Types of priesthood
1 John 4:1 instructs us, “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 declares, “Do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good.” So, whether is it a “word from the Lord” or a supposed prophecy, our response should be the same. Compare what is said to what the Word of God says. If it contradicts the Bible, throw it out. If it agrees with the Bible, pray for wisdom and discernment as to how to apply the message (2 Timothy 3:16-17; James 1:5).
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1 Timothy 2:11-12 (NIV)
A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet.
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The New Testament Book of Hebrews claims that Jesus was a high priest. It states: "Christ appeared as a high priest . . . and . . . through his own blood obtained eternal redemption" (Hebrews 9:11-12). Matthew 1:3 and Luke 3:33 claim that Jesus was a descendant of Judah and, consequently, a member of the tribe of Judah. If Jesus was a member of the tribe of Judah then he lacked the Aaronic lineage of the biblically legitimate priesthood. However, Melchizedek has no genealogy in the Old Testament, and his priesthood is not based on heredity. Christ, like Melchizedek, is a priest by divine appointment and His priesthood does not depend upon hereditary ties.
Each of the prophets of the Old Testament entered into a "covenant" with the Lord, starting with Adam. Following Adam the patriarchal line was broken with Cain, as he was unworthy of the birthright because of his shedding of the blood of Able. The covenant then was renewed or continued with Seth as recorded in Genesis 4, Eve states " For God..hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew."
The covenant then passed through the righteous line of Seth through his posterity until it was renewed with Enoch.
Thus, to continue the covenant with the children of God on the earth , Enoch's son Methuselah was left on the earth for an extremely long time as the righteous priesthood holder with authority. Methuselah lived 969 years. He then passed it to his son Lamech, who then passed it to his son Noah allowing the covenant and priesthood authority to continue through the flood.
Noah, in turn, blessed his son Shem with the birthright of the priesthood, and it is through his line, the covenant continued.
Several generations passed and an apostasy occurred because of the unworthiness that Terah, the father of Abraham, showed as he turned to the worshiping of false idols or other Gods, breaking the Covenant with the Lord. So later, the covenant is renewed, or restored, again with the prophet Abraham directly from the Lord himself. This is why it is commonly referred to as the "Abrahamic Covenant".
Each worthy birthright son following Abraham entered into the same covenant as he did, and the authority of priesthood is passed on to them, by the laying on of hands, through the blessing from father to son. Following Abraham, Isaac received this responsibility and he bestowed the responsibility to Jacob, (whose name is changed to Israel).
Jacob, or Israel, had twelve sons. These sons are also called "the twelve tribes of Israel", through whom the whole earth will be blessed with the opportunity to enter into the "Abrahamic Covenant."
The birthright from Jacob is passed to Joseph who was sold into Egypt by his brothers. Then the birthright is passed on to his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh.
As recorded in Exodus, there was a man of the tribe of Levi (which held the right to administer in temple ordinances) who married a daughter from the tribe of Levi, and they had a son, and called him Moses. Moses then, clearly a lineal heir to priesthood authority through both his mother and his father, was raised up and called by the Lord to deliver the children of Israel from the bondage they were in. Moses, who was called of God, became prophet for a people who were continually regressing back into the traditions of the Egyptians, who had held them bound. But, because Moses was doubtful of his abilities and expressed these doubts to God, his brother Aaron was made high priest.
As a prophet, seer, and revelator, for the Church of Jesus Christ, Moses prophesied to the children of Israel concerning their future. He told them of their scattering from the land of promise because of their inability to live up to the covenants made by their fathers.
The unwillingness of the children of Israel to enter into the fullness of the promise of “the covenant” continued until the days of Jesus Christ, when He himself came to the earth and once again established His Church. Christ restored the covenant blessings that had been lost due to partial apostasy. He organized his church and called twelve apostles to preside over it, giving them the authority to administer in the laws and ordinances of His gospel.
With the death of the apostles, and the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 70 A.D., the priesthood authority was no longer in effect upon the earth, and once again the church fell into apostasy and the fullness of the blessings of the covenant lay dormant .
Adamic priesthood
Adam was the first human priest. It was through him that mankind was able to learn about God. Adam lived 930 years which was long enough to see nine generations of offspring born from him.
Because Adam had broken the life commitment of the Edenic Covenant, and was deserving of death, death had to take place in order for his sin to be covered. God introduced a substitutionary sacrificial death in order to cover man's sinfulness. This is implied in Genesis 3:21 when God clothed them with coats of skin, which had to have come from a slain innocent animal. Thus, based on substitutionary body and blood, Adam and Eve were clothed by the death of another. This covenant sacrifice was the first of all animal sacrifices that pointed to the New Covenant sacrifice, the body and blood of the Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:29,36; Hebrews 10:1-12).
God sought to restore man back to obedience through the Adamic Covenant. Adam's disobedience was the result of his unbelief. Thus the emphasis of the terms of the Adamic Covenant was upon faith and trust in God (Hebrews 11:6; Romans 14:23; John 16:8).
This scene also initiated the development of the patriarchal priesthood. The Patriarchal priesthood consisted of the Patriarch acting as Prophet, Priest, and King. As a prophet, he (Adam) would give inspired direction and guidance to those whom he was responsible for. As the Priest he was to stand as a mediator between man and God, providing the ordinances of salvation and exaltation for those in his care. As the king he was to make sure the temporal needs of his subjects were taken care of.
As the Lord God demonstrated His own priesthood on Adam's behalf, He set an example for Adam to follow in being the priest of his own household. This was later substantiated when the Levitical Priesthood, under the Mosaic Covenant, were given the coats of skin of certain animal sacrifices (Leviticus 7:8). It was also illustrated in Job's priesthood for his own family (Job 1:1-5).
As the patriarchal era came to an end, the responsibilities of Prophet, Priest and King were divided. Until Sinai (Exodus 20) all people were under this kind of guidance or direction from God. At Sinai God would finish separating out the Hebrews into his chosen people and would give them their own laws or covenant. We call it the Law of Moses.
Included in the Law of Moses are the 10 Commandments.
Melchizedek priesthood
Melchi - zedek: Melchi is Hebrew for king, and Zedek is Hebrew for righteousness, so this is a title "King of Righteousness".
Melchizedek (also spelled Melchisedech) appears in the Book of Genesis. Abraham had defeated King Chedorlaomer and the other three allied kings, and then was met by Melchizedek, the Canaanite King of Salem who was also a priest of God. "Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram..." (genesis 14:18-19).
Melchizedek is the first "priest" mentioned in the Bible and would therefore have to have been from the Adamic priesthood.
Melchizedek presented bread and wine to Abraham, and blessed him with these words: “blessed be Abram by God Most High, the creator of Heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who delivered your foes into your hand” (Genesis 14:19-20). Keep in mind that bread and wine were customarily offered in sacrifice among the “first fruits” of the earth in thanksgiving to the Creator. Although Melchizedek is technically a pagan priest, he recognizes the one supreme deity, using the title, “God Most High,” just as the Jewish people would. Accepting this blessing and offering, Abraham gives to Melchizedek a tithe of one-tenth the booty from his campaign. After this encounter, however, Melchizedek disappears from the Genesis story. Melchizedek is mentioned again in Psalm 110: “The Lord has sworn, and he will not repent: You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek” (Psalm 110:4). This is repeated once again in Hebrews 7:21, "For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord swore and will not repent, Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek."
The Holy Priesthood after the Order of the Son of God is called the Melchizedek Priesthood. This Melchizedek Priesthood comprehends the Aaronic or Levitical Priesthood, and is the grand head, and holds the highest authority which pertains to the priesthood, and the keys of the kingdom of God in all ages of the world to the latest posterity on the earth; and is the channel through which all knowledge, doctrine, the plan of salvation and every important matter is revealed from heaven.
Its institution was prior to 'the foundation of this earth, and is the highest and holiest priesthood, and is after the order of the Son of God. All other priesthoods are only parts, ramifications, powers and blessings belonging to the same, and are held, controlled, and directed by it. The Aaronic priest not only served a limited people, they served for a limited time. Numbers 8:22-25 (NKJV) After that the Levites went in to do their work in the tabernacle of meeting before Aaron and his sons; as the LORD commanded Moses concerning the Levites, so they did to them. 23 Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 24 "This is what pertains to the Levites: From twenty-five years old and above one may enter to perform service in the work of the tabernacle of meeting; 25 "and at the age of fifty years they must cease performing this work, and shall work no more. The Aaronic priests began at age 25, and they served the temple until age 50.
Melchizedek priest remain a priest forever. Psalms 110:4 (NKJV) The LORD has sworn And will not relent, "You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek." He is called out from among men: Hebrews 5:1 (NKJV) For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins. "No man taketh this honor unto himself:" (Hebrews 5:4)
The Melchizedek Priesthood is the channel through which the Almighty commenced revealing his glory at the beginning of the creation of this earth, and through which he has continued to reveal himself to the children of men all the way to the present time, and through which he will make known his purposes all the way to the end of time. All other authorities or offices in the church are appendages to this priesthood.
The position of the higher, or Melchizedek Priesthood, is to hold the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church, and gives it the power and authority over all the offices in the church to administer in spiritual things and to give laws to the people. Disobedience to the Melchizedek Priest's commands resulted in putting the offender out of fellowship: 2 Thessalonians 3:14 "And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed."
Hebrews 7:1-3 (NKJV) For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2 to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all, first being translated "king of righteousness," and then also king of Salem, meaning "king of peace," 3 without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually.
The city that is represented by "Salem" is Jerusalem. David, 1000 years after Abraham, refers to Jerusalem by this title here in: Psalms 76:2 (NKJV) In Salem also is His tabernacle, And His dwelling place in Zion.
Abrahamic priesthood
Abraham was the Son of Terah, born in Ur of the Chaldees (Genesis 11: 26-28). This was several thousand years before Christ.
Before the call of Abraham, the world of that day, like the world of Noah, lacked a God-appointed world center. It also lacked a unified priestly system. Abraham's own family worshiped idols (Josh. 24:2). There was at least one priest that God used, Melchizedek, the king-priest of Salem (Gen. 14:18-20). The tribes were scattered throughout the world as a result of God's judgment on Babel. The multiplicity of languages and religious differences among them led to mistrust and conflict. There were also places, such as Sodom and Gomorrah, in which the pre-flood extremes of depravity were seen once again.
In these circumstances Abraham was chosen to the be the progenitor of a race of priests that would culminate in the Savior of the world. From the time he was chosen, men were required to relate to God through Abraham. Though a world-center was not established, a priesthood for humanity was. Wherever Abraham settled, he dug wells and built altars (Gen. 12:7,8; 13:4, 18; 21:33; 26:15) establishing that location as a "sanctuary" -- a temporary world-center. Most importantly, the covenant was promised the "Seed of Abraham," the center of God's plan, who would bring blessing to the whole world.
From his early life Abraham was a great prophet who desired righteousness and was obedient to all of the commandments he received from God, including the command to offer as a sacrifice his precious son, Isaac. Because of his steadfastness and obedience, Abraham is often referred to as the father of the faithful.
“I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your off spring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”
Thus, Abraham was promised a great posterity and that the nations of the earth would be blessed through that posterity.
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the fathers of the race of priests, are naturally themselves priests also (Gen. 12:7ff.; 13:4, 18; 22:9; 26:25; 33:20; 35:1, 3, 7). Abraham is also the first man in the Bible to be called a prophet (Gen. 20:7).
Levitical priesthood
Levi was the 3rd of Jacob's 12 sons, and Levi's mother was Leah. Leah first had Reuben, then Simeon, or in Hebrew Shimone, then Levi, and after Levi she had Judah, then Issachar, Zebulun, and Dinah. The time is some 3,500 years ago. Genesis 29.31-35, Genesis 30.17-21.
And of course, Aaron, Moses, and Miriam were Levites. The name Mary comes from the Hebrew name Meeryam, or in English, Miriam, the sister of Moses. John the Baptist was a Levite, LUKE 1.5-17, because his father was a priest and a Levite. And John's mother was a Levite, verse 5. Barnabas was a Levite. ACTS 4.36.
Initially, God had selected the entire nation of Israel to be his priests, according to Exodus 19:5,6; however, after the nation proved to be inadequate as priests, Exodus 32:7-10, the Tribe of Levi who supported Moses in Exodus chapters 26-28 were selected as God's priests, Numbers 3:5-9. The founder of this priestly clan was Aaron, brother of Moses, of the tribe of Levi. All of Israel are descended from the twelve sons of Jacob. Jacob's third son was Levi, and Aaron was a fourth generation descendant of Levi.
The Levitical priesthood began with the tribe of Levi and proceeded through the sons of the family of Aaron, according to Numbers 18:1,8 and Exodus 28:1, which says, "Have Aaron your brother brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, so they may serve me as priests." However, physical blemishes disqualified any male descendant of Aaron, according to Leviticus 21:17-23, from which 21:17 is presented: "The Lord said to Moses, 'Say to Aaron: 'For the generations to come non of your descendants who has a defect may come near to offer the food of his God.'"
The Levites did not inherit any land in Israel as the other tribes inherited land. But The LORD said to the Levites, "I am your part and your inheritance among the children of Israel." Meaning, GOD supplied their every need, He gave them portions of land for cities, towns, and farmland within the tribes of Israel. They received a tenth, or a tithe from all Israel. And all the sacrifices were food for the Levites. The Levites received everything from The LORD GOD because He is their inheritance.
Levites' principal roles in the Temple included singing Psalms during Temple services, performing construction and maintenance for the Temple, serving as guards, and performing other services. Levites also served as teachers and judges, maintaining cities of refuge in Biblical times. The Book of Ezra reports that the Levites were the ones who were responsible for the construction of the Second Temple. In the Book of Numbers the Levites were also charged with ministering to the Kohanim (priests) and keeping watch over the Tabernacle service. And so that the priests would not be overworked, they were assigned assistants who were called the Levites.
Note: The Hebrew word kohen actually means "to serve," and a deeper linguistic connection can be found in the word ken, meaning "yes," itself related to kivvun, "to direct." Thus a kohen is called upon to direct himself, and others, in the proper service of God.
Other than the family of Aaron, there were three other family lines in the tribe of Levi (Numbers chapter 4): the kohathites, who maintained the furniture, vessels and veil of the Tabernacle; the gershonites, who maintained the coverings, hangings and doors of the Tabernacle; the merarites, who maintained the supports, including the planks bars and cords, of the Tabernacle.
Aaron and the high priests who succeeded him, along with most of the other Levitical priests, represented the Israelites to God and God to the Israelites. Unfortunately, however, ancient Israel’s priesthood sinned and turned away from the Lord (Jer. 2:7b–8). When Israel went into exile in 586 BC, the priesthood almost disappeared entirely, for there was hardly any role for the Levitical priests apart from the Jerusalem temple.
Yet the Lord did not abandon the priesthood but pledged to restore it after the exile. In his section on the new covenant (Jer. 31:31–33:26), Jeremiah records God’s promise that David’s sons would again sit on Israel’s throne and Levi’s sons would again offer sacrifices for the nation (33:17–18).
This is a difficult prophecy, for while the son of David ascended to the throne after the exile (Acts 2:32–36) and now reigns forever, there is no Levitical priesthood, nor are there hints in the New Testament that we are to expect one. The answer to this is that in Christ the Levites do really minister as priests before God this day. As the representative of all God’s people, Jesus stands in for us as He ministers in heaven (Heb. 7:25). When the Father considers His Son’s faithfulness, He reckons those who are in Him as if they have met their covenant obligations (2 Cor. 5:21). This includes believing Levites.
Levitical priests served for 25 years, from age 25 to age 50, according to Numbers 8:24,25.
According to I Chronicles chapter 15, 16:4-6, 37-43, David rearranged the Levitical priesthood into 24 courses (orders); he assigned 16 courses to Eleazer, and 8 courses to Ithamar. This rearrangement was chartered because of a population explosion in David's reign.
The line switched during Saul ben-Kish's reign; Eli, a descendant of Ithamar, assumed the office of high-priest, however, he functioned only de facto and not de jure (legally). In fact, his descendants were removed from the priesthood because of Eli's failure to censure his sons, I Samuel 2:23-25; 3:13. Solomon restored the Aaronic line to the high-priesthood; he replaced Abiathar, Eli's descendant, with Zadok, from the line of Eleazar, I Kings 2:26,27,35. During the ministry of the prophet Jeremiah, Seraiah was the high-priest; he was taken prisoner and executed by Nebuzar-adan, II Kings 25:18-21. Seraiah's son, Josedech, was not allowed to function as high-priest. Instead, he lived and died as a prisoner in Babylon, Haggai 1:1,14. Josedech's son, Joshua, functioned as the high-priest during the ministry of Zechariah, Zech. 3:1.
Aaronic priesthood
The Aaronic priesthood (/ɛəˈrɒnɪk/ air-RON-ik; also called the Priesthood of Aaron or the Levitical priesthood) is the lesser of the two (or sometimes three) orders of priesthood recognized in the Mormon church. The others are the Melchizedek priesthood and the rarely recognized Patriarchal priesthood. Unlike the Melchizedek priesthood, which is modeled after the authority of Jesus and the Apostles, or the Patriarchal priesthood, which is modeled after the authority of Abraham, the Aaronic priesthood is modeled after the priesthood of Aaron the Levite, the first high priest of the Hebrews, and his descendants (Numbers 8:5-26). It is the priesthood authority by which John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus Christ, teaching faith, repentance, and baptism for the remission of sins (Matt. 3:1-17; Mark 1:1-11; Luke 1:5-80; John 1:15-34; Acts 8:14-17).
John the Baptist, a descendant of Aaron through both parents and thus a Levite, was the son of Zacharias, a righteous priest in Israel at the time of the birth of Christ. It was this John whom God chose to prepare the way for Christ's ministry on earth. From John's birth his mission was set and his priesthood functions anticipated (Luke 1:5-17).
The terms Aaronic and Levitical are sometimes used synonymously, although there are some specific differences in the offices existing within the Levitical Priesthood. For example, the Levitical priesthood was conferred only upon men of the tribe of Levi. However, within the tribe, only Aaron and his sons could hold the office of priest. And, still further, from the firstborn of Aaron’s sons (after Aaron) was selected the high priest (or president of the priests). Thus Aaron and his sons after him had greater offices in the Levitical Priesthood than did the other Levites. (1 Kgs. 8:4; Ezra 2:70; John 1:19)
As part of his rationale that the law of Moses was fulfilled, Paul makes a point of the contrast between the lineal requirement of the lesser priesthood and the nonlineal Melchizedek Priesthood, which was not confined to those of one tribe (see Heb. 7:1–3, 11–14; JST Heb. 7:3]). The lineal restrictions of that Aaronic (Levitical) Priesthood were lifted when the law of Moses was fulfilled, and thereafter the offices of the priesthood were conferred upon worthy men without limitation to the tribe of Levi. This appears to be the case in the Church as recorded in the New Testament and in the Book of Mormon (where there were no Levites) and is presently operative in the Church as it has been restored in the latter days.
As a result of the failure of the Israelites to observe the gospel law administered by Moses under the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Lord gave an additional law of performances and ordinances and “confirmed a priesthood also upon Aaron and his seed, throughout all their generations.
The Aaronic Priesthood is “an appendage to the greater, or the Melchizedek Priesthood”. It is often called the preparatory priesthood. _The offices of the Aaronic Priesthood are bishop, priest, teacher, and deacon. With the authorization of the presiding priesthood leader (usually the bishop or branch president), deacons pass the sacrament. They help the bishop or branch president watch over Church members by giving service and assisting with temporal matters such as gathering fast offerings. Teachers may perform all the duties of deacons, and they also receive other opportunities to serve. They prepare the sacramental bread and water and serve as home teachers. Priests may perform all the duties of deacons and teachers. With the authorization of the presiding priesthood leader, they may also bless the sacrament, baptize, and ordain others to the offices of priest, teacher, and deacon.
The words that John the Baptist pronounced upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery as he conferred the Priesthood of Aaron upon them along the bank of the Susquehanna River on May 15, 1829, became more meaningful and important. John the Baptist said this priesthood held the keys of the ministering of angels, which means that those who hold it, and are worthy and faithful, have the keys to actually receive the visitation of angels from heaven. What a marvelous blessing—to be protected, taught, and guided by heavenly messengers, seen or unseen.
John the Baptist also told Joseph and Oliver that the Priesthood of Aaron held the keys of the gospel of repentance and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins. What a great blessing to be able to teach by word and example the saving principles and ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ and to baptize those who have accepted the truth.
These are the words of John the Baptist to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery as he laid his hands upon their heads and conferred upon them the Aaronic Priesthood on 15 May 1829: “Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; and this shall never be taken again from the earth, until the sons of Levi do offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness.” (Doctrines & Covenants, section 13).
In Moses’ day, members of the Aaronic Priesthood had to be at least thirty years old. Following Judah’s return to Jerusalem from Babylon, the age was changed to twenty years and older. In the Mormon Church today, worthy male members may receive training in preparation to join the Aaronic Priesthood, beginning at age 12. These young men, typically ages 12–17, receive many opportunities to participate in sacred priesthood ordinances and give service. As they worthily fulfill their duties, they act in the name of the Lord to help others receive the blessings of the gospel. When they reach the age of consent they can be ordained into the Aaronic priesthood.
Mosiac priesthood
Because of the Mosiac Law people have mistakenly interpreted Moses as being a high priest. Moses was not a priest, he was a prophet who could speak with God and God would speak to him. Therefore, there never was a Mosiac priesthood; there was a Levinical priesthood.
When God brought Israel out of Egypt, He selected one of the twelve tribes, that of Levi, to serve Him; and selected one family of the tribe Levi, the family of Aaron (Moses brother), to be a hereditary priesthood (see Exodus ch.28; Numbers ch.3). Their duties, responsibilities, way of life, and their costume and appointments are set out in detail in the early books of the Bible (for example see Exodus chs.29-30,39; Leviticus chs.7-10,21-22). Within a very short time the priests became lazy, self-seeking and indifferent to God. They neglected their duties and the people they were supposed to lead spiritually. In the course of Israel's history there were several attempts at the reformation of the people and priesthood, but none that lasted. God brought the Levinical priesthood to an end with the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 70 AD.
However, the New Testament teaches that the Mosaic Law was in effect until the very moment of Jesus' death. Paul writes, "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes" (Romans 10:4). He also stated that the "end of the law" supposedly occurred at the moment of Jesus' death: "[Jesus] has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross" (Colossians 2:14).
The Christian Covenant
Everything changed at Calvary. When Jesus died, was buried, raised and established his church, all men were now under his law. There was no longer a need for the sacrifices of the Temple. Indeed the Most Holy Place was thrust into view when the veil was torn from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51; Mark 15:38). Suddenly the Levitical (Mosaic) priesthood was obsolete because a new Priest, Jesus Christ, had been installed in Heaven itself (Hebrews 4:14 ff). Now He alone was the mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5). The old law of ordinances was “nailed to the cross” and no longer applied to any person (Colossians 2:14; Ephesians 2:15; 2 Corinthians 3:1-11).
Are there Apostles in the Church today?
During the first century of the church, there was an office of apostle and there was a spiritual gift of apostle.
The office or position of apostle was held by the 12 disciples of Jesus plus Matthias, who took Judas’ place, and Paul. Those who held the office or position of apostle were chosen specifically by Christ (Mark 3:16-19). The replacement for Judas is seen in Acts 1:20-26. Note in this passage that Judas' position was called an office. It should also be noted that Paul was chosen by Christ (1 Corinthians 15:8-9; Galatians 1:1; 2:6-9). These men were given the task of setting up the foundation of the church. It should be understood that it was for the universal church that these men were a part of the foundation (Ephesians 2:20). The foundation of the church (universal church) was laid in the first century, and was completed with the writing of the Bible.
There was also a spiritual gift of apostle (this is not to be confused with the office—they are separate). Among those who had the spiritual gift were James (1 Corinthians 15:7; Galatians 1:19), Barnabas (Acts 14:4, 14; 1 Corinthians 9:6), Andronicus and Junias (Romans 16:7), possibly Silas and Timothy (1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2:7), and Apollos (1 Corinthians 4:6, 9). This latter group had the gift of apostleship but not the apostolic "office" conferred upon the Twelve and Paul. Those who had the gift of apostle, then, were those who carried the gospel message to the world with God’s authority. The word "apostle" means "one sent as an authoritative delegate."
The apostles proclaimed a message from the Lord for the believers of the first century. These believers did not have the advantage we have of having a complete Bible. The last book of the New Testament (Revelation) was not completed until late in the first century. So the Lord provided gifted men called apostles who proclaimed messages from God to the people until the canon of Scripture was complete.
It should be noted that the current teaching of the restoration of prophet and the office of apostle is far from what Scripture describes of the men who held the gift of prophet and the office of apostle. Those who teach the restoration of the office teach that the men who claim to be apostles and prophets should never be spoken against, should never be questioned, because the person who speaks against them is speaking against God. Yet, the Apostle Paul commended the people of Berea for checking what he said against the Word of God to make sure he spoke the truth (Acts 17:10-11). The Apostle Paul also stated to those in Galatia that if anyone, including himself, should teach another Gospel, that person should be "accursed" (Galatians 1:8-9). In everything, Paul kept pointing people to the Bible as the final authority. The men who claim to be apostles and prophets today make themselves the final authority, something Paul and the Twelve never did.
Are there prophets in the church today?
The prophet proclaimed a message from the Lord to the early believers. Sometimes a prophet’s message was revelatory (new revelation and truth from God) and sometimes a prophet’s message was predictive (see Acts 11:28 and 21:10). The early Christians did not have the complete Bible and most early Christians did not have access to any of the books of the Old or New Testament. The prophets “filled this gap” by proclaiming God’s message to the people who would not have access to it otherwise. The last book of the New Testament (Revelation) was not completed until late in the first century. So, until the Bible was completed, the Lord sent prophets to proclaim God’s Word to His people.
Are there true prophets today? If the purpose of a prophet was to reveal truth from God, why would we need prophets if we have the completed revelation from God in the Bible? If prophets were the “foundation” of the early church, are we still building the “foundation” today?
Can God give someone a message to deliver to someone else? Absolutely! Does God reveal truth to someone and then enable that person to deliver that message to others? Absolutely! But is this the biblical gift of prophecy? No.
If God were to speak through a person today, it would have to be in 100% complete agreement with what God has already said in the Bible. The Bible contains all the revelation we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). The Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). The Bible is “useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Beyond that, we have the indwelling Holy Spirit to guide, comfort, and teach us (John 14:16, 26).
God does not contradict Himself. 1 John 4:1 instructs us, “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 declares, “Do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good.” So, whether is it a “word from the Lord” or a supposed prophecy, our response should be the same. Compare what is said to what the Word of God says. If it contradicts the Bible, throw it out. If it agrees with the Bible, pray for wisdom and discernment as to how to apply the message (2 Timothy 3:16-17; James 1:5).
There are some within the Christian faith, predominantly in Charismatic/Pentecostal churches, who view/practice the gift of prophecy as giving personal advice with a “thus says the Lord” presentation. Sadly, those who practice personal prophecy in this manner are often not any different than those who portray themselves as psychics. Some in the personal prophecy movement advertise with statements such as “come get your prophetic reading,” again, very similar to the terminology psychics employ. This understanding and practice of the gift of prophecy is completely unbiblical.
Using the concept of personal prophecy to gain influence over people and making them dependent on “prophetic guidance,” is a blatant distortion of the biblical gift of prophecy. Any time people trust the fallible words of men instead of the infallible Word of God, it is a travesty.