When Will Believers Function as Priests?
We already are priests spiritually now, and we will fully function as priests in the future Kingdom of Christ on earth.
1. Present — Spiritual Priesthood (Now)
•Today, every believer is called to live as a spiritual priest before God:
•Offering spiritual sacrifices: worship, prayer, thanksgiving, service (Romans 12:1; Hebrews 13:15–16).
•Approaching God directly through Jesus Christ without an earthly mediator (Hebrews 4:16).
Scriptures:
•“You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:5)
•“He has made us a kingdom, priests to His God and Father…” (Revelation 1:6)
Today’s Role:
•Worshiping, praying, serving, representing man to God.
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2. Future — Priestly Reign in the Millennial Kingdom
•In the Millennium, believers will not only reign with Christ as kings, but will also serve Him as priests in a fuller, visible sense.
•This will involve worship, service, teaching the knowledge of God to the nations, and ministering in glorified, resurrected bodies.
Scriptures:
•“You have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5:10)
•“Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.” (Revelation 20:6)
Future Role:
•In the Kingdom, believers will serve God directly and help administer His righteous reign on the earth.