Function of Priests

• Rom. 12:1-2; present sacrifices to God

• Heb. 8:1-4, service to God, offer gifts to God

• Heb. 9:1, 6-7

Before Law of Moses

• Job, Cain, Abel, Abraham, Melchizedek, Noah, -

• All offered sacrifice unto God - acting as 'priests'

• God's 'intention' with Israel, a 'nation of priests' Exodus 19:5-6

After / During Law of Moses

• Number 18:21, 26 - the family of Aaron

• Hebrews 7:5, 11-14 ONLY the house of Aaron

Prophesy of Church

Isa. 61:1-6 - under the Messiah, priesthood would INCLUDE gentiles. Hence - would be MORE than the house of Aaron.

Fulfilled in Church.

• 1 Peter 2:5,6 - all that are saints (Christians) are priests, are a 'holy nation' - priests unto God

• Revelation 1:5-6, a 'kingdom of priests' -

Specific functions under New Testament

• Offer sacrifice of body, Rom. 12:1; Phil. 2:17

• Praise to God, Hebrews 13:15

• Substance ($, etc), 1 Cor. 16:1

• Service, Hebrews 13:16 - "doing good"

Conclusions

• No special priesthood in church (Mormon, Catholic, etc.)

• No special class of people in the church -

• Any one may 'administer ordinances'

• Need to be 'holy and blameless' as priests....

• Need to "sanctify God' - illustrate with Nadab & Abihu in Leviticus 10.