The Primary Function of a Modern-Day Priest
In our man-made church, the priest is primarily the one who administers the church's seven sacraments: baptism, confirmation, confession, holy communion, marriage, holy orders, and anointing of the sick. He also visits the sick, oversees religious education programs, and generally provides pastoral care to his parishioners. None of this is in the Scriptures. To understand the true calling of a priest, we must return to the Word of God and see what the priesthood was meant to be from the beginning. The OT priest had three core functions: Offer animal sacrifice for atonement. (2 Chron. 7:12; Exo. 23:42) The priest brought the sacrifice before the Lord so that sin could be covered and the people could draw near to God (Leviticus 1:4). Offer incense and intercede for the nations. (Exo. 30:6,7; Psalm 141:2) Aaron was to burn fragrant incense on the altar every morning and evening, a continual offering before the Lord. Keep, seek and share the knowledge of God. (Mal. 2:7) ...