The concept of priesthood undergoes a significant transformation from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant, as revealed in the New Testament. Under the Old Covenant, the priesthood was primarily associated with the Levitical priests, who were responsible for offering sacrifices, maintaining the temple, and mediating between God and the people of Israel. However, the New Covenant, established through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, redefines and fulfills the role of the priesthood.

Jesus Christ as the High Priest

Central to the New Covenant is the recognition of Jesus Christ as the ultimate High Priest. The Epistle to the Hebrews elaborates on this role, emphasizing that Jesus is a priest "in the order of Melchizedek" (Hebrews 5:10). Unlike the Levitical priests, whose sacrifices were continual and could never fully atone for sin, Jesus offered Himself as a once-for-all sacrifice. Hebrews 9:12 states, "He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, not by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption."

Jesus' priesthood is characterized by His eternal nature and His ability to intercede for believers. Hebrews 7:24-25 declares, "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." This highlights the sufficiency and permanence of Christ's priestly work.

The Priesthood of All Believers

The New Covenant also introduces the concept of the "priesthood of all believers," a radical departure from the exclusive Levitical priesthood. This doctrine is rooted in passages such as 1 Peter 2:9, which states, "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 priesthood of all believers signifies that every Christian has direct access to God through Jesus Christ, without the need for an earthly mediator. It empowers believers to offer spiritual sacrifices, such as praise, prayer, and service, as described in Romans 12:1: "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship."

The Role of Church Leaders

While the New Covenant emphasizes the priesthood of all believers, it also acknowledges the role of church leaders, such as elders and pastors, who are called to shepherd and teach the flock. Ephesians 4:11-12 outlines these roles: "And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ."

These leaders are not mediators in the sense of the Old Testament priests but are servants who guide and equip the church for ministry. Their role is to nurture the spiritual growth of believers and to ensure sound doctrine and practice within the community of faith.

Sacramental Functions

In the New Covenant, certain sacramental functions, such as baptism and the Lord's Supper, are observed as ordinances instituted by Christ. These are not seen as sacrificial acts but as means of grace that signify and seal the promises of the gospel. The administration of these ordinances is typically overseen by church leaders, yet they are communal acts that involve the entire body of believers.

In summary, the New Covenant redefines the role of the priesthood by centering it on the person and work of Jesus Christ, establishing the priesthood of all believers, and recognizing the supportive role of church leaders in the spiritual life of the community.