How does Leviticus 6:18 connect to the New Testament priesthood of believers? A snapshot of priestly privilege in Leviticus 6:18 • “Any male among Aaron’s descendants may eat of it. It is a permanent statute for the generations to come concerning the offerings made by fire to the LORD. Whatever touches them shall become holy.” (Leviticus 6:18) • The sacred grain offering was exclusive: only the priests—Aaron’s sons—could eat it. • Contact with that offering transmitted holiness; ordinary Israelites could not handle it without becoming set apart. Why that restriction mattered • It protected the holiness of God’s dwelling (Leviticus 10:10). • It foreshadowed the need for a mediator: a priest who could stand between a holy God and a sinful people (Hebrews 5:1). • It hinted at a future, broader access when a greater High Priest would come (Hebrews 9:11-12). Christ opens the holy things to all His people • Jesus, “our great High Priest” (Hebrews 4:14-16), offered Himself once for all (Hebrews 10:10). • By His sacrifice He “made us a kingdom, priests to His God and Father” (Revelation 1:5-6). • The veil is torn; every believer now has “confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19). Leviticus 6:18 and the New Testament priesthood of believers 1. From exclusive to inclusive – Aaron’s male descendants alone ate the holy portion. – In Christ, every redeemed man and woman becomes part of a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9). 2. From external contact to internal consecration – In Leviticus, holiness was transmitted by touching sacred food. – Now the Spirit indwells us, making our very bodies His temple (1 Corinthians 6:19). 3. From consuming a grain offering to sharing Christ Himself – Priests ate the offering; believers “partake of the Bread of Life” (John 6:51) and proclaim His death in the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 10:16-17). 4. From perpetual statute to eternal reality – The Levitical rule was “permanent” for its era. – Our priestly status is everlasting, secured by an “indestructible life” (Hebrews 7:16). Practical implications of our priestly identity • Draw near: enjoy unfettered access to the Father (Hebrews 4:16). • Offer spiritual sacrifices—praise, good deeds, generous giving (Hebrews 13:15-16; Philippians 4:18). • Guard holiness: “Whatever touches them shall become holy” echoes in the call to keep ourselves unstained by the world (James 1:27). • Mediate blessing: like OT priests, intercede for others (1 Timothy 2:1) and declare God’s excellencies (1 Peter 2:9). |
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