What does Leviticus 22:3 teach about the holiness required for priests? The Text at a Glance “Say to them, ‘For the generations to come, if any of your descendants approaches the sacred offerings that the Israelites consecrate to the LORD while he is unclean, that person must be cut off from My presence. I am the LORD.’” (Leviticus 22:3) Key Truths about Priesthood Holiness • God sets the standard, not the priest. • Ritual purity is non-negotiable; approaching in uncleanness brings immediate judgment. • The phrase “cut off from My presence” underscores that holiness is relational—uncleanness severs fellowship with God. • The command is perpetual (“for the generations to come”), showing God’s holiness never relaxes over time. What “Unclean” Means in Context In Leviticus 21–22, uncleanness covers: • Physical blemishes (21:17-23) • Ceremonial defilements—touching a corpse, bodily discharges, certain foods (22:4-7) • Moral impurity—sin itself (cf. Isaiah 59:2) When any of these conditions existed, the priest was barred from handling holy things until cleansing rites were completed (Leviticus 22:4-7). God’s Standard: Separation and Consequence • Holiness is God’s own character shared with His servants (Leviticus 19:2). • The penalty—“cut off”—could include premature death (Numbers 3:4) or exclusion from the priestly office (Ezekiel 44:10-13). • The declaration “I am the LORD” bookends the verse, reminding priests that disobedience questions God’s very identity. Christ, the Ultimate Holy Priest • Jesus is “holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners” (Hebrews 7:26). • Unlike Aaron’s sons, He needed no cleansing rituals (Hebrews 7:27). • His perfect holiness fulfills what Leviticus 22:3 required and enables believers to “draw near” (Hebrews 4:16). Living It Out Today • While the Old-Covenant rituals are fulfilled in Christ, the principle endures: God’s servants must guard purity of life and worship (1 Peter 1:15-16). • Leaders handling God’s Word and sacraments should examine themselves (1 Corinthians 11:27-29). • Every believer, now part of a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9), is called to conscious, continual holiness through confession (1 John 1:9) and Spirit-empowered obedience (Galatians 5:16). |
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