A Royal Priesthood Declaring the Excellencies of God 1 Peter 2:4-10

What comes to your mind when you hear the word “priests”? In the popular imagination, the word “priests” often evokes ordained leadership or clergy, a special class of people who are different from and above the common believer. They lead congregations in celebration of the Lord’s Supper, preach the Word of God, baptize, and perform other special duties. However, in the New Testament, all people in the church are “priests.” For example, in 1 Peter 2:4-10, the Apostle Peter identifies all Christian believers as a “holy priesthood” and a “chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for [God’s] own possession.” As such, all Christians have direct access to God the Father through union with Jesus Christ and are commissioned to declare his praises in the world. This Sunday, we will survey the scriptures from Genesis to Revelation to (1) show that this is what God has always intended for his people; and (2) tease out what it means for the ministry of Christ Presbyterian Church.