What Does It Mean That We Are Kings And Priests

Complete Explanation

The phrase “kings and priests” (or “a kingdom of priests”) is drawn primarily from two New Testament passages: 1 Peter 2:9 and Revelation 1:6 (also Revelation 5:10 and 20:6). It describes the identity and calling of all believers in Jesus Christ, not a special class of clergy. The expression combines two Old Testament offices—king and priest—to convey a unique spiritual role.

• Biblical Foundation:
  1 Peter 2:9 states, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession…” The Greek term basileion hierateuma (royal priesthood) links the concepts of kingship and priesthood. Revelation 1:6 adds that Christ “has made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father.”
• Kings (Reigning with Christ):
  Believers are called to share in Christ’s kingly authority. This does not imply earthly political power but a spiritual reign over sin, death, and evil through union with Christ. It also points to the eschatological hope of co-reigning in the new creation (2 Timothy 2:12; Revelation 22:5).
• Priests (Mediating Access to God):
  As priests, Christians have direct access to God through Christ’s atonement (Hebrews 10:19–22) and are called to offer spiritual sacrifices—such as prayer, praise, and good deeds—to God (1 Peter 2:5; Hebrews 13:15–16). They also serve as intermediaries in the sense of proclaiming the gospel and interceding for others.
• Corporate Identity:
  The “kings and priests” language is applied to the entire community of believers, not to a hierarchical priesthood. It emphasizes the equality and shared vocation of all Christians, a doctrine often called the “priesthood of all believers.”
• Eschatological Fulfillment:
  Revelation 20:6 mentions that those who share in the first resurrection “will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.” This indicates a future, literal participation in both priestly and kingly functions in the millennial kingdom and eternal state.

History / Background

The concept of a royal priesthood has deep roots in the Old Testament. In Exodus 19:5–6, God calls Israel to be “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” However, due to sin, Israel failed to fulfill that role fully, and a separate Levitical priesthood was established. The New Testament writers reinterpret this promise through Christ, who is both the ultimate High Priest (Hebrews 4:14) and the King of kings (Revelation 19:16). By uniting believers with Christ, the church inherits the original calling. The early church fathers such as Clement of Rome and Irenaeus echoed this theme, seeing the church as a priestly people offering spiritual sacrifices. During the Reformation, Martin Luther and John Calvin strongly emphasized the priesthood of all believers as a corrective to the clerical hierarchy of the medieval church. The phrase “kings and priests” continues to be a key element in Protestant, evangelical, and some Catholic theological discussions about Christian identity and service.

Importance and Impact

This doctrine has significantly shaped Christian ecclesiology and the understanding of ministry. It democratizes spiritual responsibility, asserting that every believer has direct access to God and a calling to serve Him. It has been influential in the development of congregational and presbyterian church polity, where lay participation is valued. Missionary movements, such as those of the 19th century, often drew on the idea that all Christians are called to be priests in their daily lives—a concept known as the “priesthood of all believers.” The phrase also inspires worship and personal identity, reminding Christians of their dignity and royal status in Christ. In Catholic theology, while the ordained priesthood remains distinct, the Second Vatican Council (Lumen Gentium) affirmed the common priesthood of the faithful, noting that the faithful participate in Christ’s priestly, prophetic, and kingly offices.

Why It Matters

For contemporary Christians, understanding that they are kings and priests counters feelings of insignificance or passivity. It empowers believers to see their daily work, relationships, and worship as meaningful service to God. It also guards against two extremes: the notion that only clergy can minister, and the idea that authority gives license to dominate others. Instead, it promotes servant leadership and mutual encouragement. Practically, it encourages every Christian to pray for others, share their faith, and live with eternal perspective, knowing they have both authority and access through Christ.

Common Misconceptions