Priesthood of All Believers


One of the most neglected of concepts from the Protestant Reformation is that of "The Priesthood of All Believers."

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.
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;
Revelation 1:6
And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Revelation 5:10
And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

The doctrine asserts that we don't have to go through a hierarchy to become a friend of God:

James 2:23
And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
Exodus 33:11
And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend.
2 Chronicles 20:7
Art not thou our God, who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever?
Isaiah 41:8
But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.
John 15:14
Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
John 15:15
Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
It also means that we all have responsibilities. Christianity is not a spectator sport. You don't get to sit in the stands.

You need to become a coach.



The Priesthood of All Believers - R.J. Rushdoony - Journal of Christian Reconstruction

Universal priesthood (doctrine) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Is the priesthood of all believers biblical?

A Royal Priesthood in Christ | Reformed Bible Studies & Devotionals at Ligonier.org

Trading Places: The Priesthood of All Believers

Priesthood of Believers | First Things

SBC Position Statements - Priesthood of All Believers