Priesthood, in NT

Jesus Christ recognised the function of the OT priesthood, but the gospel belief in Christ as high priest and the priesthood of all believers superseded the earlier concept.

Jesus Christ acknowledged the role of the Jerusalem priesthood

See also Matthew 8:4 parallels Mark 1:44, Luke 5:14

Characteristics of the Levitical priesthood

It was equivalent to the order of Aaron

Hebrews 7:11

Now if perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood ( for on this basis the people received the law), why was there still need for another priest to appear — one in the order of Melchizedek and not in the order of Aaron?

It was incompatible with membership of the tribe of Judah

Hebrews 7:14

For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, a tribe as to which Moses said nothing about priests.

It was not established by divine oath

Hebrews 7:20

And none of this happened without an oath. For others became priests without an oath,

Characteristics of the Melchizedek priesthood

Hebrews 7:15–16

And this point is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears, one who has become a priest not by a law of succession, but by the power of an indestructible life.

How Jesus Christ's priesthood resembled the OT priesthood

He fulfilled the requirement of humanity

Hebrews 2:17 See also Hebrews 5:1

For this reason He had to be made like His brothers in every way, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, in order to make atonement for the sins of the people.

He was not self-appointed

Hebrews 5:4–5

No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not take upon Himself the glory of becoming a high priest, but He was called by the One who said to Him: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.”

He resembled Melchizedek

Hebrews 5:10

and was designated by God as high priest in the order of Melchizedek.

How Jesus Christ's priesthood contrasts with the Levitical priesthood

It involves a change in the applicability of the law

Hebrews 7:12–13

For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed as well. He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar.

It lasts for ever

Hebrews 7:23–24 See also Hebrews 10:11–12

Now there have been many other priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office. But because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood.

It was based on a once-for-all sacrifice, not of animals but of himself

Hebrews 9:26 See also Hebrews 9:12

Otherwise, Christ would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But now He has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself.

It is effective, not simply illustrative

Hebrews 10:14 See also Hebrews 8:5, Hebrews 10:1, Hebrews 10:4

because by a single offering He has made perfect for all time those who are being sanctified.

It is not that of a mere man, but of the Son of God

Hebrews 7:28 See also Hebrews 4:14, Hebrews 7:26

For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.

Characteristics of the priesthood of all believers

1 Peter 2:9

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.

They are to reflect the holiness of their great high priest

1 Peter 1:15 See also Hebrews 10:10

But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do,

They are to offer spiritual sacrifices

1 Peter 2:5 See also Romans 12:1; Philippians 4:18; Hebrews 13:15

you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

They are to intercede for others before God

1 Timothy 2:1 See also Revelation 5:8, Revelation 5:10

First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone—

They are to represent God before other human beings

2 Corinthians 5:20 See also Ephesians 3:7–11

Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God.