Book Description

The present quickening of lay activity in the life of the church is regarded as one of the most significant developments in recent years. What is the theology behind this development? Is it new? Is it true? Is it biblical? Is it supported by the early church fathers? Is it a living issue today, and is the church awakening to the real and practical significance of a doctrine which has been part of her faith from the beginning? Such pertinent and far-reaching questions are discussed in the book. The author deals with the development of the doctrine of the royal priesthood of the faithful, showing that it is based on the Bible, is strongly supported by the church fathers, and is prominent in the writings of theologians of the Middle Ages. While the neglect of the doctrine has adversely affected the life of the church, the emphasis upon it in many centuries has prompted movements which have resulted in spiritual quickening, intellectual renewal, and new ventures in Christian service. The Royal Priesthood of the Faithful is a dynamic formula of reform. The true church is revealed as a consecrated, interceding, witnessing, and serving priesthood of faithful people. The rediscovery of this doctrine, to which Luther gave a new name, brought fresh life and new insights to the church in the sixteenth century. It may be that in present circumstances, in a different though no less needy world, its message, believed and applied, may yet do the same again. This book is a companion volume to Dr. Eastwood's The Priesthood of All Believers, which examines the doctrine from the Reformation to January of 1962. The two volumes together present a complete work on the meaning and history of the doctrine.