The Priesthood

A Priestly Calling

Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.—Hebrews 2:17

Homer Montague

Many heathen nations established priesthoods for the purpose of approaching their gods. This practice has been maintained through the centuries and continues to this very day, resulting in countless throngs of humanity being kept in ignorance and blinded by superstition (2 Corinthians 4:4). Those whose eyes have been enlightened acknowledge Jehovah as the all-powerful, one true God, whose grandeur and plan for mankind have been revealed in the Scriptures. The appointment of a true priest or priesthood comes from the Creator, who provided such a mechanism for the removal of sin and the blessing of all the families of the earth (Hebrews 5:1-4; Genesis 12:1-3). Thus seen, the Jewish or Aaronic priesthood’s validity was based upon God’s ordination of this arrangement by giving Moses specific instructions as to who could serve in this capacity (Exodus 28:1).

The regulations and functions pertaining to Israel’s Tabernacle and priesthood were symbolic of a much grander application than appeared on the surface (Hebrews 8:1-6). This assertion is also commented upon by Brother Russell: “In a word, Israel, as well as the Tabernacle, Priests, Levites and sacrifices, was a type. And what was there done in symbol with and for Israel is, since the first advent of Christ, being carried out on a higher plane, and on a larger scale, the latter being the reality, of which that was the type or shadow” (Tabernacle Shadows, p. 26).

During this Gospel age, the antitypical priesthood or Church is being developed in accordance with God’s will under her head, Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:9,10). Two matters of particular interest in this regard are priestly qualifications and the installation of the priesthood into office.

Concerning priestly qualifications we read, “Speak unto Aaron, saying, Whosoever he be of thy seed in their generations that hath any blemish, let him not approach to offer the bread of his God. For whatsoever man he be that hath a blemish, he shall not approach: a blind man, or a lame, or he that hath a flat nose, or any thing superfluous, or a man that is brokenfooted, or brokenhanded, or crookbacked, or a dwarf, or that hath a blemish in his eye, or be scurvy, or scabbed, or hath his stones broken; no man that hath a blemish of the seed of Aaron the priest shall come nigh to offer the offerings of the LORD made by fire: he hath a blemish; he shall not come nigh to offer the bread of his God. He shall eat the bread of his God, both of the most holy, and of the holy. Only he shall not go in unto the veil, nor come nigh unto the altar, because he hath a blemish; that he profane not my sanctuaries: for I the LORD do sanctify them” (Leviticus 21:17-21).

Although various physical deformities apparently debarred one from service at the altar in the Aaronic priesthood (verses 17 and 21), antitypically these seem to relate only to the underpriests as they sojourn in the flesh. When the body of Christ is completed, the Church will be fully qualified to be a part of the Melchisedec priesthood in glory.

The following twelve physical blemishes that would prevent someone from performing service in the typical sanctuary suggest spiritual deficiencies that need to be overcome by those who have received the heavenly calling.

1. BLIND: This implies that the spiritual vision is greatly impaired and instead of being able to see things from God’s standpoint, matters are viewed from a fleshly and distorted perspective. New creatures are expected to consider fellow members of Christ’s body, not according to their imperfections but, instead, according to the new will or mind (2 Corinthians 5:16,17). It is stated of those not making such progress, “But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins” (2 Peter 1:9).

2. LAME: One so handicapped limps and is apt to stumble along the way. The action word “walk” as indicated in the following texts points to the developmental process necessary through the holy spirit that will ultimately remove the lameness evident at the start of one’s Christian journey: “walk in love” (Ephesians 5:2); “walk in the spirit” (Galatians 5:16); “walk circumspectly” (Ephesians 5:15).

3. FLAT-NOSED: A life of devotion and fidelity to the principles of consecrated living is a sweet savor to the heavenly Father (2 Corinthians 2:14,15). A failure to appreciate the efforts of others toward righteousness and sacrifice may evidence a flat-nosed condition, where the emission of such fragrance is not perceived by one so afflicted.

4. SUPERFLUITY: No member of the Levitical priesthood could have any excess members such as an extra finger. The spirit begotten will gradually rid themselves of earthly encumbrances as much as possible so that they will have truly forsaken all to be followers of Christ (Colossians 3:1-6).

5. BROKEN-FOOTED: This impediment seems to imply difficulty moving from place to place. The communion of saints is a special privilege that should not be neglected (Hebrews 10:24,25). If excuses are found for failure to meet regularly with the brethren such as the length of time it takes to travel for worship, a feeling that the studies are not sufficiently stimulating, or making earthly concerns a higher priority, these things might well illustrate this condition.

6. BROKEN-HANDED: The hand is used to provide service and if it is broken or otherwise immobilized, it cannot perform. All of the Lord’s people have one or more talents that should be used for the glory of God to assist his children, his cause or in promulgating the truth (Ecclesiastes 9:10; Galatians 5:13). Failure to take advantage of such opportunities would give evidence of this marked spiritual deficiency.

7. CROOKBACKED (HUNCHBACK): This condition seems to speak of an inability to stand upright and perform functions that one could do who was perfectly erect. Through the power of the holy spirit and by focusing upon the needs of others rather than self, believers can mutually strengthen and comfort each other (Galatians 6:2). Praying together, listening sympathetically, pointing to the precious promises, and other forms of direct involvement can do much to help others to overcome the various difficulties associated with this spiritual malady.

8. DWARFED: One whose growth has been stunted might readily fit this description. Progress along the narrow way is expected to be manifested in the lives of all the underpriests until they finish their course. “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:2). Although milk is necessary for growth in babes, attaining spiritual maturity requires partaking of strong meat associated with a sanctified lifestyle (Hebrews 5:12-14). One effective means of preventing dwarfism is a determined attitude of consecration (Philippians 3:13,14).

9. EYE BLEMISHES: Unlike blindness, those who are afflicted with this condition have some sight regarding spiritual matters but sometimes impediments cause their vision to be distorted in certain respects. One possible cause of this condition is pride. This attitude of condemning others for their weaknesses is indicative of a blemished eye, and was roundly censored as the Master spoke about someone attempting to remove the mote in his brother’s eye while having a beam in his own (Luke 6:41,42).

10. SCURVY: Spiritual scurvy indicates something is lacking in the believer’s diet. To have balance, the Christian should engage in a variety of activities that promote a knowledge of doctrine, the spirit of sacrifice, service for others, and character development. Those who never have a desire to engage in personal study of God’s word, or to render assistance to those in need, would be hindered in their spiritual development even if they did other commendable things.

11. SCABBED: This relates to having an itch. The apostle Paul warned, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears” (2 Timothy 4:3). Speculations regarding things not supported by Scripture may have a pleasant sound but may also lead to error (Isaiah 8:20).

12. BROKEN STONES: The Amplified Bible renders this expression as damaged testicles. It was necessary for the Logos to become the man Christ Jesus to give his life for father Adam and his progeny since all were sinners (Psalm 49:7). Although all the antitypical underpriests have received the imputed robe of righteousness, they will only be able to aid mankind in attaining life in the next age as part of Christ’s body. Everything was dependent upon the faithfulness of the Master in laying down his life in sacrifice and providing a ransom for all to be testified in due time (1 Timothy 2:5,6).

The Consecration of the Priesthood

The consecration of the priesthood is described in Leviticus 8. In this chapter we find Moses, representing God, Aaron, as high priest symbolizing Jesus the antitypical high priest, and Aaron’s sons, the underpriests depicting the Gospel age Church or body of Christ as antitypical underpriests.

The calling to the Levitical priesthood occurred when Aaron and his sons were separated from the people of Israel and taken into the Court of the Tabernacle (Leviticus 8:1,2). Similarly, Jesus at the age of 30 responded to his calling when he presented himself in consecration at the Jordan River (Matthew 3:13; Hebrews 10:9). The call of the Church began at Pentecost after Christ appeared in the presence of God for those who would be his joint heirs (Romans 8:29,30; Ephesians 1:4; Hebrews 9:24).

Moses washed, clothed, and anointed Aaron during the consecration ritual to typify the righteousness and perfection of the Master (Leviticus 8:6-12). The anointing oil was a precious ointment used on both the high priests and the kings of Israel. This seems to indicate divine appointment into office (Exodus 30:31-33). Jesus, the undefiled one, needed no washing (Hebrews 7:26) and was anointed with the holy spirit, the oil of gladness above his fellows, at the time of his baptism (Hebrews 1:9).

The following words suggest the glorious nature and power of the Lord exercised in his glorious kingdom reign: “As Aaron stood there clothed in those beautiful robes so typically significant, and was anointed with the holy oil, his head represented Jesus, the Head of the Priesthood, while his body represented the Church, complete in Christ. How impressive and significant a type of the world’s High Priest, undefiled, and clothed with power and authority to fulfill Jehovah’s covenants” (Tabernacle Shadows, p. 36).

Moses also washed and clothed Aaron’s sons (Leviticus 8:6,13). They needed to be cleansed before putting on the garments. They wore bonnets that identified them as underpriests who were set apart for holy service. The church is justified and inducted into the priesthood, wearing Christ’s imputed robes of righteousness (Isaiah 61:10).

Three animals are featured in the Leviticus 8 ceremony. The first was the bullock for the sin-offering provided by Moses. After Aaron and his sons laid their hands on it—showing in this picture that the bullock represented all of them—Moses slew it. The blood of the bullock, picturing a sacrificed life, was put on the horns of the altar and poured around its base to sanctify that altar (Leviticus 8:14,15).

In the type Moses took the choice inner parts of the bullock and burned them on the brazen altar, but the hide, flesh, and dung were burned outside the camp (Leviticus 8:16,17). The burning of the fat, caul, and kidneys suggests the manner in which the antitypical priesthood’s best powers are yielded and consumed in its sacrificial walk. This occurred with Jesus and it must occur with the church. The burning of the hide, flesh, and dung that occurred outside the camp shows that the world sees the sacrifice of the Christ with disesteem, as a stench.

The second animal was the ram of burnt offering (Leviticus 8:20,21). Burnt offerings indicate God’s acceptance of sacrifices by fire. There is no record of the head being washed; it thus represents the perfection of Jesus. But the other parts of the animal were cut and washed. The entire offering was burnt and suggests that God totally accepted the sacrifice of Jesus with his body.

The third animal was the ram of consecration (Leviticus 8:22-32). It appears to be a peace offering for the church because after Christ appeared in the presence of God, the begetting of the holy spirit came to the church at Pentecost, manifesting divine acceptance of that sacrifice.

Leviticus 8:23 shows the blood from this ram was placed on the right ear, the right thumb, and the right toe of Aaron and his sons. As the church emulates the Master this represents a hearing ear of faith and appreciation of the precious promises, the hand symbolizes activity in God’s service, and the right toe represented a walk in newness of life.

“And out of the basket of unleavened bread, that was before the LORD, he took one unleavened cake, and a cake of oiled bread, and one wafer, and put them on the fat, and upon the right shoulder” (Leviticus 8:26). Consecrated spirit-begotten believers should be extremely thankful for the unleavened cake which represents the righteousness and purity of Christ covering their fleshly imperfections. There was taken from this same basket a cake of oiled bread symbolizing the indwelling spirit of God, or sanctification, that separates believers from the world (1 Thessalonians 4:3). The wafer represents hope and faith in the precious promises that believers might be glorified, will receive the divine nature, and share with the Lord in the blessed work of restoring mankind (1 John 3:3).

In verses 27-29 the concept of a wave offering is introduced in connection with the peace offering. The consecrated are to be engaged in a daily, continual presentation of themselves in a life of sacrifice. Here Moses is a picture of God who assists with the believers’ sacrifice. Sacrificers must not end their vow of consecration until God says “it is enough, come up higher.” None should grow weary in well doing because it is God’s will that the church should be faithful; he will provide all the assistance needed.

The calling to the priesthood during this Gospel age provides the consecrated a unique opportunity to assist in the grand work of restoring all that was lost to mankind through Adam’s sin. The regimen for this vocation is demanding, but divine assistance is provided by the heavenly Father and his faithful son, Christ Jesus. As this priestly class is now being developed, all who have been accepted as members of the body of Christ can attest to the Lord’s strengthening influence in their lives as he waits for the completion of his bride. May all believers be spurred on to greater fervency in their sacrificial walk by the glorious promise, “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years” (Revelation 20:6).