Topical Bible: Priests: Saints

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 19:6
And 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
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
... Our second point, upon which I shall be very brief, is, "He hath made us kings and
PRIESTS." Saints are not only kings, but priests. ... All saints are priests. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the kingly priesthood of the.htm

The Kingdom Given to the Saints at the Resurrection of the Just.
... All the saints being thus exalted to kingly and priestly dignity, symbolizes the
exalted ... to ancient Israel: "Ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the kingdom given to the.htm

The Resurrection of the Sleeping Saints.
... And it must be so, because also the saints will have done their account, and be
set upon the throne with Christ as kings and priests with Him to judge the world ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/2 the resurrection of the.htm

The Charge of the Pilgrim Priests
... is next"His great word of salvation, once delivered unto the saints, and to ... So, think
of yourselves as the priests of God, journeying through the wilderness ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the charge of the pilgrim.htm

He Fortifies his Opinions with Regard to the Temporal and Earthly ...
... and the greatness of those under the heaven, is given to the saints of the ... them exult,
and will magnify them, and satiate the souls of the priests the sons of ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxxiv he fortifies his opinions.htm

Hymns on the Nativity. Hymn i. This is the Day that Gladdened Them ...
... This is the day that gladdened them, the Prophets, Kings, and Priests, for in it ...
Noah saw the sons of God, saints that sudden waxed wanton, and the Holy Son he ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymns on the nativity hymn.htm

Departed Saints Fellow Servants with those yet on Earth.
... If glorified saints are used to carry God's messages, or sent to do his business ...
people, and nation; and hast made us unto our God, kings and priests: And we ...
/.../sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxvii departed saints fellow.htm

Perseverance of Saints.
... To this objection I:reply: that by the perseverance of the saints, as I use ... Many
were the priests and devotees of the groves and high places, and multitudes of ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture li perseverance of saints.htm

The First Commandment --On the Honor and Invocation of Saints
... as the learned; for if they cannot read they can listen to its priests, watch its ...
Again Catholics are accused of superstition for keeping the relics of saints. ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 31 the first commandmenton.htm

There have Come to Me Ransomers from among the Saints, but None ...
... 1. There have come to me ransomers from among the saints, but none has ... Priests and
pontiffs, anointed men and kings, who foreshow types of the rising of the ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn xxxix there have come.htm

Resources

What were the chief priests? | GotQuestions.org

What is the difference between priests and Levites? | GotQuestions.org

Does the Bible teach the celibacy of priests? | GotQuestions.org

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