The Establishment of a Priesthood
The book of Leviticus gives us detailed information on the establishing of the Levitical priesthood. The priests were to be prepared for service; Leviticus eight details this specifically. We can learn a few lessons as we compare our lives to the priests of the Old Testament. We endeavor to see that just as they were prepared for their service ahead, in a sense we go through a preparation process as we consider becoming Christians.
First, Aaron and his sons were to be washed (Leviticus 8:6) at the brazen laver (Exodus 38:8). Scholars have debated this as to whether they merely washed their hands and feet or the entire body. The entire washing, or even immersion, of the individual would best suit the concept of types and shadows. The Old Testament often would shadow things to come in the New Testament, and the New Testament clearly teaches that one was to be baptized by immersion.
Second, Aaron dressed in priestly garments (Leviticus 8:7-9). These garments, in part, included a robe, a breastplate and a mitre (similar to a modern turban). The text points out that Moses dressed Aaron in this priestly attire “As the Lord commanded.”
Third, the priests, tabernacle and the furniture therein were anointed with oil (Leviticus 8:10-12). Thus the reader will allow this abbreviated study of the preparation process to serve as proof that the establishment of the Levitical priesthood came with preparation.
Next, let us study the idea that when we study to become Christians we go through a preparation in a similar way. But first, Revelation 1:6; 5:10; and 20:6 indicates that we as New Testament Christians are indeed priests today; of course, serving the Father under the guidance of Christ our High Priest (Hebrews 7, 8, and 9). So it figures then in the realm of types and shadows that if the priests of old were to be prepared before they began to serve, likewise, we too have a preparation of sorts.
Let us study the preparation of an individual to become a Christian. First, the individual begins preparation to become a Christian by hearing the gospel. The individual that is hearing the gospel is still in the preparation phase. Second, the individual must eventually believe that Christ is the Son of God. Third, the preparation to become a Christian continues as the individual determines to repent of their sins (Luke 13:3). Repentance has been aptly described as a turning from sin. Fourth, the person confesses the faith they have in Christ (Matthew 10:32). Finally, the person preparing to become a Christian is baptized into Christ (John 3:5; Mark 16:16; Galatians 3:27).
Let us now make some quick concluding applications from our study. Those that teach others how to become a Christian should realize people that are studying the Gospel are not yet Christians, and if they are thoroughly taught, they will more likely continue to be faithful to Christ our High Priest once they have obeyed the Gospel. Further, individuals that study and learn the truths of the Gospel in a thorough way will have a better chance of enjoying a full and satisfied life as a Christian. Thus, we are suggesting that an individual that has thoroughly prepared to become a Christian is more likely to remain faithful living a long and satisfied life of service to Christ our King.
Understand their are occasions in the Bible when individuals only heard one Gospel lesson and then that day became a Christian; such as the man from Ethiopia riding in his chariot that was taught by Philip (Acts 8:26 ff). But we could also readily counter that this man was reading his Bible when Philip arrived; thus, it would seem that he had at least a minimal knowledge of Christ and some Gospel truths. Let us live our lives as Christians realizing we serve Jehovah as Priests under Christ our High Priest.
By: Keith McNeely