Sanctification Duties of a Holy Priesthood Sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy.—Leviticus 11:44 Homer Montague Chronologically we have entered a new millennium, but for the consecrated, some things never change despite the passage of time. This includes the need for living a sanctified life from the time of spirit begettal until the very end of our course. Sanctification and sanctify are related terms. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words conveys such meanings as: a) separation to God; b) the course of life befitting those so separated; c) the setting apart of the believer for God. Strong’s Concordance suggests such definitions as holiness, hallow, keep holy, and purify. One of many Scriptures which deal with the essence of sanctification or being sanctified relates to the laws concerning the people of Israel and the prohibition against partaking of foods defined as unclean. "For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. For I am the LORD that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy. This is the law of the beasts, and of the fowl, and of every living creature that moveth in the waters, and of every creature that creepeth upon the earth: to make a difference between the unclean and the clean, and between the beast that may be eaten and the beast that may not be eaten" (Leviticus 11:44-47). A Separated People The Israelites were a chosen people, a separated people, a covenant people. They were called to righteousness or holiness and as a typical people their actions provide lessons for spiritual Israelites who also are a chosen people, a separated people, a covenant people called to righteousness and holiness. The apostle Paul wrote, "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope" (Romans 15:4). Another text on this subject is from Leviticus 20:7,8: "Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God. And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I am the LORD which sanctify you." The Israelites were to live separated from others and in accordance with holiness. That was their part. They were not to follow the idolatrous practices of the heathen (in this instance, sacrificing their children to Molech) but to resist any such evil inclinations and be obedient to the heavenly Father’s instructions. God also had a part in their sanctification. Through his providences he would especially bless and keep the Israelites from defiling influences as long as they obeyed his word. In the Passover type, the deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage was predicated upon the deliverance of the firstborn who according to Exodus 13:2,12,13 were sanctified or set apart as specially belonging to God. Later the tribe of Levi was exchanged for the firstborn and chosen for a special service in connection with the tabernacle arrangements. A Separated Priesthood From the Levites the priestly family of Aaron and his sons was chosen for a holy service. Similarly, in Numbers 8:6-19, the consecration of the Levites who assisted the priests is described even though they were not permitted to enter the tabernacle and view the holy vessels in the sanctuary (Numbers 18:1-3). In some of the ceremonies and functions the typical under priests were closely identified with the high priest. The high priest typified Christ Jesus, the under priests represented spirit begotten new creatures whose life is to be directed by the great High Priest (Hebrews 3:1). This is the attire which was to be worn by the under priests: "And for Aaron’s sons thou shalt make coats, and thou shalt make for them girdles, and bonnets shalt thou make for them, for glory and for beauty. And thou shalt put them upon Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him; and shalt anoint them, and consecrate them, and sanctify them, that they may minister unto me in the priest’s office. And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach: and they shall be upon Aaron, and upon his sons, when they come in unto the tabernacle of the congregation, or when they come near unto the altar to minister in the holy place; that they bear not iniquity, and die: it shall be a statute for ever unto him and his seed after him" (Exodus 28:40-43). God was very specific in giving instructions concerning what the priests should wear as they fulfilled their offices. Holiness or sanctification in regard to their services was not optional and any failure to follow his instructions exactly would result in death. Thus there would be a sense of awe associated with the great privilege of serving God as they ministered in holy affairs. When the Aaronic priesthood was inaugurated, there was a special seven-day consecration ceremony before Aaron and his sons were officially installed into office and could begin to fulfill their duties. Notice these words regarding purity and separation: "Moses brought Aaron and his sons, and washed them with water. Therefore shall ye abide at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation day and night seven days, and keep the charge of the LORD, that ye die not: for so I am commanded. So Aaron and his sons did all things which the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses" (Leviticus 8:6,35,36). The priesthood needed to be washed and remain separated from the people during their consecration; they were not to venture outside the court during this seven-day period. Water as a symbol is universally understood as an agent to remove uncleanness or defilement. The thought of sanctification is dramatically brought to mind in this ceremony. Here are some of the duties specifically given to the under priests to perform in their role as a sanctified or separated class:
Under priests had sacred obligations to fulfill in various matters pertaining to the nation. If they performed their duties properly, they surely received rich blessings from God. However, if they disobeyed the heavenly Father, they were severely punished for their misconduct. Priestly Misconduct "And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD" (Leviticus 10:1,2). The nature of the strange fire is not specified, although Nadab and Abihu may have been intoxicated when they went into the sanctuary as may be inferred from Leviticus 10:9. Nevertheless, their disobedience and lack of reverence for God’s commands were the very opposite of a sanctified spirit. Their deaths were intended as an object lesson concerning the dire consequences for ignoring the heavenly Father’s statutes. Another example of priestly misconduct and unholy behavior which incurred God’s wrath was manifested by Phinehas and Hophni who were the sons of Eli, the high priest. In their service as under priests they forcibly took from the people more than their share of the peace offerings (1 Samuel 2:12-17). Additionally, they committed immoral sexual acts with women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting (verse 22). Eli’s sons were unfaithful in performing their duties as under priests. As the Lord’s servants they should have been instructors by word and example in righteousness and in demonstrating reverence for the heavenly Father. Ultimately, however, they were slain while bearing the ark of the Covenant as the Israelites battled the Philistines (1 Samuel 4:11). This seems to be a clear fulfillment of an earlier verse of Scripture: "If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall entreat for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the LORD would slay them" (1 Samuel 2:25). Spiritual Israelites can glean important lessons from studying the manner in which natural Israel’s typical under priests fulfilled their duties. The apostle Peter describes the status of spirit begotten believers in his first epistle: "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9). Before attaining this new standing, however, individual believers had a part in their own sanctification. They had to first recognize their undone condition. In being drawn by the word of God, they learned there was a way to have access to the heavenly Father through Jesus. Upon hearing the terms of discipleship including self-denial and cross-bearing (Matthew 16:24) if such make a full consecration to do God’s will and are spirit begotten, they have indeed sanctified themselves. God’s sanctification of believers is to direct their lives and set them apart for his service so they will eventually be united in kingdom honors with Christ Jesus to bless the world of mankind. Antitypical Under Priests As antitypical under priests, the church is sanctified by the truth: "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth" (John 17:17). Not only did Jesus pray for his disciples who were present with him at the time but his petition was on behalf of all the members of the gospel church to this very day. The sanctification given by God is a process that is directly related to a believer’s study of and feeding upon Scriptural principles contained in the Bible. There the standards of holy, righteous conduct are set before a Christian’s mind. Obedience to its teachings will separate a believer more and more from the spirit of the world, and purify his mind and promote increased spirituality. The holy spirit is used by the heavenly Father to accomplish the work of sanctification in each of his children. Not only does it enable the believer to comprehend the truth but it strengthens a desire to focus upon heavenly things and to lead a life of righteousness and self-denial. This is essential for overcoming the influence of the world, the flesh, and the adversary. The power of the holy spirit enables the Christian, both to will and to do of God’s good pleasure (Philippians 2:13). We are assured from the Scriptures that sanctification is the will of God concerning the spirit begotten (1 Thessalonians 4:3). The ascertainment of God’s will is of paramount importance as the sanctification process continues in a believer’s life. A text which well expresses the means by which such discernment can be gained was penned by the apostle Paul: "Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Romans 12:2). For antitypical under priests the work of transformation will be evidenced by activity in the Lord’s service until the flesh is totally consumed. Sometimes we might look at the apostle Paul’s endurance as recorded in 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 and wonder how he was able to persevere through all those experiences. We conclude that because he had fully committed himself to serving the cause of God and the truth at all costs, the Father provided him with needed grace to withstand even the most adverse circumstances. Duties of Antitypical Under Priests These are some of the many duties which sanctified, faithful, antitypical under priests may be expected to perform: 1. Fellowshipping. The privilege of communing with others who are walking in the narrow way should never be neglected. Discussing spiritual matters and experiences with fellow under priests can give much encouragement to continue serving the Lord faithfully despite difficulties to the flesh. The body of Christ includes all believers who truly possess the spirit of the Master. One should meet regularly in the home class as well as with others outside of one’s immediate spiritual circle whenever possible to promote mutual edification (Psalm 133:1-3). 2. Rejoicing. The knowledge of God’s plan for the world of mankind should evoke much exultation within a believer’s heart. A rightly exercised follower of Christ can put into proper perspective the gloomy circumstances which surround humanity today. Little time should be spent in pondering all the evils which presently exist in society and about which mankind is powerless to change. But by pointing to the glorious kingdom as the grand antidote for this time of weeping, others not so blessed with this understanding may be given a sense of hope that things will not always continue as they are today. A text that well expresses the attitude that should be manifested among truly sanctified under priests of this day is, "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice" (Philippians 4:4). 3. Forgiving. One of the most important priestly duties is that of having a forgiving spirit. It is highly unlikely that anyone can honestly claim never to have been injured by someone else. The response of believers always should be one of sympathy and mercy towards those who offend. In Luke 17:3, the Master indicates if one’s brother should trespass against him, he should be rebuked and if he repents, forgiveness should be granted. This would seem to relate to a serious offense and not a trivial matter which might well be overlooked especially if it appeared to be unintentional. However, if the circumstances seem to warrant addressing the matter, in the spirit of Matthew 18:15, the offended party should go to his brother privately to discuss the situation. In the overwhelming majority of the cases, such action would secure acknowledgment of the wrong if actually committed and forgiveness from the heart should be rendered. Even if no expression of repentance were made at that time, no ill will should be harbored against the perceived offender. Unless it is an extreme situation, the option of following Matthew 18:16 to further pursue the matter with witnesses need not necessarily be followed. Nevertheless, the temptation to speak to others about the perceived wrong which was experienced at the hand of the errant brother must be resisted at all costs since such activity would be contrary to the spirit of sanctification (James 4:11). 4. Praying. There is probably no aspect of sanctification more critical than prayer since it is the means by which a Christian gains access to God. This unspeakable privilege is brought to our attention by the Master’s example while sojourning on earth and laying down his life in sacrifice on behalf of all mankind. If he who knew no sin spent an entire night communing with the heavenly Father (Luke 6:12), what priority should prayer have in the lives of believers who have deficiencies according to the flesh? Instructions concerning how to pray are contained in the example which Jesus provided his disciples in Matthew 6:9-13. In approaching the throne of heavenly grace, reverential fear is immediately brought to our attention as we are informed, "Hallowed be thy name." God is the source of all sanctification and that thought should always be kept uppermost in mind so that a believer can make the proper approach whether it is for the purpose of supplication, intercession, thanksgiving, or obtaining needed grace. If the disciple of Christ first learns the proper attitude of heart in coming to the Father, he surely will be educated by the holy spirit in how to offer effectual prayers; his desire will be to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). 5. Self-denial. Without the work of sanctification in a believer’s life, it would be impossible to sustain the necessary spirit of self-denial which is required for all who ultimately will become members of the royal priesthood. The tendency of the "old man" which is reckoned dead is to reassert itself to attain what it considers its legitimate rights, even if they are not necessarily of a sinful nature. In Colossians 3:2 the sanctified are reminded to set their affection on things above rather than those things of earth. Stimuli presented to our human senses in terms of the good things this world has to offer can be quite seductive without a fixed purpose that is strengthened in the new creature by the power of the holy spirit. It is quite unnatural according to human thought not to desire such things as wealth, prominence, ease, good name, and creature comforts. A determined course to resist seeking out these things will require obedience to God’s will. Following his way requires a submissive heart that values the heavenly Father’s smile and disregards the disesteem in which a believer is held by those who are not pursuing a life of sanctification. Even the apostle Paul whose lifestyle is worthy of a believer’s emulation recognized the necessity for engaging in a serious warfare against his flesh so that all of his strivings to do God’s will would not be in vain. This is his somber assessment of the matter: "I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: but I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway" (1 Corinthians 9:26,27). Conclusion It has been God’s purpose to select a sanctified class from among mankind who will lead lives of holiness in preparation for the bestowing of future blessings on the human family. The heavenly Father dealt with the nation of Israel and its priesthood to set forth the required standards of conduct deemed suitable for exaltation to a ruling position in the soon-to-be established kingdom under the direction of Jesus Christ. Just as there were requirements for approved service as a member of the Aaronic priesthood, there are many activities in which the antitypical priesthood must engage during the Gospel age period to merit a position within the body of Christ. May the spirit of this exhortation abide in the heart of every true Christian: "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thessalonians 5:23). |