Brandan Kraft argues that the title "reverend" belongs exclusively to God, as affirmed in Psalm 111:9, and should never be applied to human ministers or clergy. Drawing on Christ's explicit commands in Matthew 23:8-11 against hierarchical titles and distinctions within the church, he contends that the clergy-laity divide prevalent in modern Christianity contradicts the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers—the truth that all Christians are equally justified sinners saved by Christ's redemption and equally gifted as ministers. Rather than elevating leaders through honorific titles, believers should serve one another in humility and reserve all reverence for Christ alone.
Outline
I. Introduction
- Significance of the title "reverend"
- Citation of Psalm 111:9 to establish authority of the term
II. The Unique Authority of God
- One true "Reverend": Jesus Christ
- The distinction between God and man in the use of titles
III. The Misuse of the Title "Reverend"
- Questioning why it is used by clergy today
- The elevation of ministers vs. the commonality of all believers
- "Church and laity distinction"
IV. Biblical Basis for Equality Among Believers
- All believers as sinners saved by grace
- Righteousness in Christ for all
- Role of all believers as ministers of truth
V. The Nature of Spiritual Gifts
- Gifts as divine endowments, not entitlements
- The call for humility in service and title usage
VI. New Testament Teaching on Authority and Service
- Reference to Matthew 23:8-11
- Prohibition against titles like "master" and "father"
- The call to servanthood over titles
VII. Conclusion
- Encouragement to worship and reverence God alone
- Call to humility in the body of Christ
- Reaffirmation of Christ as the ultimate authority and shepherd
Key Quotes
“There is only ONE who should ever be called reverend and that is the ONE who inhabits eternity.”
“I can't answer that question with certainty...but I can tell you that within the minds of many people the title of reverend elevates a minister above other Christians.”
“…all of God's people are in the same boat. They are all sinners.”
“Be not ye called Rabbi; for one is your Master, even Christ, and all ye are brethren.”
“Let us not desire any preeminence amongst men; let us instead reverence our great Shepherd.”
Scripture References
- Psalm 111:9 - Discusses the holiness and reverence of God's name, establishing the title's exclusive ownership by God.
- Matthew 23:8-11 - Jesus’ instruction against taking titles that elevate oneself, emphasizing humility and the servant leadership model.
Doctrinal Themes
- Sola Scriptura - Importance of aligning church practices with Scripture.
- Doctrine of the Priesthood of All Believers - Each Christian is valued equally in Christ.
- Humility in Leadership - Biblical teaching against hierarchical distinctions.
- Servanthood - The call to serve one another instead of seeking titles.
- God's Sovereignty - God's position as the ultimate authority and reverence.
What does the Bible say about the title Reverend?
The Bible indicates that only God, specifically Jesus, should be called reverend, as seen in Psalm 111:9.
Psalm 111:9, Matthew 23:8-11
How do we know that titles like Reverend are inappropriate for Christians?
Scripture teaches that Christ commands us to serve one another and warns against taking titles that elevate individuals above others.
Matthew 23:8-11
Why is humility important for Christians?
Humility is essential for Christians as it reflects the character of Christ and fosters unity among believers.
Philippians 2:3-4, Ephesians 4:2
He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name. - Psalm 111:9
There is only ONE who should ever be called reverend, and that is the ONE who inhabits eternity. His name is Jesus and holy and reverend is his name. And so I don't understand why men and women today allow themselves to be referenced with this title, let alone encourage their followers to do so. Have they not read the scriptures? Do they not realize they are putting themselves on the same level as God by using this title? I can't answer that question with certainty. But I can tell you that within the minds of many people, the title of reverend elevates a minister above other christians. There is a church and laity distinction that is prevelant today which should not be so.
The truth of the matter is all of God's people are in the same boat. They are all sinners. And they've all been saved in Christ's earthly work of redemption. They are all justified and seen as righteous by the Lord. There isn't a single one of them that is any better than the others. In fact, they are all ministers of the truth and should be all working to edify one another in Christ. God has dispensed His gifts to all of His people, and while these gifts may be varied amongst the people, they still need to be seen as gifts and not entitlements.
So when it comes to titles, nobody should be elevated one above another. And when it comes to the title of reverend, God is the only one who should be honored with that title.
But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. - Mat 23:8-11
The new testament is clear, no man is to be called "master" or "teacher." Christ Himself commands us to serve one another and warns us that we shouldn't take titles upon ourselves or set ourselves up in positions to Lord over one another. We should be serving one another as brethren, and living, working, and worshipping together in humility before the Lord.
Those of us who believe, we've been given the righteousness of Christ. And we are not holy in and of ourselves. Holy and reverend is HIS name. All of the Lord's people will worship and reverence HIM. And we are taught that man striving to be his very best is nothing but vanity on display. We who believe, let us not desire any preeminence amongst men. Let us not steal the reverence that our Lord is owed. But instead, let us serve the Lord in humility, thanking Him for caring for us and not leading us astray, but keeping us on the straight and narrow. Instead of honoring one another with flesh pleasing titles, let us instead reverence our great Shepherd!
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