Some of the most exciting proclamations in the Bible are controversial among believers. Revelation 5:10 is a good example.
Here are the basic differences in translations of this passage. (LINK)
New American Standard Bible (©1995)
"You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth."
King James Bible
And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
There are people who subject themselves to the leading and discipline of God. People who like Job have found who is really in charge. People like you and me. They agree with the "kingdom of priests" translation.
Then there are people who think God wants us to control, take over, dominate earth. You know, Adam lost it and we are taking it back. On the extreme end of this thinking are the Dominionists. We as Christians should take over the government, business, etc. The most extreme believe Jesus will only return once we take over. Others are only "helping" His return along. I suspect some think our taking over is the return of Jesus (Jesus is within us kind of thinking). Whether they even believe in a physical return of Jesus is unclear. These people like to read "kings and priests." The king part fits their dominion theology. So unlike Joseph, who influenced government and Pharaoh, they want to be Pharaoh. Unlike Daniel, who influenced government and Nebuchadnezzar, they want to be Nebuchadnezzar.
Most Christians drift back and forth between these two positions (or hang around the middle) depending on their situation or who they are listening to.
So I was just thinking that I am no longer fuzzy about my position. I'm no king. There is but one king ... The Christ of the Ancient of Days. I may be a priest, created to fellowship with and worship the King, but I'm no king.
I know what you are thinking ... it says we are reigning. But we reign as priests, not kings.
This may be a BigHugeThing.
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