Salvation is not only about what God brought us out of. It is also about what He brought us into.
Many believers understand that Christ saved us from sin, darkness, bondage and eternal separation from God. While this is true, the Gospel is even more than rescue alone. God did not simply save us from something. He saved us into identity, purpose, authority and relationship with Him.
In Christ, we have been called a royal priesthood:
“And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”
Revelation 1:6 KJV
“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;”
1 Peter 2:9 KJV
These scriptures reveal the identity of the believer. We are not ordinary people wandering through life without direction or purpose. We are people set apart by God for His glory.
Called to be kings and priests.
Scripture describes believers as both kings and priests. These are not titles meant to exalt self, but spiritual realities that reveal how we are called to function in Christ. Kings represent stewardship, responsibility, wisdom and dominion under God’s authority. A king governs with order, discernment and accountability. In the Kingdom of God, dominion is never about pride or control. It is about representing God’s rule properly in the earth. Priests represent intimacy, worship, consecration and intercession. Priests minister before God. They stay connected to His presence and carry the burden of prayer, worship and spiritual service. Both identity matter. Without priesthood, authority becomes empty and fleshy. Without spiritual authority, worship can remain passive without impact in the earth. God desires believers who can stand before Him in reverence and stand in the earth with boldness.
We are called to carry both priestly and kingly anointing.
Set Apart for His Presence and Purpose
To be set apart means to be consecrated unto God. It means our lives are no longer shaped primarily by culture, fear, insecurity or worldly systems. We belong to Him. The believer is called to live differently, think differently, speak differently and walk differently because we represent another Kingdom. As ambassadors for Christ, we are entrusted with carrying His character into the earth. We are called to proclaim His Word boldly, live holy lives and reflect His nature to those around us. This identity produces stability.
When we know who we are in Christ, we stop living from insecurity and striving for validation. We no longer need to prove ourselves through performance, comparison or recognition, because our identity is rooted in Him. A believer who understands their identity walks with humility and confidence at the same time. Humility knowing everything comes from God. Confidence knowing we know who called us.
Living as Those Set Apart
Being set apart is not another cliche church phrase. It is a lifestyle. It looks like maintaining intimacy with God even in busy seasons. It looks like choosing holiness when compromise is easier. It looks like praying when others panic, worshiping when circumstances are difficult, and standing for truth when culture pressures believers to conform.
Those who are set apart understand that worship is not reserved for Sunday mornings alone, prayer is not optional, the Word of God is not secondary and the presence of God becomes central to everything else. When kingship and priesthood remain in balance, believers walk in wisdom, discernment, boldness and reverence. We reign under God’s authority, while remaining deeply dependence on His presence.
This is the calling of the believer: to live as those who have been chosen, consecrated and commissioned by God.
We are His kings and priests!
Reflection Questions
- Am I living from the awareness of my identity as a king and priest?
- How consistent is my life of worship, prayer and intimacy with God?
- Am I making decisions from identity or insecurity?
- In what areas is God calling me to live more set apart?
- How can I better represent Christ as His ambassador in my daily life?
