Topical Bible: Titles and Names of Saints: Royal Priesthood

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The term "Royal Priesthood" is a significant biblical designation that highlights the unique identity and role of believers in Christ. This title is primarily derived from 1 Peter 2:9, which states, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" . This passage underscores the dual nature of the believer's calling: both regal and priestly.

Biblical Context and Meaning

1. Priestly Role: In the Old Testament, the priesthood was established through the line of Aaron, serving as mediators between God and the people of Israel. Priests were responsible for offering sacrifices, maintaining the sanctuary, and teaching the Law. The New Testament expands this concept, indicating that all believers, through Christ, have direct access to God and are called to offer spiritual sacrifices. Hebrews 4:16 encourages believers to "approach the throne of grace with confidence," emphasizing the priestly privilege of direct communion with God.

2. Royal Identity: The royal aspect of this title reflects the believer's status as co-heirs with Christ, the King of Kings. Revelation 1:6 affirms this by stating that Christ "has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father." This royal identity implies authority and responsibility, as believers are called to reign with Christ and extend His kingdom on earth.

3. Spiritual Sacrifices: As a royal priesthood, believers are called to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:5). These sacrifices include acts of worship, service, prayer, and the proclamation of the Gospel. Romans 12:1 exhorts believers to present their bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, which is their true and proper worship.

4. Proclamation of Virtues: The purpose of being a royal priesthood is to "proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9). This involves bearing witness to God's character and deeds, living a life that reflects His holiness, and sharing the message of salvation with others.

Theological Implications

The concept of the royal priesthood emphasizes the dignity and responsibility of every believer. It challenges the traditional separation between clergy and laity by affirming the priesthood of all believers. This doctrine encourages active participation in the life and mission of the Church, recognizing that every Christian has a role in God's redemptive plan.

Furthermore, the royal priesthood underscores the transformative power of the Gospel, which elevates believers from a state of spiritual darkness to one of light and purpose. It calls for a life of holiness, service, and witness, reflecting the character of Christ, the ultimate High Priest and King.

Historical and Ecclesiastical Perspectives

Throughout church history, the understanding of the royal priesthood has influenced various movements and theological developments. The Protestant Reformation, for instance, emphasized the priesthood of all believers, challenging the hierarchical structures of the medieval church and advocating for direct access to Scripture and God.

In contemporary Christian practice, the royal priesthood continues to inspire believers to engage in ministry, both within the church and in the broader world. It serves as a reminder of the believer's identity and mission, rooted in the redemptive work of Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Kingly Priesthood of the Saints
... everything you like; but know that those titles will not ... thick jungle of India shall
see the saints of God ... t expect kings to put down their names for trifles. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the kingly priesthood of the.htm

Motives to the Oversight of the Flock
... but the appendage of the work Is it names and honor ... and his Church, and never think
of titles and reputation ... Have we the conduct of those saints that shall live ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 3 motives to.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... on Aaron's breast-plate was fixed the names of the ... odours, which are the prayers
of saints, and they ... Thus you see what terms, characters, titles, and privileges ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

The Introduction: Chapter 1
... What the combination of these titles says to us ... the testimony of Jesus" are other
names for this ... spirits; "Incense odours," prayers of saints; "Dragon," Satan ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the introduction chapter 1.htm

Greek-Amerikan-Christian-Association
... conferred upon him many honors and titles and appointed ... is a saintly woman (as all
the Russian saints are), and ... The names of all concerned are in my possession ...
/.../chapter x greek-amerikan-christian-association.htm

The Dialogue against the Luciferians.
... Gods, and was an idolater; or by the three titles he was ... be everywhere, if we read
the acts and names of the ... of wrath; and, as they depart, the saints will say ...
/.../the principal works of st jerome/the dialogue against the luciferians.htm

The Puritan Innovations
... In the Calendar the names of three Saints were admitted ... At the Second Revision seven
Saints' Days were added ... it might well have yielded to titles with better ...
/.../studies in the book of common prayer/chapter ii the puritan innovations.htm

Corinth
... persecuted in the person of His saints, was the ... rebuked their worldliness, their
love of station, titles, and display ... be a question of words and names, and of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 24 corinth.htm

Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ...
... this is what they refer to under other names. ... laws and sufferings, the holy nation,
the royal priesthood, [4477] in ... the doing of the God of Saints, Who worketh ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xliii funeral oration on.htm

This HomilyIs Intended to Shew that the Fear of Magistrates is ...
... And He names the God of the whole world after the ... hills (as others constantly elsewhere),
for the saints and angels ... of sinners, and giving her the titles of our ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily vi this homily is.htm