The Kingdom and Priests of God: A Biblical Perspective from Revelation 1:6

In the Bible, the phrase 'Kingdom of Priests' plays a critical role in understanding the divine calling and purpose of believers. This concept is intricately woven throughout the scriptures, particularly in the Book of Revelation and 1 Peter, highlighting the role of believers as both kings and priests unto God and His Father. Let's explore this together.

Understanding the Greek Phrase 'Kingdom of Priest'

The Greek phrase 'basileia ton hiereon' in Revelation 1:6 literally translates to 'Kingdom of Priests'. This phrase is not only a call to a privileged role in the faith but also a description of the path to true spiritual development and service. In contrast, 1 Peter 2:5-9 provides another perspective, emphasizing that believers are likened to 'lively stones' being built into a 'spiritual house' and a 'holy priesthood' to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

Believers as 'Proud Priests'

According to Revelation 1:6, God has made us 'kings and priests unto God and His Father'. This powerful statement comes with a solemn responsibility; it signifies that believers have been chosen and called out of darkness to a life of perfect righteousness and service. These believers are the 144,000 humans chosen by God to rule with Christ as kings and priests, in a vision of a new world order without human governments.

The Promise to God's Children: Revelation 1:6

The promise of Revelation 1:6 is clear: God has made His children, the faithful, kings and priests. This is not a call for earthly power but rather a call to serve God and His Father. The passage underscores the importance of following Jesus' teachings and living a life marked by love, sacrifice, and service.

A Holistic Biblical Context: Revelation 1:4-7

To fully understand this calling, we must examine the broader context provided in Revelation 1:4-7. Here, the apostle John is addressing the seven churches in Asia, calling them to be witnesses of Christ and testifying to the truths of His word. The passage opens with an introduction to the revelation's origins and purpose:

Revelation 1:4 ... The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John.

John is described as a faithful witness who provides the testimony of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the authenticity and clarity of the revelation. This divine calling is further defined in verse 5, where John receives blessings and instructions from God and Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.

The purpose of this calling is to serve as a kingdom and priests to God and His Father, offering spiritual sacrifices and bearing witness to the truth. This role is significant and eternal, as the last line of verse 6 affirms: “to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.”

The Vision of Christ in Revelation 1:12-18

Further insight into this calling is provided through a vivid vision of Christ in Revelation 1:12-18. John describes a scene where Christ, dressed in a robe and a sash, stands with seven golden lampstands. This vision is rich with symbolism, representing the light of revelation and the power of Christ in the midst of the churches.

Revelation 1:13 ... and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest.

The description of Christ with a golden sash around His chest symbolizes the authority and judgment that comes with the role of both king and priest. This vision is significant because it aligns with the call to serve as a kingdom and priests, reinforcing the divine nature of this calling and the eternal nature of Christ's power and authority.

Concluding Thoughts

The calling of believers as kings and priests unto God and His Father is a lifelong journey of faith, marked by the light of Christ and the authority to serve and witness. It is a call that transforms the individual and contributes to the greater purpose of serving God and bringing glory to His name. The vision of Christ in Revelation 1:12-18, with its symbolic representation of light and authority, underscores the importance of this divine calling and the eternal significance it holds for those who follow.

May this journey of faith be a source of inspiration and a guiding light for all who seek to serve God and His Father.