The concept of a "Perpetual Priesthood" is rooted in the biblical narrative and is primarily associated with the Aaronic priesthood established in the Old Testament. This priesthood was intended to be an everlasting institution, serving as a mediator between God and the people of Israel.

Old Testament Foundations

The establishment of the Aaronic priesthood is detailed in the Book of Exodus. God chose Aaron, the brother of Moses, and his descendants to serve as priests. In Exodus 28:1, God commands Moses, "Bring near to you your brother Aaron and his sons with him, from among the Israelites, to serve Me as priests—Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron’s sons." This priesthood was to be a lasting ordinance, as stated in Exodus 29:9: "So you shall put the turbans on their heads and tie sashes around both Aaron and his sons. The priesthood is theirs by a permanent statute. Thus you shall ordain Aaron and his sons."

The duties of the priests included offering sacrifices, maintaining the Tabernacle (and later the Temple), and teaching the Law to the people. The high priest, a role initially filled by Aaron, had the unique responsibility of entering the Holy of Holies once a year on the Day of Atonement to make atonement for the sins of the nation (Leviticus 16).

The Covenant of Perpetual Priesthood

The concept of a perpetual priesthood is further emphasized in the covenant God made with Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron. In Numbers 25:10-13, after Phinehas zealously defended God's honor, the Lord said to Moses, "Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, has turned My wrath away from the Israelites by being as zealous among them as I was. So in My zeal I did not put an end to them. Therefore declare that I am granting him My covenant of peace. It will be a covenant of perpetual priesthood for him and his descendants, because he was zealous for his God and made atonement for the Israelites."

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the concept of priesthood is transformed through the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Epistle to the Hebrews presents Jesus as the ultimate High Priest, who fulfills and surpasses the Aaronic priesthood. Hebrews 7:24-25 states, "But because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood. Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them."

Jesus' priesthood is described as being in the order of Melchizedek, a priesthood that predates and transcends the Aaronic line (Hebrews 7:11-17). This eternal priesthood of Christ is characterized by His once-for-all sacrifice, which provides complete atonement for sin, unlike the repeated sacrifices of the Old Testament priests.

The Priesthood of All Believers

The New Testament also introduces the concept of the "priesthood of all believers," which democratizes the priestly role among all Christians. 1 Peter 2:9 declares, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." This indicates that all believers have direct access to God through Christ and are called to serve as His representatives on earth.

Conclusion

The perpetual priesthood, as initially established in the Old Testament, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, whose eternal priesthood offers a new and living way for believers to approach God. Through Christ, the priestly role is extended to all believers, who are called to live as a royal priesthood, serving God and proclaiming His truth to the world.