The Priesthood of all Believers
Revelation 5:9-10
9 And they
sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open
its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation, 10 and you have made
them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the
earth."
According to Scripture, the believer’s citizenship is in heaven
(Philippians 3:20). In other words, we’re not going to be citizens
of an eternal kingdom; we already are.
What’s more, every person who professes Jesus Christ as Lord is
part of God’s priesthood. In the ancient Israelite culture, priests were the
privileged servants of Almighty God. They carried out all the tasks related to
keeping the Law and preserving the spiritual well-being of the people. They
cared for the temple, offered sacrifices, and interceded on behalf of the
community.
When John says in Revelation 1 that you and I are priests, he
is placing us among the ranks of a people set apart as God’s servants. It is a
blessing and calling to worship the Lord, to adore and honor
Him, and to ensure that all glory is given to His name. Our duties also include
interceding on behalf of others.
The one priestly task we do not have to do is perform sacrifices.
God Himself offered the final sacrifice on the cross of Calvary, when His Son
died in our place. Our part is to bear witness to the breadth and depth of His
love for all people. Once you grasp the fact that God looks on His children--every one a former slave to sin--with unconditional
devotion, you can’t keep quiet about it.
Believers are special in the eyes of their God and King. We are a
sacred people and a holy order. What are you doing with your life? As a
believer, you are not your own anymore (1 Corinthians 6:19). You are a priest
and a privileged servant of the Most High God.