Origins of the Topic
Can a person chose himself/herself to be in God's priesthood?
Many denominations select their priesthood by electing people or as a "priesthood of all believers (i.e. self election)."
Commentary: The scriptures never mention that a person can select themselves to be a member of God's priesthood. God's response to self-election is always condemnation.
Old Testament
God called the Levites to minister unto him - Key Verse - 
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Deuteronomy 18:1-7
[1] The priests the Levites, and all the tribe of Levi, shall have no part nor inheritance with Israel: they shall eat the offerings of the Lord made by fire, and his inheritance. [2] Therefore shall they have no inheritance among their brethren: the Lord is their inheritance, as he hath said unto them. [3] And this shall be the priest's due from the people, from them that offer a sacrifice, whether it be ox or sheep; and they shall give unto the priest the shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw. [4] The firstfruit also of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the first of the fleece of thy sheep, shalt thou give him. [5] For the Lord thy God hath chosen him out of all thy tribes, to stand to minister in the name of the Lord, him and his sons for ever. [6] And if a Levite come from any of thy gates out of all Israel, where he sojourned, and come with all the desire of his mind unto the place which the Lord shall choose; [7] Then he shall minister in the name of the Lord his God, as all his brethren the Levites do, which stand there before the Lord. Commentary: These verses can also be used to address the practice of a "priesthood of all-believers." Only 1 out of 12 tribes was called by God to minister, so God did not call everyone to be in his priesthood.
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The children of Israel will be a nation of priests (the Levites chosen by God) and a holy nation - Key Verse -
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Exodus 19:3-6 [3] And Moses went up unto God, and the Lord called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel; [4] Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself. [5] 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: [6] And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. Commentary: These verses are repeated in 1 Peter 2:4-9, "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people;" indicating that God's Word is the same forever and never changes.
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Man cannot assume the priesthood unless called by God - Key Verse -
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Numbers 16:1-3,10-11,20-21 [1] Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and on, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men: [2] And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown: [3] And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the Lord? [10] And he hath brought thee near to him, and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee: and seek ye the priesthood also? [11] For which cause both thou and all thy company are gathered together against the Lord: and what is Aaron, that ye murmur against him? [20] And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, [21] Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment. Commentary: Verse 3 specifically addresses the concept of a priesthood of all-believers ("seeing all the congregation are holy"). God's response was to consume those that tried to become priesthood without His authority.
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God selected David after passing up all of his brothers - Key Verse -
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1 Samuel 16:1-13 [1] And the Lord said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons. [2] And Samuel said, How can I go? if Saul hear it, he will kill me. And the Lord said, Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the Lord. [3] And call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will shew thee what thou shalt do: and thou shalt anoint unto me him whom I name unto thee. [4] And Samuel did that which the Lord spake, and came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou peaceably? [5] And he said, Peaceably: I am come to sacrifice unto the Lord: sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice. And he sanctified Jesse and his sons, and called them to the sacrifice. [6] And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the Lord's anointed is before him. [7] But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart. [8] Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the Lord chosen this. [9] Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the Lord chosen this. [10] Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The Lord hath not chosen these. [11] And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither. [12] And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the Lord said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he. [13] Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah. Commentary: Samuel anointed him with oil (gave him the Holy Spirit - see Laying on of Hands)
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Man cannot assume the priesthood unless called by God - Key Verse -
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2 Chronicles 26:3-4,17-21 [3] Sixteen years old was Uzziah when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and two years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Jecoliah of Jerusalem. [4] And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father Amaziah did. [17] And Azariah the priest went in after him, and with him fourscore priests of the Lord, that were valiant men: [18] And they withstood Uzziah the king, and said unto him, It appertaineth not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense unto the Lord, but to the priests the sons of Aaron, that are consecrated to burn incense: go out of the sanctuary; for thou hast trespassed; neither shall it be for thine honour from the Lord God. [19] Then Uzziah was wroth, and had a censer in his hand to burn incense: and while he was wroth with the priests, the leprosy even rose up in his forehead before the priests in the house of the Lord, from beside the incense altar. [20] And Azariah the chief priest, and all the priests, looked upon him, and, behold, he was leprous in his forehead, and they thrust him out from thence; yea, himself hasted also to go out, because the Lord had smitten him. [21] And Uzziah the king was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house, being a leper; for he was cut off from the house of the Lord: and Jotham his son was over the king's house, judging the people of the land. |
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God chose Aaron - Key Verse -
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| Psalm 105:26 He sent Moses his servant; and Aaron whom he had chosen. |
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The Earth swallowed up those that tried to assume the priesthood - Key Verse -
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Psalm 106:13-17 [13] They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel: [14] But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert. [15] And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul. [16] They envied Moses also in the camp, and Aaron the saint of the Lord. [17] The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan and covered the company of Abiram. |
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God called Abraham - Key Verse -
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| Isaiah 51:2 Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him. |
New Testament
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Jesus called by God and prophecy and was given the Holy Spirit (semikah) - Key Verse -
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Matthew 12:17-18 [17] That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, [18] Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. |
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The Apostles were chosen by Jesus, they did not choose themselves - Key Verse -
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John 15:15-16 [15] Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. [16] Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. |
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God called Saul/Paul and Ananias put his hand on him (semikah) - Key Verse -
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Acts 9:3-12 [3] And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: [4] And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? [5] And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. [6] And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. [7] And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. [8] And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. [9] And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink. [10] And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. [11] And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, [12] And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. Commentary: The calling of Paul is the pattern "as was Aaron" (see Hebrews 5:4). The person being called is told they are being called. Also, a member of the priesthood (who also was called) is also told of the calling.
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Paul was chosen by God, he did not choose himself - Key Verse -
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Acts 9:15, 22:10-14 [9:15] But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: [10] And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do. [11] And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus. [12] And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there, [13] Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him. [14] And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. |
| Jesus called apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers |
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Ephesians 4:9-11 [9] (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? [10] He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) [11] And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; |
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Melchisedec was in the priesthood before Aaron. Talks of Jesus being called - Key Verse -
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Hebrews 7:1-2,8-11 [1] For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; [2] To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; [8] And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. [9] And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham. [10] For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him. [11] If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? |
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God calls his servants - Key Verse -
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1 Corinthians 7:17-24 [17] But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches. [18] Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised. [19] Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God. [20] Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. [21] Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. [22] For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant. [23] Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. [24] Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God. |
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God sets what part each church member is to do (they do not choose for themselves). God called priesthood even after Jesus and the apostles - Key Verse -
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1 Corinthians 12:13-28 [13] For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. [14] For the body is not one member, but many. [15] If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? [16] And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? [17] If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? [18] But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. [19] And if they were all one member, where were the body? [20] But now are they many members, yet but one body. [21] And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. [22] Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: [23] And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. [24] For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: [25] That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. [26] And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. [27] Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. [28] And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. |
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Jesus was called by God, he did not call himself. Jesus is the pattern for the times of the New Testament and ever after - Key Verse -
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Hebrews 5:8-10 [8] Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; [9] And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; [10] Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec. |
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Priesthood were called by God after Jesus - Key Verse -
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1 Peter 2:4-9 [4] To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, [5] Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. [6] Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. [7] Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, [8] And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. [9] But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; Commentary: These verses repeat Exodus 19:3-6, "And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation." where the kingdom of priests were the Levites (those chosen by God - not all of Israel). The same parallel is drawn here where the "royal priesthood" are those people "chosen of God" and the "chosen generation" are those people brought under covenant. Those that "believe he is precious" is a parallel to "if ye will obey my voice indeed" in Exodus 19. These verses do not define a priesthood of all believers, but confirm that the structure in the Old Testament of a chosen priesthood for those under covenant with God is the same structure of a chosen priesthood for those under covenant with Jesus.
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Priesthood are called and chosen by God even to the time that Revelation was written - Key Verse -
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| Revelation 17:14 - These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. |
Book of Mormon
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God chooses His priesthood - Key Verse -
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| Mosiah 11:18 - And it came to pass that none received authority to preach or to teach, except it were by him from God. |
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God chooses His priesthood - Key Verse -
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| Alma 8:10 - As I was journeying to see a very near kindred, behold an angel of the Lord appeared unto me, and said, Amulek, return to thine own house, for thou shalt feed a prophet of the Lord; yea, a holy man, who is a chosen man of God; |
Statements of Belief
- No Found or Stated Position
- Consistent with Scripture
- Partially Consistent with Scripture
- Inconsistent with ScriptureAnabaptism -
Article 15. Ministry and Leadership (Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective, 1995). The church calls, trains, and appoints gifted men and women to a variety of leadership ministries on its behalf. These may include such offices as pastor, deacon, and elder as well as evangelists, missionaries, teachers, conference ministers, and overseers. [Eph. 4:11-13; 1 Cor. 12:28; Rom. 12:6-8; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; Tit. 1:5-9] The character and reputation of leaders is to be above reproach. Following the example of Christ, persons so appointed preach and teach with authority, interpret the Scriptures and the faith diligently, speak divine truth with boldness, equip the saints, relate with compassion to the needy, and lead the congregation in faithful living, so that the church may be "built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God." [Rom. 10:14-15; Matt. 7:29; Titus 2:15; 1 Tim. 4:13; Jer. 1:4-10; 2 Tim. 4:1-3; Eph. 4:11-13; Phil. 2:1-4; Eph. 2:22]
The confirmation of the call to a particular ministry is a sign of mutual accountability between the church and its chosen representative. A time of discernment may be followed by ordination or a similar act, accompanied by laying on of hands. [1 Tim. 5:22; Exod. 29:35] This act symbolizes the person's responsibility as a servant of the Word. The congregation and the wider church or conference share in this act as an indication of their blessing and support and as a reminder of the person's accountability before God and the church, and of the church's responsibility toward the person.
The confirmation of the call to a particular ministry is a sign of mutual accountability between the church and its chosen representative. A time of discernment may be followed by ordination or a similar act, accompanied by laying on of hands. [1 Tim. 5:22; Exod. 29:35] This act symbolizes the person's responsibility as a servant of the Word. The congregation and the wider church or conference share in this act as an indication of their blessing and support and as a reminder of the person's accountability before God and the church, and of the church's responsibility toward the person.
Commentary: Elected priesthood is inconsistent with the verses that indicate that God chooses His priesthood. The practice of semikah (laying on of hands) is consistent with the Bible (only when practiced by priesthood chosen by God).
Anglican -
Call to Ministry: But there is a further calling, a particular calling, which is not for everyone but may be for you. This particular calling is to serve God and all people through the Church's ordained ministry or through one of its licensed lay ministries. For this particular calling, it isn't enough simply to be convinced yourself that you have a vocation. You have to allow your sense of vocation to be tested by the Church through its discernment processes. It is the Church that validates and authorizes that calling.
What are the marks of a vocation?
In exploring whether you are called by God to ordained ministry, or to one of the licensed lay ministries, you will probably be asked to meet a number of people, such as Vocations Advisers who are experienced in discerning vocation. They will help you to discover whether you show signs of having a vocation to ministry.
What are the marks of a vocation?
In exploring whether you are called by God to ordained ministry, or to one of the licensed lay ministries, you will probably be asked to meet a number of people, such as Vocations Advisers who are experienced in discerning vocation. They will help you to discover whether you show signs of having a vocation to ministry.
Commentary: Self election and verification by the church are not consistent with the scriptures.
Assyrian Church -
Church of Christ -
The Priesthood of All Believers. All members of the United Church of Christ are called to minister to others and to participate as equals in the common worship of God, each with direct access to the mercies of God through personal prayer and devotion.
Commentary: A priesthood of all believers is inconsistent with the verses that indicate that God chooses His priesthood and specifically contradicts Numbers 16:1-3,10-11,20-21.
Church of Jesus Christ (Restoration Branches) -
Epitome of Faith: We believe that a man must be called of God by "prophecy, and by laying on of hands" by those who are in authority to preach the gospel and administer the ordinances thereof.
Commentary: This statement is consistent with the scriptures.
(Utah) Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints -
Community of Christ -
Eastern Orthodox -
Islam -
Jehovah's Witnesses -
Do Jehovah's Witnesses Have a Paid Clergy? - Following the model of first-century Christianity, Jehovah's Witnesses have no clergy-laity division. All baptized Witnesses are ordained ministers and share in the preaching and teaching work. Witnesses are organized into congregations of about 100 believers. Spiritually mature men in each congregation serve as "older men," or elders. (Titus 1:5) They do so without being paid for their services.
Commentary: A priesthood of all believers is inconsistent with the verses that indicate that God chooses His priesthood and specifically contradicts Numbers 16:1-3,10-11,20-21.
Judaism -
Lutheran -
The Priesthood of Believers and the Divine Service: With the exception of the biblical doctrine of justification, perhaps no biblical teaching is more dear to the hearts of Lutherans than the priesthood of all believers...To say that all believers are priests is not the same as saying that everyone is a minister. The word "minister" has traditionally been reserved for those persons called to serve the priesthood in the pastoral office. This brief article will relate the priesthood of believers to the divine service, understanding the divine service as the chief parochial service, whether on Sunday morning or at some other time during the week.
Commentary: A priesthood of all believers is inconsistent with the verses that indicate that God chooses His priesthood and specifically contradicts Numbers 16:1-3,10-11,20-21.
Methodist -
Pentecostal -
Presbyterian -
Theology - Some of the principles articulated by John Calvin are still at the core of Presbyterian beliefs. Among these are the sovereignty of God, the authority of Scripture, justification by grace through faith and the priesthood of all believers. What these tenets mean is that God is the supreme authority throughout the universe. Our knowledge of God and God's purpose for humanity comes from the Bible, particularly what is revealed in the New Testament through the life of Jesus Christ. Our salvation (justification) through Jesus is God's generous gift to us and not the result of our own accomplishments. It is everyone's job -- ministers and lay people alike -- to share this Good News with the whole world. That is also why the Presbyterian church is governed at all levels by a combination of clergy and laity, men and women alike.
Commentary: A priesthood of all believers is inconsistent with the verses that indicate that God chooses His priesthood and specifically contradicts Numbers 16:1-3,10-11,20-21.
Roman Catholic -
Bishop selection process is thorough and strictly confidential - Most priests who are named bishops and most bishops who are named to lead a different diocese use words like "shocked" and "surprised" after learning of their appointment by the Holy Father.
Most have no idea that the appointment is coming because the process by which bishops are chosen is marked by strict confidentiality--and for several good reasons.
Canon 377 of the Code of Canon Law stipulates that, at least once every three years, the bishops of an ecclesiastical province must submit to the apostolic nuncio a list of priests who, in their opinion, are qualified to be bishops.
How to become a priest - Priestly formation actually begins in the family, continues through the discernment process, is solidified during seminary years of study and pastoral experience, and is confirmed at ordination, where it becomes a lifetime of collaboration with God's grace and human effort.
Baptized, confirmed and practicing Roman Catholic men with a desire to serve God and His people as a priest must possess the following general qualifications:
Most have no idea that the appointment is coming because the process by which bishops are chosen is marked by strict confidentiality--and for several good reasons.
Canon 377 of the Code of Canon Law stipulates that, at least once every three years, the bishops of an ecclesiastical province must submit to the apostolic nuncio a list of priests who, in their opinion, are qualified to be bishops.
How to become a priest - Priestly formation actually begins in the family, continues through the discernment process, is solidified during seminary years of study and pastoral experience, and is confirmed at ordination, where it becomes a lifetime of collaboration with God's grace and human effort.
Baptized, confirmed and practicing Roman Catholic men with a desire to serve God and His people as a priest must possess the following general qualifications:
- Faith in, and love for, Christ and His Church.
- Good moral character.
- A high school diploma with favorable academic abilities.
- Emotional balance and maturity.
- Good physical health.
- Psychological readiness and capacity to pursue a sustaining, life-long commitment.
- A deepening habit of prayer and a balanced devotional life.
- Maturity to recognize and the willingness to respond to the needs of others.
- Readiness to serve in the manner to which he is called by God, through his Bishop.
- A developing spirit of detachment that helps him be in the world but not of the world.
- Freedom to enter this state in life.
- Be between the ages of 17-45. (Rare exceptions are considered on a case by case basis)
Commentary: God's calling is not included in any of the stated qualififcations. That men are not informed by God that He has selected them, the selection process to all priesthood offices is decided by men - which is not supported by the scriptures.
Seventh-Day Adventist Church -
Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual -
Elders may be elected to a new term of office, but it is not advisable for them to serve indefinitely. The church is under no obligation to elect to a new term of office and may choose others whenever changes seem advisable. Upon the election of new elders, the former elders no longer function as elders but may be elected to other church offices.
Commentary: Elected priesthood is inconsistent with the verses that indicate that God chooses His priesthood.
Southern Baptist Convention -
Preamble 2000 - We honor the principles of soul competency and the priesthood of believers, affirming together both our liberty in Christ and our accountability to each other under the Word of God.
PRIESTHOOD OF THE BELIEVER - However, the Bible teaches that Jesus' death on the cross brought an end to the priesthood...Baptists, like most other Protestant faiths, believe that human priests are no longer necessary. They advocate that all believers have direct access to God through Jesus Christ. This was symbolized vividly when the temple veil that shielded the Holy of Holies was torn in 2 from top to bottom following Jesus' death on the cross. The true wall of separation between God and man, sin, was forever defeated. Therefore, all born-again believers are "priests" in that all may communicate directly and personally to God through Christ in prayer and worship.
PRIESTHOOD OF THE BELIEVER - However, the Bible teaches that Jesus' death on the cross brought an end to the priesthood...Baptists, like most other Protestant faiths, believe that human priests are no longer necessary. They advocate that all believers have direct access to God through Jesus Christ. This was symbolized vividly when the temple veil that shielded the Holy of Holies was torn in 2 from top to bottom following Jesus' death on the cross. The true wall of separation between God and man, sin, was forever defeated. Therefore, all born-again believers are "priests" in that all may communicate directly and personally to God through Christ in prayer and worship.
Commentary: The SBC does not define what is meant by the term, "priesthood of believers." Individual baptist congregations define the term to mean that all members are priests - which is inconsistent with the scriptures.