Is There a "Priesthood of All Believers"?

Criticism

There is no need for unbroken lines of priesthood authority since the Bible teaches that all believers hold the priesthood.

Response

Here, we examine some of the scriptural passages cited in defense of the concept of a priesthood of all believers.

• "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of [H]im who hath called you out of darkness into [H]is marvellous light" (1 Peter 2:9).

This was the principal passage cited by Martin Luther in defense of his idea. What he failed to note is that Peter was actually referring to an Old Testament passage, in which the Lord told the Israelites through Moses,

• "Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation" (Exodus 19:5-6).

Yet of the Israelites present at the mount of revelation, only the Levites were chosen for priesthood service.

Conclusion

Peter's reference to the priesthood was drawn from the ancient Israelite views of the priesthood, a view in which only a select group hold the priesthood.

Further reading

FAIR web site

• FAIR Topical Guide:

http://www.fairlds.org/Bible/Is_There_a_Priesthood_of_All_Believers.html