3. Christian priesthood

There is no provision for human priests in Christianity. Jesus Christ is our only high priest and Mediator. Jesus instructed his disciples that they were not to be called 'Rabbi', or 'Master' because they were all brothers, nor 'Father' because God was their Father and He is in heaven, nor 'Teacher' because Christ alone was their teacher (in Matthew 23:8-12).

The apostles appointed bishops and deacons (see BISHOP and DEACON) who were leaders, and looked after the spiritual and practical needs of the new Christian churches, but who had no function as priests.

We pray to God, Our Father, when we are alone, and when we meet together for worship, as we have been instructed to do by Jesus (see Matthew 6:9-13). Jesus, our Mediator in heaven with the Father, is the only priest we need. He makes intercession for us as we pray. For his sake we are forgiven, and blessed in every way (see Hebrews 9:11-28).

"Christ…entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God's presence." (Hebrews 9:24).

Pagan
Parable
Paradise
  New Testament references to paradise
Passover
  1. The first Passover
  2. Old Testament Passover feasts
  3. Jesus and the Passover
Pastor
Patriarch
Peace
Pentateuch
Perfect, Perfection
Pharisee
Power of God
Prayer
Preach
Predestination
Priest
  1. The Mosaic priesthood
  2. Pagan priests
  3. Christian priesthood
  4. Priests in the age to come
Promise
Promised Land
Prophet, Prophecy
Pure