Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the term "saints" refers to those who are set apart for God, often synonymous with believers or the faithful. The concept of saints as priests is deeply rooted in Scripture, where the priesthood is not limited to a specific class but extends to all who are in Christ. This entry explores the biblical foundation and theological significance of believers as priests and saints.Old Testament Foundations The idea of a priesthood is first established in the Old Testament with the Levitical priesthood, where Aaron and his descendants were set apart to serve as priests (Exodus 28:1). The role of the priest was to mediate between God and the people, offering sacrifices and maintaining the sanctity of worship. However, the Old Testament also hints at a broader priesthood. In Exodus 19:6, God declares to Israel, "And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." This indicates a collective calling for God's people to serve as priests. New Testament Fulfillment The New Testament expands on this concept, revealing that all believers are called to be priests. This is most clearly articulated in 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." Here, the apostle Peter affirms that the church, composed of all believers, is a royal priesthood, tasked with declaring God's praises. The Book of Revelation further emphasizes this priestly identity. Revelation 1:6 declares that Christ "has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father." This priesthood is not limited by ethnicity or lineage but is granted to all who are in Christ, signifying a new covenant reality. Theological Implications The priesthood of all believers is a cornerstone of Christian theology, emphasizing direct access to God through Jesus Christ. Hebrews 4:16 encourages believers to "approach the throne of grace with confidence," highlighting the privilege and responsibility of this priestly role. As priests, believers are called to offer spiritual sacrifices, as noted in Romans 12:1, "to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God." This priestly calling also involves intercession, worship, and the proclamation of the Gospel. Believers are tasked with representing God to the world and bringing the needs of the world before God in prayer. The priesthood of saints underscores the communal and individual aspects of faith, where each believer contributes to the spiritual vitality of the church. Saints as Holy Ones The term "saints" (Greek: hagioi) in the New Testament often refers to believers who are sanctified and set apart for God's purposes. Paul frequently addresses his letters to the saints, as seen in Ephesians 1:1, "To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus." This designation underscores the holiness and distinctiveness of the Christian community. The sanctification of believers is both a positional reality and a progressive journey. Through Christ's atoning work, believers are declared holy, yet they are also called to grow in holiness, reflecting God's character in their lives. This dual aspect of sanctification is central to understanding the identity and mission of saints as priests. Conclusion The biblical portrayal of priests as saints highlights the transformative power of the Gospel, which calls believers into a holy priesthood. This identity is both a gift and a calling, inviting believers to live out their faith with devotion, service, and witness in the world. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 19:6And you shall be to me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Peter 2:9 Library The Kingly Priesthood of the Saints The Kingdom Given to the Saints at the Resurrection of the Just. The Resurrection of the Sleeping Saints. The Charge of the Pilgrim Priests He Fortifies his Opinions with Regard to the Temporal and Earthly ... Hymns on the Nativity. Hymn i. This is the Day that Gladdened Them ... Departed Saints Fellow Servants with those yet on Earth. Perseverance of Saints. The First Commandment --On the Honor and Invocation of Saints There have Come to Me Ransomers from among the Saints, but None ... Resources What were the chief priests? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the difference between priests and Levites? | GotQuestions.org Does the Bible teach the celibacy of priests? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Priests were Sometimes: Corrupters of the Law Priests were Sometimes: Drunken Priests were Sometimes: Greedy Priests were Sometimes: Profane and Wicked Priests were Sometimes: Slow to Sanctify, Themselves for God's Services Priests were Sometimes: Unjust Priests were to Live by the Altar As They had No Inheritance Priests: After the Exodus Young Men (First-Born) Deputed to Act As Priests: All Except Seed of Aaron Excluded from Being Priests: Ceremonies at Consecration of Anointing With Oil Priests: Ceremonies at Consecration of Clothing With the Holy Garments Priests: Ceremonies at Consecration of Lasted Seven Days Priests: Ceremonies at Consecration of Offering Sacrifices Priests: Ceremonies at Consecration of Partaking of the Sacrifices of Consecration Priests: Ceremonies at Consecration of Placing in Their Hands the Wave-Offering Priests: Ceremonies at Consecration of Purification by Blood of the Consecration Ram Priests: Ceremonies at Consecration of Washing in Water Priests: Divided by David Into Twenty-Four Courses Priests: During Patriarchal Age Heads of Families Acted As Priests: Each Course of, had Its President or Chief Priests: First Notice of Persons Acting As Priests: Garments of Laid up in Holy Chambers Priests: Garments of Often Provided by the People Priests: Garments of Purified by Sprinkling of Blood Priests: Garments of The Bonnet Priests: Garments of The Coat or Tunic Priests: Garments of The Girdle Priests: Garments of The Linen Breeches Priests: Garments of Worn Always While Engaged in the Service of the Tabernacle Priests: Garments of Worn at Consecration Priests: Garments of Worn by the High Priest on the Day of Atonement Priests: Generally Participated in Punishment of the People Priests: Made of the Lowest of the People by Jeroboam and Others Priests: Might Purchase and Hold Other Lands in Possession Priests: No Blemished or Defective Persons Could be Consecrated Priests: On Special Occasions Persons not of Aaron's Family Acted As Priests: Punishment for Invading the office of Priests: Required to Prove Their Genealogy Before They Exercised The Priests: Required to Remain in the Tabernacle Seven Days After Priests: Required to Wash in the Brazen Laver Before They Performed Priests: Revenues of a Fixed Portion of the Spoil Taken in War Priests: Revenues of all Devoted Things Priests: Revenues of all Restitutions when the Owner Could not be Found Priests: Revenues of First of the Wool of Sheep Priests: Revenues of First-Born of Animals or Their Substitutes Priests: Revenues of First-Fruits Priests: Revenues of Part of all Sacrifices Priests: Revenues of Redemption-Money of the First-Born Priests: Revenues of Show-Bread After Its Removal Priests: Revenues of Tenth of the Tithes Paid to the Levites Priests: Sanctified by God for the office Priests: Services of Blessing the People Priests: Services of Blowing the Trumpets on Various Occasions Priests: Services of Burning Incense Priests: Services of Carrying the Ark Priests: Services of Covering the Sacred Things of the Sanctuary Before Removal Priests: Services of Deciding in Cases of Jealousy Priests: Services of Deciding in Cases of Leprosy Priests: Services of Encouraging the People when They Went to War Priests: Services of Judging in Cases of Controversy Priests: Services of Keeping the Charge of the Tabernacle Priests: Services of Keeping the Sacred Fire Always Burning on the Altar Priests: Services of Lighting and Trimming the Lamps of the Sanctuary Priests: Services of Offering First Fruits Priests: Services of Offering Sacrifices Priests: Services of Placing and Removing Show-Bread Priests: Services of Purifying the Unclean Priests: Services of Teaching the Law Priests: Services of Valuing Things Devoted Priests: Services of, Divided by Lot Priests: Services of, Ineffectual for Removing Sin Priests: Special Laws Respecting: All Bought and Home-Born Servants to Eat of Their Portion Priests: Special Laws Respecting: Children of, Married to Strangers, not to Eat of Their Priests: Special Laws Respecting: No Sojourner or Hired Servant to Eat of Their Portion Priests: Special Laws Respecting: Not to Defile Themselves by Eating What Died or Was Torn Priests: Special Laws Respecting: Not to Defile Themselves for the Dead Except the Nearest of Priests: Special Laws Respecting: Not to Drink Wine While Attending in the Tabernacle Priests: Special Laws Respecting: Not to Marry Divorced or Improper Persons Priests: Special Laws Respecting: Restitution to be Made To, by Persons Ignorantly Eating of Priests: Special Laws Respecting: While Unclean Could not Eat of the Holy Things Priests: Special Laws Respecting: While Unclean Could not Perform Any Service Priests: The Four Courses Which Returned from Babylon Subdivided Into Priests: The Sons of Aaron Appointed As, by Perpetual Statute Priests: Thirteen of the Levitical Cities Given To, for Residence Related Terms Meal-offering (120 Occurrences) Meat-offering (111 Occurrences) |
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