Kings and Priests:

The Forgotten Identity of Believers

by J. Leoni

In the pages of Scripture, there is a recurring theme that unveils God’s vision for His people: the calling to be both kings and priests. This profound truth, often overlooked or misunderstood by the modern church, is not just an abstract theological concept—it is our divine inheritance and purpose. Moreover, all of creation is waiting for believers to step into this role, as Scripture reveals.

The Original Design

From the very beginning, God created humanity with the intention of dominion and relationship. In Genesis 1:26-28, we are told:

“Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

The Hebrew word for "dominion" here is "radah" (רָדָה), which means to rule, subdue, or govern with care. This was kingly authority. Humanity was tasked to govern creation as God’s stewards, reflecting His heart. At the same time, Adam and Eve enjoyed direct communion with God, fulfilling a priestly role rooted in worship and intimacy.

But the fall fractured this design. The dominion of humanity was tainted by sin, and the fellowship between God and man was broken. Yet even in this brokenness, God’s plan to restore His people as kings and priests was already in motion.

All of Creation Awaits

This restoration extends beyond humanity; it encompasses all of creation. Romans 8:19-21 declares:

“For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.”

The Greek word for "revealing" is "apokalypsis" (ἀποκάλυψις), meaning an unveiling or disclosure. Creation is groaning for the day when believers step into their full identity as kings and priests, walking in the authority and intimacy God intended.

This is not just about personal transformation—it’s about cosmic redemption. When believers live out their calling, it sends ripples throughout the natural and spiritual realms, hastening the renewal of all things (Acts 3:21).

The Restored Identity in Christ

The concept of kings and priests reaches its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Christ not only redeemed humanity but also reinstated our original calling. Revelation 1:5-6 declares:

“To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

Again, Revelation 5:9-10 echoes this truth:

“And have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth.”

Through Christ, believers are no longer slaves to sin but co-heirs with Him ("sugkleronomos" [συγκληρονόμος], Romans 8:17), entrusted with the dual roles of reigning with Him and ministering to Him.

The Priestly Calling

The role of a priest is one of intercession, worship, and offering sacrifices. Under the Old Covenant, the Levitical priests were responsible for mediating between God and His people. Yet in the New Covenant, every believer is called to this sacred duty.

1 Peter 2:9 affirms this:

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

The Greek word for "royal" here is "basileios" (βασίλειος), signifying something belonging to a kingly realm. This priesthood is not passive; it’s active, majestic, and authoritative. As priests, we are called to:

  • Offer spiritual sacrifices (Romans 12:1; Hebrews 13:15).
  • Stand in the gap through prayer and intercession (Ezekiel 22:30; 1 Timothy 2:1).
  • Worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24).

The Kingly Authority

Kings are marked by their authority and responsibility to govern. In Christ, believers are entrusted with the authority to advance God’s Kingdom on earth. This is not a call to earthly power but to spiritual dominion, as demonstrated by Jesus Himself.

Matthew 16:19 provides insight into this authority:

“And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

The Greek word for "bind" ("deo" [δέω]) and "loose" ("luo" [λύω]) speak to the ability to enforce and release spiritual realities in alignment with heaven. As kings, we are called to:

  • Walk in the authority of Christ (Luke 10:19).
  • Overcome spiritual darkness (Ephesians 6:10-18).
  • Establish God’s righteousness, peace, and joy (Romans 14:17).

Living as Kings and Priests Today

How can we reclaim this forgotten identity?

  1. Recognize the Cosmic Responsibility: Embrace the reality that your actions impact not only your life but the entire created order.
  2. Deepen Your Relationship with God: As priests, prioritize worship and intercession. Draw near to God through His Word and prayer (James 4:8).
  3. Exercise Spiritual Authority: As kings, stand firm in your faith, binding what is evil and loosing what aligns with God’s Kingdom (Matthew 18:18).
  4. Manifest the Kingdom in Your Sphere: Bring God’s justice, mercy, and truth to every sphere of influence you touch.

A Call to Action

The calling to be kings and priests is not optional—it is central to our identity as believers. Revelation 22:5 offers a glimpse of our eternal destiny:

“And they shall reign forever and ever.”

Let us rise to this high calling, living as the royal priesthood God intended, and hasten the day when creation is set free from its groaning. The time to act is now.