Our High Calling

One of the greatest misconceptions of modern-day Christianity is that we are saved in order to avoid eternity in hell and to enjoy a care-free life now. Instead, we are saved because we want to have a loving relationship with our heavenly Father. That relationship includes spending eternity in His presence – in heaven. On earth we are promised an abundant life (John 10:10). A life that abounds with meaning and purpose, hope and love.

Obedience to God’s law and participating in good works are criticized as human efforts to “earn” salvation. While obedience and good works do save us (Galatians 2:16-21), they are an expression of our gratitude to God for His free gift of salvation (Romans 6:23).

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). The good work we are called to do is to serve God as priests.

When we think of priests our minds go to the Levites serving in the temple or to men in special garments serving at modern-day altars. But throughout the Bible, from Exodus to Revelation, all believers are called to be priests. “You shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6). Jesus “made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father” (Revelation 1:6).

A priest represents God to the people. They share the gospel so a lost world may know the true God. “’You are my witnesses’ declares Yehovah” (Isaiah 43:10). Jesus directs His priests, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations…teaching them to follow all that I commanded you” (Matthew 28:19).

Unlike in false religions, Christian priests are not necessary for people to communicate with God. Instead, we teach new believers to trust in God and to speak to God through prayer. First, “For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). Next, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6).

Finally, “Therefore let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need” (Hebrews 4:16).

We prepare for our work as priests by studying God’s Word “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth” (2 Tmothy 2:15). We are empowered to do our work by the Holy Spirit, “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses” (Acts 1:8).

How to be a priest was summarized by the Jewish priest Ezra who “firmly resolved to study the Law of Yehovah and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances” (Ezra 7:10)

Even when Jesus returns “will be priests of God and of Christ” (Revelation 20:6).