9 Profound Characteristics of a Royal Priesthood

This post is all about the characteristics of a royal priesthood

Friends, I’ve written a lot about altars, and today, I want to take it a notch higher.❤️I’ll talk about the characteristics of a royal priesthood in the Bible. I’m so humbled that God would bestow upon me the grace to study this topic and fully yield to His call.

The Holy Spirit started leading me to study this in December 2023, when I journeyed through seven days of consecration. Friends, during this season, scales fell off my eyes! I awakened to a different revelation that absolutely floored me. I will reserve a lot of the details until the Lord releases me to share. However, I can say that I asked myself, “Why am I just finding out the importance now?”

P.S. This is a beginner-friendly post, and I hope to add more posts to this revelation.

Ready? Let’s go!

Priesthood has been overlooked!

Let’s start with 1 Peter 2:9…a verse that people know by heart. It describes believers as a “chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people.” This imagery is not only rich but packed with theological significance, drawing connections from the Old Testament and projecting a vision for the church’s identity and mission.

Another related verse is Revelation 5:10, which states,  “And you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”

But can I be honest? In today’s world, the essence of priesthood within the church has often been overlooked. While many proclaim their identities as a “chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people.”… truly embodying these roles is a different journey altogether. I repeat, it’s one thing to proclaim it, and it’s a totally different thing to embody the role!

Friends, we need to understand that embracing these truths (of being a royal priesthood) at the core of our being can transform not only how we see ourselves but also how we act in the world.

If we revisit and cherish the concept of the “priesthood of all believers,” we will be on a path to more fervent prayer, consistent offering of spiritual sacrifices, and a deeper appreciation of our exceptional place in Christ. This rediscovery invites us into a profound, lived experience of our faith, where our actions resonate with the sacred identity we hold.

Dangers of a lack of priesthood in a home!

In the absence of a godly priesthood within the family, there is a significant spiritual vacuum that evil forces can exploit. [Please pause and re-read that]

Let’s continue…

When there is no godly priesthood, evil altars can run amuck in the family lineage. Why? Because evil altars naturally enforce evil covenants, therefore causing a continuous pattern of bondage!

This influence of evil covenants and altars is not merely passive; it actively seeks to perpetuate cycles of bondage that can manifest as generational curses, recurring sinful patterns, emotional and physical afflictions, and a general state of spiritual oppression.

The presence of a godly priesthood within the family serves as a powerful countermeasure to these forces. Just as priests in the Bible stood in the gap between God and His people, offering sacrifices and interceding on their behalf, so too can individuals today assume a priestly role within their families. This involves dedicating the family and home to God, leading in prayer and worship, renouncing and breaking ties with any known evil altars or covenants, and establishing a spiritual atmosphere where God’s presence is welcomed and revered.

By taking up this position, parents and guardians can significantly alter the spiritual trajectory of their families. (Think of Gideon). They become conduits of God’s grace, protection, and deliverance, effectively dismantling the enemy’s strongholds and nullifying the effects of evil covenants. It is through the consistent application of prayer, the word of God, and the power of the Holy Spirit that these patterns of bondage are broken, paving the way for a legacy of freedom, blessing, and godliness.

Therefore, the importance of establishing a godly priesthood within the family cannot be overstated. It is a crucial defense mechanism against the schemes of the enemy and a foundational principle for building a spiritually healthy and resilient family.

Adam- the Inaugural High Priest (Subdue!)

In the very beginning, Adam was not only the first man but also appointed as the inaugural High Priest within the sacred precincts of Eden, which functioned as a divine Garden Temple [This article by a Judaic Studies Professional explains this in detail. The article is titled, “The Garden of Eden as God’s First Sanctuary.”]

Moreover, Adam was charged with the guardianship of Eden, a task denoted by the Hebrew word “shamar.” This role positioned Adam as a custodian of divine order, tasked with subduing creation in accordance with God’s directive, as outlined in Genesis 1:26–28.

However, the narrative took a tragic turn with the events that unfolded in the Garden of Eden, marking a departure from this divine calling and introducing sin and separation from God into the human story. Yet, it is within this narrative of fall and failure that the redemptive work of Jesus Christ shines brightest.✨

Jesus, the Ultimate High Priest, embarked on a mission of restoration and redemption. In stark contrast to Adam, Jesus perfectly fulfilled His priestly duties, culminating in His sacrifice on the cross. This act was not just any offering but the perfect and final sacrifice.

The beauty of this redemption is that it extends an invitation to all who receive God’s mercy, acknowledge their forgiveness, and are made anew. In this era of the new priesthood, the traditional temple and its associated rituals have been done away with by a spiritual service dedicated to both God and humanity.

Subdue as a Royal Priest!

Dear friends, now that you understand the role of “subdue,”…we need to grasp the profound impact that fully embracing our identity as a “royal priesthood” can have on our lives. This understanding goes far beyond merely altering our self-perception; it revolutionizes the way we engage with the world around us.

When we internalize this truth at the very core of our being, we unlock a transformative power that affects not just personal success but leads to genuine transformation in every sphere we touch.🤯

Here are a few examples of spheres where royal priests can dominate- all to the glory of God!:

• Marketplace Royal Priests: As “royal priests” in the marketplace, their role transcends typical transactions and business dealings. They are positioned to influence change at a foundational level, including the alteration of laws and the shaping of industry standards. Their presence and actions can sow seeds of justice, integrity, and ethical practices in the business world, reflecting the kingdom of God in every deal they make and every relationship they build.
• Educational Royal Priests: The influence of a “royal priesthood” doesn’t stop in the marketplace. In education, royal priests have the opportunity to mold minds with wisdom and knowledge that go beyond textbooks, instilling values that champion godly character alongside academic achievement.
• Arts and Other Royal Priests In arts and culture, they can be pioneers of creativity that uplifts, challenges, and inspires society towards higher ideals. In the realm of social services, their compassionate actions can bring healing and hope to the broken-hearted, embodying the very essence of Christ’s love for humanity.

In every area of life, the calling of a “royal priesthood” is to succeed not just in worldly terms but to transform—turning every domain they enter into a reflection of God’s kingdom. 🔥 [Praise Break!!! 💃🏾 💃🏾 💃🏾]

🌸Brethren, this is not about achieving personal acclaim but about fostering environments where justice, peace, and righteousness flourish.

🌸We are called not only to succeed but to transform, leaving a lasting legacy that glorifies God and brings His kingdom to earth.

1. Understanding Priesthood is Connected to Altars

The concept that the priesthood is intrinsically tied to altars is pivotal in understanding our role as as a royal priesthood. In the Old Testament, altars were places of sacrifice, worship, and encounter with God. Romans 12:1 urges believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, reflecting our personal and collective altars of worship and service.

2. Keeping the Fire at the Altar Burning

In Leviticus 6:12-13, the LORD commands that the fire on the altar must be kept burning; it must not go out. This directive in the Old Testament symbolizes the perpetual devotion and worship required by God’s people.

In the New Testament, this physical fire translates to the fire of the Holy Spirit within us. Our spiritual altar’s fire represents our passion, zeal, and commitment to serving God. It’s about continual prayer, worship, and the reading of His Word, ensuring our hearts remain ablaze with love and devotion to God.

Just as the priests were charged with keeping the physical fire burning, we are called to keep the spiritual fire alive in our hearts, fueling our ministry and witness to the world.

3. Understanding the Existence of Both Evil and Godly Priesthoods

The existence of both evil and godly priesthoods serves as a stark reminder of the spiritual battle that rages around us. Scripture reveals the reality of entities consecrated to evil altars, as seen in narratives like that of the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18. Elijah’s confrontation on Mount Carmel underscores the power and victory that come from true consecration to the God of Israel.

This contrast invites a sobering reflection on the nature of our spiritual engagement. Can we, like Elijah, stand firm and victorious in God’s power before those consecrated to evil, drawing upon the authority given to us in Christ? It emphasizes the importance of our consecration and dedication to God, ensuring that we are equipped and empowered to face spiritual challenges with boldness and faith.

4. Purity

Purity is foundational in the life of those called into the royal priesthood. In Zechariah 3:1-4, Joshua, the high priest, stands before the Angel of the LORD in filthy garments, symbolizing sin and impurity.

The LORD commands those garments to be removed, representing the purification process essential for serving in His presence. Similarly, Christians are cleansed through Christ’s sacrifice, enabling us to serve in holiness and purity.

Now, here’s the thing about purity: please don’t take God’s grace as a license to be stubborn to sin!

5. After God’s Own Heart

In Acts 13:22, David is described as a man after God’s own heart. Friends, this is indeed a hallmark of a royal priest. It signifies a deep yearning and a steadfast pursuit of aligning one’s will with God’s will.

David’s life, despite its ups and downs, reflects a man who sought God passionately. This characteristic challenges us to cultivate a heart that desires God above all else.

Note: Please read my other post on the Ephod. King David wore an Ephod reserved for priests only, and he didn’t die as per the penalty of the Mosaic law! Talk about the priesthood! David was eons ahead of his time!

6. Repentance

Repentance is not a one-time act but a continual posture of the heart toward God. It acknowledges human fallibility and God’s grace in forgiveness. Luke 15:7 rejoices over one sinner who repents. True repentance leads to transformation and restoration, essential qualities for those called to the royal priesthood.

7. Christ is Your Righteousness

In the royal priesthood, our righteousness is not our own but is found in Christ Jesus. 2 Corinthians 5:21 explains that God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. Our identity and ability to serve effectively in the priesthood are based on His righteousness, not our merit.

Note: I’ve covered this in my post, “Put on Christ.”

8. Consecration

Consecration involves setting oneself apart for God’s service, exemplified by Aaron and his sons, who were consecrated as priests in Exodus 29. This process includes purification, sanctification, and dedication to God’s work. For believers, consecration is a daily decision to live a life that is holy and pleasing to God, committing every aspect of our lives to His service.

9. Intercession

Intercession, different from being a prayer warrior, involves standing in the gap on behalf of others and pleading with God for mercy, grace, and intervention. Jesus, our ultimate High Priest, continuously intercedes for us at the right hand of the Father (Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25). Likewise, as royal priests, we are called to intercede for the world, presenting the needs of humanity before God’s throne with compassion and empathy.

Disclaimer!!!⚠️ I want to clarify a fundamental principle because people can easily misconstrue this point on intercession (LOL, I thought of everything thanks to the Holy Spirit!)

While we, as royal priests, are indeed called to stand in the gap and intercede on behalf of others, this in no way diminishes or replaces the singular and unparalleled mediation of Jesus Christ.❤️ Scripture is clear: “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5).

As royal priests, our role in intercession, therefore, is not about assuming a mediatory position of Jesus but about joining in Jesus’ heart and work for the world (hooray, hands and feet of Jesus!). As we intercede, we do so in Jesus’ name, under His authority, and through the power of the Holy Spirit.

By understanding our place in this divine framework, we ensure that our practice of intercession remains anchored in the truth of Christ’s unique and eternal priesthood. We honor Him as our only mediator, even as we participate in the priestly privilege of intercession, channeling God’s love and mercy to a world in need.