What can we learn about holiness from Aaron's sons being "anointed priests"? The Setting: Aaron’s sons receive the anointing (Leviticus 8:30) “Then Moses took some of the anointing oil and some of the blood that was on the altar and sprinkled them on Aaron and his garments, as well as on his sons and their garments. So he consecrated Aaron and his garments, and his sons and their garments likewise.” Why the Anointing Matters • It signals a divine appointment, not a career choice (Exodus 28:41). • It publicly marks them as belonging to God, not to themselves. • Oil (symbol of the Spirit) and blood (symbol of atonement) are both required—holiness involves cleansing and empowering. Key Lessons on Holiness • God initiates holiness. Aaron’s sons did nothing to earn it; they simply received it (John 15:16). • Holiness flows from sacrifice. The same blood that covered the altar covered them (Hebrews 9:22). • Holiness touches every part of life. Even garments were sprinkled, showing no area is secular for the believer (1 Corinthians 10:31). • Holiness equips for service. They were set apart so Israel could meet God through their ministry (Hebrews 5:1). • Holiness demands ongoing obedience. Later, Nadab and Abihu’s careless worship brought judgment (Leviticus 10:1–2), proving consecration is not a license for casual living. • Holiness points forward to Christ, the perfect High Priest, and to every believer who is now “a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9). Practicing Holiness Today • Receive, don’t manufacture. Trust Christ’s finished work and the Spirit’s indwelling rather than self-effort (Ephesians 2:8-10). • Stay near the altar. Regular confession keeps us clean and usable (1 John 1:9). • Let holiness show. Speech, ethics, relationships, and even daily routines should reflect our set-apart status (Philippians 2:14-15). • Serve others. Priests existed for the people; likewise, holiness finds expression in loving ministry (Galatians 5:13). • Guard God’s glory. Handle worship, doctrine, and life with reverence, remembering the fate of Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:7). The Ongoing Invitation Because Aaron’s sons were anointed, Israel glimpsed God’s holiness. Because Christ has anointed us with His Spirit, the world should glimpse that same holiness in us—blood-bought, Spirit-empowered, and joyfully set apart for His service. |
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