The Church as Priests

Jesus Is Building His Church

When Jesus declared, “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it” (Matthew 16:18), He revealed the incredible genius of God’s plan. Today, Jesus continues that work, and we are invited to join Him. Through the Church, we grow in faith, mature as disciples, and live out His truth in a world desperate for hope.

Every Believer Is a Priest

One of the greatest truths of the Christian life is that every believer is a priest. Scripture says, “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His possession” (1 Peter 2:9). Through Jesus Christ, each of us has direct access to God. No human mediator is needed; the way is open to all who belong to Him.

In the Old Testament, priests blessed the people (Numbers 6:22–27), taught the Word (Deuteronomy 31:9–13), discerned God’s will (Exodus 28:30), and offered sacrifices (Leviticus 16). Yet those sacrifices only covered sins temporarily. They pointed forward to the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

When Jesus died on the cross, “the curtain of the sanctuary was split in two from top to bottom” (Matthew 27:51). This powerful moment signaled the end of the old priesthood and sacrificial system. No more blood of bulls and goats. Christ, our perfect high priest (Hebrews 4:14–16), offered Himself, granting us full and lasting access to God.

The Privilege of the New Priesthood

This new priesthood brings incredible privilege. We are chosen by God, not because of anything we have done, but because of His grace. Scripture reminds us, “There is one God and one mediator between God and humanity, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5).

Every believer now has full, unhindered access to God, 24/7. We do not need to be spiritual elites or “giants of the faith” to draw near. God looks at the heart. He invites every one of His children to come boldly to His throne of grace to receive mercy and find help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16).

The Purpose of the New Priesthood

With privilege comes purpose. As priests, we are called to offer spiritual sacrifices. Peter writes, “Offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5). These sacrifices are no longer animals but lives of worship, service, and praise.

Hebrews 13:15–16 gives us a clear picture:
“Through Him then, let us continually offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips that confess His name. Don’t neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices.”

Our spiritual sacrifices include offering praise to God, speaking words that honor Him, doing good to others, and living generously. These everyday acts, when done in faith, become holy offerings.

Romans 12:1 calls us to this lifestyle:
“Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship.”

Every part of our lives can be an offering to God — our work, our relationships, our words, our actions. Even something as ordinary as coaching a Little League game becomes holy when offered to Him.

Living as a Holy and Royal Priesthood

Our lives point upward in worship to God and outward in service to others. As a holy priesthood, we live with reverence before God. As a royal priesthood, we represent His kingdom to the world.

Royalty speaks of influence and responsibility. As believers, we carry the presence of Christ into a broken world. Our kindness, truth, and sacrificial love shine His light. Titus 2:14 reminds us that Christ “gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for Himself a people for His own possession, eager to do good works.”

Living as priests means living intentionally, knowing God sees every act of faith. Whether praised or unnoticed by people, our sacrifices are always seen and treasured by Him. Jesus promises eternal reward for those who serve Him faithfully (2 Corinthians 5:10).

Conclusion: A Life Offered to God

Being part of the priesthood of believers means living for the One who loved us and gave Himself for us. It means offering ourselves daily as living sacrifices. It means seeing every moment as an opportunity to worship and serve.

What an incredible privilege to be called His priests. What a joy to live for His purpose.

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