Introduction: The Covenant Relationship of the Gospel in the Priesthood (s)  

In order for fallen people to be restored for the purpose of accomplishing G-d's expressed will of man having dominion under his kingdom rule that was characteristic in the Garden of Eden G-d first had to provide the avenue of redemption for mankind who are condemned by the penalty of sin leading to physical death and spiritual death that separates them from Holy G-d. This avenue of redemption was declared in Genesis 3:15 and was reaffirmed in the covenants made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Israel) apart from Mosaic Law. As noted elsewhere, some of the covenant promises are unique to Israel where subsequent Genesis 3:15 affirmations exist, but necessary for the universal promises extending to all nations through their “seed” to be fulfilled. For example, four hundred years had indeed passed since G-d made the promise to Abram that he was Abraham, "Father of Many Nations," and that all nations would be blessed through his seed (Gen 12:3). Israel had been enslaved in Egypt, but was finally delivered from under the yoke of Egyptian bondage by G-d through Moses as foretold to Abraham four centuries earlier. With it, G-d began to underscore the need and reveal the means of redemption through the avenue of his “seed” to the post-Egyptian children of promise in the covenants He reaffirmed, and with the law He passed down to Moses after crossing the Red Sea. This law Moses received following the exodus from Egypt informed man how to rightly relate to one another, G-d, and exposed man's need for redemption among other things. Moses also received instructions and provisions for administering the temporal means of atonement for transgressors the law exposed as such, and then the covenant made by G-d to Moses' forefathers was reaffirmed in sacrificial blood under this system G-d instituted. If Israel abided in the blood covenant they would be blessed (Deuteronomy 28:1-14). Their faith was demonstrated in abiding in the blood covenant that really looked ahead to its completion or better covenant in Messiah (See previous page). However, if they failed to turn away from their sins AND make atonement for their transgressions as prescribed they would be cursed, and ultimately be dispersered throughout the nations (Deuteronomy 28:15-68). Both components were important and neccesary. On the one hand, the penalty for missing the mark (sin) had to be paid in accordance with the civil AND moral law of G-d. On the other, there was no atonement for willful transgression of the one knowing better; nor was atonement effective for the individual, Jew or Gentile, identifying with Jehovah G-d in covenant hope, and apart from genuine repentance under the law (Numbers 15:30). That is so important to understanding passages that followed the institution of the Levitical sacrificial system like 1 Samuel 15:22, Isaiah 1, Hosea 6:6, Acts 3:19, and many others. Even so, God would always preserve at least a remnant from among those persevering in unbelief for His Name's sake in order that His redemptive plan in the seed through covenant promise be complete. This shows the tension between G-d taking a step toward man, and man’s responsibility to be responsive to G-d’s initiatives through atonement looking ahead in faith to ultimate fulfillment of Genesis 3:15 through the Messiah. The law in the context of the Levitical sacrificial system informs us who we are relative to one another, who we are relative to Holy G-d, our need relative to Holy G-d, and the remedy relative to the one true living and Holy G-d. It also informs us of another amazing truth in the Tanackh-A very big G-d wants to tabernacle among mankind in a unique way as presented in this page, which is indeed incredible when thinking about it. But, there is one thing standing between G-d's tabernacling Presence and man-SIN. So, the Levitical sacrificial system and the Aaronic priesthood in the framework of the Old Testament law was one means G-d used to provide a daily reminder of the gravity of sin, and man's need for a worthy ransom pointing beyond to the Messiah who would ultimately fulfill the covenants, Levitical festivals, laws and priesthood in all its symbols and types, first in a suffering-servant role, and subsequently as the great eternal High Priest and Davidic King in accordance with G-d's expressed will. These issues are examined on this page. Before one can apprehend the significance of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God as it relates to the Levitical priesthood and Melchizedekian order through Messiah (Psalm 110:4), one must have a basic understanding of the Aaronic priesthood within a Biblical framework.

Levitical Priesthood (Aaronic Order)   The Levitical priesthood was conferred exclusively upon the descendants from the Jewish tribe of Levi primarily in supporting the Levitical high priest, and included maintaining/managing the stipulated sanctuary on location, teaching the law, and bringing people near to G-d by offering gifts and sacrifices for sin-atonement (Numbers 3:5; chap 8, 18:7; 14:40). After the exodus from Egypt and delivering the law to Moses, G-d singled Aaron out (Exodus 19:24), consecrated him (Exodus 28:3-5), and his sons (Leviticus 8; Lev 21:1, 21, Lev 22:1, 4) for the Aaronic priesthood exclusively. While Jews from the other tribes and Gentile minority identifying with Jehovah Yahweh brought sacrifices to the sanctuary for the purpose of atonement for their sin and drawing near to God for this purpose, it was exclusively the Levites who offered them on their behalf. In fact, any person assuming the Arronic priesthood and who did not come from the Jewish tribe of Levi was to be put to death (Numbers 16:1-35). And, a person's tribal identity followed them throughout the duration of thier life in Biblical context. In other words, a Levite did not cease being a Levite after their Bar Mitzvah, AND those belonging to the tribe of Levi were reserved exclusively to the Aaronic Order. Moreover, the confirmation of the Aaronic order, regulations, and procedures of administration were exclusively reserved for the Levites as an "everlasting ordinance throughout their generations" (Exodus 40:15). So, the Levitical priesthood would always be reserved for physical descendants of Aaron from the Jesish Tribe of Levi. Therefore, any post Biblical claims of another Levitical, or Aaronic order OUTSIDE these parameters as presented in more recent history could not originate from G-d. In any case, members of the Levitical priesthood were not to participate in war, and were to serve seven-day rotations between the ages of thirty and fifty (Leviticus 8:32). Only Levitical priests, and in certain instances their immediate family members and dependents, could partake of the sacrifices and offerings (Leviticus 7:7-8 cf. Lev 2:3; 2:10; 5:13; 6:16-18; 6:29; 7:31-35; 8:31-32). Finally, the regulations were given to the son's of Aaron exclusively for the administration of the burnt offering (Lev 6:8; 14:22), grain offering (Lev 6:14; 14:22), sin offering (Lev 6:24; 14:19), guilt offering (Lev 7:1, 33), and other purification offerings. The sacrifices for sin included killing bulls, lambs, goats, and doves "without blemish," and sprinkling their blood on symbolic articles designated by God when the design for the sanctuary (Tabernacle/Temple) was imparted to Moses. I will present the issue of consecration in sacrificial blood in the next paragraph, and then present information about the Jewish sanctuary itself.

The priests (Exodus 29), tabernacle (Exodus 40; Numbers 7:1), and covenant were "set apart" and confirmed by sacrificial blood (Exodus 24). This means that G-d chose common persons, places, and things for uncommon purposes, and made them uncommon by consecrating them, or setting them apart under sacrifical blood. This consecration occured directly or indirectly by sprinkling sacrificial blood from a worthy sacrifice that was killed upon that which was being made uncommon by G-d through priestly mediation. The consecrated Menorah in the sanctuary (Tabernacle/Temple), for example, was not like any other Menorah. It was set apart, consecrated, and considered holy after it was sprinkled with sacrificial blood in accordance with G-d's directives. In fact, not only could a non-Levite be killed for assuming the duties reserved exclusively for the physical desendants of Aaron (See previous section), but it was/is considered sin for regarding what G-d made uncommon through sacrificial blood as common. But, that is another essay. Suffice it to say, the children of Israel were able to connect their prior redemption experience having been delivered as a result of having been "set apart" under the sacrificial blood of the lamb during the Passover event prior to crossing the Red Sea. Unfortunately, one of the effects of no longer having a sacrifical system in operation is the lack of ongoing reinforcers prompting a greater sense of appreciation for the personal relevance of sin, the need for blood atonement and priestly mediation, the purpose of a consecrated lifestyle and the orthodox notion of a seemingly transcendant G-d tabernacling among mankind in a unique way. This wasn't always the case for these things were demonstrated at the very least during tabernacle/temple services from Moses until 70 AD with exceptions. These concepts and their relevance are no less important in the twenty-first century even though there is no more sacrifice for sins. Understanding the reason, purpose, and relationship of the blood relative to consecration is an important component in apprehending the gospel of the kingdom of G-d in the Levitical order preceding historical Yeshua.’ These concepts were not developed subsequent to historical Yeshua and interprolated into the New Testament text. Rather, you will find them all in the Hebrew Bible, or Tanachk.

The reason shedding of a sacrificial animal's blood was required was because its blood was identified with its life (Lev 17:11). Interestingly, blood does carry life-sustaining O2 throughout a body among other things. However, covering over one's sins could only be accomplished in the substitutionary death of the innocent on behalf of the guilty since the end-result of sin results in death and eternal condemnation on various levels as described in the Biblical framework. People did not have to be rabbis, scribes or members of the Sanhederin to understand sin offerings required death. Ordinary people saw this over and over when the Levitical sacrifical system was in place and operational. That is why the sacrificial animal was killed, and not merely wounded in a way to draw blood sparing its life. Its very life was required to be a ransom, and even then its substitutionary merrits applied to the sinner was temporal. Its blood symbolically covered over, but did not take away sin by the very fact that animal sacrifice was administered continuously on behalf of those guilty of sin from various degrees, but who identified with God in covenant hope (Cf. Exodus 24:8). Its the principle that when G-d sees the blood he would pass over (Exodus 12:13; See previous page). This shows continuously that the penalty for sin is death, that being chosen didn't exempt one from being a sinner since innocent blood was continously shed in making atonement for those identifying with God in covenant hopes under the Levitical order, and the need for an eternal high priest in administering a more worthy ransom on behalf of those he represents. This is supported by virtue of the inability of animal sacrifices and the Levitical order to reconcile man with God with any permanence, as they were continually/annually being administered. The meeting place during the institution of the Levitical sacrificial system was the tabernacle/temple, it contained unique furniture and articles used as concrete ways to communicate the avenue and means of this reconcilliation, and it was set apart for the uncommon purpose of Holy G-d communicating His desire to one day tabernacle among those consecrated under the blood of the New Covenant in a unique way through the Yom Kippur rite. Let's look, briefly at the meeting place set apart before considering what Yom Kippur teaches.

G-d directed craftsman to build a place after His design that would instruct those identifying with Him in covenant hopes in how one could draw near to G-d, and G-d would draw near to man in a unique sense. The layout of this unique place, the articles and placement described here were concrete ways and daily reminders of how the covenants and Levitical sacrificial system are connected with the gospel of the kingdom of G-d. Specifically, the tabernacle had a gate leading into an outer court that was 150 feet long and 75 feet wide. Once inside the gate of the court a brazen altar and laver stood between the person entering the tabernacle and another enclosure called the "Tent of Meeting." Only a person from the tribe of Levi descending from Aaron and consecrated as Levitical priests could go into the Tent of Meeting. This Tent of Meeting was divided by an inner temple veil that sectioned it into two spaces. The first space is called "The Holy Place" (30 feet X 15 feet), and it must be passed through to get to the second space called the "Holy of Holies" (15 feet cubed). Only Consecrated Levitical Priests would minister in the Holy Place, although their supplications were not limited to this area (Exodus 40:26; Hebrews 9:4). Only the Levitical High Priest could enter the other space within the Tent of Meeting identified as the Holy of Holies when taking sacrificial blood for himself and the people he represented anually as prescribed. Moreover, the High Priest had to perform certain prescribed functions as he moved from one part of the tabernacle to another and ultimately to the Ark of the Covenant where God’s manifest presence tabernacled. When the High Priest ministered on this "Day of Atonement" the weighty tangible presence of Holy G-d would manifest above the Ark of the Covenant, and specifically the Mercy Seat.

Approaching the manifest presence of G-d was greatly restricted by G-d even among the Levites whom he exclusively designated for this order, and only the Levitical High Priest could enter the inner sanctuary at a precise time and under specific terms. For example, the Levitical sacrificial system and the Day of Atonement in particular was a means for sinful man to be declared righteous in the sight of the one true holy G-d by the Levitical priest making atonement, first for himself as a sinner in need (Leviticus 16:11), then on behalf of those fellow-sinners he represented before Holy G-d thereby averting His just wrath from sinful man (Leviticus 16:15). This was accomplished when the Levitical High Priest took sacrificial blood for himself and the people he represented into this earthly tabernacle that was built according to G-d’s heavenly tabernacle pattern (See Exodus 25:40), which occurred once a year on Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement. Moreover, the high priest could die if the precise preparations and procedures were not followed in its administration. This is important for a many reasons. First, one cannot approach Holy G-d any Ole way. One must come by mediation of blood covenant as a result of sin. Second, it also shows that a notion of a scale of good deeds outweighing bad deeds is a false notion according to the Torah, and that atonement for sin was necessary even for the Levitical high priest. Third, it also shows that only one person came near to Jehovah Yahweh in the unique role/way described, and even then it was very limited. Click Here for specifics regarding Jesish festivals like the Day of Atonment, Temple services, symbols, rites, and their signifigance.

Before the bull was sacrificed this is what the high priest did and said. The high priest laid his hands on the bull before it was killed and prayed, “Ah, Jehovah! I have committed iniquity; I have transgressed; I have sinned-I and my house. Oh-then, Jehovah, I entreat You, cover over (atone for, let there be atonement for) the iniquities, the transgressions, and the sins which I have committed, transgressed, and sinned before You, I and my house-even as it is written in the law of Moses, Your servant: ‘For, on that day will He cover over (atone) for you to make you clean; from all your transgressions before Jehovah you will be cleansed.’” (The high priest wasn’t an idolater-yet he knew he missed the mark relative to a Holy G-d, he was reminded daily of sin’s wages, and in SPITE OF A RESOLVE TO TURN FROM THOSE THEM). The High Priest repeated this confession once for himself, once for the priesthood, before killing the bull. The High Priest also repeated this prayer of transferrence for the people, and in each intance He actually said G-d’s name ten times throughout these ordinaces-something usually avoided. In fact, scribes would only use a new stylus one time to even write G-d's name, and many write "G-d" out of reverance to this day. So, invoking G-d’s name alone was a big deal, which is an indicator of the rite's seriousness. That language, act and context of that prayer clearly illustrate the Levites well understood the wages of sin-e.g.-“the soul that sins will die.”

When the Levitical High Priest placed his hands upon the sacrificial animal and that prayer was said in accordance with the scriptures the iniquity for whom the appeal was being made was transferred, or laid upon the sacrifice. This was demonstrated with the two goats that were used in the Yom Kippur rite after the High Priest sacrificed the bull for himself-an individual sinner in need by his own admission. Two goats were chosen-one to pay the penalty and one to carry the sins of the people. Lots were cast to determine which worthy goat sacrifice would be killed for the penalty of sin on behalf of the people and which one would bare the sins of the people being led off to the Gehennah wasteland. The High Priest would lay his hands upon the goat's head and pray the same prayer of transferrence he prayed when sacrificing the bull for himself. The only exceptions in the instance of representing the people the High Priest declared, "We have sinned" and not "I have sinned" as when he sacrificed the bull for himself. Moreover, it was a deliberate act that the High Priest would position the goat to be sacrificed for the people to face the people as he lay his hands on its head, and pray the prayer of transferrence. As the inquity and transgression of the people were being transferred through High priestly mediation there was a solemn participation between those being represented (having their iniquity laid upon the sacrifice) and the prescribed Levitical mediator (Predating Papal Rome, which means the notion of a mediating kingly-priest Messiah was Jewish!). After this identificational gesture and transfer to each goat, one goat was killed and its blood taken into the Holy of Holies and sprinkled on the Mercy Seat for the penalty of sin, and the "scapegoat" was led away carrying the sin of the people to the wasteland.

The Levitical High Priest who entered the Holy of Holies in the inner sanctuary would approach the Ark of the Covenant visible to the upper right. The contents of that Holy Box contained the Mosaic Law as well as objects connected to historical moments of Israel’s rebellion, which is more Biblical evidence why Isaiah 53 cannot refer to Israel the nation (Exodus 16:1-30;Numbers 16:1-17:11; Exodus 32:1-20). On the cover of that box, the Mercy Seat, blood from the sacrificial lamb was placed by the mediating High Priest for it is the life and blood of a worthy sacrifice that makes atonement, e.g. “that they will not die.” On the Day of Atonement God met with Israel by proxy of the Levitical high priest in the Holy of Holies above the Mercy Seat where the blood of the covenant was placed (Exodus 25:22). Sins of omission or commission committed in ignorance were covered, but not yet forgiven on that day. All other known sins could be atoned for throughout the year by bringing a worthy sacrifice as prescribed by Levitical law. However, there was no atonement for willful transgression of the one knowing better; nor was atonement effective for the individual, Jew or Gentile identifying with Jehovah God in covenant hope, and apart from genuine repentance under the law (Numbers 15:30). You will discover upon close examination that no one can be justified by the law on one hand. On the other, one needs to draw near to G-d in genuine repentance to receive forgiveness through atonement. This is so important to understanding certain passages that followed the institution of the Levitical sacrificial system like Isaiah 1, 1 Samuel 15:22, and even related New Covenant passages like Acts 3:19. The atonement deals with the penalty of sin, which is a Jewish concept once reenforced daily, but that has been burried in the haystack of solidifying rabbinic traditions following the destruction of Herod's Temple in 70 AD to the point where many dismiss a substantial part of the law by failing to see their own present-day need for atonement. The law in the context of the Levitical sacrificial system informs us who we are relative to Holy G-d, our need, and remedy. It also informs us a very big G-d wants to tabernacle among mankind, which is indeed incredible when thinking about it. But, there is one thing standing between G-d's tabernacling Presence and man-sin.

Therefore, this unique G-d encounter came under the Levitical system with limitations for typically only the Levitical high priest encountered the manifest presence of God, and at arms length once a year on the Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur (Leviticus 16:29-34). There are exceptions, though, like during the dedication of Solomons temple when the manifest Presence of God was so overwhelming that those Levites ministering in the Holy Place outside of the Holy of Holies could not stand. I was one time chided for differentiating between God’s manifest presence and His omnipresence alluding to the dedication of "Solomon's temple." G-d was indeed everywhere present among his people, but when his tangible Presence was manifested at that dedication the Levitical Priests could not stand up. Here’s the Bible verse for you (1 Kings 8:9-12; cf. Acts 2 citing Joel 2:28 for a teaching context in the Bible itself). So, falling down under the power of the manifest presence of God is Biblical; not that every incident of falling down should be attributed to God or even emphasized. Encountering God is the emphasis, and that is what blood atonement afforded those drawing near by proxy of the Levitical priests as prescribed under the Levitical system. Recall that Adam and Eve were clothed in God's glory because there was no sin seperating them from His manifest presence intially. Consequently, there was no sickness and desease in His manifest presence. Once sin entered the mantle of glory departed, and they realized their nakedness. (He was still everywhere present after their fall). G-d wanted to tabernacle within each person; not merely by proxy, or at arms length. The Levitical order not only served as a daily reminder of the gravity of sin, but underscored its ineffectiveness of the Levitical priesthood exposing a particular need that pointed beyond to God's means of redeeming for himself one people of God, consisting of Jews and Gentiles, unto salvation past, present, and future. Nevertheless, the law exposes one's need from different extents and compels one to embrace the provision for atonement from Jehovah God. Those not appropriating this atonement by grace through faith stand condemned already. The good news is that there is no condemnation for those in Messiah Yeshua, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of mankind and to whom the Levitical sacrificial system points. Interestingly, the temple veil separating the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place was split down the middle when Yeshua’ was sacrificed as the Lamb of God symbolizing access to Jehovah-God through His substitutionary blood (Matthew 27:49-50). I do not think this coincidental considering Yeshua' is the fulfillment of the Levitical sacrificial order.The Levitical priesthood is not without value for it served as an ongoing vivid picture of God reconciling for himself one people of God, Jew and Gentile, unto salvation ultimately accomplished through his Chosen One's atonement, everlasting mediatorship as high priest, and ultimately his eternal kingdom rule. Therefore, the Levitical system points beyond to the means of permanent redemption including the empowering to be and do what God intends on earth as it is in heaven.

The Gospel in the Priesthood(s)   There are two priesthood orders mentioned in the Holy Bible; the order of Aaron referred as the Aaronic or Levitical priesthood, and the order of Melchizedek distinct from the tribe of Levi (Psalm 110:4). Both priesthoods have their purposes tied to the covenant promises made by Jehovah God (YHWH) in ultimately blessing all nations through the "seed of Abraham"-the Messiah. Both priesthoods are alike in that each order’s respective priests serve the people they represent, and assist the high priest in their unique role as intercessor for all those drawing near to God in faith through their mediation in terms of administering the atonement. They differ, however, in some essential ways. But, they both pertain to the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. The Levitical order looks forward to a better covenant, priesthood, and realization of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God.

Two Priesthood Orders & The Gospel: A Comparrison Melchizedek is unique to the Levitical High Priests in several ways. Melchizedek, meaning “King of Righteousness” was “King of Salem,” or Peace (the abbreviated form for Jerusalem), and High Priest of God during the lifetime of Abraham before Moses lived, before there was a Law of Moses, and before there was a Levitical priesthood order. This Melchizedek is greater than Father Abraham since Abraham paid tithes to and received blessings as the lesser from him the greater (Hebrews 7:1; cf. John 8:58). Moreover, this Melchizedek Abraham encountered was made “like the Son of G-d-” the true KING OF RIGHTEOUSNESS and High Priest of God. Levitical priests coming much later with the Levitical order following Moses were never kings; nor were they sinless. To make my point consider the fact that the Levitical high priest would still have to use sacrificial blood for himself during the atonement for sin rite even after rigorous preparation at the height of his ceremonial purity to serve as mediator between God and Man during the anual Yom Kippur, or "The Day of Atonement" (Hebrews 5:3; Leviticus 16:2, 29-34). Levitical High Priests were typically considered a cut above the rest among their fellow tribesman, at least in terms of outward piety and ceremonial purity. Yet, they were sinners needing atonement for their sins just as their fellow Jewish tribesman, and other physical descendants of Adam (Leviticus 16 cf. Psalm 49:7-8, Isaiah 64:6). Unlike the Levitical priest, Messiah Yeshuah' did not need atonement for himself qualifying him as Messiah redeemer. Moreover, Levitical priests served their terms as presented above, physically died, and staying physically dead were replaced by other qualified descendents of Aaron (Hebrews 7:3-7; cf. 7:16). Aaron, for example, was succeeded by Eleazar (Numbers 20:22-28), Eleazar was succeeded by Phinehas (Joshua 24:33; Judges 20:28), and so on. The Mechizedekian High Priest and KING OF RIGHTEOUSNESS described in the Psalms indicates a never-ending priesthood and never-ending ministry of a sinless One coming after David from among David’s lineage Who would not stay dead serving in this capacity (Psalm 16:10, Psalm 110:4; cf. Genesis 49:10). This prophesy from David indicated the Levitical order in place during David’s lifetime was temporal; It also supports a Holy Messiah who would die and be resurrected coming sometime after King David's lifetime (cf. 2 Samuel 7:12-13). Melchizedek would have to be sinless on one hand to qualify himself as Redeemer for sinners(deity), but also become a man to represent man on the other (Hebrews 5:1; Hebrews 2:17). He would be a "sinless God-man" living under the law to redeem those condemned by the law. This Melchizedek prophesy also indicated a forever sinless and an eternal High Priest of the Most High G-d unto all nations (Psalm 2), whom Zechariah refers as the “Branch” who would indeed function as God’s forever King (Zechariah 14:9, Zechariah 6:12-13; Psalm 72:8; Psalm 2:6-8; Hebrews 4:14-16). Therefore, the Melchizedekian High Priest is greater than the Levitical high priest (Hebrews 3-10; Heb 5:6; Heb 7:1-28). Do you realize king David was a sinner (2 Samuel 11-12), his body still rests in an Israeli tomb (1 Kings 2:10; Psalm 16:10), and the Bible indacates that a descendant of David from the tribe of Judah would fulfill Psalm 110 (2 Samuel 7:12-13)? The tomb of Yeshua' of Bethlehem from the Judah Tribe is empty!!! See Isaiah 53, Daniel 9:25-26, Zechariah 12:10. Not only that, but the angels, covenant law, prophets, Levitical priests and priesthood are inferior to Messiah, and a picture of what Messiah Yeshua’ would accomplish as high priest in the order of Melchizedek.

The Levitical system is all about the Good News of G-d's Kingdom being restored on earth as it is in heaven as the types and symbols associated with the priesthood's rites pointed beyond to a superior Messiah fulfilling the covenants; that sinful individuals may not just have their sins covered. Rather, their sins would be blotted out altogether enabling one identifying with the seed of Abraham to approach the true Holy G-d in the heavenly Holy of Holies through the everlasting priesthood of Messiah Yeshua' forevor in the order of Melchizedek, and predicated upon His sinless atonement. His righteousness, love, joy, peace, paitience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, temperence, self-control and grace is imputed to one admiting their need as a sinner, embracing Yeshua's righteoussness, and confessing Him as Savior and Lord. Therefore, Messiah Yeshua is greater than angels who relayed the law to Moses (cf. Galatians 3:19; Acts 7:38), and greater than Moses (Hebrews 3:1-6). In fact, Moses wrote about Messiah Yeshua’s greatness (Deuteronomy 18:18; cf. John 1:27). Messiah Yeshua is superior to the Levitical priesthood (Hebrews 6:9-7:1-28), covenant ministry of the Levites by empowering those in Him to do the things in the law (Hebrews 8:10; Jeremiah 31:34), and Levitical sacrificial system for sin (Hebrews 10). Yeshua is Melchizedek, and as such, the ultimate “Kindsman redeemer” redeeming those identifying with Him as the seed of Abraham (Levitucus 25:25; cf Hebrews 2:17-18, Gen 12:3, Galatians 3:29, 4:4-6). Not only that, but grace, the power and ability to be and do G-d’s will, is the modus operandi in the life of the redeemed being saved through Yeshua’s ongoing intersession in His eternal role as King and Priest (Romans 6:4, Romans 8:2-11, Colossians 1:27, Galatians 2:20 & 2 Corinthians 12:9) Because Messiah Yeshua lives forever, He saves forever those drawing near to God the Father through Him (Hebrews 7:24-25; John 6:37). And unlike the Levitical sacrificial system, God’s throne is always accessible on an individual basis through Messiah Yeshua’ as opposed to annual access exclusive to the Levitical High Priest on behalf of those he represented (Leviticus 16:2, 29-34; cf. John 14:6; Hebrews 4:14-16). In this way, all nations through Abraham’s seed are indeed blessed.

It is written the HOLY Annoited ONE (Compare Isaiah 53:6 with 53:9b and 53:11b), Messiah, or unique Son of G-d would apear twice in fulfilling his Messianic Priestly Kingship roles-not in the Levitical order, though, since he was from Judah. This was in G-d's plan according to the Hebrew Bible (Psalm 110:4; cf. Genesis 49:10). First, this Jewish Priestly-King Messiah would appear in a suffering servant role, be rejected and be "cut off" to make an end of transgression for his people by 32 AD (Zechariah 9:9; Isaiah 53:6b, 10, 12b, Daniel 9:25-26; Luke 19:43-44), which had to occur before Herod's temple was destroyed in 70 AD ACCORDING TO THE HEBREW BIBLE predating historical Jesus the man. Indeed, this occured. Historical Yeshua the man was rejected as predicted (Isaiah 53:3, "a man"), crucified (Isaiah 53:5, 6, 11, 12b), burried (Isaiah 53:9), resurrected (Isaiah 53:10b; compare Psalm 16:10 with 2 Samuel 7:12-13), and ascended to G-d the Father by 32 AD (cf. Psalm 16:10, 2 Samuel 7:12-13). This occured before the rebuilt temple Daniel referred to in his prophesy was destroyed by General Titus in 70 AD. Subsequently, the SAME Priestly-King Messiah will one day return in the clouds to reign from His city as the King of Peace and King of Righteousness according to the Hebrew Scriptures (cf Daniel 7:13-14, Isaiah 2), and it will be clear this Priestly King Messiah actually had appeared on earth during the first century in humility as a suffering servant (Isaiah 53:5, Zechariah 12:10, cf. Matthew 24). This Yeshua who came before in a suffering-servant role is the the priestly KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS. He will return to inaugurate the consummation of the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven as intended "in the beginning." Then, Jerusalem will truly be the “City of Peace” on earth (Isaiah 2, cf. Psalm 122:6).

The Priesthood of The Believer in Messiah Yeshua & The Gospel Currently, Yeshua serves as King and High Priest in the Order of Melchizedek in the heavenly throne administering His empowering presence of the New Covenant in His blood to those, Jews and Gentiles, drawing near to G-d through Him to be and do all G-d intended (Hebrews 8:1-2; cf. Jeremiah 31:31, Hebrews 8:1-13, Ezekiel 11:19-20 and Ezekiel 36:26-27). Through his kingly-priestly Mediation akin to the Levitical High Preists of old those drawing near to G-d the Father through Him are "set apart," consecrated, and anointed to be an uncommon person with an uncommon purpose! Just as it was dangerous to treat what G-d made uncommon as common when the Levittical sacrifical system was operational, those who were/are set apart by his sacrifical blood in the New Covenant are considered to be the temple of the Holy Spirit in whom Yeshua desires to rein to touch others through. Moreover, it is a misnomer to think of the administration of the New Covenant through Messiah's blood for redemption as license to practice sin as a lifestyle, or that intillectual assent is belief in a Biblical context. The Gospel of the Kingdom of G-d entails God tabernacleing in, or living His life through one identifying with him in New Covenant Hopes to touch others during the time prior to Messiah Yeshua's second coming where "the lion will lay down with the lamb." As pointed out elsewhere, the law is very good and relevant. However, the Levitical order did not empower one to do the things in the law. And, unlike the Levitical sacrificial priesthood order that only brought atonement, God empowers those drawing near to Him through Yeshua's Messianic kingly priesthood and ongoing intercession (Psalm 110:4, cf. Hebrews 7:24-28). In addition to having one's penalty for sin resolved with permanance, G-d's empowering presence being sent to tabernacle in those drawing near to G-d through Messiah Yeshua's Kingly-priesthood is, among other things, what the Levitical sacrifical system and mediation typified.

The sacrificial system of the Levitical order became obsolete when the suffering servant messiah was cut off for the transgressions of the people, and the eternal order of Melchizedek was inaugerated reserved exclusively to Messiah Yeshua'. Those identifying with Messiah Yeshua’ are “A Chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). What is this proclamation?

It is a possibility one might assume that intimacy with G-d is not even possible, or that G-d is so transcendent as a result of being born in a post Adam and Eve context of not personally having the former experience to compare with the latter experince, and ecspecially after a post sacrificial system context that lacks the reinforcement to the contrary. Consequently, many today fail to discern that atonement in the context of the Levitical sacrificial system was a regular reminder that sin came between G-d and man, that there was a way to deal with sin so that man could be reconciled with Him, and that G-d longed to tabernacle among His people. This was demonstrated when blood from the worthy sacrifice was placed upon the “Mercy Seat” of the Ark of the Covenant, and the manifest Presence of G-d subsequently appeared over the sacrificial blood during Yom Kippur. Granted, this momentary tabernacling presence is still a far cry from pre-fall intimate relationship enjoyed between Adam and Eve and G-d. But, it was a type of deposit as those living before historical Yeshua had THEIR lives and sins resulting in eternal separation from Holy G-d covered unto eternal life by repentant faith through the Levitical type of atonement, that in fact, looked forward to its ultimate completion in the blood of the New Covenant that was later “poured out for you” by Messiah Yeshua.'

Therefore, those living before historical Yeshua were “saved" from THEIR sins resulting in eternal separation from Holy G-d unto eternal life by looking forward in repentant faith within the framework of the Levitical sacrificial system to the blood of the New Covenant that was later “poured out for you” by Messiah Yeshua.' However, there is no more sacrifice for transgressions following the years 32 for those failing to realize the Levitical sacrificial system’s ultimate fulfillment in Yeshua. In other words, those living after historical Yeshua' are “saved” from their sin by looking back to the blood of the New Covenant that was indeed “poured out for you” by Messiah Yeshua' on the cross in 32 thereby appropriating redemption through Messiah Yeshua’ by grace through faith. Moreover, those having appropriated God's gift of Messiah Yeshua's costly redemption, whether Jew or Gentile, persevere in the blood of the New Covenant by grace through faith (1 Peter 1:5).

Yeshua is the mediating High Priest of the New Covenant of G-d Who sends a deposit, or measure of His tabernacling presence to indwell every person whose sin has been removed by receiving the sacrificial blood in the New Covenant by faith. It is this abiding Presence that empowers one to be children of the Most High, to enjoy a more intimate relationship with Him, to do the things in the law as proclaimed beforehand, and to partner with Yeshua in drawing all mankind to G-d through Him. In fact, “Christian” means “like the Anointed One and His Anointing” or "like the Messiah and His Anointing." Unfortunately, the term “Christian” has been associated with many extra Biblical persons, places, things, events, and concepts following the earlierest G-d followers in Yeshua predating Constantine. Further, it is a misnomer to think one ceases to be Jewish by realizing Yeshua as Messiah as if He sprang from Papal Europe. Jew or Gentile, those who receive the blood of the New Covenant exclusively by faith in Yeshua are anointed with a measure of His Spirit by the High Priest in the eternal order of Melchizedek (who is Yeshua) to be like Him as members who make up his body on earth as it is in heaven, set apart and for uncommon purposes unto G-d! It is no longer the Levitical High Priest; nor is it the Pope. It is Yeshua who lives to intercede for you and me (1 Timothy 2:4). Many drawing near to G-d through Him are indeed being anointed through Yeshua's kingly priesthood mediation.

Yeshua is forever the Unique Son of God. He is G-d’s forever-mediating High Priest of the New Covenant that completes the law by empowering those who draw near to G-d to be children of the Most High. He is G-d’s forever King in heaven, and soon to be realized in Earth. And, he loves you. He redeems one from the penalty of sin, the power of sin, and one day redemption will be complete when those trusting in Messiah Yeshua are redeemed from the presence of sin “on earth as it is in heaven.” This is the Gospel of the Kingdom of God message proclaimed before, during, and after historical Yeshua, or Jesus in accordance with the closed Biblical canon (Tenachk and New Testament).