Priest
A priest is one appointed to represent people before God, especially by offering sacrifices and leading in matters of worship. In Scripture, the priesthood reaches its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, our great High Priest.
At a Glance
A priest is one appointed to represent people before God, especially by offering sacrifices and leading in matters of worship. In Scripture, the priesthood reaches its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, our great High Priest.
Description
A priest in the Bible is a mediator appointed to serve in matters relating to God on behalf of others. Under the old covenant, priests—especially the Aaronic priests and the high priest—offered sacrifices, maintained ceremonial worship, and helped instruct Israel in holy living. This priestly ministry was real and necessary, but it was also temporary and preparatory, pointing beyond itself to a greater fulfillment. The New Testament presents Jesus Christ as the perfect and final High Priest, who offered Himself once for all for sin and now intercedes for believers before the Father. Because of His completed work, the old sacrificial system is fulfilled in Him, and believers are now described in a derivative sense as a royal priesthood who offer spiritual sacrifices of worship, praise, and service to God.