Every Christian a Priest: Embracing Our Divine Access
Summary
In our gathering today, we explored the profound Reformation teaching of "every Christian a priest," also known as the "priesthood of all believers." This concept, deeply rooted in Scripture, emphasizes that every believer in Jesus Christ is called to be a priest, with direct access to God through Christ. We began by examining the biblical foundation of this teaching, tracing its roots from the Old Testament in Exodus and Isaiah to the New Testament in 1 Peter and Revelation. These passages affirm that all believers are part of a royal priesthood, called to proclaim the excellencies of God.
We then delved into the significance of having one mediator, Jesus Christ, as opposed to the multiplied mediators established by the medieval church. The church had created barriers, or "walls," that separated clergy from laity, claiming exclusive rights to interpret Scripture and administer sacraments. Martin Luther challenged these practices, asserting that all Christians share in the spiritual estate and have equal access to God. He argued against the sacramental system that withheld the cup from ordinary believers and emphasized that true faith, not clerical mediation, is the basis for forgiveness and salvation.
Finally, we considered the practical implications of this teaching for our lives today. The direct access to God through Jesus Christ empowers us to live boldly as His representatives in the world. This means confronting sin, standing for righteousness, and serving as ministers of reconciliation in our workplaces, schools, and communities. The call to be a priest is not limited to church leaders but extends to every believer, encouraging us to engage deeply with Scripture and prayer, and to live out our faith in all areas of life.
Key Takeaways:
- The concept of "every Christian a priest" is biblically grounded, emphasizing that all believers are part of a royal priesthood with direct access to God. This teaching challenges the notion of a spiritual hierarchy and affirms the equal standing of all Christians before God. [04:28]
- Jesus Christ is the sole mediator between God and humanity, a truth that liberates believers from the need for clerical intermediaries. This direct access to God through Christ is foundational for our assurance of forgiveness and our identity in Him. [08:40]
- The Reformation's challenge to the medieval church's sacramental system highlights the importance of faith over ritual. True faith in Jesus Christ, not adherence to church-imposed mediators, is what justifies and sanctifies believers. [22:44]
- The priesthood of all believers calls us to live out our faith actively in the world, confronting sin and serving as ministers of reconciliation. This involves being bold in our witness and living with integrity in our various vocations. [36:18]
- Engaging deeply with Scripture and prayer is essential for all believers, not just church leaders. This spiritual discipline equips us to fulfill our priestly role, impacting our communities and workplaces with the gospel of Jesus Christ. [34:16]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:14] - Opening Prayer
- [00:33] - Introduction to Reformation Teachings
- [00:56] - Every Christian a Priest
- [01:22] - Biblical Foundations
- [02:31] - Old Testament References
- [03:17] - New Testament Affirmations
- [04:28] - Jesus as the Final High Priest
- [05:13] - Hebrews on Christ's Priesthood
- [06:49] - One Mediator: Jesus Christ
- [09:04] - Luther's Challenge to Church Practices
- [10:31] - The Three Walls of the Church
- [12:38] - Luther on Spiritual Equality
- [19:39] - The Babylonian Captivity of the Church
- [23:20] - Direct Access to God
- [27:02] - Implications for Christian Ministry
- [34:16] - Engaging with Scripture and Prayer
- [36:18] - Living as Ministers of Reconciliation
- [40:08] - Encouragement for All Believers
- [42:39] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Exodus 19:6
2. 1 Peter 2:9
3. 1 Timothy 2:5
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Exodus 19:6, what role were the Israelites called to fulfill, and how does this relate to the concept of "every Christian a priest"?
2. In 1 Peter 2:9, what are the characteristics of the believers mentioned, and what purpose are they called to serve?
3. How does 1 Timothy 2:5 emphasize the uniqueness of Jesus Christ's role in the relationship between God and humanity? [08:40]
4. What were the three "walls" that Martin Luther identified as abuses in the medieval church, and how did they affect the laity's access to God? [10:31]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of "every Christian a priest" challenge the traditional view of spiritual hierarchy within the church? [12:38]
2. What implications does the belief in Jesus as the sole mediator have for the practice of confession and forgiveness in the church today? [23:40]
3. How might the Reformation's emphasis on direct access to God through Christ influence a believer's personal spiritual practices, such as prayer and Bible study? [34:16]
4. In what ways does the teaching of the priesthood of all believers encourage Christians to engage with their communities and workplaces? [36:18]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current understanding of your role as a "priest" in your daily life. How can you actively live out this calling in your workplace or community? [36:18]
2. Consider the barriers that might prevent you from accessing God directly. What steps can you take to overcome these barriers and deepen your relationship with Him? [23:40]
3. How can you confront sin and stand for righteousness in your daily interactions without coming across as judgmental or self-righteous? [35:19]
4. Identify one area in your life where you can serve as a minister of reconciliation. What practical steps can you take to promote peace and understanding in that area? [36:40]
5. How can you encourage others in your church or small group to embrace their role as part of the royal priesthood? What specific actions can you take to support them in this journey? [40:08]
6. Reflect on a recent situation where you relied on someone else to interpret Scripture for you. How can you take more initiative in studying and understanding the Bible for yourself? [30:41]
7. Think about a time when you felt hesitant to share your faith. What can you do to gain more confidence in being a bold witness for Christ in your everyday life? [39:32]
Devotional
Day 1: The Royal Priesthood of Believers
The concept of "every Christian a priest" is a transformative teaching that emphasizes the spiritual equality of all believers. This idea, rooted in Scripture, challenges the traditional hierarchy that separates clergy from laity. Instead, it affirms that all Christians are part of a royal priesthood with direct access to God. This teaching liberates believers from the notion that they need intermediaries to connect with God, highlighting the personal relationship each person can have with the Divine. By understanding this, believers are encouraged to embrace their identity as priests, called to proclaim the excellencies of God and live out their faith boldly. [04:28]
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
Reflection: In what ways can you embrace your role as part of the royal priesthood in your daily life, and how can this understanding change the way you approach your relationship with God?
Day 2: Jesus Christ, Our Sole Mediator
The Reformation teaching that Jesus Christ is the sole mediator between God and humanity is a cornerstone of Christian faith. This truth liberates believers from the need for clerical intermediaries, emphasizing that through Christ, they have direct access to God. This direct access is foundational for the assurance of forgiveness and the believer's identity in Christ. By recognizing Jesus as the final high priest, believers can approach God with confidence, knowing that their relationship with Him is not dependent on human mediation but on the finished work of Christ. [08:40]
1 Timothy 2:5-6 (ESV): "For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time."
Reflection: How does understanding Jesus as your sole mediator change the way you pray and seek forgiveness? What steps can you take to deepen your personal relationship with Him today?
Day 3: Faith Over Ritual
The Reformation's challenge to the medieval church's sacramental system underscores the importance of faith over ritual. Martin Luther argued that true faith in Jesus Christ, not adherence to church-imposed mediators, is what justifies and sanctifies believers. This teaching encourages Christians to focus on their personal faith journey rather than relying solely on rituals or traditions. By prioritizing faith, believers can experience a more authentic and transformative relationship with God, grounded in the assurance of His grace and love. [22:44]
Galatians 2:16 (ESV): "Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified."
Reflection: Are there any rituals or traditions in your life that have overshadowed your personal faith? How can you refocus on your relationship with Jesus and the assurance of His grace?
Day 4: Living as Ministers of Reconciliation
The priesthood of all believers calls Christians to actively live out their faith in the world. This involves confronting sin, standing for righteousness, and serving as ministers of reconciliation in various spheres of life. By embracing this calling, believers are empowered to be bold witnesses of the gospel, living with integrity and purpose in their workplaces, schools, and communities. This active engagement with the world reflects the transformative power of the gospel and the believer's commitment to being Christ's representative on earth. [36:18]
2 Corinthians 5:18-20 (ESV): "All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us."
Reflection: In what specific ways can you serve as a minister of reconciliation in your community? How can you be a bold witness of the gospel in your daily interactions?
Day 5: Engaging Deeply with Scripture and Prayer
Engaging deeply with Scripture and prayer is essential for all believers, not just church leaders. This spiritual discipline equips Christians to fulfill their priestly role, impacting their communities and workplaces with the gospel of Jesus Christ. By immersing themselves in God's Word and maintaining a vibrant prayer life, believers can grow in their understanding of God's will and be empowered to live out their faith authentically. This commitment to spiritual growth fosters a deeper relationship with God and a greater impact on the world around them. [34:16]
Colossians 3:16 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
Reflection: How can you create a consistent routine for engaging with Scripture and prayer? What changes can you make in your daily schedule to prioritize your spiritual growth and deepen your relationship with God?
Quotes
If you are a believer of the Lord Jesus Christ, then the Bible says you are actually called to be a priest, every Christian a priest. And so as we think about it, let's also look at the Lord Jesus Christ. There is one passage in Psalm 110 verses 1 through 4. [00:04:21]
The former priests were many in number because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. [00:05:46]
Jesus Christ is the one mediator between God and men. Sadly, the medieval church, this material Western church, had multiplied mediators between God and human beings. And that is also not surprising if you think about the fact that fallen sinners, they love to have power over people. [00:08:54]
Luther attacked three abuses of the Roman material church, and he called them the three walls. The first abuse, the first wall, was the class distinction between full-time Christian workers, priests, pastors, missionaries, versus ordinary Christians. That was the first wall, the first abuse. [00:10:28]
All Christians are truly of the Spiritualist state, and there is no difference among them, save of office alone, as St. Paul says in First Corinthians, we are all one body, though each member does its own work to serve the others. This is because we have one baptism, one gospel, one faith. [00:13:07]
You don't need to have a professional priest. You don't need to have a Catholic priest for you to be absolved from your sins if you have direct access to God through Jesus Christ. As we just read in First Timothy chapter 2, then you can come with your sins directly to Jesus Christ. [00:23:26]
If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, if you have confessed your very sins to Almighty holy God and you believe in Jesus Christ, you believe that he is indeed a son of God, that he died for your sins and he is risen from the dead, if he is your Lord, your sins are forgiven. [00:25:18]
The point is Jesus Christ has called every believer, in a sense, to be a priest. And so we shouldn't just have specialists for the word and for prayer. And again, please do not misunderstand me. I am absolutely for a good excellent seminary training. [00:29:34]
Every Christian a priest. I believe if we take that more seriously, this notion of every Christian a priest, if you go deep with the Word of God and prayer and understand that's absolutely true and relevant in daily life, I believe that we will see more Christians in the business world. [00:34:29]
Every Christian a priest in the workplace. You speak up and you say this is wrong, it's sin. You stand up for righteousness. You work with excellence at the workplace or you are an excellent student in school to the glory of God. That's another way of how you actually are a priest. [00:35:36]
When Luther says every Christian a priest at the workplace, in school, wherever you are, you have a kingdom-minded focus and you minister and you serve. That's how you are a priest, every Christian a priest. And I've talked about the fact that this direct access to God through Jesus Christ. [00:37:28]
May be as a husband, may be as a father, may be as a mother, may be as a teacher, no matter where he has placed you, he has called you to, by God's grace, be a priest so that the Lord Jesus Christ is glorified but also that people hear this message, the gospel, this message of reconciliation. [00:41:20]
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