Some denominations have a clergy class of “priests,” and their adherents refer to them as father, monsignor, reverend and assorted other titles. In some cases, those of the clergy wear special clothes (“vestments”) while officiating in their religious services or in public with unique shirt collars to identify them as “men of the cloth.” The model draws from the example of the OT priesthood, which is connected to the Law of Moses. But is this a valid application of Scripture for the church today? We believe not.

First, the NT tells us that system is no longer necessary with the coming of Christ; there is no separate and holy class with special spiritual privilege and access to God. A study of the book of Hebrews makes this clear. Second, the NT never mentions a Christian clergy class. Certainly, the Gospel accounts refer to priests, but those are Jewish priests, not Christian ones. We never see the term used for a separate class of Christian believers. Third, the term is used for Christians but includes all true believers in Jesus Christ.

In the apostle Peter’s first letter (also called an epistle), he writes to the persecuted believers scattered around the eastern Mediterranean basin:

[Y]ou also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:5)

You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light… (1 Peter 2:9)

In fact, to the Christians in Corinth, whom the apostle Paul rebukes on several levels, he addresses them as “saints,” along with all who trust in Christ:

To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours … (1 Cor. 1:2)

So, if we are all priests and no one is set apart as being of a higher class than anyone else, what is our responsibility as priests? We cannot afford the luxury of sitting back and letting someone else do the work of being a priest. Nor can we take this priesthood with an attitude of arrogance and/or worldly privilege.

Eight sacrifices comprise the spiritual privilege, honor and responsibility of believer-priests. These can be seen in the following verses:

• Our bodies

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. (Rom. 12:1)

• Our prayer

When He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. (Rev. 5:8)

• Our praise

Through [Jesus] then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. (Heb. 13:15)

• Our penitence

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. (Ps. 51:17)

• Our gifts

I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. (Phil. 4:18)

• Our good deeds

And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. (Heb. 13:16)

• Our service (drawing on the OT priest’s drink offerings)

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. (2 Tim. 4:6)

• Our evangelism

[God made me ] to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God, so that my offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. (Rom. 15:16)