Priesthood

In the Bible, the concept of priesthood holds significant theological and practical implications. The term "priest" (Hebrew: *kohen*) primarily refers to a mediator between God and the people, responsible for performing sacred duties, offering sacrifices, and maintaining the holiness of the temple and its worship practices. The Levitical priesthood, established in the Old Testament, particularly in the Book of Leviticus (e.g., Leviticus 8-10), outlines the roles and responsibilities of the priests from the tribe of Levi, emphasizing rituals of atonement and the importance of purity in service to God.In the New Testament, the understanding of priesthood evolves with the advent of Jesus Christ, who is referred to as the "great high priest" (Hebrews 4:14). His sacrificial death and resurrection are seen as fulfilling and surpassing the Levitical system, establishing a new covenant (Hebrews 9:11-14). Furthermore, the New Testament introduces the concept of the "priesthood of all believers" (1 Peter 2:9), where every Christian is called to serve God and represent Him to the world, reflecting a democratization of access to God that was previously restricted to the Levitical priests. This shift underscores the transformative nature of Christ's work and the inclusive call to holiness for all believers.

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