If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, then you are a believer-priest. That’s amazing! What?? Let me explain. In the New Testament (NT), there is no special clergy class that is holier than the rest of us, a cut above the rank and file “laity.” We all can go directly to God through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and be abundantly welcomed by the Creator of the Universe, the author of our faith and salvation (1 Tim. 2:5-6, Heb. 2:10, 12:2). If we can go directly to God the Father through Jesus Christ the Son, why would we need any earthly priest, pastor, so-called “saint,” or the earthly mother of Jesus to intercede for us? Pastors preach, spiritual teachers teach, but every believer is set apart and assigned by God for a special purpose—this makes us all holy to the Lord—none are more important than the others (read 1 Corinthians 12).

So, then, in what sense are we all believer-priests? It may seem strange to some, but the Bible is clear that all believers are part of the new priesthood (as distinguished from the Old Testament priesthood). Peter was adamant about this when he wrote to the scattered Christians:

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

But you are … a royal priesthood … that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9

What do we do as believer priests? It’s not about wearing special robes, standing in the pulpit, or officiating at baptisms, weddings, or funerals. The primary function of a priest, if we draw upon the symbolism of the OT Jewish priesthood, is to make sacrifices and offerings to the Lord. Here is what the Bible says about the NT believer-priest sacrifices. We are to offer:

1. Our bodies

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. (Romans 12:1)

2. Our evangelism

[God made me] a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles with the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:16)

3. Our gifts

I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. (Philippians 4:18)

4. Our praise

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name. (Hebrews 13:15, see also 1 Peter 2:9)

5. Our good deeds

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. (Hebrews 13:16)

6. Our service

I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. (2 Timothy 4:6)

7. Our prayer

And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. (Revelation 5:8)

Lord, I don’t want to live my life devoid of sacrifice, which leads to a hollow and unsatisfying life without purpose or joy. Help me grow as an active, functioning believer-priest, sacrificing my life for You. I begin by praising You for appointing me as a priest for You!