Rev. David Holwick
Ledgewood Baptist Church
Baptist Distinctive #5
BAPTIST DISTINCTIVE #5: PRIESTHOOD OF ALL BELIEVERS
I. Every Christian has direct access to God and so is their own priest.
A. We do not need human go-betweens. 1 Timothy 2:5
B. Our only go-between to God is our high priest, Jesus Christ. Hebrews 2:17; 7:24-26
1) He sacrificed himself once-and-for-all. Hebrews 7:27
2) His sacrifice can wash away any sin. Hebrews 9:14
C. Nevertheless, "priest" implies service to others. Galatians 5:13
1) God does not intend us to be "Lone Rangers".
II. Every Christian has the duty to serve fellow Christians.
A. All Christians are equal in the life of the church.
1) Each member has one vote in the business of the church.
2) Each vote is worth the same.
B. There aren't "spiritual" vocations and "secular" ones.
1) Jews and Roman Catholics limited the priesthood to a few select men. Hebrews
5:1
2) The New Testament teaches that every Christian is a priest. 1 Peter 2:5,9;
Revelation 1:6; 5:10; 20:6
C. All Christians share a common priesthood.
1) Showing love to God. Romans 12:1
2) Testifying about Christ. Romans 15:16
3) Serving other Christians. Eph 5:1-2, Phil 2:17
4) Praying for one another. James 5:16
D. Being a priest to each other means we share in the struggles and triumphs of
life. Hebrews 2:17-18; 4:15; 5:2
III. Practical results of this distinctive in Baptist churches.
A. Pastors do not try to set themselves apart spiritually.
1) Most Baptist ministers dress like everyone else and do not wear robes or
collars.
2) Ordination equips pastors to serve in local churches. It gives them no
spiritual advantages beyond those in the pews.
B. Members must each take part in the working of the church.
1) Committees are made up of volunteers, not paid staff.
2) Worship involves many from the whole church.
a) Bible reading and prayer.
b) Special music and testimonies.
