Topical Bible: Priest: Figurative

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In the Scriptures, the term "priest" is not only used in a literal sense to describe those who served in the temple, but it is also employed figuratively to convey spiritual truths and roles within the community of believers. This figurative use of "priest" is deeply rooted in the theological understanding of the priesthood as a mediator between God and humanity, a role that extends beyond the confines of the Levitical priesthood.

Royal Priesthood of Believers

One of the most significant figurative uses of "priest" is found in the New Testament, where all believers are described as a "royal priesthood." In 1 Peter 2:9 , the apostle Peter writes, "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 passage highlights the collective priestly role of Christians, emphasizing their duty to proclaim God's virtues and to live as representatives of His kingdom.

The concept of the priesthood of all believers is rooted in the Old Testament, where Israel was called to be "a kingdom of priests and a holy nation" (Exodus 19:6). This calling is fulfilled in the New Covenant, where the distinction between clergy and laity is transcended, and all believers are invited to participate in the priestly service of worship, prayer, and witness.

Christ as the High Priest

The figurative use of "priest" is also profoundly illustrated in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is described as the ultimate High Priest. The book of Hebrews elaborates on this theme, presenting Christ as the perfect mediator of the New Covenant. Hebrews 4:14-15 states, "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin."

Christ's priesthood is unique and eternal, as He offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin, once and for all. This priestly role is not only a fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrificial system but also a model for believers, who are called to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:5).

Intercessory Role of Believers

In a figurative sense, believers are also called to an intercessory role, akin to that of a priest. This is seen in the exhortation to pray for one another and to bear one another's burdens (James 5:16, Galatians 6:2). The priestly function of intercession is a vital aspect of the Christian life, reflecting the heart of Christ, who "always lives to intercede" for His people (Hebrews 7:25).

Living Sacrifices

The apostle Paul further develops the figurative priestly role of believers in Romans 12:1 , where he urges, "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." Here, the concept of offering oneself as a living sacrifice is a priestly act, signifying a life dedicated to God in holiness and service.

Conclusion

The figurative use of "priest" in the Bible underscores the profound spiritual responsibilities and privileges bestowed upon believers. As a royal priesthood, Christians are called to live lives of worship, intercession, and witness, reflecting the character and mission of Christ, the ultimate High Priest.

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Exodus 19:6
And you shall be to me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.
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Isaiah 61:6
But you shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: you shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall you boast yourselves.
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1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light;
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Revelation 1:6
And has made us kings and priests to God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
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Revelation 5:10
And have made us to our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
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Revelation 20:6
Blessed and holy is he that has part in the first resurrection: on such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
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Strong's Hebrew

7218. rosh -- head
... to shake; the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many ...
first, forefront, ((be-))head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), X lead ...
/hebrew/7218.htm - 6k

Library

Whether it is Fitting that Christ Should be a Priest?
... Christ, He did not wish to be born of the stock of the figurative priests, that ...
Wherefore, as to others, one is a lawgiver, another is a priest, another is a ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is fitting that 3.htm

Of those Things which a Man of God Spake by the Spirit to Eli the ...
... is to be understood entirely of the house itself, not of the priest, who is ... such
things are said of that ineffable nature not in proper but in figurative words ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 5 of those things which.htm

Another Foolish Erasure of Marcion's Exposed Certain Figurative ...
... Chapter XVIII."Another Foolish Erasure of Marcion's Exposed Certain Figurative
Expressions of the ... from drink was given also to the high priest Aaron and his ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xviii another foolish erasure of.htm

The Figurative Language of Scripture.
... to a word or sentence turned from its literal signification to a figurative sense. ...
Ritual symbols, like the ark of the covenant, the high-priest's dress, the ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxv the figurative language.htm

The Death of John and Philip.
... The words are either to be taken in a purely figurative sense, as meaning that John
bore the character of a priest,--ie the high priest of Christ as his most ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xxxi the death of john.htm

What those who were to be Initiated Promised on Entering the ...
... You spoke in the presence of the angels, as it is written: "For the priest's lips
keep knowledge, and they seek ... 2832] "Holy of holies," a figurative name given ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter ii what those who.htm

The Right of Entry
... a vision of judgment which he saw, in which the high priest, as representative ... And
so the promise of my text, in highly figurative fashion, is that of free and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the right of entry.htm

Acts IV
... The "kindred of the high priest" embraced not only the chief members of his ... And,
leaving the figurative language of David, he more fully declares, that there ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts iv.htm

Whether a Suitable Cause Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies which ...
... Hence the Apostle says (Heb.10:11) that the priest of the Old Law ... from that which
the figure represents, therefore the reasons of the figurative sacrifices of ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether a suitable cause can.htm

Whether Sufficient Reason Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies ...
... But regard to the figurative reason, the outward tabernacle, which was called the ...
Christ brought us; and this was signified by the high-priest entering alone ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether sufficient reason can be.htm