Restoration of the True Gnostic Priesthood

 # The Valentinian Priesthood of All Gnostics  

The concept of a universal priesthood is not unique to Protestant Christianity. Within Valentinian Gnosticism, the priesthood of all Gnostics mirrors the Protestant doctrine that every believer has direct access to God without relying on a hierarchical priestly class. This understanding, rooted in both scriptural and Gnostic traditions, underscores the equality and shared responsibility of all Valentinian believers as priests of God.  

## The New Testament on Priesthood  

The New Testament affirms the priesthood of all believers. In **1 Peter 2:4-10**, the apostle Peter writes that all Christians are "a spiritual house" and "a holy priesthood." He further emphasizes this in verse 9, stating, "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood." The "you" in these passages applies to all Christians, not just a select group. This teaching is echoed in **Revelation 1:6** and **Revelation 5:10**, which describe believers as a kingdom and priests unto God.  

Similarly, Valentinian Gnostic Christians hold that all members are priests before God. This universality eliminates the need for an exclusive class of priests and emphasizes the collective role of all believers in spiritual service.  

## The Role of a Gnostic Priest  

As priests, Valentinian Gnostics share a threefold ministry:  

1. **Representing God to humanity** – This involves sharing the knowledge of God and teaching the divine mysteries to others.  

2. **Representing humanity to God** – Gnostics engage in intercessory practices, lifting their fellow believers before God in prayer.  

3. **Offering spiritual sacrifices** – These sacrifices include acts of devotion, service, and praise, as described in **Romans 12:1**, **Hebrews 13:15-16**, and **Philippians 4:18**.  

This approach emphasizes individual responsibility and the transformative nature of spiritual practice in devotion to God.  

## Valentinian Practices  

In Valentinian communities, the traditional roles of clergy and laity were fluid. According to Tertullian, "Today one man is bishop and tomorrow another; the person who is a deacon today, tomorrow is a reader; the one who is a priest is a layman tomorrow. For even on the laity they impose the functions of priesthood." (*Against the Valentinians*, 1).  

This practice ensured active participation from all members and highlighted the belief that every believer was equal before God. Women, often excluded from leadership roles in orthodox Christianity, were given significant responsibilities among Valentinians. Female prophets, teachers, healers, evangelists, and priests played prominent roles, reflecting the movement’s commitment to equality.  

Valentinians also rejected ecclesiastical authority, choosing instead to meet in smaller, autonomous gatherings. These gatherings fostered an environment of shared leadership and collective spiritual growth, where every member contributed to the community’s well-being.  

## The Role of Anointing  

The Gospel of Philip reflects the Valentinian understanding of spiritual empowerment:  

> "The anointing is superior to baptism, for it is from the word 'anointing' that we have been called 'Christians,' certainly not because of the word 'baptism.' And it is because of the anointing that 'the Christ' has his name."  

For Valentinian Gnostics, baptism signifies initiation into the priesthood, while anointing represents empowerment for ministry. This anointing, often equated with the baptism of the Holy Spirit, provides the strength and authority to carry out the work of ministry. It is through this anointing that believers receive divine knowledge and the ability to act as witnesses of the truth.  

## The Priesthood of All Gnostics  

The Valentinian priesthood affirms that all Gnostics are equal in their spiritual calling. Each believer has the responsibility and privilege of serving as a priest, with direct access to God and the ability to minister to others. This egalitarian approach contrasts with the hierarchical structures of orthodox Christianity and reflects the radical inclusivity of Valentinian thought.  

Through their shared ministry, Valentinians embody the belief that the divine knowledge entrusted to them is not the possession of a select few but the inheritance of all who seek the truth. This priesthood of all Gnostics highlights their collective mission to reveal the mysteries of God and live out the transformative power of divine wisdom.