The New Testament often refers to Christians as the “church.” It’s important to note that the Greek term for “church” (ekklesia) means “called out ones.” This implies that a smaller group is chosen from the larger human population. As a result, many verses use terms like “elect,” “elected,” “election,” and “elect’s” (which can also mean “chosen”) to describe how God interacts with Christians. For instance, Matthew 24:31, Romans 8:33, Colossians 3:12, 1 Peter 1:2, 2 Peter 1:10, and 2 Timothy 2:10 are some examples of this language. This term highlights the unique selection of a smaller group (often referred to as the “little flock”) from humanity before everyone has a chance for salvation in the Kingdom.
So, what does this special calling or selection of the church mean? Christians are called to take on the roles of judges, priests, and kings in Christ’s Kingdom. What an amazing honor! At first, it might be hard to believe. But the Scriptures are clear about this. 1 Corinthians 6:2 says that “the saints shall judge the world.” 1 Peter 2:9 tells us that Christians are meant to be a “royal [kingly] priesthood.” Likewise, Revelation 1:6 and 5:10 declare that we are chosen by God to be “kings and priests” and that “we shall reign on the earth.” Revelation 20:6 adds that Christians “shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.”
Judges, priests, kings! What an incredible role Christians have been called to! But it also requires a tough training process for Christians to reach this role. If you profess to be a Christian, do you notice God preparing you for this important job?
Judges
According to 1 Corinthians 6:2 and John 5:22, Christians will join Christ in judging the world. John 5:28, 29, “ALL that are in the graves…shall come forth, they [Christians] that have done good, unto the resurrection of life [live and reign with Christ, [Revelation 20:4]; and they that have done evil [the rest of humanity] to a resurrection by krisis [Greek].” Many translations refer to this as the “resurrection of judgment,” but the Greek term literally means “resurrection of krisis.” A doctor might talk about a patient reaching a crisis, which doesn’t mean the patient will die. Instead, it’s a time when the patient could get better or worse. The “krisis” or testing period for the rest of humanity will happen in Christ’s Kingdom. So, their judgment won’t be based on what they did in this life, but on their actions during the Kingdom. That’s why the risen Lord says in Revelation 22:12, “Behold I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give to every man according as his work SHALL BE.” Christians will help Christ judge people based on their actions in the Kingdom, during their testing time.
The term “krisis” has made its way into many languages. In Chinese, they use two symbols to represent “krisis.” One symbol means danger, while the other represents opportunity. Humanity’s test or “krisis” in the Kingdom will provide a chance to gain eternal life, but it will also come with risks. Those who do not meet God’s requirements for eternal life will face the Second Death (Revelation 20:13-15).
Priests and Kings
Christians will not just be judges; they will also be kind and caring priests who will help everyone in the world with every chance to achieve eternal life. The Scriptures tell us that Jesus and his church (1 Peter 2:9; Revelation 1:6; 5:10; 20:6) will not only rule over the rest of humanity but will also act as priests and blessers.
Hebrews 9:23 shows that Israel’s tabernacle was a symbol of better things to come. After the high priest of Israel made sacrifices for forgiveness on the Day of Atonement, the priests spent the rest of the year teaching, judging, and blessing the people. Hebrews 5:1, 2 explains that Israel’s priests could feel “compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also subject to weakness.“ Jesus was perfect, but as our High Priest, he understands our weaknesses because he faced temptations just like us, yet he never sinned (Hebrews 2:17,18; 4:15).
Becoming Like Christ
Unlike Jesus, we have physical weaknesses and moral flaws. Also, every tough situation and tragedy that affects people also impacts Christians The term “temptation” is better understood as a trial, which is actually a test allowed by God to teach us. 1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us that “God is faithful, Who will not let you be tested beyond what you can handle.” If we are still “babes in Christ,” God might take away the trial or difficulty. However, there is “a way of escape” that our “faithful God” prefers to offer during our struggles and tragedies—so that His Holy Spirit can help us grow in spiritual maturity “so that you may be able to endure it.” But why should we go through tragedies instead of having God take them away? Remember, God is preparing us to be caring priests. That’s why Peter says in 1 Peter 1:7, “The trial of your faith is much more valuable than gold that can be destroyed, even though it is tested by fire, and it will result in praise, honor, and glory when Jesus Christ appears.” Christians who learn from their challenges are transformed from glory to glory into the character of Christ (Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18). By showing the spirit of Christ while dealing with their weaknesses and struggles, they develop love, compassion, and understanding for others.
Just like the firstborn of Israel represented each family, the ‘church of the firstborn’ (Hebrews 12:23) has gone through all the struggles and hardships that people face. This experience helps them become kind and understanding priests, judges, and leaders in the Kingdom.
There’s a lot more to being a Christian than just believing in Jesus. Granted Paul said in Acts 16:31; “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Peter pointed out in 2 Peter 1:5-11, “And besides this, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness knowledge; and to knowledge self-control; and to self-control perseverance; and to perseverance godliness; and to godliness mutual affection; and to mutual affection love…for if you do these things, you will never stumble. And you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Only by developing these qualities can we be ready to rule with Christ as kings and priests in His Kingdom (Revelation 20:6).
With a hope like this, we can only come to the same conclusion as Jesus did, that no suffering or tragedy is too big. Hebrews 12:2-4 says, “. . . looking unto Jesus, the author andfinisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.”
With a hope like this, let’s try to follow his example and “consider it all joy, my brothers, when you face different challenges” (James 1:2, NAS).