posted
That's the title of a keen new book by Colin Bulley. I just started it. From the Foreword:
"At the beginning of the third millennium of the history of Christianity, churches of different traditions are endeavouring with sharper seriousness to foster patterns of ministry and leadership less reliant on ordained priests and pastors. This has entailed reconsideration of the general priesthood of all Christian people and the notion of a special priesthood of the ordained alone. It is to this continuing enquiry that Colin Bulley's work is a major contribution of front-rank importance...If general priesthood is to increase, special priesthood must decrease. Here is solid, scholarly evidence that, like the proverbial cuckoo in the nest, the two will not comfortably co-habit."
David F. Wright, New College, University of Edinburgh.
Question: How does "the special priesthood decrease?" Can the unity of the church be preserved in the process? I really wonder about this question quite a lot.
Where does the NT speak of a “special” priesthood? The Levites were the special priesthood in the OT era. That priesthood is done away and Christ is the new covenant high priest. We all are the holy priesthood, the royal priesthood, the holy nation, and peculiar people. I see no “special” priesthood mentioned in the NT to decrease. I see only the holy priesthood of believers growing. The separation of clergy “special priests” from the laiety who are now the holy priests was done away at the cross.
Hebrews 7:11-12 (KJV) If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? [12] For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.
1 Peter 2:5-9 (KJV) Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. [6] Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. [7] Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, [8] And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. [9] But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
-------------------- 1 Thes. 5:21 (KJV) Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
posted
By "special" both the author and reviewer (and I) mean "spurious" or "specious." Though technically this "priesthood of some" doesn't exist, practically it does in about every town in America.
Rather than merely "decrease," some of us would rather see it - priestcraft - altogether disappear. Will this happen overnight?
Do you personally just ignore it as if it were not there? How do you deal with loved ones who closely adhere to it?
Thank you, Faith, for the scriptures you sent. Pleasant reminders they are.
No argument that self-exultant men have endeavored to inject themselves between the sinner and their Savior through-out the past two millennia and into the third. Rather than yielding humble service they revel in the praise of men and the high importance shown to their lowly occupation. Yet they are not totally at fault. The people have desired to place these men in this position in rejection of Jesus just as Israel desired a king instead of the King of kings.
The original purpose of the priesthood was to mediate between God and the sinner and to facilitate in the sanctuary services with its animal sacrifices. This typical services was to serve as a lesson book to direct the minds of the people to the coming, anti-typical, sacrifice of Jesus and his advocacy with the Father in our behalf.
But why does Peter write about a royal priesthood now that there is apparently no need for this office or function? What purpose would a nation of priests serve?
I will give my thoughts on this later after you have had time to think about it. I don't want to influence your answer. I believe there is a scriptural answer.
quote:Rather than merely "decrease," some of us would rather see it - priestcraft - altogether disappear. Will this happen overnight?
I believe it will happen in an hour.
Rev. 14:6-8 (KJV) And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, [7] Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. [8] And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.
Remember the parable of the tares. The wheat (saints, church) is to grow together in the world with the tares (wicked, false ) until the harvest.
I once heard a man speak of the bundles of tares gathered as the denominations. In the parable it is the tares which are gathered first to be burned. Matt. 13:30 I believe this very well may be the case of the IC. Her record has shown her to be the wolves ravishing the sheep, the blind leading the blind, the daughters of Babylon, etc. We must come out of Babylon (false religion) lest we suffer her fate. Those who love Babylon are the tares. They are still being gathered in large numbers by those who see church growth as the main thing regardless of how you get them in there. Just herd them in with every new program you can.
quote: Do you personally just ignore it as if it were not there? How do you deal with loved ones who closely adhere to it?
After having been personally put out of it several times, I speak out against it.
John 16:2-2 (KJV) They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.
Ephes. 5:6-14 (KJV) Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. [7] Be not ye therefore partakers with them. [8] For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: [9] (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) [10] Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. [11] And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. [12] For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. [13] But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. [14] Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
As for loved ones still in it, I try to show them the error of the system when they will listen. However, often we are met with anger and disbelief. Thus, I don’t continue to single them out to expose things; but rather pray that the Lord will open their eyes. Strange thing is that often open articles to the general public have stirred up their wrath against me. Could be the Holy Spirit prompting them and yet they refuse? Even though I firmly believe the IC bundles to be the tares, I don’t believe every person that attends them is lost; but they do need to come out. Ultimately, the Lord is the judge and knows just who has come out or not. Some seem to stay for they don’t quite know what else to do. The Lord will lead his out in his time.
Have not the IC’s become the habitation of devils and foul spirits? Have not the nations, kings and merchants fornicated with her and her daughters? Are God’s people to stay in such a place? Even those who claim they are not protestant still follow the Roman way of idolizing man.
Rev. 18:2-4 (KJV) And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. [3] For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. [4] And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
We must come out. For those who read this who may still be in one of the bundle systems with false prophets and preachers over the laity, time is short. You must heed the Lord’s call to come out of her or you will be destroyed with her. She will be destroyed, plagues in one day, judgment in one hour.
Rev. 18:8-10 (KJV) Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her. [9] And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning, [10] Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.
quote: Question: How does "the special priesthood decrease?" Can the unity of the church be preserved in the process? I really wonder about this question quite a lot.
David, what do you mean by the question, “Can the unity of the church be preserved in the process?” What do you see as unity? Do you see any unity with the IC?
-------------------- 1 Thes. 5:21 (KJV) Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
quote: But why does Peter write about a royal priesthood now that there is apparently no need for this office or function? What purpose would a nation of priests serve?
Priests not only offered sacrifices and acted as mediators, which Christ has fulfilled; but couldn’t we say they worshiped and served God. Aren’t we to worship and serve God?
Worship=spiritual sacrifices and praises
1 Peter 2:5 (KJV) Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 2:9 (KJV) But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
If we note the duty and function of priests in OT, we see we are to serve the saints or one another, spread the word to all who will hear by teaching them all things Christ taught, (This is not to be one person over others but a sharing of knowledge between saints and always looking to Christ to explain and prove.) Serve God and his people sums it up.
2 Chron. 35:2-3 (KJV) And he set the priests in their charges, and encouraged them to the service of the house of the Lord, [3] And said unto the Levites that taught all Israel, which were holy unto the Lord, Put the holy ark in the house which Solomon the son of David king of Israel did build; it shall not be a burden upon your shoulders: serve now the Lord your God, and his people Israel,
Faith
-------------------- 1 Thes. 5:21 (KJV) Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
posted
I am in such unity with EVERY believer, regardless of how or where they worship, Faith. It's who they worship more than how or where, not that these are insignificant. They aren't.
Yes, I am so much unified with them, the believers in the IC, that I must die for them reagardless of how weak their faith is or how uneducated they are on church matters. I John 3:16.
I was in the IC church 35 years before leaving. The exact point of time which I left did NOT mark my true conversion.
Such a question deserves space of its own, methinks. The institutional church being the Babylon of Revelation can be addressed here:
posted
David, seems you didn’t understand my question.
Faith asked:
quote: David, what do you mean by the question, “Can the unity of the church be preserved in the process?” What do you see as unity? Do you see any unity with the IC?
Previously, you stated you believe the special priesthood is "spurious" or "specious." Thus, your question “How does "the special priesthood decrease?" Can the unity of the church be preserved in the process?” still doesn’t make sense to me. The question seems to indicate that you believe the decreasing of the clergy would affect the unity of the church. Which church?
Obviously, a spurious and specious priesthood which should never have been will not effect the Lord’s church. Scripture teaches a house divided can not stand. It is Satan’s house that is divided by spurious preachers, spurious doctrines, etc.
David replied:
quote: I am in such unity with EVERY believer, regardless of how or where they worship, Faith. It's who they worship more than how or where, not that these are insignificant. They aren't.
I didn’t ask you if you had unity with any of the people in the IC; but rather, do you see unity with the IC? Restated, do you see the IC or their preachers as a unifying force in God’s church? If not, why the question about preserving the unity of the IC?
It is true it is all important who they worship; but often the how tells who.
quote: I was in the IC church 35 years before leaving. The exact point of time which I left did NOT mark my true conversion.
So were you truly converted all 35 years in the IC or only part? I did not say that all people in the IC were lost. Rather, I sincerely believe the Lord is leading them out by his spirit. He led you out, didn’t he? I agree we are unified with all believers by Christ. Christ led my family through several IC’s after we were saved. He taught us several things while there. He didn’t leave us there; but led us out and safely into his flock with Christ as our shepherd.
Christ is the head of the church. Christ is the unifying factor. However, most if not all IC’s have other heads, teach other gospels, etc. It is not the fact they meet in a church building that is the main problem. It is who their God is that is the trouble. Time to switch threads.
-------------------- 1 Thes. 5:21 (KJV) Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
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