Priestly consecration in the Bible refers to the process by which individuals are set apart and dedicated to serve as priests in the worship and service of God. This consecration is a significant theme in the Old Testament, particularly in the context of the Levitical priesthood. The primary scriptural basis for priestly consecration is found in the book of Exodus, where God commands Moses to consecrate Aaron and his sons as priests.

The process of consecration involved several key elements, as outlined in Exodus 29 and Leviticus 8. These included washing with water, the donning of sacred garments, anointing with oil, and the offering of sacrifices. The washing symbolized purification, while the sacred garments, such as the ephod and breastplate, signified the priest's holy status and role. Anointing with oil represented the Holy Spirit's empowerment and God's blessing upon the priestly ministry. The sacrifices, including a bull for a sin offering and rams for burnt and ordination offerings, underscored the need for atonement and dedication to God.

The consecration of priests was not merely a ritual but a divine appointment, as seen in Exodus 28:41 : "After you put these garments on your brother Aaron and his sons, anoint and ordain them. Consecrate them, so that they may serve Me as priests." This consecration set the priests apart for the sacred duty of mediating between God and the people, offering sacrifices, and maintaining the sanctuary.

Believer's Priesthood

The concept of the believer's priesthood, also known as the priesthood of all believers, is a foundational doctrine in the New Testament that emphasizes the direct access every Christian has to God through Jesus Christ. This doctrine is rooted in the understanding that, through Christ's atoning work, all believers are granted the privilege and responsibility of serving as priests in a spiritual sense.

The apostle Peter articulates this concept in 1 Peter 2:9 : "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 passage highlights the identity and calling of believers as a "royal priesthood," tasked with declaring God's praises and living as His representatives in the world.

The believer's priesthood is further supported by the teaching in Hebrews, which emphasizes the superiority of Christ's priesthood and the access it grants to all believers. Hebrews 4:16 encourages believers to "approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." This access is made possible because Jesus, our High Priest, has offered the perfect sacrifice and continually intercedes for us.

In the New Testament, the believer's priesthood signifies that all Christians have the privilege of direct communion with God, the responsibility to offer spiritual sacrifices, and the calling to intercede for others. Romans 12:1 exhorts believers to "offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship." This spiritual service is not limited to a select group but is the calling of every believer, reflecting the transformative power of the gospel and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.