Is the priesthood of all believers true?

Beloved in Christ, is it true that all believers are priests unto God? The answer to this important theological question can only be found in the holy scriptures. Let us see what the bible have to say about this question.

Who is a priest? 

A priest in biblical times, was the one who acted as a mediator between God and the children of Israel. The priests were mandated to represent the people before God, but among the priests, it was only the high priest who was given the exclusive privilege to enter within the veil into the Holy of Holies to represent the people before God. He offered sacrifices and offerings, so the people could be accepted and forgiven of God, see (Hebrews 5; 1). The priests played an indispensable role in the religious lives of the people. But God's original intent was that the entire nation will be a kingdom of priests unto him, but they failed (Exodus 19; 5-6).

The old testament priesthood served as a type of the priesthood of Christ. Jesus Christ came as a priest, but unlike the priests under the law, he did not offer animals and goats sacrifices, for he was both the offerer and the sacrifice. He purged away our sins through the sacrifice of himself (Hebrews 1; 3). At the death of Jesus Christ on the cross, the thick veil which separated the holy place from the most holy place was rend asunder into twain from top to bottom (Matthew 27; 51) which signifies that the way into the holiest is now open for all.

Believers are priests unto God 

The priesthood of all believers is a biblical doctrine, it is taught in God's word. Apostle Peter wrote this: And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ--- 1 Peter 2; 4-5.

Peter by the Spirit addressed believers as a "royal priesthood" for this is who we are in Christ Jesus. As royal priests, we are not called to offer animal sacrifices to God, but to present spiritual sacrifices to him. As priests, it is our duty to proclaim the praises of him who has called us out of darkness into his marvelous light (1 Peter 2; 9). 

As priests, we are to offer up sacrifice of praise to our God, and to abound in good works: Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased-- Hebrews 13:15-16. 

As priests, we are to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, for this is our spiritual act of worship, see (Romans 12; 1). Our sacrifices are acceptable to God only through Jesus Christ. 

Prayer also played a pivotal role in the lives of the priests under the old testament. They often prayed and interceded for the children of Israel. let us take our prayer life seriously, for as priests of God, we are to lift up holy hands often in prayer, praying and interceding for others. 

It is important to know of a truth, that every Christian is a priest of God, and we all have unlimited access into the holy of holies to commune with our father, a privilege which the old testament saints were devoid of. Is the priesthood of believers biblical? Yes it is 

A thought to ponder 🤔 

Our sacrifices are acceptable to God only through Jesus Christ. 

We defend and exposit the truth of the gospel

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