Hi, nice to meet you. How’re you doing?
You’re probably wondering why I’m speaking so familiarly. We don’t know each other so why am I speaking in such a manner? Well, I want to believe that I know you. Plus I have a beautiful piece of news to tell you about. Perhaps after you’ve heard what I have to say, then you can answer for yourself if I’m right.
Thus, let me get down to business.
Did you know that there’s this group of people that are coming to light a lot lately? They’ve always existed but few were aware. They’re a people who have been made “KING PRIESTS”. They are a people who function based on two major roles – Kingship & Priesthood. Simply put, they are:
A Kingdom of Priests
These individuals have direct access to unimaginable power and authority that enables them to cause things to function as they ought to. How? It was made available to them by God Almighty Himself. He chose them specifically to be priests unto Himself and it is Him that fuels their kingship.
As priests, they are able to:
- make intercessions for others (Genesis 18:22-33),
- offer sacrifices of praise and worship (Hebrews 13:1-19, Hosea 12),
- evangelize and make disciples of the nations – turning them from their evil ways (Romans 15:16, 1 Peter 2:1-12)
- teach their brethren (God’s people) – Malachi 2:7, Leviticus 10:10-11,
- live righteous and holy lives – offering themselves as a living sacrifice unto God (Romans 12, Numbers 18:7, 1 Peter 2:5),
- teach the knowledge of God – His existence, reality and consciousness of Him, the efficacy and power of God,
- teach God’s Word – His ways, precepts, commands, edicts, etc
- and many more.
As kings, they are able to:
- Reign in life
to reign means to rule victoriously, so reigning in life means to rule victoriously always in your life… this is made possible through grace (the potential ability and capacity given to you to accomplish the task you have been assigned to). In righteousness (the situation where the word of God is present and honored), we receive grace. Without righteousness, grace cannot function or work.
- Execute God’s precepts, will and purpose (Ezekiel 45:9-25),
- Destroy the evil works of the devil,
- Implement law and order (both in-house and not)
- Manifest God’s dominion on Earth
- Lead one another according to the Holy Spirit
- and many more.
So, I’ve given you a quick glimpse of what these people are capable of… but what exactly is their true identity? Who are they?? What’s their origin?
Let’s Travel a Bit Through Time to Find Out
The core records of these individuals that are “Royal Priesthood” comes from the Bible. There are multiple references of how they are not only a member of God’s chosen people but also kings and priests.
In the Old Testament, the priests were responsible for offering sacrifices to God on behalf of the people and for representing God to the people. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is described as the High Priest who offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of humanity.
“For it is witnessed of him, ‘You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.’”
Hebrews 7:17
This scripture emphasizes that Jesus Christ is a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek, a priest and king of Salem who blessed Abraham. This means that Jesus has a unique and eternal priesthood that is different from the priesthood of the Old Testament.
“And you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”
Exodus 19:6
This scripture emphasizes that the Israelites were to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.
Before the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, there could only be specially selected individuals who could function in the role of priests. Because man was sinful and thus could not before God who is ever HOLY.
Glory be to God that Jesus came and freed us eternally from the bondage of sin and death. This means that now every Christian has direct access to God and can offer spiritual sacrifices to Him through Jesus Christ (Hebrews 4:14-16, Hebrews 9:11-12).
Thus in the another scripture below, we see believers being referred to as a chosen people, and having the royal priesthood identity.
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
1 Peter 2:9
Why Should You Care?
In the time of Israelites, the priest had to be specifically chosen and had to fulfill multiple criteria before they could function as priests (e.g. they MUST be from the tribe of Levi).
Now, the opportunity is available to all who match one vital criteria – believe in Jesus (accept Him as Lord and Savior). By doing this, you are obeying God and are made anew into your new identity.
So as a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, I too am a part of this great nation. I too am a KING PRIEST. This whole time, I’ve been telling you about my identity in Christ.
Let me ask you… do you believe in Jesus Christ? Have you accepted His sacrifice on the cross? Is He the Lord and Master of your heart?
If yes, then go back up and read 1 Peter 2:9 above. You too ARE A KING PRIEST. Amazing! Once you come to a full understanding of what this means, there’s no stopping you.
If no, this is an invitation to you. You too can be a partaker of this privilege. Accept Jesus today, let Him free you from the bondage of sin and death… and translate you into your new identity in Him.
What Next?
“And made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
Revelation 1:6
As believers in Jesus Christ, we are called to be a part of His eternal priesthood. We are not only called to offer sacrifices to God but also to represent Him to the world (Revelation 20:6).
“And you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on earth.”
Revelation 5:10
The scriptures mentioned above emphasize that believers are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation – God’s own special treasure. This means that Christians are set apart for God’s purposes and are called to live holy lives. As part of the Royal Priesthood, we have a responsibility to declare God’s praises to the world, honor Him, obey His Word and to reflect His character in everything we do.
“You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
1 Peter 2:5
As king priests, we have the privilege of serving God and offering spiritual sacrifices to Him and to reign on Earth. This means that we are called to live a life of worship, offering our time, talents, and resources to God. We are to serve others and to make a positive impact on the world around us by doing our part in God eternal plan of reconciling the world with Himself.
Closing Remarks
Wow! That was lovely, wasn’t it? I thought you I had something beautiful to share. Now that you see the link, do you understand now why I approached you the way I did?
So brethren I ask again, do we know ourselves now?
