THE BELIEVER'S PLACE AS A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD
The concept of the believer as a Royal Priesthood is not symbolic rhetoric; it is a defined spiritual identity established by God through redemption in Christ. Scripture presents this status as both positional and functional—rooted in divine calling and expressed through spiritual responsibility.
1. The Origin of the Royal Priesthood
The phrase “royal priesthood” is explicitly stated in the New Testament, but its roots trace back to God’s original intention for His people.
1 Peter 2:9: “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:”
Here, Peter speaks to believers collectively, not clergy alone. The terms used are deliberate:
Royal — signifying kingly authority
Priesthood — indicating access, mediation, and service before God
This identity merges kingship and priesthood, something that was separated under the Old Covenant but united in Christ.
2. Old Testament Foundation: Kings and Priests Were Separate
Under the Mosaic Law, kings came from Judah, while priests came from Levi. The offices were distinct and guarded.
Exodus 28:1: “And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him… that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office.”
Genesis 49:10: “The sceptre shall not depart from Judah…”
Any attempt to cross these offices unlawfully brought judgment (e.g., King Uzziah in 2 Chronicles 26:16–21). This separation highlights the significance of what Christ accomplished.
3. Christ: The Pattern of the Royal Priesthood
Jesus Christ embodies both King and Priest.
Hebrews 7:17: “For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.”
Melchizedek was both king of Salem and priest of the Most High God (Genesis 14:18). Christ, patterned after this order, merges rulership and priesthood permanently.
Revelation 19:16: “And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”
4. Believers Share in Christ’s Priestly and Kingly Nature
Through union with Christ, believers inherit His status—not independently, but representatively.
Revelation 1:5–6: “Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father…”
This is not future tense. It is a present spiritual reality.
Romans 8:17: “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ…”
Joint-heirship implies shared authority and access, not equality of deity.
5. The Priestly Function of the Believer
Priests stand before God on behalf of others and offer sacrifices. Under the New Covenant, these sacrifices are spiritual.
a. Offering Spiritual Sacrifices
1 Peter 2:5: “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.”
These include:
Praise
Hebrews 13:15: “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually…”
Righteous living
Romans 12:1: “Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God…”
b. Intercession
Priests intercede. Believers now participate in this ministry.
1 Timothy 2:1: “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions… be made for all men.”
Access to God is no longer restricted.
Hebrews 4:16: “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace…”
6. The Royal Dimension: Authority and Dominion
The believer’s priesthood is royal—it carries authority.
Revelation 5:9–10: “…and hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.”
This authority is exercised spiritually:
Over sin (Romans 6:14)
Over darkness (Luke 10:19)
Through spiritual governance in prayer and obedience
7. Responsibility and Consecration
Royal priesthood is not a title for spiritual pride; it demands consecration.
Leviticus 21:6: “They shall be holy unto their God…”
2 Timothy 2:21: “If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour…”
Access demands holiness. Authority requires submission.
8. Purpose: Representation and Revelation
The believer’s royal priesthood exists for revelation—to make God known.
1 Peter 2:9: “…that ye should shew forth the praises of him…”
Believers represent God to the world and bring the world before God. This dual role defines priesthood.
Conclusion
The believer’s place as a Royal Priesthood is a present spiritual identity, grounded in Christ’s finished work. It grants:
Access without intermediaries
Authority rooted in sonship
Responsibility to live consecrated lives
Assignment to intercede, represent, and reign spiritually
This identity is not conferred by church position, title, or ordination—it is inherited by redemption, activated by faith, and sustained by obedience.
© Thursday February 5th, 2026
Pastor Emmanuel Obu
The Apostle of Joy
