Priestly Duties

In the Old Testament, the role of the priest was central to the religious life of Israel. Priests were responsible for performing sacrifices, maintaining the sanctuary, and teaching the Law. The priesthood was established through Aaron, the brother of Moses, and his descendants, as outlined in Exodus 28-29. The Book of Leviticus provides detailed instructions on the various offerings and rituals that priests were to conduct, emphasizing their role as mediators between God and the people.

The primary duties of the priests included offering sacrifices (Leviticus 1-7), maintaining the sacred space of the Tabernacle and later the Temple (Numbers 18:1-7), and teaching the Israelites God's statutes and laws (Leviticus 10:11). They were also responsible for determining the cleanliness of individuals and objects (Leviticus 13-15) and blessing the people (Numbers 6:22-27).

The high priest held a unique position, entering the Holy of Holies once a year on the Day of Atonement to make atonement for the sins of the nation (Leviticus 16). This role foreshadowed the ultimate high priestly work of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 9:11-14).

Christian Living

In the New Testament, the concept of priesthood is transformed through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Believers are described as a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), indicating that all Christians have direct access to God through Christ and are called to live lives of holiness and service.

Christian living is characterized by a commitment to follow the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) provides foundational principles for Christian ethics, emphasizing love, humility, and righteousness. The Apostle Paul further elaborates on Christian conduct in his epistles, urging believers to live by the Spirit and exhibit the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Christians are called to be "living sacrifices" (Romans 12:1), dedicating their lives to God's service. This involves a transformation of mind and behavior, rejecting the patterns of the world and embracing God's will (Romans 12:2). The New Testament also emphasizes the importance of community, encouraging believers to gather together, support one another, and use their spiritual gifts for the edification of the church (Hebrews 10:24-25; 1 Corinthians 12).

The priestly duties of the Old Testament find their fulfillment in the life of the believer, who is called to worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:24) and to serve as a light to the world (Matthew 5:14-16). Through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, Christians are empowered to live out their faith, bearing witness to the transformative power of the Gospel.