The Priesthood of All Believers
The Bible teaches the priesthood of all believers as seen in the following passage: “You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ … But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:5-9).
When the temple veil was torn in two by God at the time of Christ’s death (Matthew 27:51), the Old Testament priesthood was no longer in operation. In the New Testament Church, people could come directly to God through the great High Priest, Jesus Christ. “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). What a privilege to be able to access the very throne of God directly, not through any earthly priest.
The believers can go boldly to the throne of grace. “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:14-16).
The believers are invited to offer up spiritual sacrifices ( Hebrews 13:15-16 ) and to proclaim the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. Thus, by both life (1 Peter 2:5; Titus 2:11-14; Ephesians 2:10) and by word (1 Peter 2:9; 3:15), their purpose is to serve God.
And the Christians’ bodies became the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), and their lives are living sacrifices to the Lord (Romans 12:1-2). Finally, their service of love will continue through out eternity (Revelation 22:3-4), but not in any temple, for “the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple” (Revelation 21:22).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
