In the biblical narrative, priests hold a central role in the process of atonement, serving as mediators between God and His people. The concept of atonement is deeply rooted in the sacrificial system established by God, primarily detailed in the Old Testament, where priests are tasked with performing rituals to reconcile the people with God.

Old Testament Foundations

The priesthood was established through the line of Aaron, the brother of Moses, as described in the Book of Exodus. God appointed Aaron and his descendants to serve as priests, with the Levites assisting them in their duties (Exodus 28:1). The primary function of the priests was to offer sacrifices on behalf of the people, a role that is extensively outlined in the Book of Leviticus.

The Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, is a significant event where the high priest plays a crucial role. Leviticus 16 provides a detailed account of the rituals performed on this day. The high priest would enter the Holy of Holies, the innermost part of the Tabernacle, to make atonement for himself and the people of Israel. This involved the sacrifice of a bull for the priest's own sins and a goat for the sins of the people. The high priest would sprinkle the blood of these sacrifices on the mercy seat, symbolizing the cleansing of the people from their sins (Leviticus 16:14-16).

Sacrificial System

The sacrificial system was central to the atonement process, with various offerings prescribed for different purposes. The burnt offering, sin offering, and guilt offering were among the key sacrifices that priests were responsible for administering (Leviticus 1-7). Each type of offering had specific instructions regarding the animals to be used, the manner of their sacrifice, and the role of the priest in the ritual.

The priests were also responsible for examining individuals who brought offerings, ensuring that the sacrifices were without blemish, as required by the law (Leviticus 22:17-25). This meticulous attention to detail underscored the holiness required in approaching God and the seriousness of sin.

Intercessory Role

Beyond the sacrificial duties, priests served as intercessors for the people. They were tasked with teaching the law, offering prayers, and blessing the congregation. The priestly blessing, found in Numbers 6:24-26, is a well-known example of their intercessory role: "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace" .

Transition to the New Covenant

The New Testament presents a shift in the understanding of atonement with the coming of Jesus Christ, who is described as the ultimate High Priest. The Epistle to the Hebrews elaborates on this transition, emphasizing that Jesus, through His sacrificial death, fulfilled and surpassed the Old Testament sacrificial system. Hebrews 9:11-12 states, "But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made by hands, that is, not of this creation. He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption" .

In this new covenant, the role of earthly priests in atonement is transformed, as believers are now encouraged to approach God directly through Jesus Christ, the mediator of the new covenant (Hebrews 4:14-16). The priesthood of all believers, as articulated in 1 Peter 2:9, signifies that all Christians have direct access to God, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable through Jesus Christ.

The role of priests in atonement, as depicted in the Bible, underscores the gravity of sin and the necessity of mediation between a holy God and His people. Through the sacrificial system and the intercessory work of the priests, the people of Israel were continually reminded of their need for purification and reconciliation with God.