The Priesthood
Objection: “We are all priests. There is no distinct ordained
priesthood separate and apart from the laity.”
According to most Protestants, the early Church of the pre-Constantinian
era was not characterized by any essential distinction between laity and
clergy. There was no hierarchical structure of bishop, priest or deacon, let
alone any “pope” claiming universal jurisdiction over the whole Church.
Rather, the Church was egalitarian and democratic with the members of
local independent churches conferring their spiritual authority upon their
own elected leaders.
Those who advocate such views normally rely on 1 Peter 2:5-9, which
reads as follows: “…and like living stones be yourselves built into a
spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices
acceptable to God through Jesus Christ…But you are a chosen race, a royal
priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, that you may declare the
wonderful deeds of him who called you out of darkness.” It is contended
that Christ is not only the High Priest of the New Testament but the sole
priest as well. His passion and death on the Cross is the only sacrifice of
Christianity. Therefore, any other so-called priest offering material
sacrifices such as the Eucharist is unnecessary. The only admissible
sacrifices of Christians are the spiritual sacrifices of prayer and praise. All
Christians without exception can offer these sacrifices, therefore all
Christians are priests –the “universal priesthood of all believers.”
The above objection is reminiscent of the story of Korah’s rebellion: “and
they assembled themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and
said to them, ‘You have gone too far! For all the congregation are holy,
every one of them, and the Lord is among them; why then do you exalt
yourselves above the assembly of the Lord?’” (Num. 16:3). Korah, Dathan
and Abiram and two hundred and fifty followers then sought to offer
incense before the Lord but the earth opened up and fire came forth from
the Tabernacle to swallow and consume them. God showed that these men
were not to offer incense even though all the people of Israel according to
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