--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The priest is not made. He must be born a…" description: "\"The priest is not made. He must be born a priest; must inherit his office. I refer to the new birth-the birth of water and the Spirit. Thus all Christi..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5c3/martin-luther-106_baptism_the-priest-is-not-made-he-must-be-born-a_1519022.jpg" --- # The priest is not made. He must be born a priest; must… ![“The priest is not made. He must be born a priest; must inherit his office. I refer to the new birth-the birth of water and the Spirit. Thus all Christians must became priests, children of God and co-heirs with Christ the Most High Priest.” quote by Martin Luther](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5c3/martin-luther-106_baptism_the-priest-is-not-made-he-must-be-born-a_1519022.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5c3/martin-luther-106_baptism_the-priest-is-not-made-he-must-be-born-a_1519022.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5c3/martin-luther-106_baptism_the-priest-is-not-made-he-must-be-born-a_1519022.jpg) > “The priest is not made. He must be born a priest; must inherit his office. I refer to the new birth-the birth of water and the Spirit. Thus all Christians must became priests, children of God and co-heirs with Christ the Most High Priest.” [Martin Luther](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-luther/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Priesthood is not a role assigned but a spiritual birth, inherited through faith and the Holy Spirit. **In simple terms:** Being a priest is a spiritual calling, not a job title. Key Takeaway Embrace spiritual identity over institutional titles. Themes faith spirituality identity Mood contemplative serious Type theological philosophical When to use this quote - church leadership - personal devotion - community service - null Key Concepts theology clerical vocation Questions to Reflect On - How does one feel called beyond formal roles? - What does 'new birth' mean in modern faith? A Different Perspective Institutional structures can limit personal spiritual experiences. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Baptism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/baptism/) [Birth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/birth/) [Born](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/born/) [Born Priest](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/born-priest-2370894/) [Child of god](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/child-of-god/) [Children](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/children/) [Christ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/christ/) [Christian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/christian/) [Christianity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/christianity/) [Christians Priests](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/christians-priests-5610662/) [Heirs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/heirs/) [High Priest](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/high-priest-1355424/) [Made](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/made/) [Office](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/office/) [Priest](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/priest/) [Priest Born](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/priest-born-5610663/) [Priests](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/priests/) [Spirit](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/spirit/) [Water](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/water/) ## Related quotes > [You cannot demand military service of Christians any more than you can of priests. We do not go forth as soldiers with the Emperor…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/origen/you-cannot-demand-military-service-of-christians-any-more-than-you/) [Origen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/origen/) > [“What you are born to be, you will be, whether it be priest or sailor. So step up and be it. Let them do…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robin-hobb/what-you-are-born-to-be-you-will-be-whether-it-be-priest-or-sailor-so/) [Robin Hobb](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robin-hobb/) > [“When the high-priest Paao arrived with Pili he introduced some new gods while recognizing the old, strengthened and enlarged the scope of the tabu,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/king-david-kalakaua/when-the-high-priest-paao-arrived-with-pili-he-introduced-some-new/) [King David Kalakaua](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/king-david-kalakaua/) > [We persevere because we are preserved by our High Priest's intercession.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/r-c-sproul/we-persevere-because-we-are-preserved-by-our-high-priest-s/) [R. C. Sproul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/r-c-sproul/) > [I have a high priest in heaven](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-murray-m-cheyne/i-have-a-high-priest-in-heaven/) [Robert Murray M'Cheyne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-murray-m-cheyne/) > [It's true that my stories seem to deal with the end of the world. I've often been called the high priest of gothic miserablism,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alastair-reynolds/it-s-true-that-my-stories-seem-to-deal-with-the-end-of-the-world-i-ve/) [Alastair Reynolds](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alastair-reynolds/) > [Embraces are comminglings from the head even to the feet, And not a pompous high priest entering by a secret place.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-blake/embraces-are-comminglings-from-the-head-even-to-the-feet-and-not-a/) [William Blake](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-blake/) > [“I can’t think of anything more depressing than to be an Egyptian high priest on display next to a set of vintage wagon wheels…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jennifer-niven/i-can-t-think-of-anything-more-depressing-than-to-be-an-egyptian-high/) [Jennifer Niven](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jennifer-niven/) > [“So your High Priest and Sacerdote propose to kill Death.” Edroc”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christie-maurer/so-your-high-priest-and-sacerdote-propose-to-kill-death-edroc/) [Christie Maurer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christie-maurer/) > [“A whore is a whore is a whore. Except when he's something else completely. From the writings of King Helios Dayspring, High Priest of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/belinda-mcbride/a-whore-is-a-whore-is-a-whore-except-when-he-s-something-else/) [Belinda McBride](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/belinda-mcbride/) > [When old companions, old lusts, and sins crowd in upon you, and when you feel that you are ready to sink, what can save…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-murray-m-cheyne/when-old-companions-old-lusts-and-sins-crowd-in-upon-you-and-when-you/) [Robert Murray M'Cheyne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-murray-m-cheyne/) > [“This name reminds us of Baptism, which should be practiced in daily tribulations and produce its effects so that we grow into a new…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-luther/this-name-reminds-us-of-baptism-which-should-be-practiced-in-daily/) [Martin Luther](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-luther/) > [ \[Christ's\] mission and work it is to help against sin and death, to justify and bring life. He has placed his help in baptism… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-luther/christ-s-mission-and-work-it-is-to-help-against-sin-and-death-to/) [Martin Luther](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-luther/) > [Also when it is a case of only upholding some spiritual tenet, such as infant baptism, original sin, and unnecessary separation, then . .…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-luther/also-when-it-is-a-case-of-only-upholding-some-spiritual-tenet-such-as/) [Martin Luther](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-luther/) > [For that purpose Christ instituted holy baptism, thereby to clothe you with his righteousness. It is tantamount to his saying, My righteousness shall be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-luther/for-that-purpose-christ-instituted-holy-baptism-thereby-to-clothe-you/) [Martin Luther](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-luther/) ## More by Martin Luther > [“It was easy for you to say these things, since you either knew you were not writing to Luther, but for the general public,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-luther/it-was-easy-for-you-to-say-these-things-since-you-either-knew-you/) [Martin Luther](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-luther/) > [In a delightful garden, sowing, planting or digging are not hardship but are done with a zeal and a certain pleasure.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-luther/in-a-delightful-garden-sowing-planting-or-digging-are-not-hardship/) [Martin Luther](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-luther/) > [If you could understand a single grain of wheat you would die of wonder.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-luther/if-you-could-understand-a-single-grain-of-wheat-you-would-die-of/) [Martin Luther](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-luther/) > [He who believes in God is not careful for the morrow, but labors joyfully and with a great heart. 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But Christ himself will be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-luther/our-office-subjects-us-to-great-burdens-and-labors-dangers-and/) [Martin Luther](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-luther/) > [“Our faith in Christ does not free us from works but from false opinions concerning works, that is, from the foolish presumption that justification…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-luther/our-faith-in-christ-does-not-free-us-from-works-but-from-false/) [Martin Luther](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-luther/) > [The works of the righteous would be mortal sins if they would not be feared as mortal sins by the righteous themselves out of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-luther/the-works-of-the-righteous-would-be-mortal-sins-if-they-would-not-be/) [Martin Luther](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-luther/) > [Do not suppose that abuses are eliminated by destroying the object which is abused. Men can go wrong with wine and women. Shall we…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-luther/do-not-suppose-that-abuses-are-eliminated-by-destroying-the-object/) [Martin Luther](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-luther/) > [“For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law. Romans 3:28”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-luther/for-we-maintain-that-a-man-is-justified-by-faith-apart-from-observing/) [Martin Luther](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-luther/) > [There are only two days on my calendar... today and the day of judgment](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-luther/there-are-only-two-days-on-my-calendar-today-and-the-day-of-judgment/) [Martin Luther](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-luther/) > [ Antichrist is the pope and the Turk \[Muslim\] together. A beast full of life must have a body and soul. The spirit or soul… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-luther/antichrist-is-the-pope-and-the-turk-muslim-together-a-beast-full-of/) [Martin Luther](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-luther/) > [It is not the imitation that makes sons; it is sonship that makes imitators.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-luther/it-is-not-the-imitation-that-makes-sons-it-is-sonship-that-makes/) [Martin Luther](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-luther/) [Explore all 1,292 Martin Luther quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-luther/) ## More Baptism quotes > [“Baptism is a symbolic narrative not only of incorporation into Christ but also of ongoing life in Christ. Although a once-for-all death to sin…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-j-gorman/baptism-is-a-symbolic-narrative-not-only-of-incorporation-into-christ/) [Michael J. Gorman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-j-gorman/) > [Men can be attracted but not forced to the faith. You may drive people to baptism, (but) you won't move them one step further…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alcuin/men-can-be-attracted-but-not-forced-to-the-faith-you-may-drive-people/) [Alcuin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alcuin/) > [Wicked sons do not have the Holy Ghost in the same way as do beloved sons, and yet they do have Baptism. So, too,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saint-augustine/wicked-sons-do-not-have-the-holy-ghost-in-the-same-way-as-do-beloved/) [Saint Augustine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/saint-augustine/) > [It is this one Spirit who makes it possible for an infant to be regenerated . . . when that infant is brought to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saint-augustine/it-is-this-one-spirit-who-makes-it-possible-for-an-infant-to-be/) [Saint Augustine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/saint-augustine/) > [Each restorational advancement of the Army of the Lord has established denominational forts that are given responsibility to maintain the purity and power of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-hamon/each-restorational-advancement-of-the-army-of-the-lord-has/) [Bill Hamon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-hamon/) > [True greatness,true leadership,is found in giving yourself in service to others, not in coaxing or inducing others to serve you. True service is never…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-oswald-sanders/true-greatness-true-leadership-is-found-in-giving-yourself-in-service/) [J. Oswald Sanders](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-oswald-sanders/) > [Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins is an essential covenant to make with the Lord. Faith and repentance precede this ordinance. Confirmation…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-theodore-tuttle/baptism-by-immersion-for-the-remission-of-sins-is-an-essential/) [A. 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The apostles, to whom were committed the secrets of the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/origen/the-church-received-from-the-apostles-the-tradition-of-giving-baptism/) [Origen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/origen/) [Browse all 314 Baptism quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/baptism/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "The priest is not made. He must be born a priest; must inherit his office. I refer to the new birth-the birth of water and the Spirit. 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