Kings and Priests

Through the grace of God, what is to be our future role as saints in the Kingdom?

In recent years, I’ve heard some confusion among us about the royalty aspect of the saints’ roles in the Kingdom of God. Humble souls feel they are more comfortable performing a priestly role but not that of being rulers with authority. There are phrases in the Bible that include “a kingdom of priests ” and “kings and priests.” What, then, is to be understood about our future role through the grace of God?

Let’s start with the longstanding teaching of our community. Our Statement of Faith says:

That the governing body of the Kingdom so established will be the brethren of Christ, of all generations, developed by resurrection and change, and constituting, with Christ as their head, the collective “Seed of Abraham,” in whom all nations will be blessed, and comprising “Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets,” and all in their age of like faithfulness.

That the unfaithful will be consigned to shame and “the second death,” and the faithful, invested with immortality, and exalted to reign with Jesus as joint heirs of the Kingdom, co-possessors of the earth, and joint administrators of God’s authority among men in everything.

So, let’s explore the Scriptures to see if we can understand the idea of “kings and priests” versus “a kingdom of priests.”

A Kingdom of Priests

Let’s begin at the time of Moses. Israel had been called out of Egypt and required a new identity, one that connected them with Yahweh and His commandments. Following these commands provided a way to live as a secular nation, and the law taught holiness and God’s righteousness. By keeping the Law, Israel could differentiate itself among the nations. What nation had laws so just and pure? (Deuteronomy 4:8). God made the high calling of the nation clear to Moses.

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. (Exodus 19:6).

This was always the standard for God’s people. Wherever they went, whatever foes they faced, they were to be God’s holy people, representatives of His righteousness to a world that could not discern their right hand from their left.

Later, Isaiah spoke of the latter-day restoration of God’s people. Israel would be exalted, but they would finally realize their spiritual leadership to the mortal nations.

And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations. And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers. But ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves. (Isaiah 61:4-6).

Zechariah spoke of the Kingdom of God and this elevated role of Israel to the nations.

Thus saith the Lord of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you. (Zechariah 8:23).

One of the defining doctrines we share as a faith community is the restoration of mortal Israel and its role in the Kingdom age. The center of the Kingdom will be Jerusalem, the throne of the King. The twelve apostles will be ruling over the twelve tribes (Matthew 19:27-28). The “word of the LORD ” will go from Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:3). Israel will become the mortal example of what the nations can aspire to. People will want to learn from them because they know that God is with them. The Kingdom Age will feature mortal Israel, fulfilling the role of a “kingdom of priests” and living as a holy people, the way God had always planned.

It is remarkable to think about this restoration in terms of what it will mean for both Israel and the Gentile nations. Israel’s history is stained by failures to live up to its calling. In modern times, Israel has primarily a secular existence. Its trust is in iron domes and military strategy. After great tribulation, Israel will be Divinely transformed into global spiritual leadership. Soon, antisemitism will be replaced with admiration and honor, as Israel models for all nations what a holy life looks like.

The Role of the King Priests

We’ve discussed the role of mortal Israel in the Kingdom. They will be a “kingdom of priests” to model God’s righteousness to the nations, just as God declared to Moses. However, the role of the immortalized saints differs from that of mortal Israel, though both serve the same King and purpose.

Modern translations of a few passages about the role of the saints in the Kingdom age have created some confusion. Look at the diversity of interpretations by translators for Revelation 1:6.

• And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (KJV).
• And made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father. (ESV).
• And He made us into a kingdom, priests to His God and Father. (NASB).
• And has appointed us as a kingdom, as priests serving his God and Father. (NET).
• And has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father. (NIV).
• And has made us kings and priests to His God and Father. (NKJV).
• He has made us a Kingdom of priests for God his Father. (NLT).

Translational differences continue as we move further into the Revelation. In Revelation 5:10, we see some translations that continue to refer to the saints as a “kingdom of priests.” Note that in each of these translations, there is also a clear declaration of this group “reigning” on the earth.

When we move forward to the Kingdom age in Revelation 20, after the dragon, old serpent, the Devil, and Satan have been cast into the bottomless pit, we see additional information on the priesthood’s span and the saints’ rulership.

Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. (Revelation 20:6).

Melchizedek and the Royal Priesthood

The dual role of priests and royalty comes together in the priesthood and kingship of our Lord.

For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life. For it is witnessed of him, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews 7:13-17 ESV).

The priesthood of Jesus exists outside of the frailties and mortality of the flesh. His priesthood does not follow the line of Aaron, whose mortal priests were encumbered by their own sins, and eventually, their office ended when they closed their eyes in death. The writer to the Hebrews elegantly describes the superiority of this role, as well as how Jesus fulfills it. Of which we are told that Jesus was “Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews 5:10).

One of the most incredible expositions in the Bible is what we read about Melchizedek. It demonstrates careful Bible reading skills. To understand Melchizedek, the author draws from what is said as well as what is not. What is absent in Genesis 14 is anything about the family of Melchizedek. He certainly would not be qualified to be an Aaronic priest based on this. Further, we have no information on his birth or death. We know that Abraham considered Melchizedek greater in that he paid tithes to him. Not the Levitical tithes which were compulsory, but tithes paid by Abraham’s own free will. Melchizedek disappears from the Genesis record as a King of Salem and a priest of the most high God. However, this role (king and priest) is what our God has reserved for the Lord Jesus Christ.

The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth. The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. (Psalm 110:1-4).

How This Applies to the Saints

We have been invited to be part of the immortal priesthood and kingship after the order of Melchizedek. Similar to the foreshadowing role of Melchizedek, it incorporates endless life, rulership, and priesthood. It takes our breath away when we consider the magnitude of our calling. We are generally such non-spectacular people. The major news agencies are not interviewing us at our doorstep to get our opinion on world events. We have no controlling interest in this world. Yet, we are called to reign with the Lord as he transforms this earth. Wow!

We may glimpse the work of the king/priests in Isaiah 32. There is clearly one king, the Lord Jesus Christ. But Isaiah refers to the work of “princes.” Undoubtedly, this is the role of the saints, who will rule with the king. Look at the characteristics of these princes. They will:

• Rule in justice.
• Be a hiding place from the wind.
• Be a shelter from the storm.
• Be streams of water in a dry place.
• Be a shade of a great rock in a weary land. (Isaiah 32:1-4 ESV).

Perhaps this is written through the eyes of the mortal nations? The perception of the saints is not fear. Fear destroys love (1 John 4:18). Rather, it is a vision of protection, shielding, and nurturing. It is a role of compassion. The mortal Levitical high priest was regularly faced with the sins of the people, but he “can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness.” (Hebrews 5:2 ESV). As immortal saints, by grace we will be given the privilege to help a world learn righteousness and eschew evil. We will do so with compassion and love.

But there remains a role of authority. Perhaps this is alluded to by Jesus in the parable of the pounds, where the faithful are given authority over ten cities, or five cities, based on what they did with the opportunities to serve the nobleman. (Luke 19:12-26). We do not yet know how the Lord Jesus will distribute this authority.

However, the power of this combined role is that the saints will teach righteousness and support the mortal nations in their pursuit of righteousness, but they will also have the ability to ensure justice. The control of the “dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan” (Revelation 20:2) falls to the authority of the princes. Runaway sin and rebellion will not be permitted, and the princes will have the authority to ensure this.

This is why Jesus promised faithful believers that they would reign with him.

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. (Revelation 3:20-21).

It’s why the Apostle Peter referred to first-century believers as destined for royalty.

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. (1 Peter 2:9).

Our God desires all people to be saved (1 Timothy 2:1-4). He, in His graciousness, has drawn us to Him so that we should be part of this unspeakable transformation of this world. We are called to educate a world that cannot discern between their right hand and their left. Education and encouragement are a huge part of the role of the royal priesthood. But we will also be endowed with authority to ensure justice and equity. We can only begin to imagine the transformational change this will bring to the inhabitants of the cities we are blessed to serve. Rebellion against righteousness, violence, and abuse of the vulnerable will not be permitted. What a different life experience during that Age.

Then justice will dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness abide in the fruitful field. And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever. (Isaiah 32:16-17 ESV).

Saints today see a world under the incompetent rule of the flesh. How wonderful it will be to join our Lord in this renovation of the earth. It is the calling we have.

And they that be wise [margin: “teachers”] shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. (Daniel 12:3).

Dave Jennings