The Royal Priesthood

Summary

The video explores humanity's calling as God's royal priests, initially embodied in Eden but lost due to deception and exile. It highlights the promise of a future priestly figure, fulfilled in Jesus, who ascends as the cosmic royal priest after His resurrection. The arrival of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost transforms Jesus' followers into 'mini temples,' empowering them to live out their priestly roles. They express their faith through worship, service, and intercession, echoing the stories of biblical figures like Abraham and David. Ultimately, the narrative culminates in a vision of restored humanity, serving as God's priests forever.

Takeaways

• 👑 Humanity was created to be royal priests, co-ruling with God in the abundant life of Eden.
• 😈 The deception by evil led to humanity's exile from Eden, causing a loss of their royal priestly calling.
• 🌟 God promised a descendant who would fulfill the role of an ultimate royal priest and restore humanity's blessings.
• ✝️ Jesus is the fulfillment of this promise, serving as the ultimate royal priest who sacrifices himself for humanity.
• ☁️ Jesus' ascension into heaven establishes him as the cosmic royal priest in the heavenly temple.
• 🔥 The Holy Spirit's descent during Pentecost empowers Jesus' followers, turning them into 'mini temples' filled with God's presence.
• 🏰 Believers are collectively a 'royal priesthood,' reclaiming their original role to represent God and rule the world.
• 🎶 Followers of Jesus express their priestly identity through new songs, prayers, and acts of service.
• 🤲 Paul emphasizes that Christians should offer themselves as living sacrifices, reflecting Jesus' love and surrender.
• 🌍 Imitating Jesus leads to a new humanity, focused on uniting Heaven and Earth in their daily lives.

Q & A

What is humanity's original role according to the Bible?

Humanity is described as God's royal priests, meant to rule with God in Eden, a place of life, abundance, and blessings.

What caused humanity to forfeit their calling as royal priests?

Humanity was deceived by evil, which led to their exile from Eden and a loss of their original calling.

Who is the promised descendant that would restore humanity's calling?

The promised descendant is Jesus, who is seen as the ultimate royal priest that would defeat evil and restore the blessings of Eden.

What is the significance of Melchizedek in the context of the royal priesthood?

Melchizedek, whom Abraham met, serves as a prototype of the royal priest, representing the idea of a priestly figure that precedes Jesus.

How does the concept of the royal priesthood relate to the apostles after Jesus' resurrection?

The apostles, following Jesus' ascension, saw themselves as a royal priesthood, embodying the presence of God and continuing Jesus' mission on Earth.

What event during Pentecost signifies the presence of God's Spirit among Jesus' followers?

During Pentecost, God's Spirit came down on the followers of Jesus, making them mini temples filled with God's presence.

How does Peter describe the followers of Jesus in relation to the temple?

Peter refers to the followers as 'living stones built up as a spiritual house' and a 'royal priesthood,' indicating their role as God's temple on Earth.

What actions did the followers of Jesus take that reflected their priestly calling?

They began writing and singing new songs about Jesus, giving themselves to serve others, and offering their lives as sacrifices, reflecting their commitment to God.

How does the apostle Paul convey the idea of sacrifice among the Christians in Rome?

Paul urges the Christians to offer their bodies as a single living sacrifice, embodying the love and service exemplified by Jesus.

What is the ultimate vision presented in the final pages of the Bible regarding humanity's role?

The final vision shows a renewed Heaven and Earth where humans serve and rule as God's royal priests forever, restoring their original calling.