Revelation 1:6 — and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse continues the flow of praise that began in the previous one. After declaring that Jesus loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood, it now explains one of the results of that salvation: Jesus has made us to be a kingdom and priests. That’s not something we’re waiting for — it’s already true for those who follow Him.
Being made into a kingdom means that we are now part of God’s rule. We belong to His authority and live under His leadership. And being made priests means we have direct access to God. In the Old Testament, only a few people could serve as priests. But now, through Jesus, every believer is invited into a relationship where we can worship, pray, serve, and stand in the gap for others.
The verse ends in worship: to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen. It’s like John can’t contain his joy. He’s overwhelmed by who Jesus is and what He has done, and his heart responds with honor and praise. That’s the right response for us too.
Historical Context
At the time this was written, many Christians felt powerless. They were under the rule of the Roman Empire, often treated unfairly, and some were being persecuted or pushed to the edges of society. This verse reminded them of their true identity: not victims, but a kingdom. Not outsiders, but priests in the service of God.
It would’ve been radical — and incredibly encouraging — to hear that they were part of a kingdom bigger than Rome and had a spiritual role that even kings and emperors couldn’t claim. No matter what the world said about them, this verse told them who they really were in God’s eyes.
Theological Implications
This verse tells us what Jesus has done for us and with us. He didn’t just save us from something — He saved us for something. He made us into something new. We’re not only forgiven — we are now representatives of His kingdom, with a calling to serve.
The idea of being priests points to one of the biggest shifts in the Bible. In the Old Covenant, access to God was limited. But through Jesus, that wall has been torn down. Now every believer can come boldly to God, serve Him directly, and intercede for others.
It also shows that our purpose is not just to be forgiven, but to serve — to use our lives for God’s glory, not just our own comfort.
Literary Analysis
This verse continues a poetic and worshipful tone. It’s part of a longer sentence of praise, starting in verse 5, that builds in rhythm and intensity. The language is rich with meaning — words like kingdom, priests, glory, and power all carry deep Old Testament echoes and future hope.
The structure is also significant. It moves from what Jesus has done (loved us, freed us) to what He has made us (a kingdom and priests), and ends in worship. This reflects the pattern of transformation: salvation → identity → praise.
The final phrase, Amen, means “so be it.” It’s a way of saying, “Yes — this is true, and I agree with it.”
Cross-References
- Exodus 19:6 – “You will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”
- 1 Peter 2:9 – “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession…”
- Hebrews 10:19-22 – We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus.
- Romans 12:1 – Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.
- Revelation 5:10 – “You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
If you follow Jesus, this verse tells you something incredibly important about who you are. You’re not just saved — you’re part of a kingdom. You’re not just forgiven — you’re a priest in God’s service. That means your life has meaning, purpose, and authority in Christ.
You don’t have to wait for heaven to start living for God. You’ve been brought into His family, and you’ve been given a role right now: to serve, to pray, to represent His heart to the world, and to give Him glory.
And when you realize who He is and who He’s made you to be, the natural response is worship — not out of guilt, but out of joy.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects the depth of God’s love. He doesn’t just forgive and leave us as we were. He gives us a new identity. He invites us into His kingdom and gives us access to Himself.
That’s love in action — bringing us close, giving us purpose, and letting us be part of something far greater than ourselves. God doesn’t just save people from sin — He adopts them into His family and gives them royal and priestly standing.
Only a deeply loving God would not only wash away guilt, but then call the forgiven into such high honor.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the one who makes all of this possible. Through His blood, He frees us from sin. Through His resurrection, He makes us a kingdom. Through His priesthood, He brings us near to God — and now we join in that priestly work.
In Hebrews 4:14-16, Jesus is called our great high priest. Because He goes before us, we can now serve as priests too. We don’t need a human go-between to approach God. Jesus has already opened the way.
And through Jesus, God’s glory and power are revealed. That’s why John says, to him be glory and power forever. Jesus is worthy of it all, because He gave everything to make us His.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does it mean to you personally to be part of God’s kingdom?
- How can you live out your role as a “priest” in daily life?
- In what areas of life do you struggle to remember your new identity in Christ?
- Why is it important that worship flows out of understanding what Jesus has done for us?
- How can you reflect God’s glory and power in how you serve others this week?