The Priesthood of the Believer–Understanding This Classic Baptist Doctrine

One of the defining tenets of traditional Baptist doctrine is the priesthood of the believer. It’s a belief rooted in the conviction that every Christian has direct access to God without the need for a mediating human priest.

Many people use the term “priest” interchangeably with (or instead of) the terms “pastor,” “elder,” or “bishop.” The Greek term for priest is “ἱερεύς” (hiereus), and for priesthood, it is “ἱερατεία” (hierateia). In the New Testament, these terms are primarily associated with the Old Testament priesthood and the priestly role of Jesus Christ. This is distinct from the church office of pastor. I will elaborate on that in a separate article. For now, just understand that when we’re talking about the priesthood of all believers, we are not saying that all believers are elders or pastors.

This priesthood of all believers doctrine is based on several key scriptural principles and passages from the Bible. Here is an explanation, supported by relevant Scripture references from the King James Version (KJV):

1. Direct Access to God

The priesthood of the believer asserts that every Christian has the privilege and responsibility to approach God directly, without an earthly mediator. This is supported by:

Hebrews 4:14-16: “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

This passage emphasizes that Jesus Christ is our High Priest, and through Him, believers have direct access to God’s throne of grace.

2. The Universal Priesthood

The New Testament teaches that all believers are part of a “royal priesthood,” signifying that every Christian has the role of a priest.

1 Peter 2:5: “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.”
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.”

These verses highlight that all Christians are considered part of the holy and royal priesthood, tasked with offering spiritual sacrifices and declaring God’s praises.

3. Mediatorship of Christ

The necessity of human priests is negated by the mediatorship of Jesus Christ, who is the sole mediator between God and humanity.

1 Timothy 2:5: “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”

This underscores that Christ alone mediates between believers and God, eliminating the need for any other human intermediary.

4. Spiritual Equality

The doctrine also underscores the spiritual equality of all believers, negating any hierarchical distinction between clergy and laity in terms of access to God.

Galatians 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”

This verse speaks to the equality and unity of all believers in Christ, affirming that no one has a superior standing before God based on race, social status, or gender.

5. Responsibility of Each Believer

With the privilege of direct access comes the responsibility for each believer to grow in faith, discern God’s will, and engage in ministry.

Romans 12:1: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
Ephesians 4:11-12: “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”

These passages illustrate the call for every believer to actively participate in the work of the ministry, contributing to the spiritual growth of the church.

Conclusion

The doctrine of the priesthood of the believer is a cornerstone of Baptist belief, emphasizing that every Christian has direct access to God, belongs to a universal priesthood, is spiritually equal to other believers, and bears the responsibility to live a life of service and devotion. This doctrine is deeply rooted in Scripture and reflects the Baptist commitment to the authority of the Bible and the individual’s personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

For more on this topic, check out…