Priests – Then & Now

Prior To Giving of Law on Sinai Abel – Genesis 4:4 Noah – Genesis 8:20 Abraham – Genesis 12:7; 13:18 Isaac – Genesis 26:25 Jacob – Genesis 31:54

Melchizedek Genesis 14:18-20 – King of Salem & Priest of Most High God. Abraham Paid Tithes Unto Him – Genesis 14:20 Messiah after his Order – Psalm 110:1-4 New Testament record of Abraham & Melchizedek – Hebrews 7:1-17

God Specified a Priesthood Exodus 12:40 – out of Egypt Exodus 14:13-31 – Cross Red Sea Exodus 19:1,2 – up to the foot of Mount Sinai Numbers 1:47-50 – Tribe Chosen to Service in God House was Levi Family of Aaron – Numbers 3:1-3; 2 Chronicles 23:6

Qualifications of Aaronic Order Bathing in laver at door of Tabernacle Priestly Garments Anointed with Oil Offering Consecrating Sacrifices Not infected with disease or leprosy No cuts in the flesh Not touch dead bodies Free from physical Defilements Not Blind or Blemished

Duties Laid Down for Priests Four Types of Sacrifices: 1. Sin Offerings for Atonement 2. Burnt Offerings for Consecration 3. Peace Offerings for Harmony 4. Meal Offerings for Special Festival Occasions

Punishment for Failure Eli’s Sons put to death for impurity God Withdrew Himself from Priests for Turning People to Idols Micah prophesied Destruction of Israel by Chaldeans 2 Chronicles 36:14-21

Priesthood of New Testament New High Priest: Eternal After Order of Melchizedek – Psalm 110:1-4 Divine Right, Special Appointment- Hebrews 5:4-6; Hebrews 7:1-3 Superior to Aaron’s- Hebrews 7:3; 8:6

The Royal Priesthood 1 Peter 2:9,10 – to Christians Qualifications of Christ’s Order of Priests- Keep from defilement – James 1:27; Matthew Chapter 15; Romans 12:1,2

Obligations of Christ’s Order Sacrifices: Fruit of our Lips – Hebrews 13;15 Our Substance in Doing Good to Others – 1 Timothy 6:17-19 Ourselves – Romans 12:1 Work to Keep Peace – Ephesians 4:3; Romans 14:19 Teach Law- Ephesians 4:14; 1 Corinthians 3:1,2 Teach Way of Lord- Mark 16:15,16; Matthew 28:19,20; 2 Timothy 4:2

Punishment for Priests Who Fail to Fulfill Duties 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10 – everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord 2 Peter 2:20,21 - latter end is worse than the beginning Revelation 20:12 – not found in books, cast into lake of fire