[review previous article] [advance to next article]
     In previous articles we have been considering the priesthood.  No, not that which is made of man, relying on biblical ignorance and gullibility, but that which is made by God — all Christians are priests (2 Peter 2:5, 9).  The definition of priest is one who “stands before God.”  In the Old Testament (OT), the priest was the intermediary between God and His people.  And he offered the animal sacrifices.  Jesus’ death on the cross set aside the OT so each Christian could boldly come before God, not needing a special priesthood (Hebrews 4:16).  The Christian offers himself in sacrificial service to God (Romans 12:1-2).

     The high priest in the Old Testament (OT) was the medium of communication between God and ancient Israel.  He wore the Urim and the Thumim (UT) (two stones, lit. Heb. “Light and light of lights”) on his chest (Exodus 28:30; Numbers 27:21; 1 Samuel 28:6).  God answered the peoples’ inquiries via the UT (Judges 20:18; 1 Samuel 30:7, 8).  Jesus, God in the flesh, offered Himself as the atonement sacrifice for our sins, thereby set aside the OT and inaugurated the New Covenant by which people become Christians.  He is the Christian’s high priest.

     Whereas God communicated via the prophets and the UT in the OT, God communicates to us via Jesus our high priest (Hebrews 1:1-3).  On the Passover eve before Jesus was crucified, He promised to send the Holy Spirit specifically to deliver His word — the New Testament (John 14:16,17,26;15:26; 16:7-9,13,14; 2 Timothy3:16; 1 Peter 1:10-12; 2 Peter 1:17-21).  Today, Christians take God’s communication (how to be saved, Romans 1:16) to the world.  By the way, those who assert religion should be private and not public, are grossly deceived.  Since God wants all people to be saved, is it not a logical conclusion He would want everyone to hear how to become a Christian and live faithfully so as to live eternally with Him (2 Peter 3:9)?

     Christianity — Private or public?  As Jesus commanded, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19, 20).  Thus His faithful priests communicate the pure gospel to all who will listen.

[review previous article] [advance to next article]