Our Priesthood Among The Nations
Our Priesthood Among the Nations
1. God’s Focus Before Christ’s Ascension
Before Jesus’ earthly ministry, God’s covenant people were Israel. His work, revelation, and instruction were primarily directed toward them, fulfilling promises, laws, and prophecies (Deuteronomy 7:6; Matthew 15:24). Israel was the channel through which God revealed His plan for the world, and the prophets gave them repeated opportunities to repent. Even then, Scripture shows that God had an interest in all nations (Genesis 12:3; Isaiah 49:6), but the fullness of that plan was not yet active.
During His ministry on Earth, Jesus operated within these parameters. His mission was focused exclusively on Israel, offering them a final chance to accept the kingdom (Matthew 15:24). While fully divine, He voluntarily limited the exercise of His universal authority, submitting to the conditions of His incarnate humanity (Philippians 2:5–8). This is why Jesus did not call out the sins of Rome or other Gentile powers—His mission was centered on Israel, and the timing for confronting the nations had not yet come.
2. The Reinstatement of Authority After Ascension
After His resurrection, Jesus declared:
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18).
This statement marks a pivotal transition. Jesus’ universal authority was now fully manifest. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20) extended His mission to all nations, not just Israel. God’s moral law and Kingdom authority were no longer limited geographically or ethnically. This is when the apostles, particularly Paul, began to expose the sins of the Gentile nations, preaching repentance, teaching God’s law, and bringing people into the kingdom (Romans 1:18–32). Paul’s letters reveal that even the moral corruption of Rome itself was subject to God’s judgment.
3. Believers as Priests Among the Nations
Just as the Levites served Israel as priests, believers now serve as a priesthood to the world (1 Peter 2:9). Our responsibilities include:
1. Preaching Truth: We proclaim God’s Word and call all people to repentance.
2. Exposing Sin: We confront and reveal sin wherever it exists—individuals, groups, political parties, and societal structures.
3. Upholding God’s Moral Law: We enforce God’s moral standards, through teaching and faithful example.
This mission is bold and requires courage, because speaking truth and confronting sin will naturally provoke opposition and persecution (John 15:18–20; 2 Timothy 3:12).
Moral cowardice, apathy, and selfishness are the reasons many fail to act. Silence is not humility—it is disobedience to God’s authority.
4. Holiness While Engaging the World
While we are sent into the nations, we are called to be separate and holy in purpose, identity, and behavior. We are to live in the world, but not of the world (John 17:14–16). Our distinct moral integrity and obedience to God’s law set us apart, even as we actively serve as His instruments. Separation is not isolation—it is obedience and clarity of mission.