The Priesthood from Levi to Christ
The priesthood in the Bible undergoes a remarkable progression, from the Levitical system of the Old Testament to the eternal priesthood of Christ, established after the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7). Under the old covenant, the priests of the tribe of Levi continually offered sacrifices for the sins of the people, but these repeated offerings could not take away sin once and for all. The epistle to the Hebrews shows that Jesus is the one perfect high priest, "holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners" (Hebrews 7:26), who "is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them" (Hebrews 7:25). Unlike the mortal Levitical priests, His priesthood does not pass away: it abides forever, and His sacrifice offered once for all fully suffices. From this finished work flows a glorious truth for all believers: through Christ, they are now constituted a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9). The apostle Peter writes, "Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light." Every believer is therefore a priest: he no longer needs a human mediator to draw near to God, for he has direct access through the blood of Christ. This dignity is also a responsibility. As priests, the redeemed are called to offer spiritual sacrifices, presenting their whole life as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1), to intercede for others (1 Timothy 2:1), and to proclaim the gospel, mediating the presence of God to the world around them.
Key verse snapshot
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:”
Bible Verses about The Priesthood from Levi to Christ
6 Scripture passages on this theme
1 Peter 2:9
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:”
Nehemiah 13:29
“Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood, and the covenant of the priesthood, and of the Levites.”
1 Peter 2:5
“Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.”
Exodus 40:15
“And thou shalt anoint them, as thou didst anoint their father, that they may minister unto me in the priest’s office: for their anointing shall surely be an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations.”
Ezra 2:62
“These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood.”
Hebrews 7:5
“And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:”
Frequently Asked Questions
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Apply These Verses to Your Life
Scripture comes alive when we meditate on it and apply it daily. Read these verses in full context, pray for understanding, and ask God how they speak to your situation with the priesthood from levi to christ.
- Author:
- The Lord Will Editorial Team
- Reviewed by:
- Ugo Candido
- Last updated:
- Category:
- Scripture Guidance