How does Revelation 20:6 encourage believers to live as "priests of God" today? The promise of priesthood in Revelation 20:6 “Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection! The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and will reign with Him for a thousand years.” • Two unshakable certainties: – We are eternally secure—“the second death has no power.” – We are destined to serve—“they will be priests … and will reign.” • The verse looks forward to the Millennium, yet its identity-shaping truth spills into our present walk. Our priestly identity begins now • 1 Peter 2:9—“You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood …” • Revelation 1:6—Christ “has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God.” • Because God speaks in the present tense, believers already live in priestly status while awaiting its fullest expression. What priests do—and how that looks today 1. Offering sacrifices • Romans 12:1—present your body “a living sacrifice.” • Hebrews 13:15-16—sacrifice of praise, doing good, sharing. 2. Guarding holiness • Levitical priests modeled purity; believers pursue moral purity and doctrinal faithfulness (1 Thessalonians 4:7). 3. Interceding for others • 1 Timothy 2:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 5:17—constant, broad prayer. 4. Mediating God’s presence to the nations • Matthew 5:16—shine so others “glorify your Father.” • 2 Corinthians 5:20—“ambassadors for Christ.” 5. Teaching and blessing • Colossians 3:16—let the word dwell richly, admonish one another. Practical ways to live as priests of God • Begin each day on the altar—consciously yield mind, body, schedule to Christ (Romans 12:1). • Cultivate continual praise—sing, speak, or journal thanks throughout the day (Hebrews 13:15). • Stand in the gap—keep an intercession list; pray for leaders, the lost, the suffering (1 Timothy 2:1-2). • Guard personal holiness—confess sin quickly, pursue purity in media, speech, relationships (1 Peter 1:16). • Serve sacrificially—look for unnoticed needs in church and community; “do good to everyone” (Galatians 6:10). • Speak blessing—use Scripture to encourage coworkers, family, strangers (Proverbs 25:11; Colossians 4:6). • Share the gospel—explain Christ’s work whenever God opens a door (1 Peter 3:15). Motivation anchored in future reign • The coming thousand-year reign guarantees that present obedience is not wasted (1 Corinthians 15:58). • Knowing the “second death” holds no threat frees us from fear, emboldening worship and witness (Hebrews 2:14-15). • Our promised authority with Christ models true leadership now—servant-hearted, just, and compassionate (Mark 10:45; Revelation 5:10). Living it out today Because Revelation 20:6 promises eternal priesthood and reign, believers live now as priests who: • Love God wholeheartedly. • Love people sacrificially. • Stand between heaven and earth in worship, intercession, and witness. The certainty of our future role energizes faithful, joyful priestly living every single day. |
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