The Divine Priesthood: Role, Revelation, and Reign in the New Earth

A priest, according to divine revelation, is one who stands in a position of high honor and leadership, serving God and mediating for others, while also being an expositor of sacred truths and prophecies 📖. In the New Earth, believers are destined to be priests of God and of Christ, signifying a glorious state of perfected service, intimate communion, and co-reign with the Divine ✨.

Let's explore this sacred role further:

Understanding the Role of a Priest

The role of a priest, as presented in both the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy, is multifaceted and deeply significant in God's plan for humanity.

• As an Expositor of Truth and Prophecy: Priests, like the scribes and Pharisees in ancient Israel, were expected to be learned in the law and acquainted with the declarations of the prophets, thus being expositors of the prophecies and the divine will5BC 1094.2+4. God revealed His will through messages to chosen servants, dreams, signs, and wondersST July 13, 1882, par. 1. Prophets, who often held a priestly or leadership function, diligently inquired and searched concerning the things revealed to them, understanding that these revelations were for the benefit of future generations2SAT 176.1+1. Miriam, for instance, was endowed with the prophetic gift and had a position of leadership alongside Moses and Aaron Numbers 12:2+1GP 26.3.

• As a Minister and Leader: Individuals like Joshua, the high priest, ministered before the Angel of the Lord, representing the condition of God's ministers and the lay members of the church, who need to be revived, reformed, and sanctified Zechariah 3:1-4Pr 300.2+1. Moses and Aaron also held positions of honor and leadership, instrumental in leading the Israelites out of Egypt and making them a new nation Micah 6:4GP 26.3. Ministers are called to have a keen interest in filling God's table, going into the "highways and hedges" to bring souls to ChristSpTA11 17.2. They are also instructed to lead people to understand the importance of God's commandments, including the Sabbath5BC 1094.2. The ideal minister faithfully waters the seed sown with prayers and manifests a consecrated energy of characterLUH November 3, 1909, par. 11.

• As One Who Intercedes and Offers Sacrifice: Christ Jesus Himself is represented as continually standing at the altar, momentarily offering up the sacrifice for the sins of the world as a minister of the true tabernacle Hebrews 8:1-2+16BC 1077.12. He presents His shed blood as a lamb slain, offering oblations for every offense and shortcoming of the sinner Revelation 8:3-46BC 1077.12. The typical shadows of the Jewish tabernacle no longer hold virtue, yet the atoning sacrifice through a mediator remains essential due to constant sin Hebrews 7:24-286BC 1077.12.

• The Contrast of Corrupt Priesthood: Sadly, many priests and rulers throughout history departed from God, bringing in their own traditions and enforcing them as God's commandments5BC 1116.6+1. They often sought self-exaltation and were filled with avarice and selfishness, even planning the murder of the Son of GodBEcho October 1, 1894, par. 9+1. They rejected Christ because He did not align with their expectations of a king attended by riches and honor2SP 113.3+1.

Our Priesthood in the New Earth

For us, to be priests in the New Earth is a profound and glorious promise, directly tied to the ultimate triumph of Christ and the restitution of all things ✨.

• A Blessed and Holy Status: The divine promise is clear: "Blessed and holy is he that has part in the first resurrection: on such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years" Revelation 20:6. This indicates a state of complete holiness and freedom from the power of sin and death.

• Direct Access and Service: When Eden is restored, the redeemed will walk and talk directly with God, with Christ, and with the holy angels1SP 11.3. This direct access and communion embody the highest form of priesthood, where there is no longer a need for a mediator in the same way, as we will be in perfect union with God. Our service will be unblemished, fully dedicated to God's will.

• Reigning with Christ: The text in Revelation also states that we "shall reign with him a thousand years" Revelation 20:6. This co-reign with Christ signifies a shared authority and participation in His kingdom, extending the concept of priestly service to one of governance and eternal stewardship under the Divine King.

• Christ's Chief Glory: For all eternity, the ransomed host—those who will serve as priests—will be Christ's chief gloryHvn 73.2. This emphasizes the immense value God places on humanity and the ultimate fulfillment of His plan of redemption, elevating redeemed sinners to a position of profound honor and intimacy with the Creator.

This future role as priests in the New Earth is a testament to God's boundless love and His desire to restore humanity to perfect communion and noble service in His presence 🙏.