The Christian Priesthood

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Jun 19, 1907

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 33, No. 25.

The Christian Priesthood

The Priesthood of the Christian dispensation consists of no hierarchal class of men on earth to mediate between the soul and God. Our great High Priest is the Lord Jesus Christ. The Scriptures inform us that as assistant ministers on high He has twenty-four elders. Rev. 5:8. In the sanctuary above Christ Jesus offers in behalf of humanity His own precious blood (Heb. 1:12-14, 24-26); He pleads the virtue of His perfect sacrifice, made once for all. Heb. 7:27. The "elders" are said to offer incense. He has an earthly priesthood; but that priesthood consists not of a hierarchy in the church, but of all God's children. John declares, as one of the redeemed ones, that Jesus Christ "hath made us kings and priests unto God, and His Father." Rev. 1:6. The apostle Peter, speaking to the church at large, declares: "Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." 1 Peter 2:9. All who are Christ's are priests. What do they offer?—"The sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name." Heb. 13:15. "Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." Rom. 12:1. This is the only earthly priesthood and sacrifice acceptable to God. All others are either perverted systems or counterfeits.