The Role of the Priest in Scripture and the Church Today

The concept of the priest occupies a central place in biblical theology. To fully comprehend the role of the priest within the contemporary church, it is essential to consider the overarching narrative of Scripture. A priest is defined as one who stands before God on behalf of others, offering sacrifices and intercessory prayers. Humanity’s inherent sinfulness renders us incapable of approaching God independently; thus, the priest serves as a mediator, offering sacrifices for sin and representing the people before God (Hebrews 5:1).

In the Old Testament, God appointed numerous priests to serve within the tabernacle and, subsequently, the temple. These priests performed various sacrificial rites—some to atone for sin (Leviticus 4), and others as expressions of gratitude and worship (Leviticus 7:11–15). However, these offerings were not permanent solutions; they had to be continually repeated, and the priests themselves were subject to sin.

The New Testament marks a profound transformation in the priesthood. Jesus Christ is revealed as the ultimate High Priest. Unlike the priests of old, He did not offer animal sacrifices; rather, He offered Himself. As Scripture declares, “He has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself” (Hebrews 9:26). Following His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus rose from the dead and now sits at the right hand of the Father, continually interceding on our behalf (Romans 8:34).

Consequently, the former priesthood has been rendered obsolete (Hebrews 7:18–19). Whereas previous priests died and were succeeded by others, Jesus lives eternally and holds His priesthood permanently (Hebrews 7:23–24). His redemptive work is complete—“It is finished” (John 19:30)—and no further sacrifices for sin are required.

In the present-day church, the role of priest as understood in the Old Testament no longer exists. Instead, spiritual leadership is entrusted to ministers referred to as elders, pastors, or overseers (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1–2). Their responsibilities do not include sacrificial offerings, but rather the teaching, guidance, and pastoral care of God’s people.

Moreover, all believers in Jesus Christ are designated as a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9). Through Christ, every believer has direct access to God—not to offer sacrifices for sin, but to present praises, prayers, and expressions of thanksgiving (Hebrews 13:15).