The High Priest was more holy than the rest of the priests, who were more holy than the Levites, who were more holy than the remainder of the Israelites.

The priests could minister in the Holy Place, but if a Levite even saw one of the five furnishings inside the door of the Tabernacle he was to be killed. The furnishings were too holy for him to see but not too holy for the priests to see.

Are you beginning to get a feel for holiness? Holiness is a state of being in the Presence of God.

Incidentally, Paul never, in his epistles, referred to the believers as Christians, but often as saints. The word saint means "holy one." This is because the believer is called to more holiness of personality and behavior than is true of the general population. Whether we like it or not, in God's sight we are holier than the rest of the world, not because we act any better but because of our calling as saints.

No member of Israel could choose to be a priest. Only God chooses the priesthood.

No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God, just as Aaron was. (Hebrews 5:4—NIV)

Isn't it true that just anyone can choose to be a saint of God? Yes, in one sense. No, in another.

The Lord Jesus declared plainly that whoever comes to Him He will not cast out. But He said also that no one can come to Him unless the Father draws him.

Jesus said we have not chosen Him but He has chosen us.

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. (John 15:16—NIV)

The seventeenth chapter of the Gospel of John makes several statements that emphasize the saints are separate from the world and given eternal life. They originally belonged to God somehow, and God has given them to Jesus.

Jesus prays for these whom the Father has given Him, not for the world but for those called out from the world.

Many ideas found in the Scriptures, such as forgiveness through the blood atonement, are repugnant to contemporary society. But none would be more disgusting than the concept that some people are called to be priests of God.

I wonder why Satan fights so hard against the truth that the ranks, roles, and tasks of the Kingdom are by Divine appointment and all people do not have equal access to them.

It is clear the Jewish people often resent the idea they are specially chosen of God. Also, I think Christians are uncomfortable with the idea of a separate, holy priesthood. But I believe it is going to be important in the age of moral horrors we are entering that we realize our calling as a saint has enormous significance in the scheme of things.

To be continued.