The Role of the Spiritual Priesthood: Ceremonial versus Actual
The Role of the Spiritual Priesthood: Ceremonial versus Actual
By Bruce Atkinson PhD
Special to Virtueonline
www.virtueonline.org
April 6, 2011
"You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ ... But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:5-9)
Discussion point: Because we have only one High Priest (of the permanent order of Melchizedek - see Hebrews 7) and that is Jesus Christ, none of us (neither male nor female) are qualified to the priesthood; on the other hand, all believers, being "in Christ," are automatically incorporated into Christ's priesthood (see 1 Peter 2:5-9 above). Of course, the 'priesthood of all believers' does not mean that each of our roles and functions are the same. We have different gifts, callings, and offices- and gender (among other things) plays a part in determining each person's appropriate role in the Kingdom and in the local church. There are sufficient reasons from scripture for not ordaining women. However, the ceremonial-symbolic priesthood argument for men only in positions of leadership was never made by Paul or any of the writers in the New Testament. I attempt here to explain why.
Read the full story at www.VirtueOnline.org
By Bruce Atkinson PhD
Special to Virtueonline
www.virtueonline.org
April 6, 2011
"You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ ... But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:5-9)
Discussion point: Because we have only one High Priest (of the permanent order of Melchizedek - see Hebrews 7) and that is Jesus Christ, none of us (neither male nor female) are qualified to the priesthood; on the other hand, all believers, being "in Christ," are automatically incorporated into Christ's priesthood (see 1 Peter 2:5-9 above). Of course, the 'priesthood of all believers' does not mean that each of our roles and functions are the same. We have different gifts, callings, and offices- and gender (among other things) plays a part in determining each person's appropriate role in the Kingdom and in the local church. There are sufficient reasons from scripture for not ordaining women. However, the ceremonial-symbolic priesthood argument for men only in positions of leadership was never made by Paul or any of the writers in the New Testament. I attempt here to explain why.
Read the full story at www.VirtueOnline.org
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