Kingdom Of Priests
Recently, one of our perceptive readers asked a significant question: “What is the importance of the priesthood of all believers?”
I don’t have space to print two lengthy quotes from the Bible (Matthew 23:1-12 and Hebrews 7:11-17), so please read those passages.
Matthew 23:1-12 reveals that we are all equal in the Kingdom of God. No one — even in the 5-fold ministry or in the Vatican — is more important than anyone else. Although the ministers have a substantial role because they are teaching others what God requires, they are still equal in the Kingdom. First Corinthians 3:6-7 says, “I planted the seed, and Apollos watered it. But God is the One who made it grow. So the one who plants is not important, and the one who waters is not important. Only God, who makes things grow, is important.”
However, ministers who lead people astray will have a more severe encounter with God than other wayward Christians; and there are various levels of rewards. James 3:1 — “My brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.”
This judging entails both positive and negative consequences.
Scripture states that we have one High Priest: Jesus. However, we do have a multitude of priests under the High Priest. I’ll start with “the bottom line” then explain.
The High Priest, the intermediary between God and man, represents God to the people and the people to God. Hebrews 9:11a says, “So Christ has now become the High Priest ….”
The New Testament doesn’t endorse any ecclesiastical priesthood for us, although 1 Peter 2:9-10 states that all true believers in Jesus are royal priests. This “royal priesthood” originally referred to the nation of Israel, then to the Observant Jews. But by the time Peter wrote it, it included the Gentiles — us — who believe in Jesus.
What are the functions and duties of a priest?
In the Old Testament, the High Priest was the supreme religious leader, and was to be the spiritual mentor for the king. Then both the High Priest and the king were to lead the nation. The Levitical Priesthood was to help in all aspects of Temple Worship — from killing the sacrifices to cleaning the Temple itself. In all functions, the local priests were to assist the High Priest in Temple duties, and assist the people as they worshiped Almighty God. The local priests represented the High Priest; and the High Priest represented God.
But prior to the Levitical priesthood, prior to the flood, every father was to be the priest over his own household, and offer his individual family’s sacrifices to God. After the flood, Noah became High Priest over everyone in the world — all eight of his family members. When Noah fell into depression and got drunk, Shem replaced Noah as High Priest over the world. Years later, Abraham understood that the High Priesthood (of the world) would be put on hold, and a subordinate priesthood would be implemented until further notice.
Hebrews 7:11-17 informs us that the Jewish/Levitical Priesthood was only a national, temporary position until the multi-national True Church was established on the Day of Pentecost. Then God’s royal priesthood — the Church — could be established because the one who was fully qualified to be the High Priest forever — Jesus, the Christ — had come. The qualifications were one who never sinned would die in our place, be buried for three days and rise from the dead. He would be the High Priest over the world forever.
But why are we Christians called royal priests? Because Christians directly represent the highest of all Royalty — The One and Only God who loved us and gave Himself for us.
We Christians, the True Church, have an awesome responsibility: that of representing God to the people, and the people to God. Robes, pageantry, ceremony and tradition are not necessary. In fact, they can be a hindrance to God’s plan. Our role is to point people to Jesus — our High Priest — the only mediator between man and God the Father.
Jesus is the High Priest over the entire world, but he cannot be seen by the world. Therefore, dedicated Christians are the multiplied presence of the Royal High Priest. As royal ambassadors, we pray for people, introduce them to the King and lead them into a deeper relationship with Almighty God.
Individually, our lives must reflect the holiness and purity of Christ.