The concept of priests in the biblical context is deeply rooted in the Old and New Testaments, serving as a bridge between God and His people. In the Old Testament, the priesthood was established through the line of Aaron, the brother of Moses, and was central to the religious life of Israel. The role of the priest was to offer sacrifices, intercede for the people, and maintain the sanctity of the tabernacle and later the temple. This priesthood was a foreshadowing of the ultimate priesthood fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Old Testament Priesthood

The Levitical priesthood, as outlined in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers, was a hereditary office limited to the tribe of Levi, specifically the descendants of Aaron. The primary duties of the priests included offering sacrifices (Leviticus 1-7), teaching the Law (Leviticus 10:11), and maintaining the sacred space of the tabernacle (Numbers 18:1-7). The high priest, a unique role within the priesthood, had the exclusive privilege of entering the Holy of Holies once a year on the Day of Atonement to make atonement for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16).

Priesthood of Christ

The New Testament presents Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of the Old Testament priesthood. The Epistle to the Hebrews elaborates on this theme, describing Jesus as a high priest "in the order of Melchizedek" (Hebrews 5:10), a priesthood that predates and supersedes the Levitical order. Unlike the Levitical priests, who offered sacrifices repeatedly, Christ offered Himself once for all as the perfect sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 7:27). His priesthood is eternal, and He continually intercedes for believers at the right hand of God (Hebrews 7:25).

Priesthood of Believers

The New Testament also introduces the concept of the priesthood of all believers, a radical departure from the Old Testament model. This doctrine is rooted in passages such as 1 Peter 2:9, which declares, "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 priesthood is not based on lineage or ritual but on faith in Christ, granting all believers direct access to God and the responsibility to represent Him in the world.

Priests of God and of Christ in Revelation

The Book of Revelation further expands on the role of believers as priests. Revelation 1:6 states that Christ "has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father" . This theme is reiterated in Revelation 5:10, where the redeemed are described as a kingdom and priests who will reign on the earth. Revelation 20:6 speaks of those who partake in the first resurrection, stating, "Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection! The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and will reign with Him for a thousand years" . This passage highlights the eschatological fulfillment of the believer's priestly role, emphasizing both service and reign with Christ.

In summary, the biblical concept of priests of God and of Christ encompasses the historical Levitical priesthood, the unique and eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ, and the spiritual priesthood of all believers. This multifaceted role underscores the believer's access to God, responsibility to intercede for others, and calling to live a life of holiness and service.