WILLIAMS | PAGE 1 WILLIAMS | PAGE 2 THE PRIESTHOOD OF THE BELIEVER: MINISTERS TO , BLESSINGS TO PEOPLE

PREFACE ...... 3

INTRODUCTION ...... 4

PART I: REMOVING IDOLS ...... 5

SESSION 1: A DEFINITION & FOUR DIMENSIONS OF DEVOTION ...... 6

SESSION 2: IDOLS & HUMANITY (PSALMS 115:4-8, 135:15-18) ...... 8

SESSION 3: IDOLS & DEMONS ...... 13

SESSION 4: THE BRIDEGROOM’S RESPONSE TO IDOLATRY ...... 14

SESSION 5: THE BRIDE’S RESPONSE TO IDOLATRY ...... 18

PART II: THE PRIESTHOOD OF THE BELIEVER ...... 23

SESSION 1: 15 REASONS WHY THIS SUBJECT IS IMPORTANT ...... 24

SESSION 2: THE ETERNAL DESIRE IN THE HEART OF GOD ...... 27

SESSION 3: THE DWELLING PLACE OF GOD & MAN ...... 28

SESSION 4: THE TRANSCENDENT BEAUTY OF GOD’S HOLINESS ...... 32

SESSION 5: THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE PRIESTLY MINISTRY ...... 35

SESSION 6: THE SEVEN FACETS OF OLD TESTAMENT PRIESTS ...... 37

SESSION 7: THE HIGH PRIESTLY MINISTRY ...... 44

SESSION 8: THE SEVEN FACETS OF NEW TESTAMENT PRIESTS ...... 48

SESSION 9: THE SIX NATURAL DYNAMICS OF THE PRIEST ...... 58

SESSION 10: THE ETERNAL PRIESTHOOD ...... 62

APPENDIX (EXTRA NOTES) ...... 70 WILLIAMS | PAGE 3

PREFACE On October 17th, 2019, early in the morning, I sat in my dorm’s makeshift prayer closet preparing to continue my 90 days of reading through the Bible. For the past 47 days I had been encountering the Lord in a unique way by reading the Scriptures out loud. Almost every day the Spirit would highlight something new but little did I know that the words I would read this morning would send me on the journey of studying and uncovering a deep truth found in the Scriptures: The Priesthood of the Believer. I had been reading through the prophets for the past week and this particular morning the first chapter I read was 3 in which God was rebuking Israel for Her idolatry. As I read the words aloud immediately the spirit of wisdom and revelation fell upon my mind and heart, giving me a deep understanding of the emotions of God in this passage. In this portion of Scripture God pours out His heart as a husband who has lost his wife to another lover. In this passage I could almost feel and hear the Lord say, "Return, backsliding Israel,” says the Lord; “I will not cause My anger to fall on you. For I am merciful,” says the Lord; “I will not remain angry forever…Return, O backsliding children,” says the Lord; “for I am married to you” (NKJV, Jer 3:12-14). When I read the words of this chapter it was as if a veil was taken off of my face and the light of the knowledge of God flooded the room. In this moment I realized that, in God’s eyes, idolatry is synonymous with adultery. For believers, our trust (or intimacy) in anything other than the Lord is a direct violation of the we have been brought into. Shaken by the power of this revelation I stopped reading and began weeping, knowing that the Holy Spirit was connecting my heart with God’s. Out of desperation to understand this subject I began studying idolatry and its effects on our relationship with the Lord. I completed the study within a month and a half but when I finished I felt that something was missing. Taking this issue to the Lord in prayer I realized that it is not enough to simply remove idols from our hearts but we must also walk in the opposite spirit, we must walk as priests of God. Therefore the past year of my life, in every aspect, has been focused on unveiling every believer’s identity as a priest of God. In my opinion, this is one of the most important doctrines of the Christian faith because it touches every aspect of our life. And I believe that as we approach the transition into the age to come (the return of Christ) the Lord will begin highlighting this doctrine amongst the larger Body of Christ because this will be our identity forever! I pray that the Spirit will touch your heart as we study this together! WILLIAMS | PAGE 4

INTRODUCTION The doctrine of The Priesthood of the Believer was forged and manifested in the fires of the Reformation movement of the 16th century (1500’s). Martin Luther led a revolt against the Catholic Church because they were guilty of manipulating the people and withholding believers from engaging personally with the Lord. The Catholic Church, opposite of biblical teaching, had priests (Catholic ministers) mediate the relationship between the people and God. Exposing this ecclesial atrocity in his 95 Theses Martin Luther exalted the doctrine of The Priesthood of the Believer, the biblical truth that every Christian has access to God. As this doctrine has taken root in Protestant Christianity over the past 500 years, over the past 50 years the Lord has begun bringing forth a fuller expression of it in the current (and increasing) Global Prayer Movement. According to studies in missiology and the IHOP Network (International House of Prayer) there are over 500 houses of prayer in the United States and thousands globally! The doctrine of The Priesthood of the Believer is not only about recognizing our access to the presence of God but it is also about engaging in our priestly ministry to His heart. I am not saying that Martin Luther and the Reformers missed it, I am saying that orthodoxy must result in orthopraxy; the doctrine of the priesthood must result in the deeds of the priesthood. In order to do the works of the New Testament priest it is imperative that we remove anything that hinders our wholehearted love for God. Many of us hoard idols that prevent us from experiencing more of God and if we are to ascend the mountain of the Lord it requires clean hands and a pure heart, a heart that does not lift itself to an idol or any other false deity (Ps 24:3-4). Therefore, the first 5 sessions of this document deal with the theology of idolatry and gives practical steps on how to remove such hinderances from our lives. Once we have removed the idols from our heart we must turn to the Lord and worship Him in spirit and in truth, lest anything steal our devotion. The doctrine of The Priesthood of the Believer is explained in the second part of these notes, dealing with the topic in 10 sessions. This section highlights the most important theological ideas of this doctrine and the Appendix holds more information on this subject, expounding upon concepts of subsequent importance. Keep in mind that this document is by no means exhaustive or perfect (there is more I would like to write about), it is simply an attempt to merge the core of our Protestant beliefs with the emergence of the Global Prayer Movement. My aim is to give the Body of Christ appropriate language and biblically rooted theology of our identity as New Testament priests. As you engage with this material I pray that you think critically about my theology and my propositions, but I also hope that you hear my heart and feel my passion for this subject. PART I: REMOVING IDOLS WILLIAMS | PAGE 6

SESSION 1: A DEFINITION & FOUR DIMENSIONS OF DEVOTION Definition of Idolatry: Any created thing (by God or by Man) that humans or satanic powers have turned into a primary object of devotion or that hinders our wholehearted love for God.

I. AFFECTION (EMOTIONS)

A. GOVERNANCE: The first question to be asked pertaining to idolatry is: where does the object have dominion in our emotional life? If we are not careful idols can easily assume the throne of our passions, controlling the way we feel about certain subjects. When idols have dominion in the area of our emotions (joy, fear, sadness, etc.) they nullify and disconnect our feelings from the truth of the Gospel and the heart of the Father. When idols have authority in our emotions they effect how and what we feel about certain things.

B. INFLUENCE: This area pertains to the development of the person’s emotional life. When an idol governs a person’s emotions its influence becomes prevalent and dictates the trajectory of the individual’s heart response to God. As the dominion of the idol expands so does its influence. Not only does the idol dictate the individual’s heart response to God but it also dictates the actions of the individual as well. Action is simply the manifestation of the heart response.

C. RELIANCE: Once the strongholds of governance and influence are established the individual begins to rely on the idol for emotional consistency. This means that a pattern is established on the internal life of the individual to sustain a certain feeling or emotion independent of God. The longer these patterns continue the easier it becomes for demonic strongholds to be established, making inward freedom harder to gain (freedom being were the Spirit has dominion [2 Cor 3:18]). Idols will not last, therefore when they are removed there is potential for great emotional turmoil.

II. DESIRE (AMBITIONS)

A. DESIRE: There are many longings of the human heart but when an idol becomes the focal point of those desires we begin to crave that which will not last. As stated previously idols cannot and will not last therefore their end is destruction. So when we allow our desires to be fixed upon idols we are longing for death itself. We have been created with eternal passions and desires and if we do not guard our hearts we can be easily led into the worship of false .

B. PURSUIT: When an idol becomes the focus of one’s desires by default the person will pursue it. The one who walks along this path is deceived, thinking they can fulfill their eternal longings in a finite object. Pursuing idols is a vain effort and distracts from a holy pursuit of God. WILLIAMS | PAGE 7

III. VALUE (MIND)

A. IMAGINATION: When an idol has an established position in one’s life it will affect their thought patterns (what they value). As created and creative beings what dominates our imaginations often times comes out in our artistic expressions (painting, drawing, music, dance, etc.). As idols take root in our thoughts we will fantasize, daydream, and envision various aspects about it. Idols limit our capacity to think creatively because they are limited in nature.

B. MEDITATION/FASCINATION: This aspect of idolatry pertains to reality, in the sense of what is attainable. When an idol is easy to see and feel it becomes easier to meditate about its various features. The physical aspects of an idol can be more attractive than the invisible attributes of God because it is seemingly more stable and secure. Meditation can easily become fascination the more an individual interacts with the object. The more we meditate on the idol the more it dominates our thought life.

C. CALCULATION: As one continues to make room in their thoughts for the idol they begin to strategically plan their time, money, and energy around it. In the same way one can rely on idols for emotional security and consistency, so also we create thought patterns and lifestyles that revolve around the idol.

IV. TRUST (HOPE)

A. HEARTFELT BELIEF: As idols take root in a person’s emotions, desires, and thoughts, it is only a matter of time that the object becomes the trust for their salvation/deliverance. In times of trouble and distress an idolater believes that their idol can rescue and resolve the situations they may be facing. Though heartfelt belief may not be an acknowledged, cognitive response, it is surely revealed under the pressures of life (2 Kings 1).

B. VERBAL ADMISSION: When situations in life come with great pressures and consequences, there will always be a cry for assistance and salvation. Heartfelt belief will eventually lead to verbal admission, and this can take many forms: 1. Statement of Faith (Direct): This action looks like boldly stating what one trusts in. When it comes to idolatry, one will boldly confess their faith in the “steadfastness” of their idol. 2. Confession (Indirect): When a situation goes awry one may say, “I thought that ______would have helped!” This indirectly exposes where their hope rests. 3. Written Declaration: This action looks like composing a document that highlights what the foundation of one’s trust is; this is a physical representation of what the heart believes. This can be direct or indirect. WILLIAMS | PAGE 8

SESSION 2: IDOLS & HUMANITY (PSALMS 115:4-8, 135:15-18)

I. EYES (SIGHT)

A. PHYSICAL: Eyes in the Bible represent our physical capacity to see (Gen 13:10, 14; Deut 4:9; 1 Jn 1:1). God made our eyes in such a way that we would have the capacity to behold and enjoy the beauty of His wondrous creation. Idols affect our physical eyes by hindering our range of perception and focus on regular tasks. When one’s focus is upon an idol their focus is obstructed and their awareness is dulled to the surrounding events and actions of daily life.

B. SPIRITUAL: Eyes in the Bible represent our capacity to see spiritual things (Num 22:31; Josh 5:13-15; 2 Kings 6:17; Ps 119:18; Dan 10:5; 1 Jn 2:11; Rev 4-5). Not only do we have physical eyes to behold the beauty of physical things but we also have spiritual eyes to behold the beauty of heavenly things. Humans have the capacity to receive visions, trances, dreams, various heavenly encounters, and to peer into the spiritual realm with the eyes of faith. Idols are not alive and cannot see, therefore they greatly hinder our capacity to behold the beauty of God and the things of heaven.

C. DESIRE: Eyes in the Bible represent the fleshly desires that arise and lead people astray from God (Gen 3:6; Judg 17:6; Ezek 6:9; 2 Pt 2:14; 1 Jn 2:16). As stated above our eyes were made for beholding beauty, but occasionally the beauty we behold is twisted into fleeting passions. We desire what we continually behold. When idols become the object of our gaze naturally the desires of our heart will turn toward them. Therefore, when we behold idols our desire for worldly pleasures will greatly increase and our desires for heavenly things will drastically decrease.

D. KNOWLEDGE: Eyes in the Bible are intimately connected to knowledge and understanding (Gen 3:5-7; Matt 13:15-16; Jn 9:35-41; Eph 1:18). This knowledge can be expanded to physical understanding (math, morality, etc) as well as spiritual insight (parables, conviction of sin, etc). Because idols are not alive and cannot see they do not have a living understanding of the affairs of life. In the same way, those who continually behold (worship) idols become dumb, lacking in understanding. This does not mean there is no knowledge to be gained from various sciences but that the individual’s mind becomes disconnected from a living understanding of the knowledge of God’s hand in creation.

E. LIFE: Eyes in the Bible are used to portray the vitality of a person (1 Sam 14:27-29; Ezra 9:8; Dan 10:6; Matt 6:22-23; Rev 1:14). Often times when an individual is excited, tired, happy, sad, or angry, it becomes evident from the light in their eyes. Idols are not alive and they cannot impart life, therefore when one continually beholds (worship) an idol their eyes become dim like a dying person. WILLIAMS | PAGE 9

II. MOUTH (SPEECH)

A. CONVERSATION: One of the most basic uses of the mouth is social communication (Gen 45:15; Exod 4:10; Job 33:2). When idols become the center of one’s life it dominates what they talk about (substance), how they talk (language), and why they talk (motivation). Idols hinder social interactions by absorbing the content of the conversation. When an idol becomes the singular object of interaction the result is lifeless and restricted engagement through all forms of verbal communication.

B. INTERCESSION/PRAYER: Not only were we created to converse with one another but we also have been created to converse with God (2 Chron 30:18; 1 Jn 5:14-15). But when one’s affections, desires, values, and trust are anchored in an idol, our prayers will be directed toward that object (whether direct or indirect). Idols steal our capacity and capability to fellowship with God (Ezek 14:3). God will not listen or consider prayers of a heart divided by an idol; He will not share our affection with another (Exod 20:3-6).

C. PREACHING/PROPHESYING: When God has a desire to release a message He always uses the mouthes of humans to proclaim His oracles (2 Sam 23:2; Ps 71:24; Jer 23:9-40; Amos 7:16; Matt 4:17; Acts 1:16; 1 Cor 14:1). Idols can greatly hinder and restrict man’s involvement in God’s message(s) to His people. Idols are mute, meaning their “words” have no power. In the same way, the preacher/messenger who cherishes an idol lacks power in their words. Because idols are worldly they influence the messenger to preach and prophesy worldly truths (from their own minds, hearts, dreams, and visions) resulting in lying and deceiving messages (Jer 23:9-40).

D. WORSHIP: Man has been given a mouth for the purpose of worship in which we declare the goodness of the Lord through instrument and song (Ps 34:1, 51:14; Isa 66:23; Jn 4:24). Worship was created to be a sweet fragrance to the Lord (Mal 1:11; Rev 5:8) but idols steal the sweet fragrance of our worship and exchange it for an awful stench. Idol worship not only affects our music but it affects the very depths of our . Worship is a gift given to man as an avenue to lift our soul to what is true, the living God. When idols steal our worship they also steal our soul (Ps 24:3-4).

E. HEART REVELATION: The mouth, according to the Bible, is an outlet for the heart to release and declare its excess thoughts, desires, and feelings (Ezek 33:31; Matt 12:34, 15:18; Lk 6:45). Though one may publicly declare their allegiance to the Lord their private conversations will reveal what/who is the primary object of their affection; everyone’s internal life is completely visible before Him (Matt 7:22-23; Heb 4:13). When idols consume our thoughts, emotions, and actions, they will eventually manifest themselves in various aspects of our lives. Whether it is obvious or not the idols that we horde will either be revealed in speech or at the throne of God (Lk 8:17). WILLIAMS | PAGE 10

III. EARS (HEARING)

A. PHYSICAL: Humans have been given ears with the capacity to hear various sounds, notes, and noises, understanding and articulating their meaning (Ex 29:20; Ec 1:8; 1 Cor 2:9). Idols do not steal our ability to hear sounds and noises but they do steal our willingness to listen to anything outside of its context. The idol we subject ourselves to becomes the filter for all that enters our ears, hindering our capacity to listen and engage in other subjects of importance.

B. SPIRITUAL: Ears in the Bible also represent our capacity to hear and receive spiritual truths (Isa 6:10; Ezek 3:10; Matt 11:15; Rev 2:7, 11, 17, 29). We have been created with the capacity to hear the voice of God, whether it be from the word (Bible), audibly, by the Holy Spirit, or other ways. Idols are deaf therefore the one who cherishes an idol will also become deaf to the voice of God. Our spiritual ears will become less sensitive to divine revelation and truths from Scripture. Idols dull one’s ability to discern between the voice of the Lord and the voice of the world/demons.

C. OBEDIENCE: Ears in the Bible are intimately connected to a person’s willingness to obey commands whether it be from God or Man (Ex 15:26; Deut 1:45; Ne 9:30; Isa 1:10; Jer 7:24; Acts 7:51). When one hears a command naturally it is to be obeyed, and the Lord has commands that he requires His disciples to follow (Jn 13:34-35). When an idol is the primary object of our focus and affection it dulls a person’s ability to hear the commands of the Lord and obey them with a willing heart. Idols steal the sensitivity of our heart to respond to God’s voice.

IV. NOSE (SMELL/TASTE)

A. PHYSICAL: Humans have been given noses with the ability to smell and identify various scents, fragrances, and odors (Gen 24:47, 27:27; 2 Kings 19:28; So 7:4; Dan 3:27). There are certain objects with potent smells such as food and various substances. When these objects becomes idols their fragrance appeals to the stomach, olfactory senses, and desires for pleasure, becoming the leader of one’s life instead of the Spirit (Phil 3:19).

B. SPIRITUAL: Smell in the Bible is also connected to the spiritual atmosphere around a person (Jer 48:11; Joel 2:20; 2 Cor 2:14-16). We were created to “smell” like Christ but idolatry prevents the Lord from smelling the sweet aroma of our worship (Lev 26:30-31). The incense of idol worship is a foul stench to the Lord and His hosts.

C. EXPERIENCE: When speaking of smell one must also include the area of taste. These two senses are intimately connected. Smell is about awareness, taste is about experience. Biblical taste is mainly about encountering God (Ps 34:8, 119:103; Jn 8:52; Heb 2:9). We were made to experience the Lord but idols hinder that capability. WILLIAMS | PAGE 11

V. HANDS (FEELING/TOUCH)

A. PHYSICAL: Humans have been given hands with the ability to grasp, build, fix, and communicate (Gen 3:22, 8:9; Ex 4:2, 34:4; Josh 8:19). Idols are a physical entity, and as humans we have a propensity to put our trust in objects that we can feel and touch. Idols give a false sense of security due to their apparent proximity and their immediate gratification. Idols have hands but cannot feel, therefore those who worship idols forfeit the ability to lay hold of the living God. When we put our trust in created objects (that which we can feel and touch) a vibrant faith is stolen from the people of God.

B. DOMINION: When the Bible uses the imagery of the hand(s) many times it is referring to a person's (or nation’s) power, dominion, possession, or control (Ex 2:19; Num 11:23; Josh 4:24; Ne 9:27; Matt 22:44; Jn 10:29; Acts 11:21). As believers we have been raised with Christ to the right of the Father, sharing in His authority (Eph 2:6). Idols cannot steal our position in Christ but when an idol becomes the primary object of one’s devotion the potency and witness of a believer’s life will be diluted. The believer ought to rid themselves of anything that hinders their work for the Lord that the Kingdom of God may expand (2 Tim 2:14-26). If we are to advance the kingdom of light, gaining authority and dominion over regions (stretching forth the “hand” of heaven), we cannot hoard the darkness of idolatry in our hearts. We have not come to the Kingdom to engage in powerless Christianity but to experience the fullness of power in Christ Jesus.

C. IMPARTATION: Another use of the hands in the Bible is to transfer or impart some kind of spiritual power or currency (Lev 4:22-24; Acts 8:17-19, 14:3, 19:6; 1 Tim 4:14; 2 Tim 1:6; Heb 6:2). Human hands were made to convey and release the very power of God. God created us in His image as vessels to labor with Him in beautifying the earth, magnifying His glory in the created order (Gen 2:15; Mk 16:14-20; Jn 14:12-14; 1 Cor 6:13, 19). There is a biblical, New Testament paradigm in which there is a transfer/impartation of power or spiritual currency that takes place at the laying on of hands, empowering the one touched. God can work through any vessel, honorable or dishonorable, but idolatry is a faulty foundation to have God’s power released. When the works of power happen they can deceive the person into thinking they are on good terms with God (Matt 7:21-23). Idolatry can mislead a person to believe that it is permissible to secretly hold fast to an idol while God continues to work through them. God will not only judge the deeds done in the flesh but He will also judge what was held in the heart (1 Cor 3:10-15; 2 Cor 5:10). On that day He will see and reveal whether or not our hearts were fully devoted to Him. Though we may have the power of God released through us idolatry, like a thief, will steal the integrity of those works. WILLIAMS | PAGE 12

VI. FEET (WALKING)

A. LIFESTYLE: When the Bible talks about feet many times it is referring to the lifestyle of a person (1 Sam 2:9; Ps 17:5, 18:33, 119:101, 105; Pr 4:26; Ezek 11:20; Eph 4:1; 1 Jn 1:6-7). Aforementioned, our feet will naturally follow what our eyes desire. One cannot pursue the commands of the Lord and idols simultaneously (Matt 6:24). Idols have feet yet cannot walk, and those that follow idols will be crippled in their faith journey. The object we abide in will be reflected in the way we live. When one chooses to abide in an idol the adventurous nature of the Spirit’s leadership is dulled.

B. VICTORY: Feet in the Bible are also used as a picture of victory over one’s enemies (Josh 10:24; Ps 8:6; Matt 22:44; 1 Cor 15:25-27; Heb 1:13). Christians face great oppositions: fleshly desires, the world, and demonic forces. Because we are in Christ we have overcome the world (1 Jn 4:4) but if one holds fast to an idol they remain in their old self, reluctant to put on the new self (Col 3:l-17). As stated above idols dilute the potency of the believer’s external and internal life, preventing/hindering/delaying their access to victory over sinful and demonic strongholds.

PARADIGM SHIFT: THROUGH THE LENS OF MARRIAGE

This is a fitting place in the course to mentally and spiritually shift the paradigm of our relationship toward God. Many Christians view their relationship with the Lord in different ways: Master-Servant, Father-Child, Friend-Friend, King-Subject, amongst others. But when speaking of idolatry the primary paradigm we must assume is Husband-Wife, Bridegroom- Bride. In the same manner that a husband and wife become one flesh, so also have we become one spirit with God (Gen 2:23-24; 1 Cor 6:17; Eph 5:22-33). Therefore when we lift our to idols, in the truest sense, we are committing adultery against the Lord. We see in Jeremiah 3 that God truly views idolatry as adultery. In this passage we see the heart of a jealous Husband, One who has lost His wife to other lovers (idols). This passage highlights the confusion, pain, and compassion that the Lord has for those who have fallen into idolatry:

“Return, O backsliding children,” says the Lord; “for I am married to you…Surely, as a wife treacherously departs from her husband, so have you dealt treacherously with Me” (NKJV, Jeremiah 3:14, 20).

When we worship idols we become conformed to their image (Ps 115:4-8), but we have been designed to be a reflection of Christ, walking as He walked (1 Jn 2:6). If we are to resemble His image it requires a divorce from the idols we worship and a turning to our Husband. Beloved, we are truly married to Christ and if we read the Bible through this lens everything about God begins to makes sense: His wrath, His jealousy, His zeal, His love, and His cross. WILLIAMS | PAGE 13

SESSION 3: IDOLS & DEMONS

I. ATTACHMENT: When speaking of idolatry it becomes easy to believe that it is only our flesh that is involved. Yet, when we look at idolatry from a biblical perspective we will see that at times there are demonic spirits attached to the object(s). When studying idolatry we must be aware of the spiritual realities surrounding the idol(s). So they shall no more sacrifice their sacrifices to goat demons, after whom they whore. This shall be a statute forever for them throughout their generations (Leviticus 17:7). They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to the demons; they poured out innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan, and the land was polluted with blood (Ps 106:37-38). No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons (1 Cor 10:20-22).

II. INFLUENCE: Satan and his demonic regime not only attach themselves to objects but they also release their power over them to heighten the four dimensions of devotion (affection, desire, value, and trust). Their power can beautify an object heightening its desirability and adding to the fleshly inclination that is already present. Toward the end of the age idol worship will be more prevalent than ever. At the end of the age the primary force behind idol worship will be the antichrist spirit. This spirit is already at work in the earth and its main goal is to exalt: false ideologies of Christ (1 Jn 2:18-25, 4:1-6), created entities (Rev 13:13-14), and Antichrist himself (2 Thess 2:9-11). But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good…she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate (Genesis 3:1-6). For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work…The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, 9-11). Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth…[it] makes the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast…and by the signs that it is allowed to work in the presence of the beast it deceives those who dwell on earth, telling them to make an image for the beast…And it was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain (Revelation 13:11-15). WILLIAMS | PAGE 14

SESSION 4: THE BRIDEGROOM’S RESPONSE TO IDOLATRY

I. EXPOSITION: When Israel was found unfaithful to the covenant (the marriage) God exposed their sin, their harlotry. The Lord is not timid or afraid to expose the false gods in our life. It is His love for us that drives Him to reveal the insufficiency of our idols; this is life in covenant relationship with YHWH. The Lord is a jealous God and He desires our love and affection, that our devotion be toward Him alone. Idolatry is the same as adultery to the Lord and He will go to great lengths to expose the inadequacy of our idols. He will allow (or cause) difficult situations to occur that we may see that our other lovers (idols) are incapable of caring for us like Him. If He cannot get our attention in the whispers (preaching, conviction, etc.) then He will yell through our troubles. When the Lord first spoke through Hosea, the Lord said to Hosea, “Go, take to yourself a wife of whoredom and have children of whoredom, for the land commits great whoredom by forsaking the Lord.” So he went and took Gomer, the daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son (Hosea 1:2-3). Hear the word of the Lord, O children of Israel, for the Lord has a controversy with the inhabitants of the land. There is no faithfulness or steadfast love, and no knowledge of God in the land; there is swearing, lying, murder, stealing, and committing adultery; they break all bounds, and bloodshed follows bloodshed (Hosea 4:1-3). What shall I do with you, O Ephraim? What shall I do with you, O Judah? Your love is like a morning cloud, like the dew that goes early away. Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth, and my judgment goes forth as the light. For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. But like Adam they transgressed the covenant; there they dealt faithlessly with me. Gilead is a city of evildoers, tracked with blood. As robbers lie in wait for a man, so the priests band together; they murder on the way to Shechem; they commit villainy. In the house of Israel I have seen a horrible thing; Ephraim’s whoredom is there; Israel is defiled (Hosea 6:4-10). Like grapes in the wilderness, I found Israel. Like the first fruit on the fig tree in its first season, I saw your fathers. But they came to Baal-peor and consecrated themselves to the thing of shame. And became detestable like the thing they loved (Hosea 9:10). You have plowed iniquity; you have reaped injustice; you have eaten the fruit of lies (Hosea 10:13). Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal” (Jn 6:26-27). WILLIAMS | PAGE 15

II. DISCIPLINE: After exposing our adultery the Lord will bring us into a wilderness season to wean us off the idol we depend on. This season causes our lust for the idol(s) to weaken that our desire for the Lord would be strengthened. If we do not see this season as a demonstration of God’s love we will misinterpret His actions as punishment and condemnation. In the same manner that a father does not discipline children who are not his God does not discipline those who do not belong to Him (Heb 12:7-11). This season legitimizes us as sons, firmly establishing our place in the family of God; He leads us into the wilderness that we may mature in love for Him. Jesus is not interested in a Bride that is immature in Her affections toward Him, He desires a Bride that is perfected in love (1 Jn 4:16-21; Rev 19:7-8). Though the discipline may be difficult the Lord sees the fruit that will be produced. If we are to mature in love, bearing good fruit, there must be a cutting and a burning of the branches that do not produce fruits of the Spirit (Jn 15:1-5). Plead with your mother, plead—for she is not my wife, and I am not her husband—that she put away her whoring from her face, and her adultery from between her breasts; lest I strip her naked and make her as in the day she was born, and make her like a wilderness, and make her like a parched land, and kill her with thirst. Upon her children also I will have no mercy, because they are children of whoredom. For their mother has played the whore; she who has conceived them has acted shamefully. For she said, ‘I will go after my lovers, who give me my bread and my water, my wool and my flax, my oil and my drink.’ Therefore I will hedge up her way with thorns, and I will build a wall against her, so that she cannot find her paths (Hosea 2:2-6). I will lay waste her vines and her fig trees…I will make them a forest, and the beasts of the field shall devour them. And I will punish her for the feast days of the Baals when she burned offerings to them and adorned herself with her ring and jewelry, and went after her lovers and forgot me, declares the Lord (Hosea 2:12-13). And now they sin more and more, and make for themselves metal images, idols skillfully made of their silver, all of them the work of craftsmen. It is said of them, “Those who offer human sacrifice kiss calves!” Therefore they shall be like the morning mist or the dew that goes early away, like the chaff that swirls from the threshing floor or like smoke from a window. But I am the Lord your God from the land of Egypt; you know no God but me, and besides me there is no savior. It is I who knew you in the wilderness, in the land of drought; but when they had grazed, they became full, they became filled and their heart was lifted up; therefore they forgot me…I will fall upon them like a bear robbed of her cubs (Hosea 13:2-8). It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons (Heb 12:7-8). WILLIAMS | PAGE 16

III. TENDER MERCIES: The Lord leads us into the wilderness, a place with no distractions or disturbances, so that He may whisper tender words to our heart. Often times we assume that the exposition of our sin and the Lord’s discipline is for the sake of criticism and shame. Instead, He leads us to a wilderness season that He may speak tenderly to us, wooing our hearts into loving Him again; He brings us into the wilderness that He may conquer our hearts with love. When we are alone with Him He reminds us of His kindness, His faithfulness, and His mercies that we may realize whom we have forgotten. He deals tenderly with our hearts, knowing that we are vulnerable and weak in times of pruning. As His words wash over us the Holy Spirit will gently convict us of our unfaithfulness in the covenant relationship. He is after our affections, not our actions. In this moment there are only two responses that can take place: (1) Our heart can move toward God or (2) Our heart can move away from Him. The way we respond to the Lord’s tender whispers will determine the direction of our growth and the tenderness of our hearts toward Him. Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak tenderly to her. And there I will give her her vineyards and make the Valley of Achor a door of hope. And there she shall answer as in the days of her youth, as at the time when she came out of the land of Egypt (Hosea 2:14-15). How can I give you up, O Ephraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel? How can I make you like Adma? How can I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart recoils within me; my compassion grows warm and tender. I will not execute my burning anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim; for I am God and not a man, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come in wrath (Hosea 11:8-9).

IV. RESTORATION: When we actively turn our heart to the Lord we give Him permission to restore everything that was lost (our relationship with Him and the nature of our humanity). When our eyes turn toward our Husband His fiery gaze begins to refine and heal all that was lost in the time we played the whore. He will forgive us when we repent for He desires mercy over judgement (James 2:13). Idols dull and nullify every aspect of our humanity, therefore removing idols is also about restoring the nature of our humanity (being priests). Just as Hosea redeemed Gomer so also will God redeem us. And I said to her, “You must dwell as mine for many days. You shall not play the whore, or belong to another man; so will I also be to you.” For the children of Israel…shall return and seek the Lord their God, and David their king, and they shall come in fear to the Lord and to his goodness in the latter days (Hosea 3:1-5). ‘Return, backsliding Israel,’ says the Lord; ‘I will not cause My anger to fall on you. For I am merciful,’ says the Lord; ‘I will not remain angry forever…“Return, you backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings” (Jer 3:12, 22). WILLIAMS | PAGE 17

V. RENEWED VOWS: After exposing the sin of idolatry, giving divine discipline, wooing our hearts with the whispers of tender mercies, and restoring all that has been lost God will bring us to a vow renewal ceremony. At this stage of His response we meet the fiery gaze of the Lord and we renew our love to Him, saying, “I vow to love you with all of my heart, with all of my soul, with all of my mind, and with all of my strength” (Matt 22:37). In this moment all that has happened is forgiven and a new horizon stands before the Bridegroom and the Bride. They both expect to meet great trials, events that will test their love, but they are encouraged by the ardent devotion they have for one another; their desire for pure love overcomes all the adversity and temptations of the world. And in that day, declares the Lord, you will call me ‘My Husband,’ and no longer will you call me ‘My Baal.’ For I will remove the names of the Baals from her mouth, and they shall be remembered by name no more. And I will make for them a covenant on that day with the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, and the creeping things of the ground. And I will abolish the bow, the sword, and war from the land, and I will make you lie down in safety. And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy. I will betroth you to me in faithfulness. And you shall know the Lord (Hosea 2:16-20). I will heal their apostasy; I will love them freely, for my anger has turned from them. I will be like the dew to Israel; he shall blossom like the lily; he shall take root like the trees of Lebanon; his shoots shall spread out; his beauty shall be like the olive, and his fragrance like Lebanon. They shall return and dwell beneath my shadow; they shall flourish like the grain; they shall blossom like the vine; their fame shall be like the wine of Lebanon. O Ephraim, what have I to do with idols? It is I who answer and look after you. I am like an evergreen cypress; from me comes your fruit (Hosea 14:4-8). [She] Come, my beloved let us go into the fields and lodge in the villages; let us go out early to the vineyards and see whether or not the vines have budded, whether the grape blossoms have opened and the pomegranates are in bloom. There I will give you my love (Song of Solomon 7:11-12). [She] Who is that coming up from the wilderness, leaning on her beloved? Under the apple tree I awakened you…Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, jealousy as fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the Lord. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it…Make haste, my beloved, and be like a gazelle, or a young stag on the mountain of spices (Song of Solomon 8:5-7). And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt 22:37-39). WILLIAMS | PAGE 18

SESSION 5: THE BRIDE’S RESPONSE TO IDOLATRY

I. MOTIVATIONS

A. MOSES — COVENANT RELATIONSHIP One of the primary motivations to remove idols from our lives is the reality that we are married to the Lord. When we trusted in Christ His blood cleansed us of our sin but also brought us into a living relationship with the Godhead (Lk 22:14-22). Moses was a man that recognized the importance of this relationship. When he saw that Israel had abandoned the Lord to worship an idol jealousy and anger arose within his heart, causing him to tear down the . In like manner, we ought to be jealous for our marriage (covenant) with the Lord, removing anything that hinders our communion with Him. Then Moses turned and went down from the mountain with the two tablets of the testimony in his hand…And as soon as he came near the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, Moses' anger burned hot, and he threw the tablets out of his hands and broke them at the foot of the mountain. He took the calf that they had made and burned it with fire and ground it to powder and scattered it on the water and made the people of Israel drink it (Exodus 32:15-20).

B. GIDEON — FULFILLING OUR ASSIGNMENT When we entered into covenant relationship with God there are responsibilities that He gives each of us. We all have been given a specific assignment yet idolatry hinders our ability to fulfill those works. Before Gideon and his men could complete their assignment to defeat the Midianites the Lord required them to remove all of the Baals and Asherah. In the same manner, if we desire to be faithful with the responsibilities that the Lord has given us it requires whole hearted devotion, removing all idols. God has given each one of us an individual assignment but if we horde idols it prevents us from fully walking out the commission the Lord has given us. When we stand before the judgment seat of Christ we will see that it is faithful stewardship to remove any idol(s) that may hinder the completion of our assignment/calling. That night the Lord said to him, “Take your father's bull, and the second bull seven years old, and pull down the altar of Baal that your father has, and cut down the Asherah that is beside it and build an altar to the Lord your God on the top of the stronghold here, with stones laid in due order. Then take the second bull and offer it as a with the wood of the Asherah that you shall cut down.” (Judges 6:25-27). WILLIAMS | PAGE 19

C. ELIJAH — ONE GOD There is only one true God, YHWH the Lord; there is no God other than Him. Yet, in our weakness we tend to lean upon idols as if they are God Himself. In the time of the kings Israel was plagued with idolatry, they forgot the God who delivered them from the hand Egypt. The prophet Elijah took a public stand against the idolatry of his day, desiring to turn the hearts of the people back to YHWH, the only God. There is only one God upon the throne of heaven and when we realize that there is no God but the Lord we will remove the idols that have taken His place and turn our hearts back to Him. And at the time of the offering of the oblation, Elijah the prophet came near and said, “O Lord, God of , , and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your word. Answer me, O Lord, answer me, that this people may know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back.” Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces and said, “The Lord, he is God; the Lord, he is God.” (1 Kings 18:36-39)

D. HEZEKIAH — THE HOUSE OF THE LORD Our bodies are the temple of the Lord and we have been created with the capacity to host the Spirit of God (1 Cor 6:13, 19-20). We were made to glorify the Lord with our bodies but if we hoard idols we defile the space in which God resides. We have been made priests to worship, pray, and offer sacrifices of praise to the Lord. King Hezekiah lived in a day in which the kings and the priests before his reign compromised their duty as YHWH worshipers. Hezekiah’s love and zeal for God drove him to cleanse the dwelling place of God, the Temple. Before 24/7 worship and prayer could be restored in Jerusalem it was necessary to tear down the idols. The reality that our bodies host the Spirit of God ought to strengthen us to remove all that hinders our communion with the indwelling Holy Spirit. [Hezekiah] removed the high places and broke the pillars and cut down the Asherah. And he broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for until those days the people of Israel had made offerings to it (it was called Nehushtan). He trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel, so that there was none like him among all the kings of Judah after him, nor among those who were before him. For he held fast to the Lord. He did not depart from following him, but kept the commandments that the Lord commanded Moses (2 Kings 18:3-6). WILLIAMS | PAGE 20

E. JOSIAH — GOD’S WORD When we read the word of God we not only come to know our heavenly Father but there is also a cleansing that takes place. This was a reality that the Apostle Paul knew of, saying, “…[Jesus] might sanctify her, having cleansed her [the Church] by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish" (Eph 5:26-27). King Josiah experienced this reality when the Book of the Law was found and read to him. When he heard the voice of God in the Scriptures it stirred his spirit with zeal to destroy all the idols that pervaded the land of Israel. In the same manner, as we read the word of God we ought to be stirred by His voice to remove all the idols that pervade our heart. When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes… And the king commanded the high priest and the priests of the second order and the keepers of the threshold to bring out of the temple of the Lord all the vessels made for Baal, for Asherah, and for all the host of heaven. He burned them outside Jerusalem in the fields of the Kidron and carried their ashes to Bethel…And he brought out the Asherah from the house of the Lord…(2 Kings 22:11, 23:4-7).

F. SHADRACH, MESACH, & ABEDNEGO — GOD’S FAITHFULNESS Like marriage, being in a covenant relationship with God will come with many trials. There will be times of testing and frailty and it is in those moments that a temptation will arise to submit to false gods. If we are to stay clear of idolatry in those times we must have the same resolve as Shadrach, Mesach, and Abednego. In the face of great temptation (preserving their lives by bowing to the idol), they remembered God’s faithfulness to them and their people. It was their knowledge of God’s faithfulness that strengthened them to stay faithful in their covenant relationship with the Lord. In the same way, when we remember God’s faithfulness to us it will strengthen our resolve to remain faithful to Him, even in the midst of great trials and tribulations. King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits and its breadth six cubits.…Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up” (Daniel 3:1, 16-18). WILLIAMS | PAGE 21

G. JOHN THE BAPTIST — FASCINATION The Lord is a God who possesses transcendent beauty and dwells in indescribable light, wrapped in radiant majesty. The glory of the Lord is like no other but idolatry greatly hinders our ability to see the brilliance of His splendor. Yet, it is at the slightest glimpse of the perfection of His grandeur that will captivate the heart of any person that gazes upon Him. John the Baptist was a man whose job it was to remove the idols from the eyes of Israel (false ideologies of Judaism, religious pride, etc.) that they may behold the beauty of God in Jesus. Therefore, The Baptist came preaching repentance, calling Israel to remove every idol in their hearts that when he said “Behold,” the whole world turned. When we become fascinated with the beauty of God in the man Christ Jesus we will never settle for the dull nature of idols again. The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.”…The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus (John 1:6-8, 29-31, 35-37).

H. AUTHOR OF HEBREWS — THE RACE Authors in the New Testament liken our faith to a race, each generation carrying the baton toward the finish line (the end of the age). This race differs from our personal assignment/calling (Gideon) because there is a corporate dimension to it. The saints of the past ran well and their endurance should motivate us to run in the same manner. Yet, if we cling to idols they will hinder our endurance, shatter our focus, and impair our performance (in the eyes of heaven). Idolatry disqualifies us to receive the rewards of the age to come (1 Cor 6:9-11, Phil 3:1-16; Rev 2-3, 22:15). In order for this generation to run successfully we must look to Jesus and lay aside anything that hinders our endurance in the faith. The success of the next generation is dependent upon (in part) how the present generation runs. Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us…Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted…Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet…(Hebrews 12:1, 3, 12-13) WILLIAMS | PAGE 22

II. APPLICATIONS

A. REVEAL — ASK HOLY SPIRIT When dealing with idols it can be hard to pinpoint exactly what is hindering our devotion to the Lord. Therefore, we must ask the Lord Himself to reveal the idols that we worship. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth and the revealer of great mysteries (Jn 16), He searches the depths of God and He is able to search the depths of our souls (1 Cor 2). When we ask Him to reveal our idols He will show us the object but we must also ask Him to reveal the heart of God. It is easy to unmask idols, it is harder to bear the emotions that the Lord feels when we worship these vain objects. “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you” (John 16:13-15).

B. REPENT — TURNING FROM IDOLS After the Holy Spirit has revealed our idols the only way to rid them from our lives is through spiritual violence. This step requires verbal confession and genuine repentance. Confession releases the burden of iniquity and liberates us to receive forgiveness from the Lord (Jer 3:13-14). Repentance is the movement away from the idol, we must uproot and sever any ties that we have with it. This does not mean that the object does not have a place in our lives but that we take extra precautions for it to never replace the primacy of the Lord in our lives. “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” (James 5:16).

C. REPLACE — TURNING TO THE LORD It is not enough to simply walk away from the idol but we must become true worshipers, priests of the living God. Jesus, in John 4, states that “the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him” (Jn 4:23). The opposite of idol worship is found in our identity as priests, and if we are to worship the Lord it requires our complete devotion. Though we may be weak vessels who stumble in and out of wholeheartedness we have a jealous God who is willing to give us the grace to realign our hearts to worship Him alone. It is not enough simply to uproot our idols but we must walk in the opposite spirit, we must walk as priests of God. PART II: THE PRIESTHOOD OF THE BELIEVER WILLIAMS | PAGE 24

SESSION 1: 15 REASONS WHY THIS SUBJECT IS IMPORTANT

I. BIBLICAL REALITY: The Priesthood of the Believer is first and foremost a biblical truth and reality for every Christian. The word of God speaks about our priesthood in great detail, describing our focus, duties, and relationship to the Godhead. If we are to explore the depths of our ministry as priests it requires an understanding of the biblical passages and concepts. The Priesthood of the Believer was a topic that Jesus, Paul, Luke, John, and Peter all recognized and emphasized (Jn 4:23; Acts 15:15-18; Rom 8:9-11, 15:15-16; 1 Cor 6:19; 2 Cor 6:14-7:1; Eph 2:19-22; 1 Pt 1-2; Rev 1:6, 5:10, 19:5, 20:6, 22:3).

II. CHRIST DEFINES IDENTITY: We are servants of Christ and do not possess the right/ liberty to define our own identity (Rom 6). Post-Modern culture values finding identity apart from God, Christians value finding identity in God. There is a great temptation for the Church to adapt to the western, self-identifying culture. But Jesus, in His word, calls us priests and we must take heed to His remarks (Jn 4:24; 1 Pt 2:9; Rev 1:6). This is a glorious truth: God Himself has given us a wonderful identity!

III. INDIVIDUAL IDENTITY: Each person washed in the blood of Christ has become a priest of God (Rev 1:6). Every Christian is deemed a priest meaning that they have unhindered access to the presence of God. Each and every Christian is able to minister before the Lord, interacting with His heart in worship, prayer, and Bible study. Priest is a part of the foundation of every believer’s identity; it cannot be taken away because Christ was the one who gave it. Knowing this truth will strengthen us to pursue God in the secret place.

IV. CORPORATE IDENTITY: The cooperate body of Christ is considered a “Kingdom of Priests” (Rev 1:6, 5:10). Kingdom of Priests along with Bride of Christ and Family of God is the collective identity of the Church. There is a corporate-priestly-grace that is released when believers gather to minister to the heart of God, allowing us to worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness (Ps 29:1-2). The corporate identity dimension destroys the divisive urge for unique individuality. Instead, we must recognize and celebrate that all Christians share in the same identity, ministry, and calling.

V. ETERNAL IDENTITY: Our identity as priests is not temporary but it is our eternal vocation (Isa 66:18-23; Rev 5:10, 20:6, 22:3-4). We will not always be known by what we are in this age (student, parent, employee, etc) but our identity as priests will extend unto eternity. At the second advent we will be transformed and conformed into the same image as Christ (our High Priest) making us priests forever (Ps 110:4; Heb 7:15-17; 1 Jn 3:1-3). In the same way that the Levitical priests had the covenant of an everlasting priesthood so also do we share in the same promise as New Testament priests (Exod 40:15; Num 25:10-13; 1 Chron 15:2; Rev 1:6). In the next age we will be near God, beholding His beauty and receiving our glorious inheritance as a family of priests (Rev 7:15, 21:7, 22:3). WILLIAMS | PAGE 25

VI. THE GLOBAL PRAYER MOVEMENT: There is a global worship and prayer movement growing across the earth. When the Church was birthed the apostles realized that God was beginning to build a global house of prayer (Acts 15). During the Reformation (16th century) the doctrine of The Priesthood of the Believer was dramatically revitalized. And in the past 50 years God has released a grace over the Church to enter into a greater dimension of the priestly ministry. And it is only natural that toward the end of the age the Spirit would begin to highlight our eternal vocation. There are now thousands houses of prayer across the earth! We are in the midst of a revival of the Church’s priestly identity!

VII.CALLING/ASSIGNMENT: In the Christian community there is a great focus (and frustration) upon the calling of the individual, the assignment God has given them. Many Christians worry about their specific calling while often times neglecting their certain calling as a priest of God. We all share in the same assignment: to minister to the heart of God through prayer, worship, and studying the Scriptures. Though God does give some people specific tasks to accomplish, recognizing our identity as New Testament priests will demolish the anxiety and urgency to find our value in a specific calling/assignment.

VIII.THE BIBLICAL NARRATIVE: Before the foundations of the world God desired a people that would stand in His presence to fellowship with Him (Jn 17:3, 24; Rom 8:29; Eph 1:4). The biblical narrative is simply an unfolding of God attaining what He has desired since eternity past. The people who are now able to fellowship with God are called priests (every Christian). The culmination of the biblical narrative is God dwelling with man in perfect companionship and communion (Rev 21-22). Our priesthood is directly connected with the grand narrative of the Bible because we are His temple!

IX. RELATING TO GOD: Understanding our identity as priests will drastically change how we relate to God. As we begin to realize the glory of our calling we will no longer see prayer, worship, and Bible study as mundane tasks. Instead, we will see prayer as the vitality of our spirituality, we will see worship as a way of beholding the beauty of God, and we will see Bible study as the primary avenue to explore the depths of the knowledge of God. Knowing our identity as priests creates a holy fear of God as well as a deep longing to know Him more.

X. RELATING TO ONE ANOTHER: Our identity as priests will drastically change how we relate to one another. When our eyes are opened to the glorious inheritance God will receive from each of us we will make it our utmost responsibility to encourage and spur one another on in good works and love (Eph 1:17; Heb 10:24). When we recognize the inheritance God will receive in His priests we will do nothing to cause a brother or sister to be blinded and stumble, lest God’s inheritance be tainted (1 Jn 2:7-11). Our priestly identity strengthens us to advocate and support one another knowing we share in the same calling and are running the same race. WILLIAMS | PAGE 26

XI. CHRISTIAN EXPRESSION: Recognizing our identity as priests will drastically change the way we express our Christianity. As we are awakened to our priestly identity and calling we will define devotion to God as internal abandonment opposed to external zeal. Realizing our identity as priests will cause us to prioritize intimacy with God while not neglecting the other aspects of the Christian faith and practice. The priestly ministry is about receiving the grace to express our Christianity from the place of a burning heart, not the plethora of ministry activities we participate in.

XII.INHERITANCE: One of the major themes in the priesthood is the concept of inheritance. This concept is defined as: what God receives from us and what we receive from God. Often times in the Christian community (especially Western Christianity) we tend to focus on what we will receive, either on earth (tangible blessings) or at the judgement seat (eternal rewards). Though those are fair biblical subjects to focus on often times we do not think about what God will receive from us, His priests. As we explore this topic in greater depth we will see that God will receive an eternal reward in us; our holiness is His inheritance (Eph 1:17-18; Rev 19:7-8)!

XIII.ORIGINAL DESIGN: One of the most glorious revelations of the priestly ministry is that it is not a separate entity or subject to be studied but it is intrinsic to our humanity. Our priesthood is established upon the same three commissions that God gave Adam and Eve, making the priestly ministry the truest, the fullest, and the most glorious expression of our humanity (Gen 1:26-30). We have been designed to: 1.) Bless God and bless others, 2.) Have dominion over the earth, and 3.) Reflect (and multiply) the image of God in the earth. The priestly ministry has been ingrained in our humanity and the Lord, since Genesis, has been redeeming our original design.

XIV.SPIRIT MAN: The priestly ministry trains our inner man to engage with all the dynamics of heaven. The Bible recognizes that our humanity is directly affected by what we worship (Ps 115:4-8, 135:15-18). Idol worship dulls the senses of the priest’s inner man but worshiping the living God awakens our senses to the realities of heaven, strengthening our ability to: see, speak, hear, smell, feel, and walk in the Spirit. This ministry requires the priest to engage in both the natural and spiritual realms.

XV.MATURITY: When we engage in the priestly ministry we begin to mature exponentially as Christians. Because our ministry is centered around the presence of God the light from His being penetrates our souls, refining all the impurities of darkness that exist in our heart. Paul states that “we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another” (2 Cor 3:18). The priestly ministry matures our Christianity because we continually behold the glory of the Lord with the eyes of faith, which incrementally transforms our internal garden into a blossoming expression of holiness. WILLIAMS | PAGE 27

SESSION 2: THE ETERNAL DESIRE IN THE HEART OF GOD

I. ETERNITY PAST: As we begin this part of the course we must realize that the priestly ministry does not begin with us but with an eternal desire in the heart of God. Before the foundations of the earth were established the Godhead dwelt together in love, and from the overflow of that love a desire arose in the heart of the Father to give His Son an eternal companion (Jn 17:24; Rom 8:29; Eph 1:5, 2:4-7). Jesus saw this desire, agreed with it, and spoke the universe into existence by the power of the Spirit (Gen 1:1-2; Jn 1:3, 17:24; Col 1:15-17; Heb 1:3). And from that moment the plan to fulfill the longing in God’s heart was set in motion. The priestly ministry does not begin with our duties but with a desire in God for his Son to receive an inheritance in those He foreknew.

II. JEWS: This desire manifested when He called the nation of Israel out of Egypt and to Himself. After delivering the Hebrews from the hand of Pharaoh the Lord led them to mount Sinai where He established a covenant with them, saying, “if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples…and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exod 19:5-6). Though God established and declared Israel’s covenant identity as priests their disobedience disrupted and diluted their glorious calling. In response to this God promised to give the Jews (and all people) His Spirit that they may obey His commands and walk in His ways (Ezek 36:26). So, when Christ died (Matt 27), and the Spirit was poured out (Acts 2), the redemption of Israel’s priestly covenant identity began.

III. GENTILES: It was always in the heart of the Father to have all nations as a priestly people to Himself but it was through the Jews that He unfolded this plan (Isa 56:7, 66:18-24; Amos 9:11-12; Jn 4:22; Acts 15). This is a part of the mystery of the Gospel: that the Gentiles would be grafted into the olive tree (Rom 11:11-24). Paul comments on this glorious truth saying, “This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel” (Eph 2:6). For those of us that walk by faith we share in the Jewish covenant identity, meaning that Gentiles have also become a kingdom of priests (See 1 Pt 2:9; Rev 1:6, 5:10).

IV. THE AGE TO COME: The desire of God’s heart, which began in eternity past, will be fulfilled in the age to come. We not only function as priests in this age but we will function as priests in the eternal estate (Rev 1:6, 5:8, 7:1-17, 15:2-4, 20:4-6). Towards the end of Revelation John saw the millennial kingdom unto eternity and said, “They [saints] came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years…they will be priests of God and of Christ and they will reign with him for a thousand years” (Rev 20:4, 6). In the age to come all of God’s people will be priests that have unhindered access to Him, fellowshipping with Him and ministering to His heart (Rev 22:1-5). The biblical narrative is about the eternal God receiving the eternal desire of His heart: a people who love Him. WILLIAMS | PAGE 28

SESSION 3: THE DWELLING PLACE OF GOD & MAN

I. THE THRONE ROOM: Heaven is God’s holy habitation and the throne room has been His eternal abode from the beginning of the ages (Ps 45:6, 93:2; Isa 66:1). This is where the concentration of God’s presence resides, fellowshipping with the Son by the Spirit. The throne room is where the potency of God’s attributes are unified in perfect, unhindered harmony, creating a majestic scene of glory around His throne (Isa 6; Ezek 1; Dan 7; Rev 4). In this place the host of heaven surround His being declaring His worth, glory, honor, and power. This is also where God rules and appoints all the affairs of the universe, judging the earth in righteousness and justice. Though this is where God’s concentrated being dwells “heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain” His transcendent presence (1 Kings 8:27). Therefore, Man cannot physically ascend to this place unless summoned by the Spirit or death (Heb 9:27; Rev 4:2). For God to physically dwell amongst His people it requires Him to establish a home on the earth, therefore the plan for the marriage between heaven and earth began in His glorious throne room.

II. THE GARDEN: As stated in Session 2, before the foundations of the world there was a desire in the heart of God to have a priestly people, those who would stand in His presence and fellowship with Him. It was out of this desire that God created the cosmos and all that is in it, namely the earth and humanity (Gen 1). The desire for a holy people requires a desire for a holy habitation; a real God, who desires real people, requires a real dwelling place. Therefore, when God created the heavens and the earth He made them separate except for a specific area, the Garden of Eden. This garden was not a dwelling place for God but for Man (Gen 1:28-30, 2:7-24). In Eden God’s desire for a priestly people connected with the necessity for a holy habitation. The Garden was not the end but a means to the end: God’s dwelling amongst man, the marriage between heaven and earth. In this place God could fellowship with Man but it was not the fullness of His desire; Eden was simply the first step to the complete marriage between the two realms. It was never in the heart of God to have heaven and earth separated, they were always one reality in the dream of His heart. Adam and Eve’s marriage (becoming one flesh) represented more than one truth: (1) The union between a man and a woman (Gen 2:24), (2) The union between Christ and the Church (Eph 5:31-32), and (3) The (coming) union of heaven and earth (Rev 21-22).1 Redemptive history is not about returning to the Garden relationship, but surpassing it. And as we move through the various dwelling places we will see a passion in God’s heart to find a permanent dwelling amongst His people.

1 This revelation adds greater depth to the prayer that Jesus taught His disciples, “Our Father in heaven…Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matt 6:9-10). In this prayer Jesus was teaching His disciples to partner with the heart of God, that He may bring forth the culmination of history: the marriage between heaven and earth. WILLIAMS | PAGE 29

III. THE : Due to the sin of Adam and Eve humanity lost the Garden relationship, becoming separated from the presence of the Lord (Gen 3). But in the unfolding of history God would once again find a dwelling place amongst Man. And for that reason through the lineage of Abraham, Isaac, and (Israel) God called the nation of Israel out of Egypt to Himself that He may establish a dwelling place amongst them (Ex 25:8-9, 29:45-46). The Tabernacle is the first dwelling place of God post-Eden. This holy habitation was a glorious progression in redemptive history because it gave the Lord an earthly address, displaying His zeal to dwell with humanity.2 When the Tabernacle was erected, “the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle…For the cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys” (Exod 40:34, 38). The Tabernacle is foundational to understanding the significance of the dwelling place of God. The Tabernacle was glorious in function and powerful in nature yet incapable of satisfying God’s longing for a permanent abode.

IV. THE TEMPLE: The idea for the Tabernacle originated in the heart of God but the concept of the Temple originated in the heart of a man, King David (2 Sam 7:1-3; 1 Chron 28:3). After the was kept at Abinadab’s house for 20 years, David brought it to Jerusalem with the intention of building a permanent home for the Lord (2 Sam 6-7).3 But due to David’s bloodshed and to preserve the purity of the structure God commissioned Solomon (David’s son) to build the Temple (440 years after the Tabernacle). After its completion, “as soon as Solomon finished his prayer, fire came down from heaven…and the glory of the Lord filled the temple.” (2 Chron 7:1). The Temple was another glorious progression, a step closer to a permanent abode for the Lord. The Temple served its purpose for about 500 years until King Nebuchadnezzar destroyed it in 586 B.C. After the 70 year exile the rebuilding of the Temple was led by Zerubbabel the Governor of Judah and (Ezra 3-6). The stood until 70 A.D (585 years). This dwelling place continued to be profaned and destroyed throughout the generations of Israel, causing God to search for a temple incapable of ruin, a fully consecrated home.

2 Many may ask the question, “Why did God set up so many laws regarding the Tabernacle? Why did He make it so hard for the Israelites to access Him?” This is the wrong question to be asking. Instead we must ask, “Why did we make it so difficult for God to have access to us?” The laws God established were not for the Israelites but for Him, that He may dwell in the midst of His people without killing them with His awesome presence. This truth reveals God’s zeal to dwell with us. 3 This is why the Lord blessed David with a Messianic prophecy/promise (2 Sam 7) because he partnered with the heart of God (unprovoked) and included himself in the storyline to find Him a permanent dwelling place (Ps 132:1-5). David’s act would bring about a promised who would be the permanent and ultimate Temple the Lord has desired (Jn 1:14, 2:13-22, 14:8-11; Col 1:19). WILLIAMS | PAGE 30

V. THE INCARNATION: 1500 years after the establishment of the Tabernacle and 1000 years after the construction of the Temple the Holy Spirit would bring forth the ultimate and permanent dwelling place of God, the Messiah, Jesus Christ (Matt 1:18-25). The second Person of the Trinity descended from heaven and tabernacled among us, revealing the Father (Jn 1:14). Jesus would be the man who, like His forefather David, would inaugurate a fresh understanding of the dwelling place of God: Humanity.4 Before the Incarnation the abode of God had always been a place, now in Christ it has become a Person. The fullness of God dwelt in this man and was confirmed at His baptism when John the Baptist saw “the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest upon him” (Matt 3:16). In the Incarnation, similarly to the Garden, God would once again walk with Man but this time as a man. Jesus is the ultimate Temple, one that took up the fallen frame of humanity but did not share in its sin (Heb 2:14-18). Therefore in His life Christ was the untainted Temple and in His resurrection He became the incorruptible Temple (1 Cor 15:42-48). Though He only remained on the earth 33 years Jesus is the permanent abode that God had searched for since Genesis. And it is in and through Christ that the Father is reconciling all things to Himself, incrementally bringing forth the complete marriage between heaven and earth (Col 1:20; Rev 19-20).

VI. THE HOME: Although Jesus is the definitive Temple of God there was still a degree of separation between God and the rest of humanity. It was not enough for God just to be a man, God longed to be in Man. Therefore, Jesus took up our fallen frame and redeemed our being, allowing us to become a home for the Lord (Jn 14:23).5 In the same way the presence of God descended upon the Tabernacle, Temple, and Christ so also the presence of God descends in and upon His people: “And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind…and divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:2-4). In this Christians have become the Temple of God, having unhindered access to Him in the Indwelling Spirit and to His glorious throne in heaven (Jn 14:15-17; Eph 2:18; Heb 10:20). We must consider that Christians have become the longest standing home for the Lord that has ever been on the earth (+2000 years) and this dwelling place is still being built with Christ as the cornerstone (Eph 2:19-22; 1 Pt 2:4-5). This theology was greatly emphasized by the apostle Paul and it is this paradigm that must influence our conduct as priests of God (Rom 8:9-11; 1 Cor 6; 2 Cor 6:14-7:1; Eph 2:19-22;1 Pt 1-2).

4 With every new understanding of God’s dwelling, His beauty is always emphasized: Moses prayed to see the glory of the Lord (Ex 33:18), David sought after the beauty of God (Ps 27:4), Jesus prayed that we may behold His glory (Jn 17:24), and Paul discusses transformation by God’s beauty (2 Cor 3:18). 5 Throughout the history of God’s dwelling place none have been perfect (Tabernacle, Temple, Humanity). God is not searching for a perfect dwelling place, instead He is looking for a consecrated one. All He desires is a place set apart for His manifest glory to dwell. WILLIAMS | PAGE 31

VII.THE KINGDOM: When the fullness of time comes and the seventh trumpet is blown Christ will physically return to the earth to establish His millennial reign; God will physically dwell amongst Man once again (Matt 24:29-31; 1 Thess 4:13-18; Rev 11:15-19, 20:1-7). Jesus will no longer be a meek and humble servant, instead He will be mighty in power and glorious in appearance (Isa 63:1-6; Rev 19:11-21). Paul, in his epistle to the Thessalonians said, “the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God” (1 Thess 4:16). The prophesies about David’s descendant ruling and reigning will be fulfilled in Christ at His second coming (2 Sam 7; Isa 9:6-7; Jer 23:5-6; Dan 7:13-27; Mic 5:2; Zech 9:9-13; Matt 1:18-25, 2:1-6, 25:31). At this time the saints will receive resurrected, glorified bodies and our lowly frame will be transformed to be like His (1 Cor 15:50-58; 1 Jn 2:28-3:3). The saints will rule and reign with Christ operating at priests and kings (1 Cor 15:24-26; Rev 20:4-6). In the millennium the veil between heaven and earth will be lifted and the supernatural realm will become visible. Christ is the second Adam and when He returns to the earth He will complete the first Adam’s mandate: to be fruitful and multiply, having dominion over the earth (Gen 1:28). Adam and Eve’s task was to cultivate and prepare a place for the Lord to dwell among His people, and during Christ’s reign He will complete the task and lead the human race into the grand marriage between heaven and earth.6

VIII.THE NEW EARTH: At the end of the millennium, after Christ has subjected every enemy under His feet, He will deliver the Kingdom to the Father (1 Cor 15:24). In this transaction the Father will create a new heaven and a new earth, and we will see “the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband" (Rev 21:3). In that glorious moment, we will hear “a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God” (Rev 21:3).7 The New Jerusalem on the New Earth is the conclusion to the story of God’s dwelling; this is the marriage between heaven and earth. This city will far surpass the dynamics of Eden (though Eden will be in the city) because God’s glorious, unhindered presence will dwell fully with Man. In this new creation the Father and the Son will be the light, we will see the Father’s face, and there will be an abundance of life (Rev 22:1-5). The New Earth is our eternal destiny as priests in which we will dwell and fellowship in the joy and pleasures of the Trinity forever.

6 As priests of God, it is imperative that we understand this storyline. Humans have always been involved with God’s dwelling place because it was always in His heart to live with us on the earth. 7 Notice that with every new understanding of God’s dwelling there is a descent of His presence. The highlighted verses in every section reveal this truth. Revival is a season in which this reality comes closer to fulfillment. The New Earth is the full and final descent of God’s presence to the earth. WILLIAMS | PAGE 32

SESSION 4: THE TRANSCENDENT BEAUTY OF GOD’S HOLINESS

I. THE IMPERATIVE: When studying a perfection of God such as His holiness we must recognize the inexhaustibility of the subject. The human language cannot adequately provide a definitive description of God’s holiness, meaning that the knowledge of His glory is infinite in its expanse. Yet, when God was establishing the Levitical priesthood He commanded the people to have a working paradigm of His holiness so that they would reverence Him accordingly (Lev 11:44-45). Just as it was for the Levites (the Old Testament priests) so it is for Christians (the New Testament priests). When Peter was discussing the subject of the believer’s priesthood he reiterated the command that God gave the first priestly order, saying, “but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy’” (1 Pt 1:15-16). One cannot discuss the doctrine of The Priesthood of the Believer without having a working paradigm of the holiness of God. Exploring this vast subject will help us understand the magnitude of our identity and calling as priests. The holiness of God is foundational to developing a robust theology concerning the priestly ministry.

II. DEFINING THE HOLINESS OF GOD: As stated above, it is impossible for man to exhaust the knowledge of God’s holiness. Therefore, it is impossible to definitively describe this topic. Many Christians will see these limitations as barriers and forfeit the resolve to pursue this subject. Yet, it is the mystery and inexhaustibility of this theme that broadens our perception and understanding of God’s being. So, where do we begin? It is difficult to find a place in the Bible where God Himself defines His holiness; He typically displays His holiness oppose to describing it (Lev 10; Isa 6; Ezek 1; Matt 17; Acts 9; 1 Tim 6; Rev 4). If we are looking for words to describe God’s holiness we must go to those who have looked upon His being for thousands of years and millions of ages, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders. The four living creatures that surround God’s presence have beheld Him for eons and as they gaze upon the One on the throne they cannot help but declare His holiness, saying, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come” (Rev 4:8). The host of heaven have been declaring these same words since Isaiah’s encounter but in the book of Revelation we hear new phrases proceed out of the mouths of the Elders. As the creatures declare God’s holiness the twenty-four elders respond to their praise by expounding upon the attributes of God’s holiness, saying, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power” (Rev 4:11). The antiphonal praise of the creatures and the elders give us a working paradigm of the holiness of God: God’s holiness is defined as His infinite and supreme Worth (Value), Glory (Beauty), Honor (Righteousness), and Power (Sovereignty), possessing immeasurable Blessings (Benevolence). WILLIAMS | PAGE 33

III. THE ATTRIBUTES OF GOD’S HOLINESS

A. WORTH: Because God is holy He is infinitely and supremely valuable, meaning He is worthy of our wholehearted devotion. There is no object or person that can replace or equal the worth of God; the quality of His holiness determines the value of His being. He is worthy to be the primary object of our affections, desires, thoughts, trust, and resources. All that we sacrifice and offer to Him can never equal His worth but what we surrender is never disregarded or wasted (Matt 19:29). On this point of God’s holiness John Piper comments, “God’s holiness is his infinite value as the absolutely unique, morally perfect, permanent person that he is and who by grace made himself accessible — his infinite value as the absolutely unique, morally perfect, permanent person that he is.”8

B. GLORY: Because God is holy He is infinitely and supremely beautiful, meaning that He is spotless in character, transcendent in glory, and technicolor in majesty. The apostle John comments on God’s holiness, saying, “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all” (1 Jn 1:5). In this John is declaring the perfect character of God, that He is perfectly holy and sinless in nature. The beauty of God’s holiness is displayed in the array of diverse colors that emanate from His being: jasper, carnelian, emerald, and the hues of the rainbow (Ezek 1:28; Rev 4:3). In the midst of these magnificent colors there is a mighty tempest around God: fire, clouds, lightnings, thunderings, rumblings, and voices (Isa 6; Ezek 1; Rev 4). The God we serve is wonderfully and fearfully beautiful because He is utterly and perfectly holy. It is when “we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another” (2 Cor 3:18). The beauty that God possesses He gives to His beloved priests (Jn 17:22).

C. HONOR: Because God is holy He is infinitely and supremely righteous, meaning He is perfectly just, sincere in truth, and rightly esteemed/exalted above all things. The foundation of God’s throne is justice and righteousness (Ps 97:2), therefore every action and judgement He executes is completely fair and irreproachable. God is a perfect Judge and He cannot and will not be manipulated or bribed (Deut 10:17). His perfect holiness does not allow Him to be blinded toward evil nor overlook acts of kindness (Matt 25: 31-46). He is the most severe Judge but He is also the greatest Rewarder. It is God’s rightful position to be exalted and esteemed above every power and principality, ruling the universe with complete justice and righteousness. Because of the infallible, spotless character of God His words (Scripture) can be firmly tested and completely trusted.

8 John Piper — How Do You Define God’s Holiness? (Sermon Excerpt) WILLIAMS | PAGE 34

D. POWER: Because God is holy He is infinitely and supremely sovereign, meaning He possesses the power within and of Himself to bring forth and unfold the plan He has for the affairs of the universe. God’s perfect holiness qualifies Him to be the supreme Ruler of the cosmos, giving Him authority over every power and principality, visible or invisible. God has the capability to intervene in the affairs of the world, manifesting His might in miracles, signs, and wonders (Exod 9:16, 14:31; Ps 68:28). God possesses unlimited power yet due to His absolute holiness He does not abuse this power. Instead, He perfectly wields His authority to strengthen the weak and bring forth the redemption of the world (1 Cor 1:20-25; 2 Cor 12:9; 1 Jn 2:1-2). As priests we have been raised to the right hand of God in Christ, sharing in His righteousness and His redemptive power (Eph 2:6).

E. BLESSING: Because God is holy He is infinitely and supremely benevolent, meaning He possesses perfect love, incorruptible life, and infinite riches of mercy and grace. When discussing the transcendent nature of God’s holiness many may assume He is detached or distant from His creation but the Bible says differently. The perfect holiness of God allows Him to wonderfully love that which He has created, becoming immanent to the affairs of Man (Ps 139:7-12, 145:18; Acts 17:27). Because of His perfect holiness those that He has predestined have been graciously allowed to share in His incorruptible life (Jn 5:25-29; Heb 7:15-25). As priests we are not only beholders of the beauty of God but we are also recipients of the eternal blessings of His grace and kindness (Eph 2:6-7). We have been destined to be loved and cherished by God forever!

WORTH

BLESSING GLORY THE HOLINESS OF GOD

POWER HONOR WILLIAMS | PAGE 35

SESSION 5: THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE PRIESTLY MINISTRY

I. IN GENESIS

A. CONTEXT: When Melchizedek appears in Genesis chapter 14 he meets Abraham in the midst of his faith journey. Up to this point Abraham had been called by God to traverse the land that his descendants would eventually inherit (Gen 12:1-9). After arriving in the land Abraham and Lot (his nephew) dispersed to different regions due to over population (Gen 13). After defeating Chedorlaomer Abraham was met by two kings: Bera King of Sodom and Melchizedek king of Salem (which is later named Jerusalem), who was also a priest of God (Gen 14:17-18).

B. BLESSING: Though Melchizedek is the first priest ever mentioned in the Bible his appearance is fairly short. Yet, in his short encounter with Abraham we are able to grasp one of the simple foundations of a priest: The first foundation of a priest is to bless God and bless other humans. After bringing bread and wine to Abraham Melchizedek says, “Blessed be Abraham by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!” (Gen 14:19-20). This foundation is seen throughout every dispensation of the priestly ministry: Old Testament, New Testament, and the Eternal Priesthood.

II. MELCHIZEDEK IN PSALMS

A. CONTEXT: Psalm 110 is one of many messianic prophecies throughout the Old Testament. This Psalm takes place in a moment when David was caught up in the heavenly realm and was given access to hear and witness the exaltation of the coming Messiah. This passage describes the kind of power and authority this Messianic figure will possess, saying things such as “The Lord says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand…’” and “The Lord sends forth from Zion your mighty scepter. Rule in the midst of your enemies!” Psalm 110 is about the dominion and authority of the Messianic Priest to come.

B. DOMINION: Melchizedek was not only a priest of God but he was also a king (Gen 14:18). The kingly dynamic of Melchizedek’s priesthood was not a coincidence but rather a prophetic picture of the kind of priest Christ would be. David in Psalm 110 glanced at the Messianic figure and appropriated Melchizedek’s Priest-King model upon Him, saying, “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek’” (Ps 110:4). From this passage we attain deeper insight into another basic foundation of the priest: The second foundation of a priest is to rule and reign with God upon the earth. This king-priest dynamic was not only for the Messiah but also for those who would believe on His name and follow Him (Rev 1:5-6, 5:8, 20:4-6). WILLIAMS | PAGE 36

III. MELCHIZEDEK IN HEBREWS

A. CONTEXT: The book of Hebrews is an epistle describing the superiority of Christ and His office as High Priest. This book is critical in understanding the importance of Christ’s ministry on the earth and His current ministry at the right hand of the Father. In the beginning chapters the Author expounds upon Christ’s superiority amongst other biblical characters (Chps 1-6) then in chapter 7 he appropriately asserts Melchizedek’s ministry/model upon Christ Himself, giving us another facet of the function of the priestly ministry.

B. REFLECTION: When the Author of Hebrews discusses the priesthood of Christ he begins by asserting the model of Melchizedek upon Him, saying, “[Melchizedek] is without father or mother or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever” (Heb 7:3). In this we learn the third basic foundation of the priest: The third foundation of a priest is to reflect the image of God by being conformed to the image of Christ. Though it was not blatant in Genesis or the Psalms Melchizedek was a type of Christ (a picture), the very model in which Jesus would assume His High priestly office.

PARADIGM SHIFT: THROUGH THE LENS OF CREATION

In this portion of the notes we will attempt another paradigm shift in which we will alter the perception of ourselves in relation to the priestly ministry. In considering Melchizedek the first priest mentioned in the Bible, if we pay close attention we will notice a peculiar pattern. When we search the Scriptures, looking at the three biblical emphases of Melchizedek’s life, we will notice that the three foundations Melchizedek models for the priestly ministry are the same three commissions that God gave Adam and Eve:

So God created man in his own image [reflection]…And God blessed them [blessing]. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth [dominion & blessing]” (Gen 1:27-28).

Grasping this concept is critical to understanding the depth of our calling as priests. Being a priest does not only concern our identity, calling, and ministry but being a priest is intrinsic to our humanity. If we understand this notion we will realize that the priestly ministry is the fullest, truest, and most glorious expression of our human nature. We have been created to reflect the image of Christ, have dominion over the earth, and be a source of blessing. The priestly ministry is more than an assignment, it is a return to our original design. WILLIAMS | PAGE 37

SESSION 6: THE SEVEN FACETS OF OLD TESTAMENT PRIESTS

INTRODUCTION — Before we can understand our priesthood as believers we first must grasp an understanding of the original priestly order, the Levitical priesthood. In my study of the Scriptures I have organized and highlighted seven fundamental facets of the priestly ministry. As we explore these seven dynamics we must keep in mind that this priestly order is only a down payment of the glory of the New Testament priesthood (2 Cor 3:7-11).

I. GOD’S PRESENCE

A. THE PRIORITY: The highest priority for the Levitical priests was to stand in the presence of the Lord and minister to Him with offerings and sacrifices (Exod 27:21; Deut 33:10; 1 Chron 23:13; Ezek 44:15-16). Before the desert fathers, the monks, and many others there were the Levitical priests, the people consecrated for the very purpose of standing before the Lord of glory to minister to His heart.

B. MANIFEST GLORY: The Levitical priests had no paradigm of God outside of His manifest presence (Exod 40:9-15, 34-38; 2 Chron 7:1-3). Many today would call the manifest presence of God “revival,” but to the Levitical priests this was their daily reality. As mentioned in sessions 2 & 3 there is a Divine narrative taking place in which God is bringing forth and establishing His dwelling place on the earth.

C. BEHOLDERS OF BEAUTY: The Levitical priests by the nature of their vocation were continual beholders of the glory of God! In the days of the Tabernacle and the Temple they would behold the cloud of His presence by day and the fire of His glory by night (Exod 40:38; 2 Chron 7:2). In a way the priests became like the Seraphim and four living creatures who continually gaze upon the glory of the Lord (Isa 6; Rev 4). As a people of the Presence the priests were automatically a people of great understanding and revelation in the beauty of God.

D. THE ARK: Not only were the Levitical priests assigned to stand before the Lord and be His ministers but they were also entrusted with the responsibility to carry the ark of the covenant, the very throne of God (Exod 25:10-22; Deut 10:6-9; Josh 3:3, 6). In the early days of the Tabernacle the priests (and the rest of Israel) would move only when the Presence was lifted, meaning that they would only follow the Lord, not their own agendas (Exod 40:36-37).

E. 24/7 WORSHIP: A later development in the Levitical priesthood occurred when David became king. In His search for a dwelling place for the Lord David organized the priests and Levities to stand before the Lord day and night to minister to Him with musical worship (1 Chron 23-24; 2 Chron 29-36). The first model of 24/7 worship and prayer began with the Levitical priests in which they ministered to God unceasingly. WILLIAMS | PAGE 38

II. CONSECRATION & ORDINATION

A. THE NEED: The Levites, like any other occupation, needed to be consecrated and ordained before they could stand and minister in the presence of God (Exod 28:41, 29:1-37; Num 3:3). Without properly being consecrated any person who approached the Lord ran the risk of being killed by His manifest glory (Lev 10; 2 Sam 6).

B. CONSECRATION: Before the priests were ordained they went through a three-step consecration process: 1. Water — The first step of the priests’ consecration was a washing by water signifying cleansing, purity, and the removing of all filth, both physical and spiritual (Exod 30:18-20; Lev 14:8-9). And Moses said to the congregation, “This is the thing that the Lord has commanded to be done.” And Moses brought and his sons and washed them with water (Lev 8:5-6). 2. Oil — After washing the priests with water, purging them from all filth, Moses would then anoint them with a special oil only used for the consecration of the Tabernacle and the priests (Exod 30:22-30). This oil was considered holy and whatever touched it was deemed holy, therefore it was not to be replicated for recreational use (Exod 30:31-33). When the priests were anointed with this oil it signified the holy nature of their calling and vocation. Then Moses took some of the anointing oil…and sprinkled it on Aaron and his garments, and also on his sons and his sons' garments. So he consecrated Aaron and his garments, and his sons and his sons' garments with him (Lev 8:12, 30). 3. Blood — The final step of the priests’ consecration was the sprinkling with blood which signifies the very essence of life (Gen 9:1-7; Lev 7:22-27). The Bible is very clear about the sanctity of life being found in the blood, so when the priests were sprinkled with blood it signified that their ministry had the anointing of life. And he brought…the ram of consecration…[Moses] took some of its blood and put it on the tip of Aaron’s right ear…Then he brought Aaron’s sons. And Moses put some of the blood on the tips of their right ears…(NKJV, Lev 8:22-24).

C. ORDINATION: After the consecration process the priests were officially ordained (commissioned) to serve the Lord in the Tabernacle/Temple. The Hebrew word used for ordination is a combination of two words: 1.) Millē, meaning to be full or to fill and Yād, meaning the extremity of the arm or power. After their consecration the priests were not only ready to begin their ministry but they were also anointed with Divine power to minister in the house of God. WILLIAMS | PAGE 39

III. HOLINESS A. Along with diligent study of the Law holiness was a central pursuit for the Levitical priests. Holiness in this context can be defined as: The pursuit to maintain the integrity of the priest’s consecration and ordination by abstaining from things that are considered unclean or anything that would pervert their purity before the Lord.

B. THEOLOGICAL MOTIVATION: One of the primary reasons why the Levitical priests pursued holiness was because it was a command from the Lord (Lev 11:44-45; 20:26). Because they served a holy God, being close to His presence, it was necessary that they reflected His pure nature. As priests it was their duty to know the commands of God, and if they were to teach the principals of holiness to the children of Israel they first needed to have a deep understanding of God’s pure nature and character. You shall therefore keep all my statutes and all my rules and do them, that the land where I am bringing you to live may not vomit you out…You shall be holy to me, for I the Lord am holy and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be mine (Lev 20:22, 26).

C. MINISTERIAL MOTIVATION: Another reason why the pursuit of holiness was central to the Levitical priests was the fact that they were always in close proximity to God’s dwelling place. The priests would never intentionally defile themselves in the presence of God out of respect for His dwelling and their ministry (Lev 21:23). As stated above, it was the duty of the priest to know the command to be holy but in order for the priests to adequately teach the people this statute they also had to live in the reality of pursuing holiness in their daily lives. He may eat the bread of his God, both of the most holy and of the holy things, but he shall not go through the veil or approach the altar, because he has a blemish, that he may not profane my sanctuaries, for I am the Lord who sanctifies them (Lev 21:22-23). D. Obviously the priests could not be holy as the Lord is holy but they were to be holy for the Lord is holy. This means that they ought not harbor any sin or uncleanness in their life. Therefore, if they touched anything unclean or sinned in any manner they were to immediately rid themselves of their defilement that they may resume their ministry and duty as priests (Lev 4:1-12). E. One of the greatest truths related to the Levitical priests’ concept of holiness is the fact that the Lord was the One who consecrated them (this is not just a New Testament concept)! Their works in and of themselves did not sanctify them but it was the Lord who made them holy (Lev 21:15, 23, 22:9, 16). Holiness to the Levitical priest was not about their sacrifices but about the Lord who sanctified them by His grace. WILLIAMS | PAGE 40

IV. GARMENTS

A. ANCIENT NEAR EAST: In the Ancient Near East clothing was not only used to protect humans from the elements but the garments they wore also served “to communicate social status, function, individuality, and state of mind. In the ancient world, clothes were a costly investment, and thus were traded as valuable property or confiscated as the booty of conquest.”9

B. UNIQUE PRIVILEGE: The Levitical priests were uniquely esteemed by the people of Israel because of their position as ministers to God and the clothing they wore reflected the glorious nature of their calling and position. The priests were the only people in the nation of Israel that God intentionally clothed with beautiful garments, having anointed artisans to design and develop the uniform of the priests: You shall speak to all the skillful, whom I have filled with a spirit of skill, that they make Aaron's garments to consecrate him for my priesthood. These are the garments that they shall make: a breastpiece, an , a robe, a coat of checker work, a turban, and a sash. They shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother and his sons to serve me as priests. They shall receive gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen (Exod 28:3-5).

C. GLORY & BEAUTY: When speaking of the priestly garments the Lord gave two primary reasons for their clothing: Glory & Beauty (Exod 28:2, 40). 1. Glory — The Hebrew word for glory in this context is Kabod [Kavod], meaning glory, honor, wealth, or reputation. Therefore, when the Lord declares that the priestly garments were for glory He means that they are to represent and reflect the status of their glorious vocation. The Lord desired His beloved ministers to be exalted and esteemed by the people, therefore He gave them skillfully woven garments. 2. Beauty — The Hebrew word for beauty in this context is Tiperet [Tipheret], meaning beauty, splendor, or radiance. Not only were the priestly garments woven for the purpose of status but they were given to the priests to beautify them, reflecting the vibrant nature of their vocation. In fact, Exodus 28:2 is the first time the word beauty is used in the Bible! This is significant because we realize that the beauty God possesses is the same beauty and radiance He shares with His priests. The consecration, ordination, and pursuit of holiness of the priest was openly displayed and manifest in their beautiful garments. God desires His priests to “worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness [holy attire]” (NKJV, Ps 29:2, 96:9).

9 Smith, W. A. (2014). Clothing. D. Mangum, D. R. Brown, R. Klippenstein, & R. Hurst (Eds.), Lexham Theological Wordbook. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press. WILLIAMS | PAGE 41

V. SACRIFICES

A. MEDIATORS: An inherent part of the Levitical priesthood were the sacrifices and offerings that they would administrate on behalf of themselves and the people. The people of Israel were not allowed to offer sacrifices themselves lest they would give an offering to idols and demons (Lev 17:1-9). Therefore, the priests were mediators whom the people would have to go through to give a sacrifice unto the Lord.

B. THE TYPES OF SACRIFICE: There were many different sacrifices for the Israelites: burnt offerings (Lev 1), grain offerings (Lev 2), peace offerings (Lev 3), sin offerings (Lev 4), and trespass offerings (Lev 5). The sacrificial system allowed the people to establish a stable relationship with God, enabling them to approach His presence.

C. THE BLOOD: When God was establishing the rituals and laws for the sacrificial system He greatly emphasized that the power of the sacrifice was not in the particular animal but in its blood (Lev 17). This is important to consider because it establishes an understanding of how the people were cleansed from their sins: by blood. Because the life of the animal was in its blood when it was sacrificed the blood would atone for the sins of that person. For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life…the life of every creature is its blood: its blood is its life. (Lev 17:11, 14).

D. WORSHIP: The sacrificial system was not only a way to stabilize Israel’s relationship with God but it was also a form of worship! Many times people would simply sacrifice to the Lord because they rejoiced in His outstanding character and nature (2 Sam 6:12-13; 2 Chron 29:31-35). When the people would offer sacrifices the Lord would delight in them for a few different reasons: 1. Worship — The Lord would delight in the sacrifices of His people because it was a form of pure worship, meaning the action of the sacrifice would lift their souls back to Him. Sacrifices would help renew the heart of the people back to God. 2. Cost — Another reason why sacrifices were pleasing to the Lord is found within the meaning of the word. Every sacrifice was costly because it required the people to relinquish their livestock and agricultural produce. In the same way that the Lord sacrificed His home to sojourn among the Israelites, so also He desired a people who would willingly sacrifice something of value because they loved Him. 3. Fragrance — When the sacrifices of the people would burn upon the altar the smoke would be turned into a sweet aroma to the Lord (Lev 1:9, 13, 17, 2:2, 9, 12). When the Israelites would willingly sacrifice to the Lord their worship became a potent and pleasing fragrance of love before the throne of God. WILLIAMS | PAGE 42

VI. THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD

A. CONSECRATED TO UNDERSTAND: The Levitical priests were not consecrated only for the purpose of ministering to God but they were also set apart to study and understand the Law (the word of God). They were the only tribe in Israel delegated solely for the purpose of attaining a deeper knowledge of God and His ways through meditation and study of the Scriptures (Deut 31:9-13; 2 Chron 31:4).

B. TEACHERS: This living knowledge was not to be stored away and hidden from the people, instead the priests were to devote themselves to the Scriptures that they may teach Israel its statutes (Lev 10:11; Deut 33:10; 2 Chron 15:3, 17:7-9, 30:22; Neh 8:7-8). The priests were responsible for teaching the people the statutes and laws of God that they may remain faithful to the covenant. Consequently, when the priests would compromise their calling as teachers of the Law the nation would fall into idol worship, ignoring the covenant and completely abandoning God.

C. JUDGES: The priests’ role as teachers of the Law also qualified them to be judges, those who would settle disputes among the people (Deut 21:4-5; 2 Chron 19:8-11; Ezek 44:23-24). Because they would be filled with the word of God they knew what it meant to be impartial, judging with equity, and not being bribed toward injustice. This aspect of their role allowed them to reflect the nature of God displaying mercy, forgiving iniquity, and by no means clearing the guilty (Exod 34:5-7).

D. WORSHIP: Not only did the Levitical priests attain a deep knowledge of God through the Scriptures but they also explored the depths of God through musical worship. In the Davidic era of the priesthood 24/7 worship and prayer emerged for the first time in human history (1 Chron 23-24). But we must remember they did not have a plethora of hymns and worship songs like modern day Christianity. Instead, as they were gathered around the presence of God the spirit of wisdom and revelation would rest upon them, giving them insight to the nature and character of God. Therefore, people like Asaph (a chief prophetic singer) would encounter God and write down Psalms declaring the knowledge of His heart (1 Chron 15:19; Ps 50, 73, 81, 83).

E. PROPHECY & PROPHETS: As the Levites and priests surrounded the presence of God, ministering to Him with sacrifice, musical worship, and study of the Scriptures it opened them to the workings of the Spirit, namely prophecy. There are many moments in the Old Testament in which the Spirit of the Lord descends upon a priest and they began to speak forth the oracles of God (1 Chron 25:1-3; 2 Chron 20:14-19, 24:20-22, 29:30). Not only were there moments when priests would prophesy but the Lord would also choose priests as prophets (1 Sam 1-3 [Ps 99:6]; 2 Sam 15:27; Jer 1:1; Ezek 1:3). Because the priests were continually engaging with the Scriptures God could trust them with His oracles to the people of Israel and the surrounding nations. WILLIAMS | PAGE 43

VII. FAMILY

A. EXCLUSIVE MINISTRY: The Levitical priesthood was not a vocation that anyone could join, it was strictly a family business (Num 3; 1 Chron 6:1-15, 49-53). The father of the Levites was , the third son of Jacob (Gen 29:34). When the Lord would instruct the priests through Moses He would always begin by saying, “Speak to Aaron and his sons” (Lev 17:1, 21:1, 22:1).

B. THE MODEL: The Levitical priests always did things as a family unit: they sacrificed, studied the Scriptures, were high ranking officials, and carried the ark as a family (Lev 3:2; Deut 31:9; 1 Kings 4:1-4; 1 Chron 15:2). This reveals an aspect of God’s heart for family: He desires to have a family like the Levitical priests, a people who worship, pray, and read Scripture together. The Levitical priests were a model for the modern day Church to operate as a family unit.

C. 24/7 WORSHIP & PRAYER: The first 24/7 worship and prayer movement was built upon the foundation of family! When David set it in his heart to build God a house he organized the Levites, priests, and musicians to minister before the Lord day and night (1 Chron 23-25). This facet of the Levitical priesthood is critical to understand God’s recent emphasis of family in the Global Prayer Movement. The only model for 24/7 worship and prayer is in the context of family.

D. INHERITANCE: Another significant aspect of the family dynamic in the Levitical priesthood is the subject of inheritance. The topic is particularly significant to the Levitical priests because the Lord focuses more upon their inheritance than any other tribe’s throughout the Pentateuch. In the Old Testament there were three ideas related to the Levites’ inheritance: 1. Food Portions — When Joshua led the people of Israel into the promised land every tribe received an allotment of land besides the Levites (Num 18:20). Instead, the Levites were allowed to take the portion of the animal sacrifices for food (Num 18:8-24). In a way, the Levites gave up their land to dine with God. 2. The Lord — Not only did they receive a portion of the sacrifices as their inheritance but God Himself was their inheritance (Num 18:20; Deut 18:2)! The uncontainable, indescribable, incandescent, omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient God; YHWH, Jehovah, Elohim, the great ‘I AM’ was the inheritance of the Levites! This inheritance is more glorious than any portion of land or food. 3. The Priests — Not only did the Levites receive the Lord as their inheritance but the Lord received the priests as His inheritance (Num 3:11-13, 45)! This gives us an insight as to why the Levites were held at a higher standard than the rest of Israel: they were God’s glorious inheritance! WILLIAMS | PAGE 44

SESSION 7: THE HIGH PRIESTLY MINISTRY

INTRODUCTION — In this session we will focus on the leader of the priests, the High Priest. There were three rankings of Levites: the common Levite, the Priests, and the High Priest. The High priest was separate from the rest for two reasons: 1.) He was the head of the priestly activities (Lev 21:10) and 2.) He was the only one allowed to enter into the Holy Place (Heb 9:7). In this session we will focus on the requirements and the function of the High Priest.

I. HUMAN — It was necessary for the High Priest to be human.

A. GENEALOGY: The High Priest historically, traditionally, and genealogically was a human descended from the (Exod 6:14-27; 1 Chron 6:1-15; 2 Chron 13:10). Aaron was the first and only his lineage could become priests and high priests (Num 3:3). Jesus, our Great High Priest, who was descended from the tribe of Judah broke the 1500 year tradition of the High Priestly genealogy (Heb 7:13-14). This change in the priesthood by necessity brought about a change to the law, giving us a better hope because of a better covenant (Heb 7:12, 18-19).

B. REPRESENTATION: It was necessary for the High Priest to be a human being that he may represent His people to the Lord in the Holy Place (Heb 2:17, 5:1). Every time Aaron would enter into the Holy Place (once a year) his presence would be a representation of the people of Israel and their coming to the Lord for the cleansing of sins (Heb 5:1). Aaron’s entrance into the Tabernacle was not the same as entering into the heavenly places where God’s presence dwells fully, for the Tabernacle was simply a model of the heavenly pattern (Exod 25:9; Heb 8:1-7). Jesus, our Great High Priest, ascended through the heavens (as a human being) into the true tabernacle to make atonement for the sins of all humanity (Heb 6:19-20, 8:1-7, 10:11-14; 1 Jn 2:1-2).

C. SYMPATHETIC: Over the 1500 year historical-traditional-genealogical priestly ministry every High Priest was a human that faced great temptations and sinned regularly (Exod 32; 2 Chron 13:9; Isa 28:7-8; Jer 2:8, 6:26-28). Because the priests sinned it required they make sacrifices and atonement for their iniquities that they may resume their priestly duties (Lev 4:1-12). Jesus, our Great High Priest, was a human born under the Law (with various temptations) but He did not sin, therefore He could make atonement for the sins of the world without having to make atonement for Himself first (2 Cor 5:21; Gal 4:4; Heb 4:14-15, 9:23-28; 1 Jn 3:5).

D. SUMMARY: Jesus is superior to every other High Priest because He was a faithful minister in His humanity. He was a better High Priest descended from another tribe; He was a better High Priest because He physically entered the true Tabernacle as a man; He was a better high priest in His humanity because He did not sin. WILLIAMS | PAGE 45

II. APPOINTED — It was necessary for the High Priest to be appointed by God.

A. DIVINE APPOINTMENT: The High Priestly ministry was not one of natural selection but Divine appointment. Moses did not choose Aaron to be the first High Priest but it was the Lord who designated him as a minister and mediator of the covenant (Exod 28-29). Because Aaron was appointed as High Priest logically (and naturally) his sons would become the appointed High Priests as well. Jesus, our Great High Priest, was appointed by God to be our faithful High Priest and to be a minister and mediator of a new and better covenant (Heb 5:1-4, 9-10).

B. OATH: The High Priestly office was one of generational succession and did not require a recurring swearing into the office. On the other hand, Jesus was appointed High Priest through an oath from the Lord in which He “has sworn and will not

change his mind: “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek” (Ps 110:4). The Lord swore that Jesus would remain a [High] Priest forever, meaning that He would end the continuous cycle of the High Priestly ministry.

C. TEMPORAL: In the Aaronic Priestly Era, due to the finite nature of humanity, the office of High Priest would restart its cycle every generation because the priests would eventually die off (Num 20:22-29). Due to this reality Aaron’s sons had to continue the High Priestly tradition which never made atonement final because they had to annually enter the Holy Place to make sacrifices. Jesus, our Great High Priest, has been made a priest forever because He has been given an incorruptible life through resurrection (Heb 7:23-24). Jesus’ High Priestly ministry does not stop at the atonement but continues in the form of intercession; He has been appointed as an everlasting intercessor (Heb 7:25).

D. SON: Aaron, like Moses, was appointed to his office as a servant of the Lord (Heb 3:5). Aaron did not have the privilege to be close to the Lord as a child would his father. Instead, he (and all of his sons) were treated as servants in the house of God. Jesus, our Great High Priest, was appointed High Priest as the Son of God (Heb 3:6). Jesus is the only begotten Son of the Father making Him a High Priest who is “the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature,” enabling Him to make complete purification for sins (Heb 1:3).

E. SUMMARY: Jesus is superior in His ministry as High Priest because He has been appointed by God the Father as a Son through an oath which will last forever. This aspect of Jesus’ High Priestly ministry is encouraging to the believer because it tells us that the Father had the Atonement in mind before the foundations of the earth. There is no one that can revoke Christ’s High Priestly office which also means that there is no one who can revoke our priestly calling either. We also have been appointed to be priests of God forever according to our conformity to the image of Christ. WILLIAMS | PAGE 46

III. MINISTER & MEDIATOR — It was necessary for the High Priest to be a minister in the Tabernacle of God and a mediator of the current covenant. A. The inherent responsibilities of the High Priest required him to be a minister and in the Tabernacle of God, ministering to Him through sacrifice. This office also required the High Priest to be a mediator of the current covenant, helping Israel maintain the integrity of Her commitment to the Lord. Every Levitical priest in a way is a minster and mediator of the current covenant but the High Priest was the only person allowed to enter into the presence of God to make atonement for sins. But, as I stated above, the Aaronic High Priestly era was not able to perfect the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the people, therefore a need arose for a better and more faithful mediator.

B. MINISTER: The ministry of the High Priest always took place in context of the dwelling place of God (Tabernacle or Temple). Aaron and his sons always ministered in the earthly tent of the Lord which was only a “shadow of the heavenly things” (Heb 8:5) and was always subject to defilement (Lev 15:31; Num 19:13; 2 Chron 36). Jesus, our Great High Priest is a minster in the true dwelling place of God (Heb 8:2). This tabernacle is the place where God’s glorious presence resides in radiant brilliance unhindered by the veil of natural dimensions. Jesus “discharges his ministry in no earthly shrine but in the heavenly dwelling-place of God, a tabernacle pitched by no human hands.”10 There is no place better or higher than this “true tent,” and Christ’s focus in this place is intercession for the saints (Heb 7:25).

C. MEDIATOR: Another responsibility of the High Priest was to be a mediator of the current covenant between God and His people. It was the duty of the High Priest to uphold the integrity of the covenant relationship, therefore a sacrificial system was installed so that there would be no sin hindering God from dwelling amongst His people (this is why the Day of Atonement is critical). But the Old Covenant was not able to bring forth a full atonement of sins “but as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises” (Heb 8:6). Jesus has become the Mediator of a better covenant established by His blood (Lk 22:19-20).

D. SUMMARY: Jesus has become a more superior High Priest in regards to His ministry in the true Tabernacle and according to His mediation of a new and better covenant. His life and death has made His mediation of the new covenant better than the old and His resurrection and ascension has made His ministry sure and superior. Jesus is superior in His Priesthood because He is a greater and more faithful mediator and minster in the presence of God.

10 Bruce, Frederick F. The Epistle to the Hebrews. Grand Rapids, MI, Williams B Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1990, p. 182. WILLIAMS | PAGE 47

IV. SACRIFICE & ATONEMENT — It was necessary for the High Priest to make a sacrifice on the Day of Atonement for the remission of sins for the people. A. In Leviticus 16 and 17 a pattern was set for the High Priest to follow on the day of Atonement in which God would receive the sacrifice for the sins of the people that their sin would no longer hinder their communion with God.

B. PERSONAL SINS: The first thing the High Priest had to do was offer a for himself for the forgiveness of his own iniquities. It was irresponsible for a minster to come into the presence of God flippantly or while having sin harbored in his heart (Lev 10, 16:2-14). Jesus, our Great High Priest, because of his sinlessness did not need to sacrifice a bull before entering into the Holy Place. Instead, “he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption” (Heb 9:12).

C. THE HOLY PLACE: Only until there was a sacrifice for the sins of the High Priest was He then allowed to enter into the Holy Place before the mercy seat of God (Lev 16:11-14). Jesus, our Great High Priest, did not enter into the a Tabernacle made by human hands but He entered into the true tent, the heavenly dwelling of God (Heb 9:11-15). Christ passed through the natural and spiritual veils and stood before the throne of God by His own blood. Therefore, we have “a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf” (Heb 6:19-20).

D. ATONEMENT: Not only was the High Priest required to make a sacrifice to atone for his own sins but he also had to make a sacrifice for the sins of the people (Lev 16:15-22). There were two goats provided for the remission of sins: the first for a sacrifice and the second would bear the iniquity of the people and be released into the wilderness. Jesus, our Great High Priest not only was the sacrifice but He also bore the sins of the whole world, not just for the people of Israel (Jn 3:16; 1 Jn 2:1-2). His sacrifice and blood has the power to wash away the sins of the whole world, His blood contains the power to secure an eternal redemption for those who believe.

E. RETURN: When the actions for the Day of Atonement were finished the High Priest would enter a process to exit the Holy Place by taking off his garments, washing in water, putting on different clothes, then offering different sacrifices (Lev 16:23-28). This cycle would repeat every generation because there was no definite remission of sin. Jesus, our Great High Priest, after atoning for the sins of the world did not immediately exit the heavenly places, instead “after making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high” (Her 1:3). Yet, in the fullness of time, like every High Priest before Him, Jesus will exit the heavenly temple not to deal with sin again but to bring forth the completion of our salvation (Heb 9:28). WILLIAMS | PAGE 48

SESSION 8: THE SEVEN FACETS OF NEW TESTAMENT PRIESTS

INTRODUCTION — The New Testament Priesthood is the glorious advancement of the priestly ministry amongst God’s people. Just as the priesthood was inherited with the Old Covenant so also is the priesthood inherited with the New Covenant (cf. Exod 19:3-6 and 1 Pt 2:4-10). The seven facets highlighted in the Old Testament priesthood are the same that will be highlighted in this session, but because there was a change in the priesthood (Jesus as High Priest) there also came a change to the law (Heb 7:12). Therefore, New Testament priests are no longer under the law of sin but are now under the law of grace (Rom 6:14). Yet, we will not attain the fullness of our identity until Christ’s return, in the Eternal Priesthood.

I. GOD’S PRESENCE

A. LEVITICAL LIMITATION: Though the Levitical priesthood was glorious in function it was limited in nature. The Levites were the only tribe who were consecrated to minster in the presence of God but they were not allowed to be in close proximity to the presence of God (like the High Priest). The Levitical priests had to remain at a distance when they ministered to God lest they die, giving them limited/restricted access to God. The New Testament priesthood surpasses the Old Testament priesthood because every restriction to the presence of God has been removed by the blood of Christ (Matt 27:51). New Testament priests live in a duel-temple reality, having access to God by the indwelling Spirit and His throne in heaven.

B. THE INDWELLING SPIRIT: Through the prophets God declared that there would come a day that His Spirit would reside in and upon his people (Ezek 36:26-27; Joel 2:28-29). After the resurrection and ascension of Christ the Holy Spirit took up residence in the disciples (Jn 20:21-23); at Pentecost the Holy Spirit fell upon the disciples (Acts 1-2). For those of us who have believed upon Christ we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit making us a temple/home for the living God (Jn 14:23; Rom 8:9-11; 1 Cor 6:19; Eph 2:19-22). This is a glorious truth: those who once ministered outside the tent have become the very dwelling place of God!

C. THE THRONE ROOM: Not only do New Testament priests have access to God by the indwelling Spirit but we also have access to God in His holy habitation, His throne room (Heb 4:16, 10:19-25, 12:18-24). Jesus’ death tore the veil that separated the presence of God from the people showing that there is no longer any hindrance to the presence of God (Matt 27:51). Every blood washed believer now has the right (as a son) to stand before the throne of God (in the spirit) with boldness and confidence, knowing that He hears us when we speak (1 Jn 5:14-15). The priests of the Old Testament could not enter the presence of God without dying (Lev 10) but New Testament priests are energized/vitalized upon entering the presence of God. WILLIAMS | PAGE 49

II. CONSECRATION & ORDINATION

A. LEVITICAL LIMITATION: When Aaron and his sons were consecrated for their priestly duties Moses used physical elements to depict a physical ordination (Lev 8). As New Testament priests we are consecrated with superior spiritual elements to depict our spiritual ordination as priests of God. Just as Old Testament priests were consecrated and ordained with physical blood, water, and oil, so also are New Testament priests consecrated and ordained with spiritual blood, water, and oil.

B. CONSECRATION 1. Blood — New Testament priests’ consecration is superior to that of the Old Testament priests’ because we have been washed in the blood of Christ and not the blood of bulls and goats (Eph 1:7; 1 Jn 1:7; Rev 1:5). The blood of Christ has secured for us an eternal consecration, an everlasting redemption (Heb 9:11-15). The blood of Christ has freed us from our sins and has made us pure in the presence of God. 2. Water — Like the Old Testament priests, New Testament priests also use water to signify a cleansing of sins (baptism). But more than that, a New Testament priest’s baptism speaks of a higher reality, our baptism into Christ (Rom 6:1-14; Eph 4:4-6). In our baptism (both physical and spiritual) we are signifying that we have been delivered from the domain of darkness and transferred to the kingdom of light. 3. Oil — New Testament priests are no longer anointed with physical oil but are now anointed with the oil of the Holy Spirit (2 Cor 1:21-22; 1 Jn 2:27). Old Testament priests were anointed with physical oil but New Testament priests are anointed with the Holy Spirit who is the Spirit of the Father and Christ (Jn 14:26). For the Old Testament priests the special consecration oil was limited in supply and used sparingly (Exod 30:31-33) but for New Testament priests the oil of the Spirit is unlimited and gives the Father joy to give more of Him (Lk 11:13).

C. ORDINATION 1. Eternity Past — The ordination of New Testament priests does not begin at our salvation but with our predestination. Before the foundations of the earth, at the beginning of the ages, God ordained us to be His priests that we would stand before Him in glory (Jn 15:16; Rom 8:28-30; Eph 1:4-5, 11; 1 Pt 1:1-2). 2. The New Birth — Our predestined-ordination as priests manifests at the new birth, when we receive the Gospel message and are born of the Spirit (Jn 3:1-8). At the new birth we receive the grace necessary to live out a life of power, manifesting the life of Christ in humility and holiness (Rom 5:2; James 4:6). WILLIAMS | PAGE 50

III. HOLINESS

A. LEVITICAL LIMITATION: The Levitical priests’ pursuit of holiness stemmed from a mandate and desire to maintain the integrity and purity of the their consecration and ordination. New Testament priests’ pursuit of holiness is superior in every way because our motivation is birthed from a personal relationship with the Lord.

B. THEOLOGICAL MOTIVATIONS 1. Relationship — The primary motivation for a New Testament priest to pursue holiness should be from the desire to honor the covenant we have been brought into. Like a married couple we have become one spirit with the Lord, therefore we ought not join ourselves to anything that could hinder our intimacy with Him (1 Cor 6:12-17). Jesus is the Bridegroom and we are the Bride and it is imperative that we honor Him by living lives devoid of the filth of the world (1 Jn 2:15-17). 2. The Seed — Another reason why New Testament priests pursue holiness is because we have received the Holy Spirit (Jn 7:39, 14:23; Acts 2:38). The Holy Spirit is the very seed of God (1 Jn 3:9) and when we receive Him we become sons of God (Jn 1:12; Rom 8:14). Therefore, because we have received the Seed of God as sons it is only natural that we desire to be like our Father, in whom there is no darkness at all (1 Jn 1:5; Eph 5:8). 3. The Promise — One of the greatest motivations for New Testament priests’ pursuit of holiness is the fact that we have a coming hope of the resurrection in which we will receive new bodies (2 Cor 7:1; 1 Jn 3:1-3). As ministers to God we pursue holiness because we know that we will stand before Him at the judgement seat and will reign with Him in the age to come (1 Jn 4:17; Rev 20:4-6). The deeds we do in the body will be judged and will effect the glory (radiance) of our resurrected bodies and positions in the age to come (1 Cor 15:35-41; 2 Cor 5:10).

C. MINISTERIAL MOTIVATIONS 1. Ministry to God — As New Testament priests our highest priority is to ministry to God and if we are to be reverent about our calling it requires a degree of holiness. All the heavenly host worship the Lord in purity and if we are to minister in the presence of God we ought to imitate the elders, seraphim, cherubim, and the holy angels not harboring any filth in our lives and hearts (Ps 29:1-2; Isa 6:2). 2. Ministry to People — The second reason why New Testament priests pursue purity is to be effective in ministry so that we may be a blessing to those around us (Matt 22:37-40). Our holiness directly affects our usefulness to the Lord and if we desire to be effective for the kingdom we must pursue purity (2 Tim 2:14-26). Our purity allows the power of God to flow through us to affect our surrounding environment. WILLIAMS | PAGE 51

IV. GARMENTS

A. LEVITICAL LIMITATION: The Levitical priests were adorned with garments for honor and beauty amongst the 12 tribes of Israel (Exod 28:2, 40). Yet, these fabrics did not give the priests special status before God, they remained in their sin as long as sacrifices were being offered. The garments of the New Testament priest are superior in every way because they effect our status and perception in the presence of God. New Testament priests have not been clothed with physical garments but spiritual vestments that give us beauty and honor in the eyes of the Lord.

B. GARMENTS OF CHRIST: As New Testament priests we have been “clothed” in the righteousness of Christ (Rom 3:22; 2 Cor 5:21). At salvation our “filthy rags” of sins were exchanged for the righteous garments of Christ, giving every believer a positive standing before God. We are no longer viewed as people destined for perdition but those who are eternal targets for God’s grace and kindness (Eph 2:7). Though the phrase “clothed in the righteousness of Christ” is not the imagery that is used in the Bible it accurately conveys the truth of the Scripture that states “love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Pt 4:8 [Prov 10:12]). These garments of righteousness allow the Lord to view our lives, deeds, and internal life as beautiful and honorable in His sight.

C. THE NEW SELF: For those of us who have received the Gospel message there is an internal and external change that happens in which our heart and deeds are conformed to the image of Christ. Paul and the other New Testament authors call this “putting on the new self” in which we shed the garments of a sinful life and put on the vestments of a renewed life in Christ (Rom 13:14; Eph 4:17-24; Col 3:1-17; 1 Pt 5:5). The language that the authors use is metaphorical, meaning that we cannot physically put on the new self but we can adjust our behavior to reflect Christ in every manner of life. The garments of the new self consist of: compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, and more (Col 3:12). Putting on these “garments” is what makes the life of the believer beautiful and gives them honor in the courts of heaven before God, the angels, and the cloud of witnesses.

D. THE RESURRECTION: For those of us who have received the Spirit by faith in Christ have received a groan to be "further clothed” with a new, perfect, resurrected, glorified body like Christ’s (Rom 8:18-25; 2 Cor 5:1-8; 1 Jn 3:2-3). This groan is so deep that Paul states that “the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God…that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God” (Rom 8:19, 21). As children of God it is only natural that we long to be with our heavenly Father in the glory of perfection. The resurrection is the consummation of our salvation and is the great hope of our union with Christ. WILLIAMS | PAGE 52

V. SACRIFICES

A. LEVITICAL LIMITATIONS: The sacrifices of the Levitical priests (along with the rest of Israel) consisted of bulls, goats, birds, grain, and other animals and vegetation (Lev 1-5). These offerings were primarily to atone for the sins of the people and secondarily to please God. Yet, when the transition into the New Testament priesthood took place the sacrifice of bulls and goats became obsolete because of the superior sacrifice of the Lamb of God (Jn 1:29; Heb 9). Now the sacrifices of the New Testament priest is the minster himself, our lives have become a free-will offering unto the Lord! New Testament priests have become the temple and the alter for sacrifices!

B. OUR BODIES: In the Old Covenant the Aaronic priestly order required the minsters to sacrifice animals and grain; New Testament priests under the High Priestly order of Christ give their bodies as a sacrifice unto the Lord. Paul, in the latter half of his letter to the Romans admonishes the recipients to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (Rom 12:1). The Gospel, at its core, calls for a sacrifice, both from the Lord and from those who would believe on Christ (Matt 10:39, 16:24-26; Jn 15:13; 1 Jn 3:16). Most of the time the sacrifice of our bodies is given through obedience but there are times when we are called to give up our natural lives through martyrdom (Acts 7, 12).

C. PROCLAMATION, PRAYER, & WORSHIP: In the Davidic era of the priestly ministry the Levites, priests, and musicians were organized and given the responsibility to minister to God through musical worship (1 Chron 23-25). New Testament priests do not proclaim the goodness of God out of duty but out of a heart full of delight. The Author of Hebrews encourages his readers to “continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name” (Heb 13:15). The words we speak, the prayers we offer, and the praise we shout is a pleasing offering in the courts of heaven (Mal 1:11; Rev 4:8). When we acknowledge Christ by our words (the fruit of our lips) what we say becomes a sweet, fragrant offering to God.

D. GOOD DEEDS: Under the Old Covenant the deeds that were performed might have been morally upright but they remained filthy rags in the presence of God (Isa 64:6; Rom 3:20). In the New Testament priesthood, by the blood of Christ, our good deeds have become pleasing offerings before the Lord. The Author of Hebrews charges us not to “neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God” (Heb 13:16). When we fast, pray, serve, and give to one another we are fulfilling the law of love, loving one another in deed and truth (Rom 13:8-10; 1 Jn 3:16-17). Also, when we give our monetary resources cheerfully it becomes a pleasing sacrifice to the Lord (Mk 12:42; Jn 12:1-8; 2 Cor 9:6-7; 1 Jn 3:17). WILLIAMS | PAGE 53

VI. THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD

A. LEVITICAL LIMITATION: Engaging with the Scriptures (/Pentateuch) was the primary way that the Levitical priests grew in the knowledge of God. Though the Old Testament priests knew the Law and taught its statutes the word of God was never established in their hearts (Ezek 22:26; Hos 4:6; Mal 2:1-9). In the New Testament priesthood our engagement with the Scriptures is superior for three reasons: 1.) We have the indwelling Holy Spirit, the great Teacher (Jn 14:15-18, 26); 2.) The Law has been internalized (Jer 31:33-34; Ezek 11:19, 36:26; Heb 8:10); 3.) We have a fuller revelation of God in Jesus, who is revealed in and through the Scriptures (66 books). 1. The Teacher — When Jesus was preparing His disciples for His departure encouraged them with the news that He will “ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth” (Jn 14:16-17). For those of us who believe on Christ we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit who brings us into life with Christ and becomes our Teacher. Jesus promised us that the Spirit “will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” (Jn 14:26). The Old Testament priests did not have the indwelling Spirit to illuminate and teach the Scriptures to them; as New Testament priests we do not need an outside source or minister to teach us the laws of God (1 Jn 2:27). 2. The Internal Law — As I stated above, in the Old Covenant the word of God was never internalized by the priests. Though they knew the Law and taught it the Scriptures were never instilled in the hearts of the people (this is why Israel continued to turn away from the Lord). But the Lord through the prophets declared that there would be a day that His Law would be written on the hearts of His people, saying, “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant…I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people” (Jer 31:31-33). Because of the New Covenant and the indwelling Spirit the Law of God has now been written upon the hearts of every New Testament priest. We all are able to know the Lord, we are all able to understand Scripture. 3. Greater Revelation — The Levitical priests’ task was to study the word of God as it was revealed and taught by Moses (Deut 31:9-13; 2 Chron 31:4). In these 5 books they attained a deeper knowledge of God through Moses’ experiences and Israel’s journey but it was not a full revelation of God. The Bible (66 books) gives a fuller revelation of God in Christ Jesus who is “the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature” (Heb 1:3). Christ is the end of the Scriptures and we attain a knowledge of salvation in Him through the word of God (Jn 5:39; 2 Tim 3:14-15). WILLIAMS | PAGE 54

B. METHODS FOR GROWING IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD11 1. Read It — This method may sound trite or insignificant but I assure you there is no method that has changed my personal walk with Christ more than simply reading the Scriptures out loud. I have learned that when we read the Scriptures aloud it gives the Spirit room to touch our hearts in a dynamic way because He always moves when the word of God is spoken (Gen 1:1-3). 2. Write It — Writing the Scriptures is not only helpful for internalizing certain passages but it also puts us in the place of the author. It helps us follow his logic and trace the hand of the Spirit in the words. On this method Daniel Lim the author of the book Bible 360º states that “The ancient Hebrew scribes hand copied the Holy Scripture for millennia. The art and science of writing out the Scripture traces its roots back to Old Testament Levitical tradition” (109). This method directly connects New Testament priests to the tradition of Old Testament priests. 3. Say (Proclaim) It — Saying the word continually throughout the day has immense value because it keeps worldly language out of our mouths and focuses our mind on the things above (Col 3:2). Not only should we speak the word over ourselves but we should declare it to others, expounding upon the truths and laws of God. 4. Sing It — Sometimes when we approach the Bible it can arouse a mundane feeling or nonchalant attitude toward God because the passage does not seem to impact our emotions. Singing the Scriptures helps us connect with the heart of God on an emotional level because music reaches the deepest caverns of the human heart. God is a singing God and music is one way to connect with His heart (Zeph 3:17). 5. Pray It — When we look at the Bible many will see it as a book full of stories and laws to follow. What if I told you the entire Bible could be turned into a prayer list? One of the most effective ways to grow in the knowledge of God is to use the Scriptures as a “launch pad” to encounter the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus rebuked the pharisees for only looking at the Scriptures and refusing to come to Him (Jn 5:39-40). We encounter Jesus when we use the Scriptures to talk (pray) to Him. 6. Live It — If we are to demonstrate our love for Jesus it requires that we obey His commands (Jn 14:15). Scripture was not given just to remain in our psychological processes but that we may walk according to the laws of God (Jer 31:33-34; Ezek 11:19, 36:26). The power of the Christian life does not only come from praying, preaching, or studying the word but actually living what it commands.

11 These methods are taken directly from a book called Bible 360º by Daniel Lim, the CEO of the International House of Prayer in Kansas City, Missouri. I have personally used all of them and they are extremely helpful to see the Bible in a fresh way. For more methods I encourage you to read this book. WILLIAMS | PAGE 55

C. THE RESULTS OF GROWING IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD 1. Student — When we engage with the Scriptures in different ways it ought to create a deeper longing to be an awe inspired student. When we recognize the genius of the Holy Spirit speaking through many authors, over many time periods, telling one coherent story we will be stirred to devote our lives to study the word with diligence. Like how Paul encourages Timothy, we also ought to “continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed,” becoming diligent, lifelong students of the Scriptures (2 Tim 3:14-15). 2. Teacher — The Old Testament priests were diligent students of the Scriptures that they may go throughout Israel teaching the knowledge of God to the people (Lev 10:11; Deut 33:10; 2 Chron 15:3, 17:7-9, 30:22; Neh 8:7-8). The Levitical priests did not stay stagnant in their understanding of the Law but like a river they allowed their knowledge to flow to the roots of Israel’s beliefs, nurturing their faith in God. As New Testament priests it is not acceptable to remain ignorant of the deep things of God. In fact, the author of Hebrews rebukes his audience for remaining spiritual babes, saying, “by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God” (Heb 5:12). Every believer is not given the office or gift of a teacher (Eph 4:11) but every mature Christian ought to be able to teach the statutes of God. 3. Judge — As the Levitical priests grew in the knowledge of God it qualified them to become righteous judges amongst the people (Deut 21:4-5; Ezek 44:23-24). Because the Old Testament priests knew the Scriptures better than any tribe they were enabled to administrate justice in accordance with God’s word and character. As believers we are continually warned not to judge others with a condemning heart but to judge in love according to the Scriptures (Matt 7:1-5; 1 Cor 2:15, 5:12; Col 3:16; Heb 5:12-14). As we renew our minds with the Scriptures the better we will be able to judge in the natural as well as in the spirit (Jn 7:10-24). 4. Prophecy — As the Levitical priests were continually engaging the Scriptures in context to ministry to God it opened them to the prophetic ministry in which they declared the oracles of God (1 Chron 25:1-7; 2 Chron 20:14-19, 24:20-22, 29:30). Therefore, as New Testament priests who have the indwelling Spirit and the complete Scriptures it is our inheritance to speak forth the very words of God (1 Cor 14:1-5). According to Scripture not every believer will have the gift of prophecy or the office of a prophet (1 Cor 12) but every believer has the right to be used by the Spirit in the prophetic ministry (Joel 2:28-29; Acts 2:14-39). Like the Old Testament priests, there are also those that God calls and appoints to be New Testament priestly-prophets (Acts 13:1, 21:10; 1 Cor 12:28-29; Eph 3:5). WILLIAMS | PAGE 56

VII. FAMILY

A. LEVITICAL LIMITATION: One of the most important aspects of the Levitical priesthood was the emphasis of family and their inheritance (Num 3, 18:20; Deut 18:21; 1 Chron 6:1-15, 49-53). In fact, the Old Testament audience could not imagine the priesthood being outside the familial tradition of the Levites. But the family dynamic of the Levites were limited in three dramatic ways: 1.) They were a family only in the flesh and they served in the Temple as servants of God, not children of God; 2.) Their ministry was confined to the , excluding the surrounding nations and peoples from ministering to God; 3.) Their inheritance was only given through promise and was not manifested with a down payment. 1. Born of Flesh — Like every Israeli tribe the Levites had a founding father, Levi, who was the third son of Jacob (Gen 29:34). The Levites as the priestly people of Israel were the only people consecrated for the purpose of ministering to the Lord; the priestly ministry was strictly a family business. Those not born of the tribe of Levi were not permitted to become priests of God, that is why the authors of Scripture viewed it as an atrocity when kings would appoint priests that were not of the tribe of Levi (1 Kings 12:31). There are Scriptures that take time to record the Levitical lineage to show the significance of family (Exod 6:14-25; 1 Chron 9). 2. Confined to the Tabernacle — The Levitical priesthood was not only exclusive to the tribe of Levi but their family’s ministry was also limited to the geographical area where the Lord’s dwelling was (Exod 27:21; Deut 33:10; 1 Chron 16:4, 23:13; Ezek 44:15-16). The Levitical ministry was unable to expand beyond the area of the Tabernacle because this is where the concentrated, earthly presence of God was. Though their ministry was limited in this way it established a solid paradigm for the New Testament priesthood: our ministry is intimately connected to the dwelling of God, His Temple. The Levites’ confinement to a geographical region was not the fullness of the priestly ministry for God promised that those outside of the tribe of Levi (Gentiles) would become ministers to God (Isa 56:6-8). 3. Inheritance — The subject of inheritance was of high importance to the Levitical priests because they did not receive a heritage like their brothers (Num 18:20). When Canaan was conquered by Joshua he gave an allotment of land to every tribe besides the Levites. Instead, their inheritance was three fold: 1.) They received the food portions of the sacrifices (Num 18:8-24); 2.) They received the Lord himself as their inheritance (Num 18:20; Deut 18:2); 3.) The Levites themselves were God’s inheritance (Num 3:11-13, 45). This paradigm of Levitical inheritance is a down payment of what we (New Testament priests) are to receive; our inheritance is not physical but spiritual. Our inheritance surpasses the promise of the Levites. WILLIAMS | PAGE 57

B. ADOPTION: In the Old Covenant the priestly ministry was exclusive to those born of the flesh in the tribe of Levi. In the New Covenant the priestly ministry has been opened to all who are born of the Spirit. No longer are priests simply servants in the house of God but by the new birth we have been adopted as sons of God (Rom 8:14-17; Eph 1:5; 1 Jn 3:1-3, 9). When we heard the Gospel message and received Christ as Lord we were “born again,” bringing us into the Kingdom of God (Jn 3:1-8). Now that we have been adopted into the family of God, Jesus’ Father is now our Father (Jn 20:17), Jesus becomes our elder brother (Heb 2:10-18), and the saints of God are now siblings in the Spirit (Matt 12:48-50). God has been a Father since eternity past and it is His desire to have a family that enjoys one another forever (Rev 21:7). Because we are His children we can have confidence when approaching His throne knowing that we have what we ask for (Heb 4:16; 1 Jn 3:21-22, 5:15).

C. THE GLOBAL PRAYER MOVEMENT: In the Old Covenant the Levitical priesthood was confined to the Temple of God which was established in Jerusalem. In the New Covenant the priests’ ministry is not confined to a particular region or place because we have become the temple of God (1 Cor 3:8, 6:19; Eph 2:18-22). Jesus Himself said that “the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father…But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth” (Jn 4:21, 23). In the past 50 years God has been building/emphasizing His family as a house of prayer through the Global Prayer Movement (Isa 56:6-8; Amos 9:11; Acts 15). The first 24/7 worship and prayer movement began with a family therefore it is only natural that as the Lord continues to build the global house of prayer He would emphasize the family dynamic in the Body of Christ.

D. INHERITANCE: Just as the Levitical priests had an inheritance promised to them so also do we (as New Testament priests) have an inheritance guaranteed by the Holy Spirit (2 Cor 1:22, 5:5; Eph 1:13-14). Our inheritance is multi-faceted, consisting of: 1. The Age to Come — In the age to come we will receive the Kingdom of God, ruling and reigning with Christ (Rev 20:4-6). We will also receive the New Jerusalem and the New Heavens and Earth as our heritage (Rev 21-22). 2. The Resurrection — Every person who has trusted in Christ has the promise of a new, resurrected body, full of glory and power (1 Cor 15; 1 Thes 4:16; 1 Jn 3:1-3). 3. God Himself — In the age to come the Father Himself will be our inheritance! The unveiled God, in all His beauty and brilliance, is our heritage (Rev 21:3-4). 4. The Priests — Not only do we receive an inheritance in God but God also receives an inheritance in us; our holiness is His inheritance (Eph 1:18; Rev 19:7). WILLIAMS | PAGE 58

SESSION 9: THE SIX NATURAL DYNAMICS OF THE PRIEST

I. EYES (SIGHT)

A. PHYSICAL: Eyes in the Bible represent our physical capacity to see (Gen 13:10, 14; Deut 4:9; 1 Jn 1:1). God has made our eyes in such a way that we would have the ability to behold and enjoy the beauty of His wondrous creation. We are able to view different hues of the sky and the radiant glory of the terrain that surrounds us. Worship of the true and living God focuses our eyes on everything that is good and true, honoring Him with our gaze.

B. SPIRITUAL: Eyes in the Bible represent our capacity to see spiritual things (Num 22:31; Josh 5:13-15; 2 Kings 6:17; Ps 119:18; Dan 10:5; 1 Jn 2:11; Rev 4-5). Not only do we have physical eyes to behold the beauty of physical things but we also have spiritual eyes (the eyes of faith) to behold the beauty of heavenly things. Humans have the capacity to receive visions, trances, dreams, and various heavenly encounters, peering into the spiritual realm. Worship of the true and living God opens our eyes to the reality and beauty of the spiritual realm.

C. DESIRE: Eyes in the Bible represent the desires of the heart (Gen 3:6; Judg 17:6; Ezek 6:9; 2 Pt 2:14; 1 Jn 2:16). As stated above, our eyes were made for beholding beauty and when we continually behold the glory of the Lord we will naturally desire Him more than the fleeting pleasures of the world; we desire what we continually behold. When God becomes the object of our gaze naturally the desires of our heart will change. When we continually behold the beauty of the Lord we will desire eternal pleasures (2 Cor 5:1-10).

D. KNOWLEDGE: Eyes in the Bible are synonymous with and intimately connected to knowledge and understanding (Gen 3:5-7; Matt 13:15-16; Jn 9:35-41; Eph 1:18). This knowledge can be expanded to physical understanding (math, morality, etc) as well as spiritual insight (parables, conviction of sin, etc). When we worship the true and living God we gain a greater knowledge and understanding of the affairs of the world. For those who follow Jesus, searching the Scriptures for understanding, the Lord will enlarge their capacity to understand His sovereign will in the affairs of the world (Prov 25:2; Dan 12:10; Lk 12:48). Worship of the true and living God gives us a living understanding.

E. LIFE: Eyes in the Bible are used to portray the vitality of a person (1 Sam 14:27-29; Ezra 9:8; Dan 10:6; Matt 6:22-23; Rev 1:14). Often times when an individual is excited, tired, happy, sad, or angry, it is evident from the “light” in their eyes. Because God is alive He is able to impart life those of us who continually behold Him our eyes become bright with the brilliance of incorruptible life. WILLIAMS | PAGE 59

II. MOUTH (SPEECH)

A. CONVERSATION: One of the most basic uses of the mouth/tongue is social communication (Gen 45:15; Exod 4:10; Job 33:2). When God becomes the center of one’s life He dominates what they talk about (substance), how they talk (language), and why they talk (motivation). When God has become the primary focus of one’s life talking about Him imparts life to the parties involved in the conversation.

B. PRAYER/INTERCESSION: Not only was man created to converse with one another but man has also been created to converse with the living God (2 Chron 30:18; 1 Jn 5:14-15). When one’s affections, desires, values, and trust are anchored in the Lord our prayers will naturally be directed toward Him (whether direct or indirect). The more we pray the greater our capacity is expanded to fellowship with God.

C. PREACHING/PROPHESYING: Whenever God has a desire to release a message he uses the mouth of Man to proclaim His oracles (2 Sam 23:2; Ps 71:24; Jer 23:9-40; Amos 7:16; Matt 4:17; Acts 1:16; 1 Cor 14:1). As we continue to converse with God our heart becomes more sensitive to what is on His heart and what message He desires to release upon the earth. God is a talking God and His words have great power. Therefore, when we speak what God is speaking what we proclaim has great power. Those who stay in connection with the living God preach living messages that are saturated with the truths of Scripture. Those who worship the living God do not deliver prophecies or dreams derived from their own minds but from the heart of God, which testify of Christ (Rev 19:10).

D. WORSHIP: Man has been given a mouth for the purpose of worship in which we declare the goodness of the Lord through instrument and song (Ps 34:1, 51:14; Isa 66:23; Jn 4:24). Worship was created to be a sweet fragrance to the Lord (Mal 1:11; Rev 5:8). Worship of God not only affects our music but it effects the very depths of our soul. Worship is a gift given to the priests of God as an avenue to lift our soul to what is true (Ps 24:3-4). When we worship God in his splendor it changes our emotional chemistry; we are transformed and conformed into the image of Christ when we worship Him.

E. HEART REVELATION: According to the Bible the mouth/tongue is an outlet for the heart to release and declare its thoughts, desires, and feelings (Ezek 33:31; Matt 12:34, 15:18; Lk 6:45). When God has become the primary object of our affections He will naturally saturate the content of our conversations. Everyone’s internal life is completely visible before God (Matt 7:22-23; Heb 4:13) therefore He knows when one’s heart is completely abandoned to Him. If our hearts are truly abandoned to God it will exude in the way we speak with others. The content of our conversations are just as revealing as our actions. WILLIAMS | PAGE 60

III. EARS (HEARING)

A. PHYSICAL: Humans have been given ears with the capacity to hear various sounds, notes, and noises, understanding and articulating their frequencies (Ex 29:20; Ec 1:8; 1 Cor 2:9). Worshiping God does not increase our ability to hear sounds and noises but increases our willingness to listen to anything He is saying. When God becomes the primary object of our devotion we display a greater love for one another by listening with greater sensitivity.

B. SPIRITUAL: Ears in the Bible also represent our capacity to hear and receive spiritual truths (Isa 6:10; Ezek 3:10; Matt 11:15; Rev 2:7, 11, 17, 29). We have been created with the ability/capacity to hear the voice of God whether it be from the word (Bible), audibly (external), Holy Spirit (internal), or through other believers. Those who worship God grow in their capacity to receive and understand spiritual truths. Worshiping God increases one’s ability to discern between the voice of the Lord and the voice of the world and demons.

C. OBEDIENCE: Ears in the Bible are intimately connected to a person’s willingness to obey commands whether it be from God or Man (Ex 15:26; Deut 1:45; Ne 9:30; Isa 1:10; Jer 7:24; Acts 7:51). When one hears a command naturally it is to be obeyed; the Lord has commands that he requires His disciples to follow (Jn 13:34-35). When Christ becomes the primary object of our devotion it increases a person’s ability/ capacity to hear the commands of the Lord and obey them with a willing heart.

IV. NOSE (SMELL/TASTE)

A. PHYSICAL: Humans have been given noses with the ability to smell and identify various scents, fragrances, and odors (Gen 24:47, 27:27; 2 Kings 19:28; So 7:4; Dan 3:27). There are certain objects with potent smells such as nature and food. When one worships the true and living God these objects becomes enhancers of life, helping us to recognize the beauty of God in creation.

B. SPIRITUAL: Smell in the Bible is also connected to the spiritual atmosphere around a person (Jer 48:11; Joel 2:20; 2 Cor 2:14-16). As we are being transformed from one degree of glory to another we become “the aroma of Christ to God,” the very fragrance of His presence to humanity (2 Cor 2:14-16).

C. EXPERIENCE: When speaking of smell one must also include the area of taste. These two senses are intimately connected: smell is the awareness and taste is the encounter. Taste in the Bible is not limited to food, more-so biblical taste is about experience (Ps 34:8, 119:103; Matt 5:13, 16:28; Jn 8:52; Heb 2:9). As humans we were made to experience God through the Scriptures, worship, and prayer. Our experiences and encounters with God define us as priests. WILLIAMS | PAGE 61

V. HANDS (FEELING/TOUCH)

A. PHYSICAL: Humans have been given hands with the ability to grasp, build, fix, communicate, and more (Gen 3:22, 8:9; Ex 4:2, 34:4; Josh 8:19). When one worships the true and living God there will naturally be a desire to build something for Him that He may bless and dwell in it (ministry, business, a home, etc).

B. DOMINION: When the Bible uses the imagery of the hand(s) many times it is referring to a person's (or nation’s) power, dominion, possession, or control (Ex 2:19; Num 11:23; Josh 4:24; Ne 9:27; Matt 22:44; Jn 10:29; Acts 11:21). As believers, we have been raised with Christ to the right hand of the Father, sharing in His authority (Eph 2:6). When we worship the true and living God we gain authority over the dark areas of our heart as well as geographical locations/regions.

C. IMPARTATION: Another biblical use of the hands is to transfer or impart some kind of spiritual power or currency (Lev 4:22-24; Acts 8:17-19, 14:3, 19:6; 1 Tim 4:14; 2 Tim 1:6; Heb 6:2). Human hands were made to convey and release the very power of God. The Lord created us in His image as vessels to labor with Him in beautifying the earth, magnifying His glory in the created order (Gen 2:15; Mk 16:14-20; Jn 14:12-14; 1 Cor 6:13, 19). There is a biblical, New Testament paradigm in which there is a transfer/ impartation of power or spiritual currency that takes place at the laying on of hands, empowering the one touched.

VI. FEET (WALKING)

A. LIFESTYLE: When the Bible talks about feet many times it is referring to the lifestyle of a person (1 Sam 2:9; Ps 17:5, 18:33, 119:101, 105; Pr 4:26; Ezek 11:20; Eph 4:1; 1 Jn 1:6-7). As mentioned above, our feet will naturally follow what our eyes desire. The object we abide in will be reflected in the way we live. When one chooses to abide in the Lord they become more apt to walk in the same manner that Christ walked, doing the same and even greater works that He did (Jn 14:12-14; 1 Jn 2:6). When we worship the true and living God our lifestyle will gradually become sanctified, walking in the power of the Spirit.

B. VICTORY: Feet in the Bible are also used as a picture of victory over one’s enemies (Josh 10:24; Ps 8:6; Matt 22:44; 1 Cor 15:25-27; Heb 1:13). Christians face great oppositions: fleshly desires, the world, and demonic forces. Because we are in Christ we have overcome the opposition of the world (1 Jn 4:4) and if one holds fast to the Lord they remain in their heavenly identity, adamant to put on the new self (Col 3:l-17). Worship of the true and living God will increase the potency of the believer’s external and internal life, giving them access to victory over sinful patterns and demonic strongholds. WILLIAMS | PAGE 62

SESSION 10: THE ETERNAL PRIESTHOOD

INTRODUCTION — After many sessions of laying the theological foundation for the New Testament Priesthood we have finally come to its culmination in the Eternal Priesthood. In this session we will be exploring what the Bible says about our identity and function as priests in the age to come. The context of our eternal vocation as priests takes place after Christ’s return in which we will receive our glorious inheritance in the eternal estate. As we continue to approach the age to come the Spirit will begin to highlight this doctrine in the global Body of Christ, preparing us to rule and reign with Christ (Rev 20:4-6). This is the culmination of the words of the prophets and apostles, this is the hope, joy, and destiny of every Christian.

I. GOD’S PRESENCE

A. PAST PRIESTLY LIMITATIONS: In the Old and New Testament priestly orders no man could ever physically enter the presence of God (Exod 33; Lev 10). When Nadab and Abihu attempted to stand before the Lord without proper consecration and credentials they were decimated by the fire of God. In both of these priestly systems we still maintained natural bodies which are incapable of fully absorbing the presence of God. In the Eternal priesthood the saints of God will receive resurrected bodies that are raised in power. The bodies we will receive will be perfect and imperishable, allowing us to stand physically in the presence of God the Father and his Son.

B. THE THRONE: As stated in Session 3 the narrative of the Bible culminates with the descent of the throne of God to the new earth. Since the beginning of creation God has been reconciling all things through His Son (Col 1:18-20). After Christ reigns for 1000 years, preparing the earth and the people to receive the Father, the dwelling place of God will be established on the new earth amongst His people. John prophesied of this event in the book of Revelation in which he heard a voice say, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man…No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it” (Rev 21:3, 22:3). All of God’s people will dwell with him physically in the age to come.

C. THE FATHER UNVEILED: Not only will the Father physically dwell with us but we will finally see His face! The God who has hidden himself with light, cloud, smoke, and a veil will finally reveal His face to His saints. John prophesies about this glorious day saying, “They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light” (Rev 22:4-5). The brightness of the Father’s face will render the lights of the heavens useless and the splendor of the Son’s glory will outshine the most brilliant stars. The presence of God will give life to His people and we will be amazed at His beauty, compelling us to worship Him with whole hearts. WILLIAMS | PAGE 63

II. CONSECRATION & ORDINATION

A. PAST PRIESTLY LIMITATIONS: This point is not highlighting a limitation of the New Testament priesthood’s consecration but the fact that it is the beginning of our eternal priesthood. In the Old Covenant the priests were consecrated by the blood of bulls and goats (Lev 8:22) and in the New Covenant the priests are consecrated by the blood of Christ, which secured an eternal consecration and ordination (Heb 9:12; Rev 1:5-6). Our identity as eternal priests needs no other form of consecration because Christ’s blood has secured us as priests forever.

B. CONSECRATION & ORDINATION: Our consecration as priests took place before the foundations of the world in which the Lord wrote our names in the book of life, sealing us for salvation (Rev 13:8). From eternity past God has desired a priestly people to stand in His presence to magnify His name and enjoy Him forever. The heavenly host in the book of Revelation praise the Lord for consecrating and ordaining His people as His minsters, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made

them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth” (Rev 5:9-10). Our consecration and ordination as a kingdom of priests in the age to come brings joy to the earth and the hosts of heaven because the revealing of our glory liberates the creation from the bondage it has been subjected to (Rom 8:18-25).

C. OUR DUTIES: The question we must ask after we have received our consecration and ordination as eternal priests is: What will we do in the age to come? As I read through the Old and New Testament there are two main responsibilities of the eternal priest: 1.) Ministering to God and 2.) Reigning with Him and His Son on the earth. 1. Worship — Our primary responsibility as priests in the age to come is to glorify God in our worship and adoration of His beauty (Isa 66:18-24; Rev 7:9-17, 22:3). In every priestly order the top priority of God’s servants is to magnify His name with worship and prayer. Our priority as priests will never change, we will always be deemed as ministers to God’s heart first and foremost. 2. Government — Another responsibility of the priests in the age to come is to rule and reign with Christ (Rev 2:26-27, 3:21, 5:10, 20:4-6, 22:5). God will restore our authority to have dominion over the heavens and the earth, allowing us to partner with Him in the destiny of the new creation. Jesus Himself is the great Priest-King and He will perfectly unite Church and State in the age to come (Ps 110; Zech 3, 6; Heb 7; Rev 20). In the same way that Christ is a priest and a king so also will we be priests and kings in the government of the millennium and the new creation. We will partner with God in the leadership of the new creation! WILLIAMS | PAGE 64

III. HOLINESS

A. PAST PRIESTLY LIMITATIONS: In the Old Covenant the priests were sanctified by God under the Law (Lev 21:15, 23, 22:9, 16) and in the New Covenant priests are sanctified by the Lord under grace in Christ Jesus by the Holy Spirit (Rom 15:16; 1 Cor 6:11; Heb 2:11, 10:10, 14, 13:12). Though both priestly orders were sanctified by the Lord the presence of sin remained in the flesh, causing sin to manifest itself through our members. But in the Eternal Priesthood we will be completely sanctified, meaning that the presence of sin outwardly and inwardly will be eradicated along with Satan and his demonic regime.

B. OUTWARD SIN: The book of Revelation gives us a glimpse into the eternal estate where the saints will dwell forever. In this place there will be no room for those who were unrepentant sinners, for the Father Himself says that "as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death” (Rev 21:8). God will rid the new creation of any form of darkness and will put the wicked in the lake of fire for the deeds they worked in the body. There will be no temptation to sin for all in Christ will walk in light.

C. INWARD SIN: Not only will there be an absence of the wicked in the age to come but there will also be an absence of sin in the saints; the sin outside of us will be eradicated as well as the sin inside of us (1 Cor 15:35-58; Phil 3:10-14). When we attain the resurrection of the dead our bodies will be made perfect, meaning that there will no longer be sin in our members (our flesh). Our conformity to Christ is not only according to our physical bodies but also our desires, emotions, and will; our humanity will no longer be conformed to the first Adam but to the last Adam (1 Cor 15:46-49). Our members will no longer be vessels for sinful deeds but for passionate works in purity unto the purposes of God.

D. THE DEVIL, DEMONS, & DEATH: Before the millennium Satan will be bound and imprisoned (Rev 20:1-3) but after Christ’s millennial reign Satan and his demonic regime will be cast into the lake of fire, ridding the new creation from the presence of any demonic power that could possibly tempt or hinder the saints (Rev 20:7-10). The demons who influenced idolatry, sexual immorality, and any form of unrighteousness will no longer be allowed to pervade or oppress any of the redeemed. Not only will the devil and his demons be decimated but Hades himself will be cast into the lake of fire, meaning that death can never touch God’s creation again (Rev 20:14). God’s new creation will be completely free from any spiritual darkness, allowing the servants of God to worship Him in perfect holiness. Christ’s sacrifice doesn’t only conquer death in this age but it gives Him the authority to conquer it in the next. WILLIAMS | PAGE 65

IV. GARMENTS

A. PAST PRIESTLY LIMITATIONS: In the Old Covenant the priests were clothed with physical garments for glory and beauty before man (Exod 28:2, 40) and in the New Covenant priests are clothed with spiritual garments for a beautiful life in God (Rom 13:14; Eph 4:17-24; Col 3:1-17; 1 Pt 5:5). In the eternal priesthood the ministers of God will be clothed with both physical and spiritual garments (2 Cor 5:1-8; Rev 3:5, 18, 19:6-8). The garments we will receive are: 1.) New bodies, 2.) Eternal rewards, and 3.) Bridal garments, which are the righteous deeds of the saints. Our clothing will be beautiful in the eyes of God, the heavenly host, and all of humanity.

B. RESURRECTED BODIES: In session 8 we discussed in part the deep longing in humanity and creation to see the revealing of the glory of the sons of God in the resurrection (Rom 8:18-25). Upon the return and unveiling of Christ we will attain the resurrection of the dead, having our bodies transformed and conformed to be like His glorious body (1 Cor 1535-49; 1 Thess 416-18; 1 Jn 3:1-3). In the eternal priesthood all of the saints will receive new bodies, frames that will not fade or die but will reflect the glory of God like the sun (Matt 13:43). Though our resurrected bodies will vary in glory each one will have supernatural power and glory resting upon him (1 Cor 15:40-45). In these new bodies we will receive new tongues to shout the praises of God, we will receive new minds and ideas for innovation in government and architecture, and we will receive new eyes to behold the beauty of the unveiled God.

C. ETERNAL REWARDS: In the age to come we will stand before Christ in judgement and receive eternal rewards based upon the deeds we did in the body (Matt 5:12; 1 Cor 3:14; 2 Cor 5:10; Col 3:24). Jesus Himself describes some of these eternal rewards in the beginning chapters of Revelation and some of these rewards include physical garments (Rev 3:5, 18). These garments are not like earthly garments which cover our shame but these heavenly garments, like the Old Testament priests, will be for beauty and honor (Exod 28:2, 40). Eternal rewards are not given to build our pride but “Jesus expressing how He feels about the way we loved Him in this life.”12

D. BRIDAL GARMENTS: At the end of the age the Body of Christ will be identified primarily as a Bride (Rev 22:7). The garments that the Bride will wear will be Her righteous deeds, the acts of kindness, generosity, and care for people. John declared in the book of Revelation that “the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints” (Rev 19:7-8). As a cooperate body we will be clothed in the righteous deeds we performed in this age.

12 Mike Bickle — A Biblical Overview of Eternal Rewards (2017) WILLIAMS | PAGE 66

V. SACRIFICES

A. PAST PRIESTLY LIMITATIONS: In the Old Covenant the priests gave sacrifices consisting of bulls, goats, and other mammals and grain (Lev 1-5) and in the New Covenant the offerings (sacrifices) of the priests consist of good deeds and words that acknowledge the majesty of God (Rom 12:1; Heb 13:15-16). In the eternal priesthood the servants of God will continue the sacrifices of the New Testament priesthood but in a greater degree of glory and power. The offerings of the eternal priest consist of: 1.) The Gentile nations and 2.) The fruit of our lips (words that acknowledge God).

B. THE GENTILE NATIONS: Since the beginning of the ages God not only chose Israel to be his people but He also appointed that the Gentile nations would be saved through the Jews (Jn 4:22). The Bible tells us that the salvation of the Gentile nations is considered an offering to God. In the last chapter of Isaiah the Lord declares that “the time is coming to gather all nations and tongues…And they shall bring all your brothers from all the nations as an offering to the Lord” (Isa 66:18-24). Paul, in his epistle to the Romans also notes that he is “a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit” (Rom 15:16). Both of these passages use priestly language showing that the end-time gathering of the nations will be deemed as an offering from the Jews (through Christ) to the Lord. We see this culminate in Revelation when “By its light [the Lamb’s] will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it [New Jerusalem]” (Rev 21:24). The end-time ingathering of the nations will be a fragrant offering to the Lord.

C. PROCLAMATION, PRAYER, & WORSHIP: The author of Hebrews tells us that the fruit of our lips (words that acknowledge God) are acceptable sacrifices to the Lord (Heb 13:15). In the eternal priesthood we will continue to give the offerings of the fruit of our lips in worship, prayer, and proclaiming the knowledge of God. We see in Revelation 7 that all of the saints of every tribe, tongue, and nation will be gathered before God at the same time, in the same place, in complete unison, with resurrected bodies, singing, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” (Rev 7:10). Not only will all the Gentile nations be an offering in and of themselves but the praise that they give will also emit a sweet fragrance unto the Lord, for “from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be great among the nations, says the Lord of hosts” (Mal 1:11). In that day the Lamb will receive the reward of His sufferings. In that day our offerings of praise and prayer will be pure and we will no longer give the Lord tainted sacrifices but the fruit of our lips will always be pure. WILLIAMS | PAGE 67

VI. THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD

A. PAST PRIESTLY LIMITATIONS: In the Old Covenant the priests gained a deeper knowledge of God by studying the Scriptures (the Law/Torah) and in the New Covenant priests are able to gain a fuller revelation of God in the Scriptures through the life of Christ (1 Cor 13:12). In the eternal priesthood we will not only gain a vastly deeper knowledge of God through the Scriptures but we will know Him deeper through beholding His unveiled glory and His acts in the lives of all the saints. Growing in the knowledge of God is the very essence of eternal life for Jesus Himself prayed “this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (Jn 17:3).

B. THE SCRIPTURES: Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount and Olivet Discourse, talked about the eternal nature of the word of God, saying, “For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished…Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away” (Matt 5:18, 24:35). In the age to come Jesus will be the good Shepherd who feeds His sheep with knowledge and understanding, expounding upon Scriptures that were difficult to understand and shedding light upon the different nuances of the word. Can you imagine a Bible study with a few billion people gathered around the word of God being taught by the Word of God Himself? All the restrictions to our understanding will be removed and we will grow deeper in the knowledge of God every moment we are in His presence.

C. BEHOLDING BEAUTY: As stated above, in the age to come God the Father will be revealed to His servants and we will truly behold Him with unveiled face. In the book of Revelation John describes this scene saying, “They [priests] will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads” (Rev 22:4). When we behold the beauty of God His name will be stamped upon our foreheads which speaks of growing in the knowledge of who He is. Every time we will look at God we will see something new, the knowledge of His beauty and character will never end.

D. THE SAINTS: This point is not found in the Bible but it is a part my holy speculation. In the age to come I believe that we will be able to gain a deeper knowledge of God in His actions in the lives of the saints throughout history. By rehearsing the narrative of each person’s life we will gain a deeper understating of God’s mercy, grace, discipline, love, and other aspects of His character. We will grow deeper in love for God as we gain a deeper knowledge of His faithfulness in the lives of His saints. Because the constraints of time will be loosened we will have eons to hear every story of the billions (ye trillions) of saints that are gathered around His throne. The records of God’s glory will be written in many books for all the redeemed to read. WILLIAMS | PAGE 68

VII. FAMILY

A. PAST PRIESTLY LIMITATIONS: In the Old Covenant the priests were apart of the cooperate family of God in their relationship to Israel but they remained servants in the presence of God. In the New Covenant the priests have been adopted into the family of God by the indwelling Spirit and have become sons of God. But the fullness of the glory of our adoption into the family of God will not be manifested until the age to come, in the eternal priesthood.

B. SONS OF GOD: The manifestation of the glory of our sonship will occur at the second coming of Christ when we receive our resurrected bodies. Paul in his epistle to the Romans said, “For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God…And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies” (Rom 8:19, 23). Yes, we are presently apart of the family of God but “what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is” (1 Jn 3:2). After the millennial kingdom the throne of God will come upon the earth and He will declare us as His children and He our Father (Rev 21:7).

C. THE MARRIAGE OF THE LAMB: Not only will we receive the fullness of our adoption in the resurrection but we will be brought into the family of God by marrying His Son. In the book of Revelation the apostle John describes this glorious wedding by reciting the words of the heavily host who said, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready” (Rev 19:7-8). This is the culmination of history, the complete union between the Bridegroom and His Bride.

D. INHERITANCE: In every priestly order inheritance is always an important subject and it is a topic that is especially emphasized in the eternal priesthood. Because we have become the sons of God and have been married to Christ it is only natural that we would also inherit all things (Rom 8:32)! God is our Father, therefore we will inherit all things because of our sonship; we are married to Jesus, therefore we will inherit all things because we are His Bride. The author of Hebrews describes our inheritance as the primary motivating factor for the perseverance of the saints of old, saying, “But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city” (Heb 11:16). Though they could not see the eternal heritage they would receive they continued to follow the Lord out of obedience. So, what is the inheritance that we will receive in the age to come? WILLIAMS | PAGE 69

1. The Father Himself — We will inherit unhindered fellowship with the God of the universe, seeing His face and worshiping Him in the beauty of holiness.

“…The dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God” (Rev 21:3). 2. Jesus Himself — Jesus will be our ultimate reward, for we will be married to Him and enjoy the riches of His grace and kindness forever. “Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready” (Rev 19:7-8). 3. Resurrected Bodies — Our glorious inheritance includes the glorification of our bodies, in which we will be resurrected with power and glory. “…But we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies” (Rom 8:23). 4. The Kingdom of God — Our inheritance as priests includes ruling and reigning with Christ in His millennial kingdom, preparing the earth for the throne of God. “Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection…they will reign with him for a thousand years” (Rev 20:6). 5. The New Jerusalem — The New Jerusalem will be the epicenter of the New Creation where the Father and Christ will rule the earth with their people. “And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God…nothing unclean will ever enter it…but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life” (Rev 21:2, 27). 6. The New Creation — One day the earth will pass away and God will create a new heavens and a new earth, establishing His home amongst His people. “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more” (Rev 21:1). 7. Life Everlasting — In the new Jerusalem there will be the Garden of Eden, the river of life, and the tree of life in which God’s people will enjoy and live from. “Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life…on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit” (Rev 22:1-2). 8. Eternal Rewards — Not only will we receive all the above but we will also gain heavenly riches including: garments, gold, stones, praise, new names, etc. “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end” (Rev 22:12-13). APPENDIX (EXTRA NOTES) WILLIAMS | PAGE 71

A QUICK SUMMARY OF THE PRIESTHOOD OF THE BELIEVER

I. WHO: Priest is the glorious and eternal identity of anyone: (1) Chosen by the Lord (before the foundation of the world) and (2) Consecrated by the blood of Christ, that they may minister to Him, beholding His beauty (2 Chron 29:11; 1 Pt 2:4-10; Rev 5:9-10, 20:4-6).

II. WHAT: A priest is primarily a minister to the Lord, consecrated in holiness, wrapped in precious garments, making sacrifices, keeping the commands of the Lord, and drawing near to His presence, resting in the finished work of Christ (Ezek 44:15; Eph 2:13; 2 Cor 7:1; Rom 12:1; Heb 4:1-13, 16; Jn 13:34).

III. WHEN: One enters the priesthood after: (1) They are consecrated by the blood of Christ, (2) Anointed with the Spirit, and (3) Baptized in water (Lev 8; Exod 29; Matt 28:16-20; 1 Pt 3:21; 1 Jn 1:7; Rev 1:6, 5:9-10). Because there is no physical tabernacle/temple, New Testament priests begin ministering when they actively lift their hearts, and consciously enter the holy places to stand before the throne of God, who is accessible at anytime (Lk 11:1-13; Eph 2:18; Heb 4:16, 10:19).

IV. WHERE: There is no longer a physical temple in which the people of God gather. Instead, as priests, we are God’s temple, who host the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 3:16-17, 6:12-20). There is also a heavenly temple, where God dwells in unapproachable light, surrounded by the host of heaven, of which we have full access to by the blood of Christ (Heb 8:2-5, 9:11, 24; Rev 4-5, 11:19). This duel-temple reality allows God to dwell where the priests are and enables the priests to approach God’s holy habitation by the blood of Christ. We are living in the days Jesus prophesied about, saying, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father… the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers [priests] will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth” (Jn 4:21, 23-24).

V. WHY: We are priests for the very reason Christ died: fellowship with the Godhead (Eph 2:4-10; Heb 12:1-2; Jn 17:1-3). We have been saved and made priests that the eternal Son would have an eternal companion (a Bride), who would be the recipient of the riches of His kindness and become beholders of His beauty (Jn 17:20-26; Eph 2:4-7). Since Eden, there has been a desire in God’s heart to recover what was lost, relationship with humanity. Therefore, He began unfolding the plan for redemption, that the former companionship (Eden) would pale in comparison to the present reality, God in man (2 Cor 3). There is an inheritance to be gained in us; the contents of our heart (love, obedience, etc) are valued treasures to the Lord. The priesthood is more than our identity and duty; our holiness is His inheritance (Eph 1:17-18). WILLIAMS | PAGE 72

THE MISSION STATEMENT OF THE NEW TESTAMENT PRIEST

“BUT YOU ARE A CHOSEN RACE, A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR HIS OWN POSSESSION, THAT YOU MAY PROCLAIM THE EXCELLENCIES OF HIM WHO CALLED YOU OUT OF DARKNESS INTO HIS MARVELOUS LIGHT” (1 PETER 2:9, ESV)

BUT YOU ARE A CHOSEN PEOPLE, A KINGLY PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR [HIS] POSSESSION, IN ORDER THAT YOU ALL MAY MAKE KNOWN THE EXCELLENCIES OF CHARACTER [AND] WORKINGS OF DIVINE POWER OF HIM WHO CALLED YOU OUT OF SPIRITUAL DARKNESS INTO HIS MARVELOUS LIGHT (1 PETER 2:9, PERSONAL TRANSLATION)

I. Important Words/Phrases From The Greek

A. “γένος, ἱεράτευµα, ἔθνος, λαὸς” — “Race, Priesthood, Nation, People”

1. All of these words speak of a specific group of people, particularly a people that are dedicated and consecrated to the Lord. Peter describes the Christians he is writing to as “chosen,” “kingly/royal,” “holy/dedicated to God,” and His “possession.” We have not been saved simply to escape the fires of hell, but for God to possess us and enjoy us.

B. “ὅπως” — “In Order That”

1. This word denotes purpose, why we have become a holy people, a royal priesthood. Without this word, there would be nothing to connect the two phrases. The preceding phrase needs a purpose in order for the next phrase to make sense. So, because of this word, we know that the next phrase is the reason we have come to the kingdom, why we have become a royal priesthood.

C. “ἐξαγγείλητε” — “You [All] May Proclaim”

1. This word means to “proclaim, report, tell out, or make known,” meaning that it is the job of these chosen people to be people of revelation, partnering with the Holy Spirit in revealing the Son and the Father (Jn 15:26-27). This word is also in the consecutive subjunctive mood, denoting result based upon the previous phrase. Our proclamation of the wondrous light and divine power of Jesus should be derived from the revelation of our holy calling and royal identity. This verb is not silent, but we declare with our mouths the very deeds of God. This verb also denotes that this holy people are a people of revelation; we speak forth the deep things of God, that the knowledge of His being will cover the earth (Hab 2:14). WILLIAMS | PAGE 73

D. “ἀρετὰς” — “Miracle, Praise, Divine Power/Acts”

1. What is it that these priests declare? There are two facets to this word: the first speaks about the character of God, and the second speaks of the divine power and acts of God. (1) In BDAG, they say that this word means “uncommon character worthy of praise” (130, 1), describing the holiness and purity and justice of God. His ways are perfect and He is capable of bringing forth His purposes for the cosmos perfectly, without compromising His integrity. (2) The second definition focuses on God’s divine power, His mighty acts, His hand through history. For this definition BDAG states that this word focuses more on the manifestation of divine power, that the “Gr-Rom publics…hear stress on performance, which would of course elicit praise” (130, 2). There are two facets to the message of the priest, (1) God’s perfect character and His mighty acts in history (the exodus, salvation through Christ, revival, etc).

E. “τοῦ ἐκ σκότους ὑµᾶς καλέσαντος” — “Him [Who] Called You Out Of Darkness”

1. This phrase holds a lot of meaning, but the two main words are καλέσαντος and σκότους. Καλέσαντος is defined in BDAG as being derived “From the meaning of ‘summon’ or invite…this extends into being chosen for a special benefit or experience” (503, 4). Jesus graciously and kindly invited us to being joined to Him, to rejoice in the marriage of the bridegroom and the Bride. Yes, He chose us from before the foundations of the world (Eph 1:4), but when one hears the Gospel, it is an invitation into a glorious wedding celebration. The second word Peter uses is σκότους, meaning “The state of spiritual or moral darkness, of darkening by sin, of state of unbelievers and of the godless” (BDAG, 932, 3). These chosen people were once in a place of darkness, being targets of God’s wrath, but now are targets of His grace (Eph 2:11-13).

F. “εἰς τὸ θαυµαστὸν αὐτοῦ φῶς” — “Into His Marvelous Light”

1. Jesus not only calls us from the darkness, but He has brought us into the light of His glory, the very light that gives the human spirit vitality. This light that emanates off of Christ is described as θαυµαστὸν, meaning, “to be a cause of wonder or worthy of amazement” (445). The reason Christ’s light is described as wonderful or marvelous is because this light is “in a transcendent sense, light that illuminates the spirit and soul of humans” (1073, 1bβ). Jesus is not only beautiful in his glory, but this light gives life to men (Jn 1:4-5). This light illumines the soul of those that behold Him, revealing the glory in our spirits and the glory of His being. This is also apart of the message that the priests proclaim. WILLIAMS | PAGE 74

II. CALLED TO THE FULLNESS OF JOY

A. Before we can understand the purpose/mission statement of the priest, we first must know the profundity of our redemption. So often we forget that the Lord has saved us from the depths of darkness that ensnared our eternal souls. Remember that we once were alienated from Christ, being objects of God’s wrath (Rom 9:22-23; Eph 2:11-13). We were once enemies of God, hating His commands by living in open rebellion (Rom 5:10). We were once living in deep spiritual darkness, bearing the fruits of the flesh and following the prince of the power of the air, walking toward eternal damnation (Gal 5:19-21; Eph 2:2).

B. But, in the grace and love of God, Jesus chose us to be “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people” for His own possession! He has transformed those who were darkened by sin and demonic powers into a priesthood who live in the realm of encounter with His beauty. Once the light of Christ condemned us, but now the light of Christ reveals our beloved position before the Father.

C. But why has Jesus chosen us? Why have we become a people for His own possession, a royal priesthood? There are two reasons why we have come into the Kingdom God: (1) To become targets of the riches of His lovingkindness [encounter] and (2) To minister to the heart of God [secret place ministry].

1. We have been chosen before the foundations of the world so that we would become targets of God’s infinite love and affection (Eph 2:7, 3:14-19). Salvation is not only an invitation into the Kingdom, but it is an invitation to explore the endless expanse of the beauty of Christ; to relish in His mercy and grace; to marvel at His righteous judgements; to experience His power in our lives and in natural history. We have been united to Christ that we may be conformed into His very image by beholding His transcendent beauty (Jn 17:24; Rom 8:29; 2 Cor 3:18). We have been chosen, invited, and redeemed to continually live in the Hephzibah reality, the delight of the Lord (Isa 62:4).

2. The utmost priority and responsibility of the priest is to stand before the throne of grace and minister to the heart of God (1 Chron 23:13; Ezek 44:15). When we minister to God there are “secret place transactions” that take place, in which we enter into His presence bitter and leave full of love; where we come into His presence having sinned and leave forgiven by mercy and empowered by grace. Our secret place ministry as priests opens our heart to experience the God of love in all of His facets. Our proclamation is the result of fascination. WILLIAMS | PAGE 75

III. PROCLAMATION FROM FASCINATION

A. Jesus has called us unto Himself to encounter His transcendent glory (in the context of ministering to His heart) so that we would proclaim the excellencies of His being. Priests are revealers of the knowledge of God; we make known and articulate the enigmas of His being (Hab 2:14; Mal 1:11).

B. In the Greek, the word ἀρετὰς has two primary meanings: (1) “Uncommon character worthy of praise” (130, 1) and (2) “Gr-Rom publics…hear stress on performance, which would of course elicit praise” (130, 2). Therefore, the the message of the New Testament priest is two-fold: (1) The Character of God (His Nature) and (2) The Power of God (His Nearness).

1. THE CHARACTER OF GOD

a) Love: Apart of the character message is God’s deep love for humanity and those who are called by His name (1 Jn 2:1-2). This is one of the most well known facets of God’s character and nature and the very core of His Father heart. As New Testament priests, we are called to know and be dynamically changed by God’s passionate love.

b) Mercy & Grace: Another facet of God’s character is His lovingkindness toward those who turn to Him with their whole hearts. We have come into he Kingdom for this reason, “That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus” (Eph 2:7). We have become eternal targets of God mercy and grace.

c) Beauty of Holiness: Apart of our call as New Testament priests is to “worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness” (1 Chron 16:29; Ps 29:2; Ps 96:9). The beauty facet of God is inherent to the New Testament priest because we are beholders of the beauty of Christ (Ps 27:4; Jn 17:24). We have been called to marvel at the utter holiness of God, which is the epitome of beauty and majesty.

d) Judgements: The topic of the judgment(s) of God is one that many people steer away from, but many do not know that it is wisdom to ask for the judgements of God upon our lives (Ps 19:9-14). It is one thing to proclaim the judgements of God without experiencing them, it is another thing to declare God’s righteous judgments from a place of knowledge and encounter. When we ask the Lord to judge our lives (which are always true and right), the heat of His fiery gaze exposes our faults and empowers us to walk uprightly. WILLIAMS | PAGE 76

2. THE POWER OF GOD

a) His Hand In History: The second facet of the message of the New Testament priest is God’s power. This reality of God’s power, particularly in natural human history, is a testimony to His nearness. God is intimately involved in the affairs of the universe and will fulfill the plans that He has for the earth. This was an aspect of the Kingdom that Israel did well: They continually remembered God and His power in history. They would remember the journey of the Patriarchs (Acts 7), they would remember His power displayed in Egypt (Exod 15), and they remember His goodness in the moment of crisis (Ps 77:11). The message of God’s power is not only about His mighty hand, but His intimacy. influence, and sovereignty in the affairs of the universe.

b) Personal Testimony: One of the most dynamic facets of the power message is our personal testimony of God’s hand in our life. The fact that God has called us from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of His beloved Son, into His glorious light, is a glorious testimony of God’s wonderful power. The fact that He took sinful and rebellious people and has transformed them into people who encounter His beauty is astounding! Also, the fact that He is continually beautifying our life with His tender mercies and gracious judgements is also a testimony to His power in our lives.

c) Power Encounters: Another side of the power message are divine encounters in which God breaks in to show Himself mighty to deliver. There are moments in which Jesus will touch an ill body and completely heal the person from their affliction; there will also be times in which people will be oppressed by demonic powers and Jesus radically frees them from their torments. These power encounters are a part of the power message of the priest. New Testament priests are not only called to minster to the heart of God, but to experience the activity and power of the Holy Spirit in their ministry. Priests are to be consecrated vessels of God who He can trust to release His power upon the earth, displaying His compassionate heart for the poor and marginalized.

IV. THE MISSION STATEMENT OF THE NEW TESTAMENT PRIEST

A. The purpose and goal of the New Testament Priest is to recognize our call to encounter and enjoy God in the context of ministering to His heart. From the context of encounter and experience, we then go forth and fill the earth with the knowledge of the excellencies of His beautiful character and the wonders of His mighty power. The New Testament Priest’s proclamation is the direct result of their fascination! WILLIAMS | PAGE 77

THE ABIDING PLACE — BECOMING A HOME FOR THE LORD

Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him (Jn 14:23).

I. OUR LOVE FOR JESUS

A. When Jesus is talking about our love for Him, He is speaking of the first commandment. Jesus is speaking to those who desire and are actively pursuing wholehearted love for God.

B. Jesus is not speaking to/about those who make verbal claims, but to those who have the first commandment, inward reality. This is real, authentic affection that He is speaking of; though our love may be weak, it is real to Him, and this verse confirms the reality of our love.

C. In this Jesus says “If a man…”, or in other translations, “If anyone…” meaning that Jesus is speaking universally about the redeemed. In this verse Jesus is not speaking of anyone in the world, for the world does not love God (Rom 1). Instead, He is talking about anyone who has been born again, anyone who has entered into the New Covenant made by His blood (Lk 22:14-23).

1. In other words: “If anyone of the redeemed should set their heart to love me…”

D. When Jesus uses the ‘if,’ it conveys the meaning that there is a condition to be met or a result that will occur. In this verse, the phrase immediately after this one will be the factor that authenticates our love for Jesus. The Lord is not interested in barging His way into our hearts, if He was, this entire verse would have been an imperative. Instead, He uses a conditional phrase, which puts the responsibility upon our love. Jesus wants a people who voluntarily love Him for who He is, not because He commanded it.

E. The challenge about this phrase is the fact that Jesus removes all other possible loves. He is not speaking of our love for theology, or ministry, or people, or our fantasies about who He is; Jesus is speaking about our love for Him, the God-man.

1. This man was called a drunk, a glutton, a friend of tax collectors and sinners (Matt 11:19), He associated with the marginalized (Mk 1:40), He was mocked publicly (Matt 27:27-31), and the majority of His disciples left after a hard teaching (Jn 6). Remember the disciples hadn’t seen His glory yet! It is easy to love the glorious man, but will we love the humble man? Will we love Jesus for all that He is? WILLIAMS | PAGE 78

II. OUR OBEDIENCE TO JESUS

A. Obedience is the natural result of our love for Jesus; there is no other action outside of obedience that will authenticate our love for Him. If we truly love this humble man, obedience is no issue; the only hinderance is our pride.

B. Love by definition is not stationary; in this case, a verb must be authenticated/verified by another verb! Jesus is not looking for “lip love,” but love that moves, love that obeys His commands. This does not mean that we will walk perfectly in obedience, but that our heart is set to obey the lord in every sphere of life.

C. The obedience of the believer should not be cold, dutiful fulfillment, but an obedience that is infused with passionate love. Our obedience is not from a place of duty, but from a place of desire, a desire to please Him whom we are married to. Some commands (from Scripture and the Spirit in our heart) may be embarrassing or humbling, but we obey because we love Him more than our own lives (Matt 10:37-39).

D. The commands of Christ are not burdensome (1 Jn 5:3), but there are times in which His commands will put us in difficult situations. But when we find ourselves in those difficult situations, we must stay the course and submit our will to the Father.

E. Thought His commands are not burdensome, obedience is difficult. Due to the fall, we forfeited a willing and humble spirit to the Lord. It is not longer in our nature to willingly submit to the Lord’s leadership in our lives, therefore it takes a continual denying of the flesh, humility, and action.

1. Our flesh is always conceding against the Spirit (Gal 5:17), and if we are to follow Christ’s commands in Scripture and the promptings of the Sprit in our daily walk, then we must not gratify the flesh.

2. We cannot deny our flesh without taking up humility (submission). It is no use to deny our flesh and leave it at that, we must embrace humility and meekness, submitting our will to the Father’s (Matt 26:36-46).

3. After denying our flesh and embracing humility, we now must takes the steps of obedience. This is not a once in a lifetime ordeal, but a daily walk, modeling and emanating the life of Christ to the world.

F. These two factors (love and obedience) may not seem like great feats for the Christian (especially with stories of great revivals), but according to the Bible, these two factors have the greatest exchange a man could ever desire. WILLIAMS | PAGE 79

III.THE LOVE OF THE FATHER

A. There are two exchanges for our wholehearted love for Jesus: (1) The personal love/ delight of the Father and (2) Becoming a home for the Lord. Both of these, when meditated upon, are virtually incomprehensible.

B. When we walk in the first commandment, loving Jesus with our whole being, the Father takes notice of our life. Throughout Scripture we see references about God the Father loving through/in Christ (Rom 5:8; Eph 2:7), but in this passage, Jesus tells us that our love for Him results in the personal love/delight of the Father over us. Jesus desires us and truly loves us with the love of God (Jn 15:9), but Jesus here is saying that His Father will personally ensure that you know that you are loved/delighted in by Him.

1. Question: What would it be like to feel the Father’s personal delight over us? What kind of heavenly pleasures would flow through a man who was actively loved by the Father? How vibrant would a man’s spirit become after feeling the love of the 1st person of the Trinity delight in them?

C. Beloved, the believer is not noticed by heaven according to how many Bibles they distribute or how many sinners they lead to Christ (though that is good and right), but the believer’s life is noticed by heaven in the way they love and obey Christ! When the Father takes personal delight in the one who loves His Son, all of heaven takes notice: the angels, the cloud of witnesses, the elders, etc. When the eyes of the Father are set upon a man, all of heaven (who continually behold the glory of the Father) must take notice.

1. Question: Could you imagine what it would be like to be an angel, beholding the everlasting glory of the Father, and see His eyes shift to the life of a man? Gabriel, when he met Daniel in the middle of his prayer, said, “O Daniel, man greatly beloved…” (Dan 10:11). What an extraordinary thought! By our love and obedience for Jesus, we can be particularly noticed and delighted in by the Father.

D. In this verse, Jesus draws from the same natural consequence of the previous phrases: In the same way that love for Jesus leads to obedience, those who love and obey Christ are loved by the Father. To the natural mind this makes perfect sense: a father whose son finds a true friend is exceedingly grateful and will express his delight in him.

E. In comparison, the price of obedience is cheap to what we attain in God: the love of the Father. Our obedience to the Son does not only result in rewards in this age (the delight of the Lord and His presence), but it carries over to the age to come (Rev 3:5). WILLIAMS | PAGE 80

IV. BECOMING A HOME FOR THE LORD

A. The result of our love and obedience for Jesus, combined with the love of the Father, causes all of heaven to see our life as a suitable and trustworthy abode for the presence of God. In the preceding verses Jesus was speaking about the Holy Spirit coming to dwell in the hearts of believers (Jn 14:15-18). Now, a few verses later, Jesus speaks of both He and the Father coming to make their abode with the one who walks in love and obedience. The exchange for our love and obedience toward Jesus is becoming a trinitarian dwelling place.

B. When the Father and the Son see a person who loves them with all of their heart, it provokes them to “come down” and make a home in their midst. If this were to be a normal occurrence in the life of a believer, the nation would be changed in a week! What would it look like if one man became a trinitarian dwelling place? Power would break out and disrupt the systems of society.

C. At salvation we became temples of God (1 Cor 3:17, 6:19; Eph 2:21), but through love and obedience (the process of sanctification) we are able to become homes for the Lord (Jn 14:23). When the Father and the Son both agree and declare you to be a home, it is a great honor, for a temple maintains the sense of dignity and respect, but a home is for family and friends. A home is a place in which people can come to be loved and to give love, a place in which one can relax and feel safe. The Lord can build a temple, but man must build the home.

D. David’s zeal for the house of God must be the same zeal of the New Testament priest, for he said, “Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house, nor go up into my bed; I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids, Until I find out a place for the Lord, an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob” (Ps 132:3-5). It is by our voluntary love that we can say similar words: “I will not rest until You find a resting place in me.”

E. Yet, New Testament Priests no longer look for an abstract place/building for God to dwell, but they become the place for God to dwell. We are called to be more than temples, we are called to be homes for the Lord, we are to be vessels of glory, manifesting the fragrance of the presence of God wherever we go.

F. This abiding place paradigm is not some abstract teaching, but it is deeply ingrained in the biblical narrative. God, since eternity past, has looked for a dwelling place with man. The narrative of the Bible is about God’s throne coming to the earth, and we have been intimately joined to this journey. It is now our mandate as New Testament priests to ensure that the Lord has a home on the earth. WILLIAMS | PAGE 81

GOD’S RESPONSE TO A COMPROMISED PRIESTHOOD

I. NADAB & ABIHU: Nadab and Abihu were apart of the first generation of priests, being Aaron’s immediate sons. These young men were assigned roles in the Levitical priesthood, but they did not reverence God, therefore they offered unauthorized sacrifices to the Lord costing them their lives (Lev 10:1-2). Nadab and Abihu became casual with Almighty God and compromised their priesthood. As New Testament Priests, there is a temptation to approach God casually, abusing His grace and mercy. So, how did God deal with this compromise in the priesthood? He killed Nadab and Abihu with His glory, instilling the fear of the Lord in Aaron and the rest the camp. The Lord spoke to Moses to relay a message to Aaron, saying, “Among those who are near me I will be sanctified, and before all the people I will be glorified” (Lev 10:3). The Lord will not tolerate a people who do not reverence Him as the holy Creator. As New Testament priests, there have been people in history whose lives have been cut drastically short due to their misconstruing of God (John Alexander Dowie, William Branham, etc), but this is an exception, not the rule. In most cases, God will powerfully encounter individuals that they may recognize that He is to be feared and revered. As New Testament priests, we must live with a deep respect for the Lord.

II. KORAH’S REBELLION: During Israel’s wilderness season, the people were known to continually complained against Moses, and ultimately toward God. In the midst of the 40 year wilderness journey, Korah, who was a Levite, gathered a group of rebels who did not agree with Moses and Aaron’s leadership (Num 16). Often times in the New Testament priesthood, there is a temptation to rise against God’s anointed leader(s) and challenge their authority. We must keep in mind that God exalts whom He chooses. The Lord sees opposition against His chosen, anointed leaders as a compromise to the priesthood. We are charged to respect those that God has placed in positions of authority, whether we agreed with their leadership or not. So, how did God deal with this compromise in the priesthood? He killed Korah and all of those who followed his rebellion (Num 16:31-35). Korah and his men pubilicly challenged Moses and Aaron, therefore God publicly corrected Korah and his rebellion. The Lord does not tolerate those who publicly oppose His chosen servant(s). Though the ground may not open up against the New Testament priests, the Lord is not afraid to correct those who speak ill against those He has chosen to be His leaders. As New Testament priests, we must learn to honor and respect those who God has chosen to lead a particular ministry, church, organization, or any other form of leadership. This is a particular challenge the current millennial/Gen Z generation, and we must learn to respectfully disagree and humbly challenge that which we think is unhealthy. WILLIAMS | PAGE 82

III. ’S SONS: In the time of the judges, the whole nation of Israel fell into compromise as YHWH followers, pursuing idols and worshiping false gods. This nation turmoil brought about spiritual weakness, even among the priests. At this time Eli was the High Priest and his sons were serving in the Tabernacle. But Eli’s sons did not uphold the Law of the Lord, as priests ought to do. In fact, these young men did not know God and began stealing His offerings and slept with women who served at the entrance of the tent of meeting (Judg 2:12-26). As New Testament priests, there are times when we compromise our priesthood by engaging in a deceitful and promiscuous lifestyle. At times it is easier to lie than admit the truth; at times it is easier to break sexual purity for a temporary pleasure. It is also easy to think that one can live and immoral life because God is gracious and merciful, abusing His character. So, how did God deal with this compromise in the priesthood? He killed Eli and his sons because of their immoral lifestyles (1 Sam 3:10-14). In this scenario, we see that the Lord will not tolerate immoral lifestyles amongst His people, especially those that were called to minster to Him. In response to the compromise of Eli and his sons, God raised up Samuel, a man who would be a faithful judge amongst the nation of Israel (1 Sam 12). As New Testament priests, we have become the temples of God, His dwelling place (Rom 8:9-11). Though we have been forgiven of our sins, there are times that we compromise our priesthood with immoral life choices. To this Paul tells the Corinthians, “The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body…do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?” (1 Cor 6:12, 19). If we continue in an immoral lifestyle, God is not afraid to replace us.

IV. HEZEKIAH’S PRIESTS: At this time in Israel’s history, there have been many generations of kings (Saul, David, Solomon, and many more). After the reign of king Solomon, the kingdom split and the rulers became wicked and forgot the Lord. The compromise of the priests lead to the complacency of the priests, encouraging them to neglect their service in the Temple of the Lord. By the time Hezekiah assumed the throne, the priests had not tended to the Temple of the Lord, keeping it clean and free of idols. As New Testament priests, there is a great temptation to neglect our duties, ceasing to minster to the Lord. So, how did God deal with this compromise in the priesthood? We see God’s response to the compromised priesthood through king Hezekiah, saying, “…the Lord has chosen you to stand in his presence, to minister to him and to be his ministers and make offerings to him” (2 Chron 29:11). Instead of killing the priests, Hezekiah reminds them of their sacred identity. In the same manner, when we fall into the temptation to neglect our duties as priests, God will remind us of our glorious calling. WILLIAMS | PAGE 83

V. JOSHUA THE HIGH PRIEST: The context of Joshua’s compromise takes place after 70 year exile, in which the Temple is being rebuilt. Joshua (Jeshua), along with Zerubbabel was commissioned to lead the exiles back to their home land and rebuild the house of the Lord. But, in the midst of discouragement, Zerubbabel and Joshua ceased the building project without the word of the Lord approving this decision (Ezra 4). As New Testament priests, we must know that there is a time to build the house of God and a time to minster to His heart. Joshua the High Priest became discouraged and stepped out of sync with the timing of God for building His house. This failure to build the house of God resulted in a compromise in Joshua’s priesthood. So, how did God deal with this compromise in the priesthood? The prophet Zechariah received a vision of a room in which stood Joshua, the Angel of the Lord, Satan (the Accuser), and Zechariah. In this vision, Joshua was standing before the Angel of the Lord in the filthy garments of compromise (Zech 3:3). Surely Satan, the Accuser, brought many accusations against Joshua for compromising the priesthood. Instead of condemning him for shrinking into their paneled houses, the Angel of the Lord forgives him of his iniquity and gives him new priestly garments (Zech 3:4-5)! Not only did the Angel of the Lord take away the inquiry of Joshua, but he assured him that “If you will walk in my ways and keep my charge, then you shall rule my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you the right of access among those who are standing here” (Zech 3:7). In a similar manner, when we cease to cooperate with the divine season at hand, the Lord is eager to forgive and restore us. God will recommission us to complete our calling!

VI. ’S PRIESTS: Before the 400 years of silence, God used Malachi to speak to the priest that fell back into compromise (after Ezra’s revival). In chapters 1 and 2, God addresses the lack of honor for His name in the hearts of His people, saying, “A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear? says the Lord of hosts to you, O priests, who despise my name. But you say, ‘How have we despised your name?’ 7 By offering polluted food upon my altar” (Mal 1:6-7). In this time frame the priests strayed from their calling to minister to the Lord in the beauty of holiness and gave Him half-hearted sacrifices. In response to the dishonor of His name, God tells the priests they will be punished if they do not return to God with a whole heart (Mal 2:1-4). God’s other response is to magnify His name with or without the help of the priests (Mal 1:11). The Lord’s name will be magnified throughout the earth despite our partnership or not. As priests of God, we must be the one’s leading the way in honoring the name of the Lord in the earth. We can partner with God in magnifying the knowledge of His name in the earth. We can do this by preaching the word, prayer, worship, and service. WILLIAMS | PAGE 84

THE BRANCH: THE END-TIME REVELATION OF THE PRIEST-KING

I. END-TIME REVELATION

A. When approaching the subject of The Branch, one of the first things we must recognize is the fact that this subject/revelation takes place during the End-Times, particularly Christ’s second advent, the transition into the age to come.

B. When we look at Scriptures dealing with the End-Times, the passage/paragraph often times begins with the phrase(s), “In that day” or “In those days” (Isa 2:11, 17, 20; Joel 3:18; Amos 8:9). When we look at Isaiah 4 and Jeremiah 23 both of these passages uses different variations of these phrases:

In that day the Branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious; and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and appealing for those of Israel who have escaped (NKJV, Isa 4:2)

“Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness…In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell safely…“Therefore, behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “that they shall no longer say, ‘As the Lord lives who brought up the children of Israel from the land of Egypt,’ (NKJV, Jer 23:5-7)

C. To be clear, all of the prophecies dealing with The Branch pertain to Jesus and His millennial reign. This Branch is not an abstract figure nor is He one that is a mystery in the Scriptures (like the two olive trees). But it is clear from the Old and New Testaments that The Branch is a king who will rule and reign from Jerusalem. When Jesus spoke in the New Testament about His rule and reign, He was not speaking of His first coming but His second (Matt 16:27-28, 19:27-30, 24:29-35, 25:31-32).

D. Why is this facet about The Branch important? Because when we study the Scriptures, attaining a prophetic glimpse into the millennial reign of Christ, we come to the knowledge of the kind of king He is and will be. This information is not presented simply for education but for the edification of the Body and instruction for conduct. When we know the kind of king Christ will be, we will adjust our actions/behavior according to His commands, pressing on to attain the resurrection of the dead (Phil 3).

E. This End-Time revelation deals primarily with the rule and reign of Christ in the millennial kingdom. After He returns in great glory and power, He will set up His throne in Jerusalem. These prophesies deal with the type of king Jesus will be and the various actions He will perform from Zion. WILLIAMS | PAGE 85

II. THE RESTORATION OF ISRAEL & JUDAH

A. If we look at the biblical narrative, the nation of Israel has had great difficulty in following YHWH. This tension extends all the way back to the beginning of their betrothal, in the desert. Almost immediately after the 10 commandments were given and the people agreed to follow them, they turned to the idol of the golden calf (Exod 32). We see this same pattern in the time of the judges, when the people would continually turn from the Lord (Judg 17:16, 21:25). We also see this deeply ingrained in the time of the kings, in which the people would worship idols and turn from the Lord (1 Kings 12:25-33). When Jesus appears, the people of Israel were steeped in sin and hardness of heart, which He calls them to repent of (Mk 1:15).

B. But, at the revelation of The Branch, Israel and Judah will be cleansed and restored from her iniquities. Jesus will establish His throne in Zion and will purge Jerusalem from all her sin within one day! The idolatry, the sexual perversion, the abandonment of God, the blood shed, all of the sins of Judah will be purged by the fire of Christ’s judgment. He must rule and reign in the place of His forefather David, but He will not rule in a city that is defiled by idolatry and other abominations. This purging of Jerusalem is the start of the purging that will come upon the whole earth (Zeph 3:8).

“And it shall come to pass that he who is left in Zion and remains in Jerusalem will be called holy… When the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and purged the blood of Jerusalem from her midst, by the spirit of judgment and by the spirit of burning (NKJV, Isa 4:3-4).

‘…For behold, I am bringing forth My Servant the BRANCH…Behold, I will engrave its inscription,’ Says the Lord of hosts, ‘And I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day (NKJV, Zech 3:8-9).

C. At the end of the age, there will be many nations surrounding Israel in great opposition toward her. At the end of the age she will dwell in great tumult, but in the age to come, The Branch will rule and reign from Jerusalem, making it safe and secure under His leadership; The salvation of Israel (from her enemies) will be brought forth by Jesus.

“Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness…In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell safely” (NKJV, Jer 23:5-6).

In those days and at that time I will cause to grow up to David a Branch of righteousness; He shall execute judgment and righteousness in the earth. In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell safely(NKJV, Jer 33:15-16). WILLIAMS | PAGE 86

III. KING-PRIEST-JUDGE

A. KING

1. Aforementioned, The Branch is primarily an End-Time revelation. The unveiling of this Priest-King will take place at the beginning of the transition into the age to come. The years and days leading up to this transition will be very unique, meaning that there will be great power and glory but also great destruction and terror. One of these unique tensions will be the abomination of desolation, in which the Antichrist will set up his throne in Jerusalem and exalt himself above anything that is called God (Dan 11:36-39; Matt 24:15-22; 2 Thess 2:3-4; Rev 13:5-8). But, when The Branch is exalted, He will decimate the Antichrist with the breath of His mouth and by the might of his glory, establishing His throne in the beloved city, Jerusalem (2 Thess 2:8; Rev 19:11-16).

2. This Branch will also be the Son of David, the rightful ruler of the throne and the fulfiller of the prophetic promises of 2 Samuel 7. In the Scriptures the Branch is referred to as the “Rod/Shoot from the stem of Jesse.” This aspect is important because it shows that God fulfills His word and that He does not forget about His promises/covenants (2 Sam 7:12-16; Isa 11:1; Jer 23:5, 33:15). It is no surprise that when Jesus is manifested on the earth, that one of the common phrases people called Him was the “Son of David” (Matt 1:1, 9:27, 12:23, 15:22, 20:30; Rom 1:3). Jesus, the Son of David, is the Branch that will restore Israel, rule from Zion, and will establish His millennial Kingdom on the earth.

3. This King will be anointed with the Spirit of God and will rule with great wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, and knowledge, all in the fear of God (Isa 11:2). Because of this great anointing from the Spirit, He will usher in an unprecedented time of peace and prosperity, in which wolves and sheep will dwell together in peace and harmony (Isa 11:6-9). His wisdom and understanding will be greater than that of King Solomon; His counsel and might will be greater than that of King David. The Branch will be the greatest King to ever rule on the earth.

4. This King will not only rule faithfully over His people in Israel, but He will be a banner, a safe haven, for the Gentiles who are far off. The Gentiles shall come from every corner of the earth, seeking His wisdom like the Queen of Sheba (1 Kings 10:1-13). His glory, wisdom, and counsel will attract the nations (Hag 2:7). In this day, Isaiah 49 will come to fruition, in which Jesus will be the light to the Gentiles. Not only will His gospel be a light, but His leadership across the earth will penetrate all the darkness that preceded (Isa 11:10, 49:6). WILLIAMS | PAGE 87

B. PRIEST

1. Not only will the Branch be a sovereign king, but He will also be a righteous priest. Many believe in the separation of Church and State (or religion and government), but The Branch will bring both together in complete harmony. Jesus will rule the nations with a righteous government and will also lead the peoples in truthful and spiritual worship (Jn 4:24). In the same manner that God promised to David a king on the throne forever, so also did He promise the Levites a priest to give sacrifices and offerings forever (Num 18:19; Heb 10:11-18). It is in Jesus that these two covenants/promises are manifested; Jesus is the promised Priest-King.

"Behold, the Man whose name is the BRANCH! From His place He shall branch out…He shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule on His throne; so He shall be a priest on His throne, and the counsel of peace shall be between them both” (Zech 6:12-13).

“For thus says the Lord: ‘David shall never lack a man to sit on the throne of the house of Israel; nor shall the priests, the Levites, lack a man to offer burnt offerings before Me, to kindle grain offerings, and to sacrifice continually’” (Jer 33:17-18).

“The Lord said to my Lord,“Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool. The Lord shall send the rod of Your strength out of Zion… The Lord has sworn and will not relent, “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek” (Ps 110:1-2, 4).

2. This Priest-King will also rebuild the temple of God! Before Jesus returns, the antichrist will establish the abomination of desolation in the temple of God (Matt 24:15), but in the second advent Jesus will restore the holy temple and the shekinah glory of the Lord will rest again on the earth. In the same way that Joshua the high priest and Zerubbabel the governor of Judah rebuilt the temple, so also will Jesus the high priest rebuild the temple with the priests who will rule and reign with Him (Rev 20:4-6).

“Behold, the Man whose name is the BRANCH! From His place He shall branch out, and He shall build the temple of the Lord; Yes, He shall build the temple of the Lord. He shall bear the glory…” (Zech 6:12-13).

“In that day the Branch of the Lord…will create above every dwelling place of Mount Zion, and above her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day and the shining of a flaming fire by night.” (Isa 4:4-5). WILLIAMS | PAGE 88

C. JUDGE

1. When examining the Scriptures dealing specifically with the revelation of The Branch, one of the most emphasized facets are His judgements. Because Jesus is a king, He has the inherent right/authority to judge, yet because He is a priest who perfectly upholds the laws/commands of God, His judgements are righteous, meaning that every evaluation/discernment is correct.

“His delight is in the fear of the Lord, and He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes, nor decide by the hearing of His ears; but with righteousness He shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; He shall strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt of His loins, and faithfulness the belt of His waist” (Isa 11:3-5).

2. We see In Isaiah 4 that He will begin His global judgements with His own people (Judah and Israel) and then He will judge the entire world. His judgements will come from the heart of jealous love, one that will not tolerate anything that hinders wholehearted love. He will refine the world by the fire of His jealous love and by the power of the breath of His mouth. The wicked will be judged by the wrath of God unto perdition, but the righteous will be rewarded with eternal life (Jn 5:29).

“In that day the Branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious…And it shall come to pass that he who is left in Zion and remains in Jerusalem will be called holy—everyone who is recorded among the living in Jerusalem. When the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and purged the blood of Jerusalem from her midst, by the spirit of judgment and by the spirit of burning…” (Isa 4:3-4)

“Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; a King shall reign and prosper, and execute judgment and righteousness in the earth” (Jer 23:5).

“In those days and at that time I will cause to grow up to David a Branch of righteousness; He shall execute judgment and righteousness in the earth” (Jer 33:15).

“Therefore wait for Me,” says the Lord, “Until the day I rise up for plunder; my determination is to gather the nations to My assembly of kingdoms, to pour on them My indignation, all My fierce anger; all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of My jealousy” (Zeph 3:8). WILLIAMS | PAGE 89

IV. THE BEAUTY OF THE BRANCH

A. In his second advent, the beauty of Jesus will be revealed on a level unimaginable to the human mind. The eternal glory of the Father will rest upon His frame and the light of His majesty will be seen across the earth (Rev 1:7). The light of His glory will penetrate the darkness of the hour and there will be two responses: 1.) Those who rejected Him will be shocked and brought to despair at this great unveiling. When the sky id rolled back, they will hide and ask the mountains to fall upon them (Hos 10:8; Lk 23:29-30; Rev 9:6). 2.) Those who have called upon the name of Jesus will be gloriously transformed into the same image. The glory that rests upon Christ’s frame will also rest upon our frame, when we receive our glorious, resurrected bodies (1 Cor 15:46-58; 1 Thess 4:15-18; 1 Jn 3:1-3). In the New Testament, when Jesus is speaking about His second coming, He always emphasizes the revelation of His beauty/glory:

“In that day the Branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious; and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and appealing…” (Isa 4:2)

“For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works” (Matt 16:27)

“So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matt 19:28).

“Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” (Matt 24:30).

B. Not only will the physical beauty of Jesus be unveiled, but also the glory of His perfect character and nature. Every man and woman will see that He is a King who is utterly righteous, impartial, wise, understanding, peaceful in counsel, mighty in strength, and leads the nations in purity. He is not only beautiful because of His majestic splendor, but He is also beautiful because of His characteristics.

“For unto us a Child is born, And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isa 9:6)

“There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots. The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord” (Isa 11:1-2). WILLIAMS | PAGE 90

V. HIS NAME

A. The final important aspect of The Branch that we see in the prophetic Scriptures is the name by which He will be called. This is very important because the name by which He will be called is how God and how humanity will see Him. He receives His identity from the Father because it is ingrained in the word, and the rest of humanity will agree with it. The name by which He will be called is “YHWH Tsidkenu,” meaning “The Lord Our Righteousness.” Jesus will be the epitome of righteousness in the age to come. All that He does will proceed from righteousness and faithfulness (Isa 11: 5).

“And Israel will dwell safely; now this is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS” (Jer 23:6)

“In those days Judah will be saved…And this is the name by which she will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS” (Jer 33:16).

B. This is significant because Jesus will be recognized as YHWH, He will be seen as God. He will rule in the fulness of His humanity as well as the fulness of His Divinity. Because Jesus is God (proceeding from the Father, in the truest sense, it will be God (YHWH) on the throne! The people of Israel have rejected the Lord’s kingship for many generations (1 Sam 8:7), but in the second advent Jesus will establish Himself as YHWH on the throne. At the end of the age, the Antichrist attempts to make Himself God upon the throne, but his kingdom last a short period of time, but the kingdom Jesus will establish will last forever.

“Behold, a king will reign in righteousness, and princes will rule with justice” (Isa 32:1)

“Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me” (Jn 8:42).

“When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats” (Matt 25:31-32).

“But to the Son He says: “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness more than Your companions” (Ps 45:6-7; Heb 1:8-9).