What Is a Royal Priesthood? Understanding Your Identity and Authority in Christ
What Is a Royal Priesthood? Understanding Your Identity and Authority in Christ
"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." (1 Peter 2:9)
The concept of the royal priesthood, mentioned in this powerful verse, is one of the most transformative declarations of identity in Scripture. This verse is a reminder that, as believers, we are not ordinary. We are chosen, set apart, and called to walk in the authority and inheritance of God's Kingdom.
But the question is: Are we living as a royal priesthood, or have we adopted a mindset of spiritual poverty?
What Does Royal Priesthood Mean?
To understand what it means to be a royal priesthood, we need to break down both parts of this term:
Royal: As believers, we are part of God's royal family. We are co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17), which means we have access to all the resources and authority of His Kingdom.
Priesthood: In the Old Testament, priests served as mediators between God and people. As the royal priesthood, we have direct access to God through Jesus and the responsibility to represent Him to the world.
Combined meaning: A royal priesthood is a people who serve as both kings (with authority and inheritance) and priests (with access and responsibility) in God's Kingdom.
The Biblical Foundation of Royal Priesthood
1 Peter 2:9: Your Four-Fold Identity
Peter identifies four aspects of our identity as believers:
A chosen people: You are specifically selected by God
A royal priesthood: You have both authority and access
A holy nation: You are set apart for His purposes
A people belonging to God: You are His treasured possession
The purpose: "That you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
Old Testament Roots
This concept traces back to Exodus 19:6, where God told Israel: "You will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." What was promised to Israel is now fulfilled in the church through Jesus Christ.
Identity: More Than What You Do
One of the greatest challenges Christians face today is understanding their true identity. Most of us spend our lives focused on what we do rather than who we are. But 1 Peter 2:9 calls us to shift our perspective from performance to position.
The paradigm shift:
From: "I am what I do"
To: "I do what I am"
As a royal priesthood, our identity is rooted in Christ. Through Him, we have direct access to the Father and all the resources of His Kingdom. Yet, many of us live as if we are constantly on the edge of losing it all like paupers rather than heirs.
Truth to Remember: Your worth is not tied to what you achieve but to who you are in Christ. The "scarlet robe" of mockery placed on Jesus at the cross is now your robe of royalty.
The Lies That Keep Us from Kingdom Living
The enemy's greatest weapon against believers is deception. He convinces us that we are unworthy, inadequate, and lacking. But these lies stand in direct opposition to what God says about us.
Biblical examples of identity through robes:
Joseph's Robe: His father gave him an ornate robe as a sign of favor, but his brothers hated him for it.
The Prodigal Son: Upon returning home, his father clothed him in a robe, symbolizing restoration and identity.
Jesus's Robe: The robe meant to mock Him became a symbol of His kingship.
In every instance, the robe was a declaration of identity, a reminder of worth and position. The question is: Will you wear the robe Jesus has given you, or will you reject it?
What It Means to Live as a Royal Priesthood
To live as a royal priesthood means embracing the authority, access, and calling that come with being a child of God. It is a life of confidence not in ourselves, but in the finished work of Christ.
Key Characteristics of the Royal Priesthood:
1. Access to God's Throne Room You have direct access to the Father through Jesus. (Hebrews 4:16)
2. Kingdom Authority
As co-heirs with Christ, you are called to walk in His power and authority. (Romans 8:17)
3. Holy Calling Your life is set apart to declare God's praises and reflect His glory.
4. Priestly Ministry You serve as a bridge between heaven and earth, interceding for others and representing God's heart.
The Royal Priesthood vs. Spiritual Poverty Mindset
Royal Priesthood Mindset:
"I am chosen and beloved"
"I have access to God's resources"
"I walk in spiritual authority"
"My identity is secure in Christ"
Spiritual Poverty Mindset:
"I am unworthy and inadequate"
"I must earn God's favor"
"I have no real spiritual power"
"My past defines my future"
Building a Legacy of Royalty
As believers, one of our greatest responsibilities is to instill this royal identity in the next generation. The world will try to tear down their worth, but it is our job to speak life, truth, and destiny over them.
How to Build a Legacy of Kingdom Identity:
Speak Words of Life: Regularly affirm the identity and worth of your children, family, and community.
Model Kingdom Living: Show others what it looks like to walk confidently as a child of God.
Teach Biblical Truths: Equip the next generation with Scripture that reinforces their royal position in Christ.
When we live in alignment with our royal identity, we create a ripple effect that transforms families, churches, and communities.
Living as a Royal in a World of Paupers
Living as part of the royal priesthood will often set you apart. Like Joseph, the prodigal son, and Jesus Himself, you may face opposition or even hatred for walking in your God-given identity. But that does not mean you should shy away.
Jesus Himself said: "Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved." (Mark 13:13)
The reality: The world may not understand Kingdom living, but your confidence in Christ can inspire others to step into their own royal calling.
Practical Steps to Embrace Your Royal Identity
1. Meditate on 1 Peter 2:9
Let this Scripture remind you daily of who you are in Christ.
2. Pray Boldly
Approach God's throne with confidence, knowing you have full access through Jesus.
3. Reject Lies
Identify and replace the lies of the enemy with the truth of God's Word.
4. Declare God's Praises
Live your life in a way that points others to His goodness and grace.
5. Encourage Others
Speak life over those around you, reminding them of their worth and identity in Christ.
The Authority That Comes with Royal Priesthood
As part of the royal priesthood, you have been given specific authority:
Spiritual Authority: Power to resist the enemy and overcome spiritual opposition
Intercessory Authority: The right to approach God's throne and pray for others
Ministry Authority: The calling to represent Christ and minister in His name
Kingdom Authority: The responsibility to advance God's Kingdom on earth
Common Misconceptions About Royal Priesthood
Misconception 1: "This is just symbolic language." Truth: While metaphorical, it describes real spiritual authority and access.
Misconception 2: "I need to earn this position." Truth: Your position as royal priesthood is a gift of grace, not a reward for performance.
Misconception 3: "Only some Christians have this identity." Truth: Every believer is part of the royal priesthood through faith in Jesus.
Claiming Your Inheritance
The royal priesthood is not just a concept. It is your identity. It is who you are because of what Christ has done. The question is not whether you have been given the robe of royalty; it is whether you will wear it.
Questions for reflection:
Will you embrace the authority and access you have been given?
Will you speak life over yourself and others?
Will you live as a child of the King in a world that desperately needs to see His light?
Your Royal Calling Today
Living as a royal priesthood means stepping into your God-given identity, rejecting the lies of the enemy, and building a legacy of faith and purpose. The robe is yours. Wear it boldly.
Your assignment:
Walk in the authority Christ has given you
Access God's throne room with confidence
Declare His praises through your life
Help others discover their royal identity
Remember: You are chosen, royal, holy, and beloved. This is not what you hope to become. This is who you already are in Christ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does "royal priesthood" mean in 1 Peter 2:9? Royal priesthood combines two roles: royal (having authority and inheritance as co-heirs with Christ) and priesthood (having direct access to God and responsibility to minister to others). It describes believers' identity as both kings and priests in God's Kingdom.
Q: How is the royal priesthood different from Old Testament priests? Old Testament priests were from one tribe (Levi) and served as mediators between God and people. The royal priesthood includes all believers who have direct access to God through Jesus and serve as His representatives on earth.
Q: Does being part of the royal priesthood mean I am sinless? No, it describes your position in Christ, not your condition. While you are being sanctified daily, your royal priesthood identity is based on Jesus's perfect work, not your perfect behavior.
Q: Can I lose my position as part of the royal priesthood? No, your identity as royal priesthood is secured by Christ's finished work. It is not dependent on your performance but on His unchanging sacrifice and God's unchanging love.
Q: What authority do I have as part of the royal priesthood? You have spiritual authority to resist the enemy, intercessory authority to pray with confidence, ministry authority to serve in Christ's name, and kingdom authority to advance God's purposes on earth.
Q: How do I know if I am living as part of the royal priesthood? You approach God with confidence, walk in spiritual authority, minister to others, declare God's praises through your life, and help others discover their identity in Christ.
Q: Why do some Christians struggle to embrace their royal priesthood identity? Often due to lies from the enemy, past wounds, performance-based thinking, or lack of understanding about their position in Christ. The solution is meditating on God's Word about your true identity.
Q: How can I help others understand their royal priesthood identity? Model confident kingdom living, speak words of affirmation about their identity in Christ, teach biblical truths about their position, and help them recognize and reject lies about their worth.
Struggling to believe you are truly part of a royal priesthood? Remember that this identity is not based on how you feel or what you have done, but on what Christ has accomplished for you. You are chosen, royal, holy, and beloved not because you earned it, but because He gave it to you.
