Outline of Hebrews
PRIESTHOOD OF ALL BELIEVERS
PETER 2:5-9 – “But ye [that is Christians] are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood”
Revelation 1:5-6 – “And hath made us [Christians] kings and priests unto God . .”
Revelation 5:9-10 – “Made us [Christians] unto our God kings and priests . . .”
SACRIFICES OFFERED:
Hebrews 13:15-16
Romans 12:1-3
CLERGY AND LAITY
In his book, “Understanding By Men”, T.C. Hammon points out the following:
Greek word for “priest" is “hiereus” and is found 33 times in the New Testament.
Three of these times (quoted above) refer to all Christians.
The word “clergy” comes from Greek “kleeros” meaning a lot, and inheritance, and is found 13 times in Scripture. It is never used to mark off a segment of God’s people. All the redeemed are God’s inheritance (“kleeros”).
“Laity” comes from Greek “laos” which occurs 141 times in the New Testament and means “people.” In every instance where it refers to the church it is applied to the whole body of believers.
See 1 Peter 2:9 which refers to the same group (that is, those who have been saved) – “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood [“Hiereus”], a holy nation, a peculiar people (“laos”) . . .” “The idea of a distinction between the ministry and other Christians, leading to the setting up of a clerical ‘caste’ is unknown to Scriptures. The word clergy (derived from “kleeros”) indicates Christians as a whole and not an aristocracy in the church”
