The Eternal Priesthood: Ministering (Hierateia) vs. Offering (Thysia) 🕊️
The Book of Revelation states that the redeemed will be priests of God and of Christ (Revelation 20:6). The Greek language uses two distinct concepts for the priestly function, clarifying that the eternal work of the saints is ministry, not sacrifice.
1. The Work of Offering: Thysia (θυσιˊα)
- Meaning: This word refers to a sacrifice or an offering made to God, typically involving the literal slaughter and burning of an animal.
- Theological Focus: Thysia is the core function of the Old Covenant priest: to mediate the expiation of sin by offering blood sacrifices. It is the work that has been perfectly and eternally completed by Christ (Hebrews 10:12: “one sacrifice for sins forever”).
- The Shocking Distinction: In the eternal state, the work of Thysia is permanently finished. The redeemed are not priests to offer physical sacrifices for sin because sin is fully eradicated and reconciliation is complete.
Thysia is the act of sacrifice.
2. The Work of Ministry: Hierateia (ιϵρατϵιˊα)
- Meaning: This word refers to the office, function, or service of the priest. It means to minister, serve, or perform sacred duties. It emphasizes the role rather than the specific, expiatory act.
- Theological Focus:Hierateia describes the spiritual, non-sacrificial duties of the redeemed. Peter calls believers a “holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices” (1 Peter 2:5). In the eternal city, the saints’ priesthood involves:
- Direct Access: Maintaining unhindered communion with God.
- Worship and Praise: Offering continuous, perfect worship (Hebrews 13:15).
- Governance and Service: Serving God and the Lamb in the eternal temple (Revelation 22:3).
- The Final Reality: The eternal life of the saint is defined by the active, eternal fulfillment of this sacred office (Hierateia)—a continuous, joyful service in God’s presence.
The Eschatological Conclusion
The final state of the redeemed is a perpetual, active service:
- We are liberated from the need for Thysia (physical sacrifice) forever.
- We are inaugurated into the eternal office of Hierateia (active ministry and governance).
The ultimate shocking truth is that the eternal reward is not passive rest on a cloud, but active, meaningful, and unending service within the administration of God’s perfect, everlasting Kingdom.
The Return Question
If the eternal reward is the active office of Hierateia (ministry and service), what current opportunity to serve Christ (however small or mundane) are you neglecting, failing to develop the practical habit and joy of the eternal priestly function?