2006-10-19 09:18:58 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It identifies the church as spiritual Israel. The same phrase was used of physical Israel in Exoduls 19. After the rejection of Christ, Israel divorced itself from God by putting Jesus to death. This is not to say that all Israel left God. The early church was entirely Jewish. However, Jesus broke down the middle wall of separation between Jew and Gentile, making of the two, one man with Christ as the head. Thus, all the promises delivered to OT physical Israel were transferred to NT spiritual Israel because of the faithfulness of Jesus.
When the NT writers speak of Israel, especially in Bible prophecy, they are referring to Spiritual Israel, the church, not physical Israel.
2006-10-19 11:34:51 · answer #1 · answered by 19jay63 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; This priesthood has not to do with the body of Christ (the church) that are believer in what the Lord Jesus Christ did on the cross. He died for all that would believe He died for them. This is the royal priesthood that will be on the earth when the Lord Jesus Christ returns to rule on the earth. When you see a "holy nation" this is talking about the Nation of Israel not the church today. God promised the Nation of Israel that they would be a nation of priest and Peter is addressing that nation. Exodus 19: 6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
2006-10-19 09:40:35 · answer #2 · answered by Ray W 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The priesthood is the authority to act in God's name. It comes with a sacred responsibilty to perform certain duties and serve others.
At different times in history, the priesthood was given to different people, It was absolutely held by all Prohets and Apostles, Jesus Christ himself (as Peter discusses) Aaron, members of the tribe of Levi, and many worthy guys today.
best wishes
2006-10-19 09:34:07 · answer #3 · answered by daisyk 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The priesthood of all believers is the ability of man, thanks to Jesus and his divine humanity, to pray directly to God, just as the old testament priesthood used to do, for the people.
There is one reservation worth noting, however:
The sacramental and sacrificial role of the priesthood is still reserved only for those who have been specfically consecrated for that purpose, by both God and his universal church.
That's why Peter, the other apostles, and those they specifically authorized (ordained) were the only ones who could lead the Lord's Supper, what Catholics commonly refer to as "the Mass".
2006-10-19 10:05:37 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the use of the term "royal priesthood" is figurative. he is referring to the fact the believers are set apart from the world. Jus as the tribe of Levis was separate from the others tribes we to as believers are different. We are special because of the holy spirit apon us.
It also has another meaning specifically dealing with the holy spirit. Because of the holy spirit we can now talk to God the Father. the Holy Spirit has bridged the gap of our sin from keeping our relationship with the Father torn. We can now trully worship our God through our lives through the Holy Spirit.
It says in Isaiah that all of our works were like filthy rags. We know that by the holy spirit covering us we can now complete works to the glory of the Lord. So now what ever we do is to the worship of the Lord. Just as priest worship, we worship the Lord through our daily lives.
2006-10-19 09:34:12 · answer #5 · answered by Colt_is_here 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It refers to those of the annointed class of Christians mentioned in Rev 7:4-8 and Rev 14 :1-5 hope this helps you Gorbalizer
2006-10-19 09:24:34 · answer #6 · answered by gorbalizer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means all Christian, whether young or old, male or female, smart or not, have things to do within His kingdom. While some may be specially ordained priests or deacons, everyone has a duty/privilege to use their talents to help and/or teach others.
2006-10-19 09:24:40 · answer #7 · answered by Sir Ed 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Priests operate from love, Kings from wisdom. Real priests try to help God change people's hearts to be hearts of flesh instead of hearts of stone. Only the Lord can do this and give someone to be reborn of the heart.
2006-10-19 09:20:53 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The body of Christ.
2006-10-19 09:20:31 · answer #9 · answered by Preacher 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋