Levitical Priests

[Guest]

Hi all,

Do you guys see any connection at all between the Levitical priests in the Old Covenant, and leadership of any kind in the New Testament?

My understanding is that the priesthood is fulfilled in Christ and His Body.

I am asking this, because it seems that some (apparently the framers of the Westminster Confession), see the fact that since the Levites oversaw the various cerimonial activities of the temple, that likewise today, "ministers" should oversee the Lord's Supper and Baptism, which are the only ceremonies we are to keep under the New Covenant.

I don't see it, but I was interested in getting some of your thoughts.

Here's the section of the WCF that has it.

Chapter 27, the sacraments
4. There be only two sacraments ordained by Christ our Lord in the Gospel; that is to say, baptism, and the Supper of the Lord: neither of which may be dispensed by any, but by a minister of the Word lawfully ordained.
5. The sacraments of the old testament, in regard of the spiritual things thereby signified and exhibited, were, for substance, the same with those of the new.

I find it strange, that this is kind of the norm in church today, although not found in the bible (to my knowledge).


God bless,

[Guest]

What, pray tell, is a "minister of the Word lawfully ordained."?

Lawfully according to who?

How does that square with the Protestant tenet of Solus Christus? Wouldn't that make a minister a mediator between man and God in some way? Sort of like say....a Pope?

[Guest]

Hi Derek,

The connection isn't between the Levites and Christians, but between what God intended for Israel ... to be a kingdom of priests (Ex 19:6)... and Christians, who are a ... holy/royal priesthood (1 Pet 2:5,9).

Some of the functions that the Levites performed are also performed by Christians, like teaching, offering sacrifices (although we offer ourselves as spiritual sacrifices)..

Thats my 2 cents.
Les