Sometimes we simply take for granted how very blessed we are as Christians. The Apostle Paul tells us that we are “a new creation.” He also tells us that we have “a treasure in earthen vessels.” (Second Corinthians 4:7) The earthen vessels are our bodies, which are made out of clay. According to Peter, we are the Lord’s special people.

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light:” – First Peter 2:9

• The first step was the washing of the candidate.
• Then the candidate was given sacred garments.
• Next, the candidate was anointed with oil.

Here is how the Lord Jesus fulfilled the above procedure:

• When Jesus was baptized by John, He completed the first step of priestly ordination.
• We also know that He had a special garment of brilliant white as seen on the Mount of Transfiguration.
• The anointing oil represents the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit came upon Jesus in the form of a dove.

Jesus became not only a priest, but our High Priest, and the ritual given to Moses was completely fulfilled.

Some scholars believe that John the Baptist was immersing in the Jordan River near Jericho. In fact, they think it is the same spot where the Children of Israel crossed the Jordan under the leadership of Joshua. (Joshua is a variation of the Hebrew Jeshua, which in Greek is Jesus.) In the account of the Crossing of the Jordan, the waters of the river were rolled back to a town called Adam. (Joshua 3:16) Jesus, our High Priest, rolled back our sins all the way to Adam.

When a person becomes a Christian, they also follow the procedure of priestly ordination:

• Christians are washed in the Blood of Jesus. (The Revelation 1:5)
• Christians will receive robes of white. (The Revelation 19:8)
• Christians have received the anointing of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38)

The priests of Israel were privileged, frequently wealthy, and well provided for by their position. We Christians are not only priests, we are a Royal Priesthood because we are children of the King of the Universe. We have many special privileges, including the ability to appear before His Throne of Grace in prayer. We have wealth in Glory that is beyond counting, and the Lord daily provides for us exceedingly well. Praise His name, always.