March 2024
1 Peter 2:9: But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
The idea of “the priesthood of all believers” is a core concept of Martin Luther’s theology and played a crucial role during the 16th century Reformation. The term itself is derived from Luther’s interpretation of certain passages in the New Testament, particularly from 1 Peter 2:9, where Peter addresses the early Christian community, saying, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
Luther emphasized that through faith in Christ, all believers share in a spiritual priesthood which grants them direct access to God. Luther’s theology argued that believers, by virtue of their faith, have a direct and personal relationship with God, and each believer has the ability and responsibility to engage in various aspects of Christian life and service.
Luther’s emphasis on the priesthood of all believers was part of his broader theological framework, which highlighted salvation by faith alone and the authority of the Scripture. His teaching on the priesthood of all believers emphasized the active and participatory role of every Christian in their faith, the church community, and the world at large. It encouraged believers to live out their faith in tangible ways in their daily lives.
The implications of the priesthood of all believers were far-reaching. It paved the way for the Bible to be translated into languages spoken and understood by the people, making it accessible to the laity, who were encouraged to read the Scriptures for themselves. The concept also encouraged believers to view themselves as servants of God in their everyday lives. In practical terms, this means individuals are called to serve others, share their faith, and contribute to the well-being of their communities.
The idea is that every believer has unique gifts and talents which can be used for the greater good, and the contributions of all members of the church community are valued. It encourages a sense of shared responsibility for the mission and well-being of the church. In everyday practice, this might involve engaging in conversations about one’s faith, demonstrating Christian values in daily life, and participating in activities that promote the spread of the Gospel.
WITNESS: Encouraging personal witnessing, congregational engagement with their community, support of our NID partnerships and missions and sharing in a world mission field together.