Is Authority to serve God important to have

[ananda]

The lower priesthood was given to Aaron and the Levites. This priesthood was never meant to bring perfection as was the higher priesthood.

Where does it say that in Scripture?

 

[bbbbbbb]

Where does it say that in Scripture?

Good question. I have not run across it in my Bible.

 

[fatboys]

Good question. I have not run across it in my Bible.

So what is your understanding of the priesthood that was given to the Levites, which was different in authority than the priesthood given to Aaron which was different that the authority Moses had? Do you believe that they all had the same authority?

 

[drstevej]

Although all priests were Levites, not all Levites were priests.

 

[fatboys]

Although all priests were Levites, not all Levites were priests.

I see, and agree. What made the difference?

 

[ananda]

I see, and agree. What made the difference?

Aaron was one member of the tribe of Levi. Only Aaron's sons were priests. The others were only Levites.

 

[dennis1777]

I would say that it is our duty to be the physical embodiment of Christ on earth. So consider how much more important that is than simply being "ordained" by an institution.

I resonate. And no matter our specific calling or gifts we are foremost called to serve. Personally I feel called to become better at being a servant everyday. If God calls me to peach words of revelation or wash toilets in soup kitchens in does not matter to me. The humbler the service the better but God's will is of primacy. I for one have enough room to grow in humility, patience, faith and love so just endeavoring to be of service to everyone I meet is already a great and Godly challenge for me to grow in lol.

 

[bbbbbbb]

So what is your understanding of the priesthood that was given to the Levites, which was different in authority than the priesthood given to Aaron which was different that the authority Moses had? Do you believe that they all had the same authority?

Moses and Aaron were both members of the tribe of Levi and were, therefore, Levites. All Levites served in the tabernacle, or (later) temple. Therefore, the writer of the letter to the Hebrews refers to the Levitical priesthood, not the Aaronic priesthood. It does mention the order of Aaron (Hebrews 7:11) within the Levitical priesthood, which was detailed in the penteteuch, but there is no indication that this branch of the Levitical priesthood had any more authority than other branches.

 

[fatboys]

Moses and Aaron were both members of the tribe of Levi and were, therefore, Levites. All Levites served in the tabernacle, or (later) temple. Therefore, the writer of the letter to the Hebrews refers to the Levitical priesthood, not the Aaronic priesthood. It does mention the order of Aaron (Hebrews 7:11) within the Levitical priesthood, which was detailed in the penteteuch, but there is no indication that this branch of the Levitical priesthood had any more authority than other branches.

From what I understand the Levitical Priesthood was a branch of the Aaronic Priesthood. Araon could do what the Levites could do but they could not administer in what Aaron could do.

 

[drstevej]

.

 

[fatboys]

Which group rode bikes and knocked on doors?

Since I was reported for for flaming Enkil, by saying dumb de de dumb, Should I report your insincere post which is making fun of my church?

 

[drstevej]

I do find it hard to reconcile unmarried teen boys wearing Elder badges. Since when were biblical priests door to door evangelists? What LDS do with their priesthood structure lacks biblical basis.

So my post is a lighthearted way of making a intensely serious point.

 

[bbbbbbb]

From what I understand the Levitical Priesthood was a branch of the Aaronic Priesthood. Araon could do what the Levites could do but they could not administer in what Aaron could do.

Aaron was one of a multitude of descendants of Levi, not the other way around. The various branches of the Levites were assigned various duties with none being more significant than the other.

 

[Rescued One]

The high priests, like all Jewish priests, belonged to the Aaronic line. The Bible mentions the majority of high priests before the captivity, but does not give a complete list of office holders. Lists would be based on various historical sources. In several periods of gentile rule, high priests were appointed and removed by kings. Still, most high priests came from the Aaronic line. One exception is Menelaus, who may not have been from the Tribe of Levi at all, but from the Tribe of Benjamin.
List of High Priests of Israel - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Duties of the High-Priesthood:

In addition to his regular duties as a priest, the high priest was to enter the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:3,15,33,34). He must also officiate at the ceremony of the two goats, when one is sent into the wilderness to Azazel, and the other slain to make atonement for the sanctuary (Exodus 30:10; Leviticus 16:8-10). He alone could make atonement for the sins of the people, the priests and his own house (Leviticus 4:3; 9:8; 16:6; Numbers 15:25). He must offer the regular meal offering (Leviticus 6:14,15). He must share with the priests in the caring for the lamp that burned continually (Exodus 27:21), He must assist in arranging the shewbread (Exodus 25:30). When he carried the breastplate with the names of the tribes inscribed thereon he acted as mediator between Israel and God (Exodus 28:29). He alone could consult the Urim and Thummim before Yahweh, and according to his decision Israel must obey (Numbers 27:21).
Priest, High - International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

They were mediators between man and God, so they are no longer needed. Jesus is the mediator of the new covenant.

 

[Ran77]

They were mediators between man and God, so they are no longer needed. Jesus is the mediator of the new covenant.

Are there some verses that support this idea? Did Jesus state that the Priests, or the Priesthood, was no longer needed?

 

[Enkil]

That reminded me of the last Priest prior to the destruction of the Temple itself, who was utterly unfit for the position. From Wikipedia, which quotes Josephus:

"Phannias ben Samuel (in Hebrew: פנחס בן שמואל Pinhas ben Shmuel) (c. 70 CE) was the last Jewish High Priest. He did not originate from a priestly family but was the leader of revolutionary forces. He died during the destruction of Herod's Temple in 70 CE.
In order to see how far their power extended, the Zealots

'...undertook to dispose of the high priesthood by casting lots for it, whereas, as we have said already, it was to descend by succession in a family. The pretense they made for this strange attempt was an ancient practice, while they said that of old it was determined by lot; but in truth, it was no better than a dissolution of an undeniable law, and a cunning contrivance to seize upon the government, derived from those that presumed to appoint governors as they themselves pleased. Hereupon they sent for one of the pontifical tribes, which is called Eniachim, and cast lots which of it should be the high priest. By fortune the lot so fell as to demonstrate their iniquity after the plainest manner, for it fell upon one whose name was Phannias, the son of Samuel, of the village Aphtha. He was a man not only unworthy of the high priesthood, but that did not well know what the high priesthood was, such a mere rustic was he! Yet did they hail this man, without his own consent, out of the country, as if they were acting a play upon the stage, and adorned him with a counterfeit thee; they also put upon him the sacred garments, and upon every occasion instructed him what he was to do. This horrid piece of wickedness was sport and pastime with them, but occasioned the other priests, who at a distance saw their law made a jest of, to shed tears, and sorely lament the dissolution of such a sacred dignity.[1]'"

Notice Josephus explains it is from "descent in family." They just don't go up to some random Levite and give him the high priesthood. It is inherited. That sheds even more light on the meaning of the phrase in the scripture from Hebrews, "an unchangeable priesthood... by the power of an everlasting life." Since Jesus cannot die, the Priesthood cannot be inherited by anyone else. It is the everlasting Priesthood of our one and only High Priest. Just as Melchizedek has no record from whence he came, or where he went.

The Mormon practice of many Melchizedek holders, including many Aaronic Priesthood holders who do not even perform the duty of Priests, has no basis in Old Testament or even New Testament teaching.