Adam was created to be a priestly guardian in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:15) and to rule as king by subduing and filling the earth (Genesis 1:26-28). Because of his sin, the sons of Adam fail to fulfil this double calling as God intended. Sinners still serve as priests, but they serve in the shrines of Moloch and at the altars of Baal; fallen humanity still subdues and rules, but only to make a name for themselves and to construct a city on the blood of innocent brothers (cf. Genesis 4:8, 17). The gospel announces that in Christ, sinners are restored to godly worship and godly dominion. By union with the new Melchizedek, the priest-king, we are made kings and priests to God. –Peter Leithart
