A Royal Priesthood
“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 and
into His marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9
A king is one who rules or reigns. The word comes from the origin meaning “a
place to walk” which can suggest dominion; a foundation of powers. As kings, we are members of a Kingdom and we
are called to rule over a royal dominion clothed with royal dignity. It implies an authority to reign and to
rule. As kings, we are given an
authority to rule because of Jesus Christ.
A priest is a person serving at God’s altar. Priests in the Old Testament included
ministers, chief rulers, high officials, as well as priests and high
priests. As priests, we are servants who
minister to the Lord. We might be called
“royal servants,” as we are part of a “royal priesthood.” Or, if you prefer, we are royal housekeepers.
As kings and priests, we are that “kingdom of
priests and a holy nation” first mentioned in Exodus 19:6 and again in 1 Peter
2:9. Our ministry is one of worship and
servant hood; our authority is our witness.
Melchizedek was the first king and priest mentioned
in the Bible – Gen. 14:18. He was known
as “King of Salem,” which means “peace.”
Jesus was the perfect king and priest, known in Hebrews as a better
priesthood (see Hebrews 7 & 8).
Jesus oversees the royal priesthood today, which is composed of those of
us who have been “saved by grace through faith.” {Eph. 2:8} We follow in the priestly order of
Melchizedek and Jesus Christ!
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