1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV)

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

As described in this scripture, all believers in Christ are called to fulfill priestly duties. But what does this entail?

In contrast to the Old Testament, where a priestly class interceded between God and people, the New Testament introduces a transformative concept: the priesthood of all believers. Now, through Christ’s victory on the cross, every Christian has direct access to God, a privilege once limited to Levitical priests.

Being a priest in the Christian sense isn’t about conducting religious rituals. Instead, it involves living a life of service and worship and representing God to the world. As priests, believers are called to bring others to God, sharing the Gospel and demonstrating God’s love and grace.

Hebrews 4:16 emphasizes the access we have under the new covenant: “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” This boldness in approaching God is a radical shift from the Old Testament practice and signifies our intimate relationship with God through Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:18-21 NKJV)

Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

The above scripture outlines our role in the ministry of reconciliation, indicating that Christians are ambassadors for Christ, tasked with reconciling the world to God. This ministry is at the heart of our priestly role – it’s not about religious ceremonies but about sharing the transformative power of the Gospel.

As part of our priestly duties, we have the responsibility and privilege to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others. This sharing is an extension of God’s grace and mercy and a vital aspect of our calling as a royal priesthood.

In summary, being called priests in the New Testament context means embracing a life of service, worship, and Gospel proclamation. It’s about being a bridge between God and the world, fulfilling our role in the great commission of reconciliation through Jesus Christ.