The Royal Priesthood

The Apostle Peter wrote:

"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: which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy."

What is Peter referring to too?

Is this just talking to the males in this "holy nation", or is it talking all human beings called out of darkness into God's marvelous light?

Is it restricted to any particular national "nation"?

What is this "Royal Priesthood"?

How does it differ from the restrictive priesthood officiating in the temple services?

Some inspired comments on this passage:

"Many of the believers to whom Peter addressed his letters, were living in the midst of heathen, and much depended on their remaining true to the high calling of their profession. The apostle urged upon them their privileges as followers of Christ Jesus. "Ye are a chosen generation," he wrote, "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: which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. AA 521


"To us it is written, "Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a 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. {CD 26.3}

" Drawn by the cords of love to Christ, constantly look unto Him who is the Author and Finisher of their faith. By beholding Jesus, by obeying His requirements, they increase in the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ whom He hath sent. Thus they become changed into His image from character to character until they are distinguished from the world, and it can be written of them: "Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy" (1 Peter 2:9, 10). {AG 52.3}

Every soul needs to turn his face toward the light that he may reflect this light. We need to praise God much more than we do. We are to show that we have cause for rejoicing. "Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light" (1 Peter 2:9). Are we doing this as fully as we should? Are we revealing that love in the home that will honor and glorify our Redeemer? {HP 96.4}


"Ye shall be holy unto me: for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine." "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." "This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise." "Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light" (Leviticus 20:24, 26; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Isaiah 43:21; 1 Peter 2:9). . . . {HP 189.4}


(In context with the story of Nadab and Abihu)
All who occupied positions of sacred responsibility were to be men of strict temperance, that their minds might be clear to discriminate between right and wrong, that they might possess firmness of principle, and wisdom to administer justice and to show mercy. The same obligation rests upon every follower of Christ. The apostle Peter declares, "Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people." 1 Peter 2:9. We are required by God to preserve every power in the best possible condition, that we may render acceptable service to our Creator. {PP 361}


Who are the subjects of the kingdom of God?--all those who do His will. They have righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. The members of Christ's kingdom are the sons of God, partners in His great firm. The elect of God are a chosen generation, a peculiar people, a holy nation, to show forth the praises of Him who hath called them out of darkness into His marvelous light. They are the salt of the earth, the light of the world. They are living stones, a royal priesthood. They are in copartnership with Jesus Christ. These are they that follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth. . . . {TM 422.1}


The people of God have a high and holy calling. They are Christ’s representatives. Paul addresses the church in Corinth as those who are “sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints.” . . . Says Peter, “Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.”
These passages are calculated to impress the mind with the sacred, exalted character of God’s work, and with the high and holy position His people are to occupy. Could these things be said of those who do not seek to be refined by the truth? {BLJ 366}

Conclusion--
The Royal Priesthood is not an office, or a position of "authority" over others.

It's not referring to earthly sanctuary priests, or to "clergy" or ecclesiastical persona.

To be part of God's royal priesthood is open for everyone, no matter their gender, nationality, or social status. It is open to all who will respond to the call of God, and who look to Christ as the author and finisher of their faith, walking with Him in obedience, and by beholding Him being changed into His image, thus by their lives they show forth the glory of God and bring forth His praises, revealing His love.

If it's not an office nor a position, what is it? Your conclusion is ambiguous.

Blessings,

Green Cochoa.

Blessings everyone,

Exodus 19 has been quoted and mentioned before in reference to the passage dedication has referenced. So, this royal priesthood existed at the time of the Sanctuary in the wilderness. If we really want to understand it, I believe we need to start in Exodus 19.

No - Israel never realized the promise and did not become a Royal Priesthood. God's promise had conditions. Israel did not fulfill the conditions and thus did not become a Royal Priesthood.

Exodus 19:5-6 Now if you will obey Me and keep My covenant, you will be My own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to Me. 6 And you will be My kingdom of priests, My holy nation.' This is the message you must give to the people of Israel."


God's promise was that of the New Covenant. Instead, they relied on their own works, Old Covenant, Exodus 19:8 And all the people responded together, "We will do everything the LORD has commanded." So Moses brought the people's answer back to the LORD.

The people rejected God's offer and did not become a Royal Priesthood. What should have been the people's response?

The confusion comes because people think "a kingdom of priests" in Exodus 19:6 and Peter's reference to "a royal priesthood" refers to an office or position in some sort of hierarchy in authority.

But reread all those quotes --

Those texts refer to God's genuine people.
People who have accepted God fully into their lives, and who are changed by His power, and thus bringing glory and honor to God by their lives.
They are the citizens of God's kingdom. Yet they are still in the world, a living example and witness of the power and grace of God.


These texts are NOT talking about the Levitical priesthood, or of some hierarchy of clergy holding positions authority.

We are all called to become part of that "royal priesthood" "an holy nation, a peculiar people". And by God's grace we can part of that group. That group compose the citizens Christ's kingdom.

That texts are not talking about the Levitical priesthood or any priesthood of office or hierarchy of authority I submit these quotes.


Yet, the tribe of Judah was not allowed to function as a priest in any religious services --
So this "royal priesthood" is not the office or position holding type of priesthood.

I already illustrated how "kingdom of _________" does not mean every citizen of the kingdom was _______________.

But some people still seem to think this fallacy is true.

Judah was certainly a part of the kingdom of priests, just as much as any other tribe, including the tribe of Levi itself, among whom not all were priests.

Buddhists, perhaps, understand the role of a single member of the family officiating in the temple on behalf of the other members of the family a little better than modern Christians, for this is still a part of their tradition, just as we see exhibited through the sanctuary system in the Old Testament that God Himself established. Look at Thailand, for example, which has a king and calls itself "The Kingdom of Thailand." We could truthfully call it a kingdom of monks, for there are many monks to serve the people within the kingdom. Is every man, woman, and child in Thailand a monk? Far from it! But it is nonetheless a kingdom of monks, and a Buddhist nation (95% Buddhist).

Mrs. White is not saying that the entire tribe of Judah was comprised of priests. She says Judah was a part of the nation known for its priests, and for its high and holy calling.

Blessings,

Green Cochoa.

My statement was quite clear and requires no further explanation.

dedication wrote;

"The confusion comes because people think "a kingdom of priests" in Exodus 19:6 and Peter's reference to "a royal priesthood" refers to an office or position in some sort of hierarchy in authority."

I disagree. You haven't explained what it is this Royal Priesthood is supposed to be like? You keep insisting that it is not something, but can't explain what you believe it to be!

What we know for sure is that this priesthood mentioned by the Apostle Peter existed before the experience of Israel of the Ten Commandments at Mt. Sinai. So, could you please explain what it is you believe this royal priesthood to be?

Also, was the wilderness tabernacle in existence at the time of Exodus 19?

Have you read all the quotes posted in which EGW refers to both texts -
one in OT and one in NT.

Yes, this royal priesthood existed before there was any Levitical priesthood and exists after the Levitical priesthood ceased.
Because it is NOT dealing with an ecclesiastical position or office.
And yes, I did explain it several times -- it has nothing to do with ecclesiastical offices or positions.
You just don't want to accept the evidence, but there are dozens of quotes showing that is correct.

The Royal priesthood, and chosen nation, a nation of priests, a holy people, has to do with being a genuine member of God's people, fully trusting and committed to God, thus by our very lives showing forth the praise and glory of God.

No one is barred by race or gender from accepting God's call to be citizens of HIS KINGDOM, His nation, and being ambassadors for Him in this world.

BY EGW
Loyalty to God, unquestioning obedience to His law, would make His people a wonder in the world, because He would be able to fulfill His rich and abundant promises to them, and make them a praise in the earth. They would be a holy people unto Him.
“Now therefore,” God declares, “if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: and ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation.” How wonderful the largeness of God’s promises! And they are given to all who will hearken to His Word, believing His declarations, and obeying His commands. Obedience to His law is the condition of future and eternal happiness.—Southern Watchman, Feb. 16, 1904. {BLJ 65.5}

So what are the conditions of being part of God's "holy nation, a kingdom of priests"?

--harken to God's Word
--believe, (have faith, trust) in His promises
--obey his commands

And this was offered to Israel in Exodus 19:1-6 and the people rejected it in Exodus 19:8.

APL is right on this one --
After God's call to Israel was given, to be a "royal priesthood" a "holy nation", they rashly answered "we will do it".

But what happened? The didn't meet the conditions, they couldn't meet the conditions because those conditions can only be met when God is the center of our lives, but they thought they could do it.

So what happened? They set up a golden calf and indulged in pagan worship just days after their promise. THEY BROKE their covenant. They didn't enter into the "everlasting covenant".
Plan "A" the "everlasting covenant" wasn't understood,

BECAUSE OF their failure
God instituted plan "B" the Levitical priesthood with the only tribe that didn't indulge in the pagan worship.

Israel never became a "nation of priests" a "holy people" a light set upon a hill bringing glory and praise to God.

They had a "priesthood" within their nation to try and get their focus on eternal realities.
The tribe of JUDAH was NOT part of the priesthood of Israel. For a man from the tribe of Judah to assume priestly duties resulted in grave punishment (death or leprosy as in the case of Uzziah)
BUT it was not part of God's original plan to set up a priesthood restricted to one family line in one particular tribe, in one particular nation.

At the cross that plan "B" ceased and plan "A" is again offered. There is now no specific earthly defined "nation" or "tribe" one must be part of to be part of God's holy nation and priesthood.

The new testament makes this so clear!

That whole system and law defining an "order of priests" and the whole sanctuary service was introduced, ADDED, because of unbelief, to try and lead them to Christ, and when Christ came that whole system ceased.

dedication wrote;

"The new testament makes this so clear!

That whole system and law defining an "order of priests" and the whole sanctuary service was introduced, ADDED, because of unbelief, to try and lead them to Christ, and when Christ came that whole system ceased."

It was added to clarify more about God and His nature! Initially, God's people built an alter and offered a sacrificed with blood to show their faith in God's plan of redemption because that is all that was needed!

As time went on and God's people failed to live up to the faith handed down to them, God added the ceremonial service to teach the lessons lost over the centuries. An earthly sanctuary wasn't required because God's people had enough understanding of the plan of salvation. As their understanding dwindled over time, the ceremonial service was required to re-teach the old lessons.

But, that all male priesthood was a revelation of God all the same! To deny that is sheer prejudice.

Now that Christ has come as the true revelation of the Father, all that is needed are the simple services of communion, baptism, dedication and so on.

dedication wrote;

"Yes, this royal priesthood existed before there was any Levitical priesthood and exists after the Levitical priesthood ceased."

I appreciate you answering my question.

Now that we have established that God's people have always had this responsibility of being priests before God, we know the orders of priests consisting of Melchizedek, Aaron and the Levites were also all male for a very definite reason and purpose that is being completely ignored. And yes! There is and always has been authority intrinsic to all three of these all male priesthoods.

I never denied that the Levitical priesthood was all male. They were also ONLY from the tribe of Levi, and only from certain families within the tribe of Levi. Any other MEN who aspired to the priesthood were severely punished. Which of course excluded most males as well as women.

But that all ended at the cross -- it is the extension of the Levitical priesthood that is wrong.

The only true extension of the Levitical priesthood (as well as Melchisedec's priesthood) is in Christ who is our HIGH PRIEST in the heavenly sanctuary. He is the fulfillment of all those priestly types. The Levitical priesthood ended at the cross.

Of course there are lessons to be learnt for just like a Levitical priest had to be a direct descendant from Aaron or he was cast out of the priesthood, we know that to be a member of the ROYAL PRIESTHOOD the Christian must have a direct connection with Christ, the heavenly High Priest,

But the ROYAL PRIESTHOOD, THE HOLY KINGDOM is not the Levitical priesthood and the only restrictions to being a member is that one must be connected with Christ, the High Priest. Cleansed by His ministry, transformed by His power, and living in newness of life by His Holy Spirit.

The ROYAL PRIESTHOOD, AND HOLY KINGDOM is comprised of all of God's redeemed, faithful, trusting, commandment keeping people.


To deny Peter's declaration to believers that they are God's holy nation, a royal priesthood, and insist this is "all male" is sheer prejudice.


To equate the "holy nation and kingdom of priests" with the Levitical priesthood, is also very wrong and ignoring many passages that say otherwise.

To equate "God's holy nation, a royal priesthood" as being just pastors and insist this makes them priests, and by this implying they are sole inheritors of that promise, is also very wrong and inconsistent with what the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy teaches.

Why was the Levitical priesthood formed? UNBELIEF. It was not plan A.
Why did Israel never become a royal priesthood, a holy nation? UNBELIEF.

Doug Batchelor makes the same mistake as Alchemy in equating pastors with the priesthood, among other mistakes.

Those [men and women] who would have the character of Christ must practice his teachings. They [men and women] must study the Pattern. Then they [men and women] will reveal a Christ-like character in their [men and women] association with one another, and their [men and women] united influence will be exerted in helping to transform the character of others [men and women]. They [men and women] will drink in the sympathy of Jesus, and exercise the same forbearance, supporting, encouraging, and animating one another [men and women] in the work, each [men and women] being a vital member of the organized body, allied to Jesus, growing up into Christ, the living head, unto the full stature of men and women [emphasis added]. Then they[men and women] will shine as lights in the world, being of one judgment, moved by the same Spirit. They[men and women] will be a distinct power in the world. The mighty cleaver of truth has detached us from the world, and placed us apart, a separate people. "Ye [men and women] are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood [men and women], a holy nation [men and women], a peculiar people [men and women]; that ye [men and women] should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you [men and women] out of darkness into his marvelous light." Dwelling in the light of the Sun of Righteousness, we [men and women]shall shine as lights in the world. {RH, October 6, 1891 par. 13}

dedication wrote;

"But the ROYAL PRIESTHOOD, THE HOLY KINGDOM is not the Levitical priesthood and the only restrictions to being a member is that one must be connected with Christ, the High Priest. Cleansed by His ministry, transformed by His power, and living in newness of life by His Holy Spirit.

The ROYAL PRIESTHOOD, AND HOLY KINGDOM is comprised of all of God's redeemed, faithful, trusting, commandment keeping people."

----

And none of this changes anything with the three orders of the Priesthood! You refuse to see this I guess, but, the authority of these Priesthoods is still real and valid to this day!

The Royal Priesthood is what God offers to ALL [male and female] His true believers. Pastors can be part of that priesthood, but the Levitical priesthood is over but you refuse to see that I guess. The Levitical priesthood was only one small part of Israel and only a small part of all the males. What does the royal priesthood do today? They offer spiritual sacrifice. Read all of 1 Peter 2.

dedication wrote;

"The only true extension of the Levitical priesthood (as well as Melchisedec's priesthood) is in Christ who is our HIGH PRIEST in the heavenly sanctuary. He is the fulfillment of all those priestly types. The Levitical priesthood ended at the cross." (bold emphasis mine)

And, as always, you haven't offered any support for the end of the Levitical Priesthood! 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 declares your idea to be Biblically wrong.

It is very important to understand that all three of these all male Priesthoods are still valid to this day. The High Priest orders of Melchizedek and Aaron are fulfilled by Christ at this time in the Heavenly Sanctuary, while the priestly order is to be fulfilled by the preachers of the Gospel on the earth.

A Priesthood Before Aaron. -"Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils." The giving of tithes is an act of homage. To take tithes of people is to claim authority over them. Thus, when Samuel was telling Israel what would be their lot if they persisted in having a king, he said, among other things, "He will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants." 1 Samuel 8: 15. The tithe of the land belongs to the Lord, that with it He may sustain His servants, who are precluded from tilling the land for their own living. The whole nation of Israel, including the king; and the priests, sprung from Abraham, and looked up to him as their head; yet even he recognised Melchisedek as his superior, and signified it by paying tithes to him. Consequently the Levitical priesthood stands related to the Melchisedek priesthood only as the shadow to the sun; and, as in the figure, the sun is both before and after the shadow. The shadow passes; the sun abides. If the Jews had only known the Scriptures, which were read in their synagogues every Sabbath day, they would have known that their priests were not real priests, and thereby that the temple was not the real sanctuary of the Lord. {July 30, 1903 EJW, PTUK 485.2}

You just mean you haven't been reading what I posted -- or you refuse to accept what I posted.
as I gave considerable support for the ending of the Levitical priesthood.

First off 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 does not support your conclusion that the Levitical priesthood continues.

It points to the fact that those who served in the OT temple services were paid by the tithes and offerings of the people.
LIKEWISE (in the same way) those who preach the gospel should be paid by the gospel.

That's all that text says --
They which preach the gospel (not a new order of male priests, NO, NO ) simply "they which preach the gospel" should live by the gospel.

EGW explains the same concept:

The tithe should go to those who labor in word and doctrine, be they men or women.--Manuscript 149, 1899. {Ev 492.2}

SECOND
There is only ONE PRIEST in the New Testament -- that is Jesus Christ, our high Priest in the heavenly sanctuary.

The Royal Priesthood, Holy Nation is NOT an office, or ecclesiastical position.

I already quoted quite a few passages but here is another one explaining the "Royal Priesthood":



The ROYAL PRIESTHOOD OF BELIEVERS is NOT an ecclesiastical priesthood, it is NOT an office or a position held in a church hierarchy.

The ROYAL PRIESTHOOD is composed of those who are in Christ Jesus, sons and daughters of God, His ambassadors in the world, citizens of His kingdom.
The ROYAL PREISTHOOD has nothing to do with being "ordained" into some office.
The ROYAL PRIESTHOOD is being baptized by water, by the blood and by the Holy Spirit.


I have no idea who first brought this strange idea into Adventism that the "royal priesthood of believers" referred to pastors or any ecclesiastical order and limited itself to males.

That makes about as much sense as saying the "virgins" in Revelation 14 are all women.





The earthly Levitical priesthood ended at the cross.
Hebrews tells us so.
Galatians tells us so.
EGW tells us so.

And yes, I did give those references.

Of course the Catholic church resurrected the Levitical priesthood -- an ecclesiastical priesthood is a Roman Catholic invention. It has no business being pushed in Adventist circles.

dedication wrote;

"First off 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 does not support your conclusion that the Levitical priesthood continues. "

How often are you going to use history to override Scripture?!? I do not consider that proof of anything true.

The Bible clearly states that what the Priests of the Temple received was now to be given to the preachers of the Gospel! Is this a continuation? Or a new phase of the Priesthood? I believe it is both.

So please, spare me the long posts about nothing. History is great when properly applied, but, too often it is misapplied. And this would be such a case.

Yet, the Priesthood as it is practiced in the Orthodox Churches is horrible. What we see in the Roman Catholic and other Orthodox Priestly orders is nothing like what the Bible teaches.

But, this doesn't have anything to do with 1 Corinthians 9:13-14. What Paul is here proposing is Biblical.

JN Andrews:

That the sanctuary, priesthood, and offerings, with the accompanying blessings, would have been realized in the Mosaic dispensation, had the twelve tribes of Israel accepted the proffered boon, we will now show.
1. It was to be fulfilled while circumcision was in force. Ezekiel 44:9. But that was abolished at the first advent. Galatians 5:2; Galatians 6:12; Colossians 2:11-13.
2. It was while divorce was allowed. Ezekiel 44:22. But that is now done away. Matthew 5:31-32; Matthew 19:8-9.
3. The distinction between meats, clean and unclean, is recognized. Ezekiel 44:23; Ezekiel 44:31. But no such distinction is now recognized by the Bible. Romans 14.
4. Sacrifice, offerings, burnt offerings, and sin-offerings, of bulls and goats, were then in force. Ezekiel 46. But they are not now acceptable to God. Hebrews 10.
5. The feasts and the Jubilee were than in force. Ezekiel 45:21-25; Ezekiel 46:9; Ezekiel 46:11; Ezekiel 46:17. But they were nailed to the cross. Colossians 2.
6. The Levitical priesthood was then in force. Ezekiel 40:46; Ezekiel 44:15. But the priesthood of Melchisedec, which passeth not to another, has taken its place. Hebrews 5; Hebrews 6; Hebrews 7; Hebrews 8; Hebrews 9.
7. "The middle wall of partition" then existed, as all these ordinances prove, as well as the acknowledged distinction between "the seed of the house of Israel" and the stranger. Ezekiel 44:22; Ezekiel 47:22. But it is now broken down. Ephesians 2. But we leave the sanctuary offered to the twelve tribes, that we may follow the history of Judah and Benjamin. {1872 JNA, S23D 65.2}

SN Haskell

The Levitical order extended from the time Israel came out of Egypt until the cross; since that time we have the priesthood of Christ, of which all earthly priests were a type. Christ being a priest after the order of Melchizedek, we are now living under the Melchizedek order of the priesthood. There are many particulars given in regard to the Levitical order; and as all the Levitical priests served "unto the example and shadow of heavenly things," when we study the Levitical priesthood we are really studying the priestly work of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. {1914 SNH, CIS 79.2}

...

Only the descendants of Aaron were allowed to serve as priests. Numbers 3:10 In the type the priest who could not prove his genealogy direct from Aaron, the first high priest, was cast out of the priesthood; Ezra 2:26 so in the antitype, the Christian [male and female] who cannot prove his direct connection with Christ, the heavenly High Priest, will never become one of the "royal priesthood." 1 Peter 2:9; Revelation 20:15 {1914 SNH, CIS 80.2}

James White

It is, therefore, an established fact that the worldly sanctuary of the first covenant, and the heavenly sanctuary of the new covenant, are both embraced in the vision of the 2300 days. Seventy weeks are cut off upon the earthly sanctuary; and at their termination, the true tabernacle, with its anointing, its sacrifice, and its Minister, is introduced. And it is interesting to notice that the transfer from the tabernacle made with hands, to the true tabernacle itself, which the Lord pitched, and not man, is placed by Gabriel at the very point where the Bible testifies that the shadow of good things to come ceased, being nailed to the cross, Colossians 2:14; Colossians 2:17; where the offering of bulls and goats gave place to the great Sacrifice, Hebrews 9:11-14; Hebrews 10:1-10; Psalms 40:6-8 : Daniel 9:27; where the Levitical priesthood was superseded by that of the order of Melchisedec, Hebrews 5; Hebrews 6; Hebrews 7; Psalms 110; where the example and shadow of heavenly things was terminated by the more excellent ministry which it shadowed forth, Hebrews 8:1-6; and where the holy places which were the figures of the true, were succeeded by the true holy places in Heaven. Hebrews 9:23-24. We have seen that Gabriel did not explain the 2300 days and the sanctuary in Daniel 8. We now see that in Daniel 9 he explained both. {ND JW, BIAD 157.1}

But when Christ reigns they "neither marry nor are given in marriage, neither can they die any more for they are equal unto the angels." The first covenant with its offerings, Levitical priesthood and divorces was done away by Christ, at the cross. Luke 20:35; Colossians 2:14; Matthew 5:31-32. {September 4, 1856 UrSe, ARSH 142.18}

Walter Read

The Levitical priesthood was temporary; men could not "continue by reason of death" (Hebrews 7:23); the Melchizedek priesthood is an order that has "the power of an endless life"(Hebrews 7:16); Melchizedek was "made like unto the Son of God," and "abides a priest continually" (Hebrews 7:3). The Greek word rendered "continually" is rendered "for ever" in Hebrews 10:12; Hebrews 10:14. Today we live not under the Levitical priesthood; that is gone; it was part of what was abolished at the cross of Calvary. We live, thank God, under the Melchizedek priesthood, with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ as the great high priest. Christ the Lord as our Melchizedek in the sanctuary in heaven "continues ever" (Hebrews 7:24) ; of Him "it is witnessed that he lives" (Hebrews 7:8), and lives forevermore. {1952 WER, BSPC 190.3}

Score - Dedication 10. Alchemy 0.

History????? What history did I give to override anything in that text??????

This was my answer:

1 Cor. 9:16 points to the fact that those who served in the OT temple services were paid by the tithes and offerings of the people.
LIKEWISE (in the same way) those who preach the gospel should be paid by the gospel.

That's all that text says --
They which preach the gospel (not a new order of male priests, NO, NO ) simply "they which preach the gospel" should live by the gospel.

EGW explains the same concept:

The tithe should go to those who labor in word and doctrine, be they men or women.--Manuscript 149, 1899. {Ev 492.2}


Ah-- somewhat true but not quite.

It does not say that which the Priests received was now to be given to the preachers of the gospel --
It was NOT a material transfer policy.
It was only a principle applied.


It actually doesn't even mention tithes, (though tithes were part of it)
"Don’t you realize that those who work in the temple get their meals from the offerings brought to the temple? And those who serve at the altar get a share of the sacrificial offerings.
In the same way, the Lord ordered that those who preach the Gospel should be supported by those who benefit from it."

So we see it was a principle applied, not necessarily a direct transfer.

Priests got to eat part of the sacrifices and the shew bread.
That was part of being a priest.

Gospel preachers on the other hand didn't eat "sacrifices" they were to be invited into homes and be supported in other ways.
Of course the tithe issue does apply as well.

But 1 Cor. 9 was not limited to men, or "ordained" elders --

So no -- this text does not support the idea of an exclusive priesthood of men operating in the NT church, as it simply refers to anyone who gives their time to sharing the gospel with others should not be left with no support.

EGW explains the same concept and definitely includes women:

QUOTE:
"The tithe should go to those who labor in word and doctrine, be they men or women.--Manuscript 149, 1899. {Ev 492.2}

"I know that the faithful women should be paid wages as it is considered proportionate to the pay received by ministers. They carry the burden of souls and should not be treated unjustly. 12MR 160 (1898)

So - NO THIS text does NOT support A CONTINUATION in a new phase of the Levitical priesthood.
It is simply applying a principle.







First of all -- it appears you are referring to a different thread which dealt with the Eucharist.
And that history definitely APPLIED and is very important to understand in light of the ecumenical plan and purpose for the unification of churches.

On this thread I have given quite a number of posts filled with EGW quotes and Bible texts.
That's what I was referring to when I spoke of "not having read" my posts when you suggested I've given no proof.

Secondly, I am truly sorry you don't want to hear what our pioneers have had to say about the extending of the levitical priesthood into the Christian era and what an Ecclesiastical priesthood really means.

And basically anyone who wants to equate pastors as priest are advocating an Ecclesiastical priesthood (a Christianized Levitical priesthood)

Adventist Pastors in the past have refused to be called "priest" for a very good reason.





What you see in the Roman Catholic priestly orders was built on the a "Christianization" of the levitical priesthood.
They claim Biblical teaching for what they do. If you would stop long enough to see the connections, you would realize much of what they do is adapted from the levitical priesthood.
You see -- the ancient priests work was largely about absolving people from their sins. Thus the Catholic priesthood takes those prerogatives upon itself as well.

It's true it is perverted, it is wrong, it usurps Christ's Priesthood and uses the gift of salvation as a tool to control the people, and it includes pagan priest ideas, but it is also very "grand" and "impressive" inspiring awe in the worshippers. It functions as a priesthood -- usurping Christ's priesthood, but it cannot save anyone from sin, because Christ is the ONLY TRUE PRIEST.

The Catholic priesthood came about in small steps. The first step was to start thinking of the pastors as priest.


There is a reason why no true Protestant pastors will allow themselves to be called "priest".



The New Testament scriptures do NOT present an ecclesiastical priesthood. There is nothing in the NT authorizing elders or leaders in the church to function as priests. They are to be ministers -- a word meaning to serve others, and to PREACH the gospel, being missionaries, witnessing, leading people to the ONE TRUE priest, who is Jesus. It was a whole different thing.

dedication wrote;

"History????? What history did I give to override anything in that text??????

This was my answer:

1 Cor. 9:16 points to the fact that those who served in the OT temple services were paid by the tithes and offerings of the people.
LIKEWISE (in the same way) those who preach the gospel should be paid by the gospel.

That's all that text says --
They which preach the gospel (not a new order of male priests, NO, NO ) simply "they which preach the gospel" should live by the gospel.

EGW explains the same concept:

The tithe should go to those who labor in word and doctrine, be they men or women.--Manuscript 149, 1899. {Ev 492.2} "

-----

You have mentioned history many times throughout these posts of yours. Including your rant on AT Jones and his history. So, your not at all innocent of the charge I made. You rely much more on history than Scripture.

As far as Ellen White's statement is concerned, I agree that women should get paid the same as men. And there isn't any reason why a woman can't get paid from the tithe if she is a "preacher of the gospel"! That doesn't in any way effect the Priesthood!

I'm just going to have to stop responding to you as well, dedication. Your confusing rants aren't worthy of all this time after a while.

Bring your Biblical support that the Priesthood doesn't exist anymore? That is what is required.

Of course I've shared history.
"Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it. ... Those who do not know history's mistakes are doomed to repeat them."

I've also shared quite a lot of scripture and EGW quotes.
The history does NOT over ride scripture.
You have not given any scripture that says pastors are now a special class of NT priests -- a continuation of the Levitical priesthood.

All God's genuine followers are members of the "royal priesthood, a holy nation" seeking to bring glory and praise to God's name. The "royal priesthood" is not restricted by race, gender, or to members of the clergy, it's only restriction is that members be connected and abiding in Christ; they are God's genuine, redeemed and faithful people.

I'm sorry you think posting a study by A.T.Jones on the Eucharist thread concerning the development of the ecclesiastical priesthood" in the Christian church, is a "rant".
It is actually a very serious study.



However, back to the immediate discussion.

You quoted 1 Cor. 9:16 as your "proof text" to support your belief that the levitical priesthood continues in NT pastors, even though the text says nothing on that matter.
But then other people have tried to use that same argument -- so can't blame you for bringing it up.


The reasoning goes -- (faulty reasoning by the way)
The Levitical priesthood was supported by offerings and sacrifices brought to the temple by the people.
Paul says preachers of the gospel should be supported by gifts brought by the people who appreciate the gospel message.
Therefore, they WRONGLY conclude that preachers of the gospel must be priests.

But lets take that exact same reasoning further --

EGW says ministers are to be supported by the tithe (which is one of the gifts the people bring to God's house).
Therefore they WRONGLY conclude ministers are priests.

EGW says women who labor for the Word and Gospel should be supported by the tithe.
By that exact same reasoning then women are priests.

I already know at this point that those who thought the reasoning was RIGHT earlier will throw all kinds of rude remarks telling us how wrong the reasoning is.

And yes, the reasoning is wrong -- it was wrong from the very first step.

The text does NOT show a continuation of the PRIESTHOOD, it only applies the principle of supporting workers.

You are right that there isn't any reason why a woman (or a man) shouldn't get paid from tithe if they are a preacher of the gospel -- that does not make either the men or the women priests.

The Levitical priesthood ended at the cross.
ANY ecclesiastical priesthood in the NT is usurping Christ's ministry.

Alchemy,

Mrs. White and the Bible BOTH show Dedication to be biblically incorrect on this point. Consider the following from the 1911 edition of the book "Great Controversy" by Mrs. White where she uses a passage from the book of Joel chapter 2, a passage often used by WO supporters to indicate that women can minister, but a passage that shows incontrovertibly that it was the priests who were ministers. Consider that Mrs. White applies the passage clearly to our day.

There are several parts of this passage that apply to the discussion. In the interest of letting each reader see these things for himself or herself, I will not add any text formatting this time, and would encourage a careful, prayerful, reading of the entire portion. It's not really so long, and it applies clearly to the solemn times we live in now.



Blessings,

Green Cochoa.

Blessings Green,

This conversation is split up in a few threads now, but, your post was a great blessing. The clarity of what Sister White says in calling for the "priests, the ministers of the Lord" is a very powerful statement.

I have copied this from a thread I started in "SDA Church Issues";

I will start with a Bible verse I have mentioned more than once;

1 Corinthians 9:13-14; Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

I believe, the Apostle Paul declares that God has ordained a sacred connection between the Levitical Priesthood and the preachers of the Gospel today. I would say our Pastors of today. Even though many people can and do preach the gospel, this is especially expected and practiced among Pastors of God's Remnant Church.

Ellen White also makes a few statements relevant to this topic;

The time of Daniel’s work, as a chosen vessel of honor for God, was six hundred years before Christ. In this book we find many miracles, and marked, positive evidences that the Lord God of heaven ruled. The Jewish nation were in captivity, scattered as the Lord declared they would be if they did not as His peculiar people honor and glorify God. They departed from God; they did not fear and honor His holy name, and the temple in which they gloried was destroyed. Their sacred rites, their sacrifices and ceremonies, ceased. The sacred order of the Levitical priesthood was no longer maintained. Their form of religious service, which the Lord had given them as a blessing whereby they might have a pure and understanding faith, and, through the sacrificial offerings, see Christ as the one who would take away the sin of the world, became a ceremonious transaction. The outward ceremonies took the place of the inward work of the heart. The splendid dress of the priests covered hearts that were not renewed by the spirit of the Lord. The outward signs of their religious service were broken up, and the word of the Lord was fulfilled.—Manuscript 122, 1897, 1. (“Daniel,” March 10, 1897.) {7MR 333.3}

Paul asks, “Is Christ divided?” Have we not one spiritual Head? Christ has been the uniting stone, the chief corner-stone, in all ages. The patriarchs, the Levitical priesthood, and Christians of today, all have their center in him. He is all and in all. “The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” {RH January 3, 1899, par. 17}

Shepherds who fail at home will fail at church—He who is engaged in the work of the gospel ministry must be faithful in his family life. It is as essential that as a father he should improve the talents God has given him for the purpose of making the home a symbol of the heavenly family, as that in the work of the ministry, he should make use of his God-given powers to win souls for the church. As the priest in the home, and as the ambassador of Christ in the church, he should exemplify in his life the character of Christ. He must be faithful in watching for souls as one that must give an account. In his service there must be seen no carelessness and inattentive work. God will not serve with the sins of men who have not a clear sense of the sacred responsibility involved in accepting a position as pastor of a church. He who fails to be a faithful, discerning shepherd in the home, will surely fail of being a faithful shepherd of the flock of God in the church.—Manuscript Releases 6:49. {PaM 88.3}


Sister White clearly treats the Levitical Priesthood as sacred and even applies it the today leaders in the church.

I understand there are differences in practices between the Levitical Priesthood and the Pastors of today as I have mentioned before, but, there is still that sacredness that connects these two practices together.