The function of priests, as outlined, centers on their role as intermediaries between God and the people, embodying and promoting holiness. Priests, through their religious instruction and living example, combined with the services conducted at the tabernacle or temple, are called by God to be constant reminders to the entire nation and church that everyone is to be holy as God is holy. Their responsibilities include offering gifts and sacrifices for sins, acting on behalf of men before God, since men are personally cut off from direct access to Him in the context of worship arrangements. Under the Old Covenant, priests and Levites were visible and audible links between God's call to holiness and its fulfillment in His Kingdom. Aaron was appointed as high priest, and his sons—Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar—as priests, to organize Israel toward becoming a holy nation. Their roles demanded strict adherence to God's standards, with no deviations or innovations permitted, as seen in the severe consequences faced by Nadab and Abihu for offering profane fire. Physical perfection was required, disqualifying those with defects from serving at the altar until healed, reflecting the perfection of God Whom they represented. Priests were also bound by stringent ceremonial and personal conduct rules, such as restrictions on contact with the dead, marriage to virgins from their own lineage, and abstaining from practices associated with pagans, all to maintain their holiness. Under the New Covenant, all believers are considered a royal priesthood, serving under the High Priest, Jesus Christ. They are to be visible and audible links in the same purpose of holiness, acting as priests to each other with responsibilities to reflect God's holiness in conduct and attitude before Him, the world, and the church. The Old Testament records of priestly duties and standards are deliberately designed for learning, emphasizing the high level of holiness God demands from those called to serve Him in such intimate association with the Father, the Son, and each other within His family.

Jesus Christ, as our High Priest, holds a central role in the worship of God, and we, being in Him, are part of His priesthood. Since we are united with Him, His work becomes our work, and we are called to follow Him wherever He goes, both now and into eternity. The Bible reveals a progressive development of priesthood, beginning simply and becoming more complex over time, as seen in God's pattern of purpose. In Exodus 19:5-6, God declares that if the children of Israel obey His voice and keep His covenant, they shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation, indicating a dual role of priesthood and nationhood. This concept is echoed in I Peter 2:9, where believers are described as a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation, tasked with proclaiming the praises of Him who called them out of darkness into His marvelous light. As part of Christ, we are spiritual Jews, integrated into the temple that is central to the worship of God, with Jesus Christ as the Head and High Priest. Revelation 5:9-10 envisions a future where the redeemed from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation are made kings and priests to our God, reigning on the earth under Christ. While the role of a king often garners more attention due to its broad responsibilities, the specific duties of a priest are equally significant, though less familiar in their details. Initially, individuals acted as priests for themselves or their families, a role that expanded to represent the nation and ultimately the church, culminating in Jesus Christ as the ultimate High Priest. Historical records across nations, including those no longer in existence, mention priesthoods serving various gods, often with a high or chief priest who held significant influence in governance, sometimes second only to the king. In Joshua 14:1, Eleazar the priest is notably involved alongside Joshua in distributing the inheritance of the land of Canaan to the tribes of Israel, underscoring the high priest's prominent role. The Israelitish priesthood, established by God through Moses, is deemed far more critical to God's purpose than other roles like that of a judge, demanding strict adherence to divine standards in both teaching and personal conduct. Examples from the forebears of Israel highlight early priestly interactions, such as in Genesis 41:45, where Joseph marries Asenath, daughter of Poti-Pherah, a priest of On, ensuring his acceptance in Egypt due to the high status of priests. In Genesis 14:18-19, Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High, blesses Abram, conferring good upon him, possibly with encouraging words, and shares bread and wine, symbolizing spiritual and physical sustenance. Abraham's high regard for Melchizedek is evident as he tithes to him and accepts his offerings without hesitation. Additionally, in Exodus 12:3-6, before the formal appointment of a priesthood, the head of each household acts in a priestly capacity during the first Passover, suggesting a familial responsibility that carries a biblical basis, even if not formally commanded.

The function of priests is a vital aspect of God's plan, as we are called to be a royal priesthood, both now and in the future Kingdom of God. Revelation 5:10 declares that we are made kings and priests to our God and shall reign on the earth, highlighting the dual role we are to prepare for. This priestly responsibility is not merely a future expectation but a present reality, as I Peter 2:9 and 2:5 affirm that we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, built as living stones into a spiritual house to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. These sacrifices are not just for the future; we must practice them now to be prepared for our roles in the World Tomorrow. A priest's primary function is to assist people in accessing God, facilitating union with Him through mediation and reconciliation between God and men. This role involves being a mediator who brings together, reconciling differences, and also serving as a teacher of a way of life to improve upon the established reconciliation. In the Old Testament, priests had unique access to God, entering areas of the Temple such as the Holy Place, and on the Day of Atonement, the high priest entered the Holy of Holies to make offerings before God. This access allowed priests to serve God personally and minister to others by representing the average Israelite before God, offering something of value to both parties. Priests also offer sacrifices, a central duty seen in the vast number of offerings required during the Feast of Tabernacles, which symbolizes the Millennium. Numbers 29:12-13 details the extensive sacrifices during this feast, indicating the significant priestly work that will be required in the future, surpassing all other times in God's plan. While physical animal sacrifices were offered in the past, the concept now extends to spiritual sacrifices, reflecting dedication and service. Additionally, priests function as saviors and judges, as seen in Obadiah 21, where saviors on Mount Zion judge during the millennial period, delivering and teaching Israel as they are regathered from captivity. The essence of sacrifice, a key priestly act, is to give a gift to God to establish or renew fellowship with Him. Sacrifices are not merely about death but include the offering of a life lived in devotion, commitment, and service. Romans 12:1 urges us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is our reasonable service. This mirrors the example of Jesus Christ, who offered His life entirely in obedience to God, setting a pattern for us to follow as New Testament priests preparing for our future roles. Through such sacrifices, we build and strengthen our relationship with God, renewing it daily to maintain at-one-ment with Him.