What is the "priesthood of all believers"?
The priesthood of all believers means every Christian has direct access to God through Christ and shares in the priestly calling to worship, intercede, and serve — there is no spiritual elite between us and God.
Under the old covenant, only Levitical priests entered God’s presence on the people’s behalf. Under the new covenant, "you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9).
Every believer can approach God directly through Christ — "let us draw near with confidence" (Hebrews 4:16). No mediator beyond Jesus is needed.
And every believer is given priestly work: to offer worship, intercede for others, declare God’s praise, and minister grace. Christianity has pastors and teachers, but no spiritual elite.
Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.