed this when writing to the church in Corinth, first by pointing out that the rulers of his age lacked wisdom and understanding. He condemns their ignorance by saying, “the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:11) But then he goes on to offer hope that we can come to know His mind:
“But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he will instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 2:14-16)

It is a great New Testament blessing that mere mortals can know the thoughts of God. It is only possible when we have “the mind of Christ.” Then and only then can we help others to know God’s truth. When we are renewed daily through the washing of His Word and guided by the Holy Spirit, we can know His higher thoughts and impart His higher ways to others.

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5. You Lead Worship

When we think of leading worship, the modern connotation is that of someone standing on a stage in church and singing hymns or worship songs. Certainly, this is one aspect, but it just scratches the surface. As one who frequently stands on a church stage singing or playing in a worship band, it is possible for both the musicians and the congregation to go through an entire set without really engaging in worship. But worship goes far beyond singing a song. It permeates everything we do, especially off of the stage and outside of the church building.

The Hebrew and Greek words for worship in both Testaments carry much more meaning. One means to bow down. (Hebrew: shachah Greek: proskuneo)  It carries both a spiritual and physical posture. We worship God through a posture of humility and submission. 

Another facet of worship means to serve. (Hebrew: ‘abad Greek: latreia) We worship by giving ourselves completely to His purpose. It means hearing and obeying God’s voice as much as possible. It means our Sunday morning worship is as active on Monday morning at work and Friday night on the town.

Believers set an example, both for other believers and those who do not know Christ. This part of leading worship truly is leading, which is done by being out front. It means walking that narrow, unpopular path in pursuit of His will and never looking back to see if anyone is behind you. You’re setting an example and forging ahead with everything you have in obedience to God. That’s true leadership and true worship.

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6. You Help Restore the Fallen

Paul wrote, “Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:1-2)

Think of someone caught in trespass, which is intentional wrongdoing. Was he or she treated gently in order to receive grace and mercy? Usually not. Of course, if that person refuses to repent or submit, there comes a time of disassociation. When Paul ran up against such immorality in the Corinthian church, he said, “I have decided to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” (1 Corinthians 5:5) If the trespasser repents, show mercy and grace. If he or she remains defiant, it may be necessary to release that person to the consequences of sin. But even in this action, there is the goal of salvation. How much more should we seek the restoration of those who are repentant?

To restore the fallen, we must be among those “who are spiritual.” That simply indicates a consistent level of wisdom, discernment, and maturity. There is no shortage of people that need to be restored, so it’s important that we remain close to Christ to fulfill this priestly function entrusted to us.

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7. You are Ordained

The priests of the Old Testament were flawed, yet they still served God by fulfilling their designated roles. Today, in this new era of Christ’s eternal authority, we serve God through the power that Jesus Christ imparts to us in the Holy Spirit. We need not be perfect, just willing. As a believer, you represent God by presenting and proclaiming His goodness to others. It’s His perfection, not your effort, that draws people to Him.

Believe the promise that He empowers you to inspire and encourage others when you simply obey Him. Live each day with the confidence that you have been ordained by the Spirit to function in a priestly role, representing God, teaching others, leading worship, and restoring the fallen. This is your awesome privilege and responsibility, established from the beginning and operative forever.

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