Clergy - from greek word "kleros'

• literally = to cast lots, or to choose by lot.

• came to mean "to assign a portion"

• Then, became 'a heritage'

• God's "clergy" = HIS PEOPLE (all of them!)

• Deut. 4:20 - in OT was Israel

• Deut. 9:29, etc.

• In New Testament = God's people (all of them)

• Eph. 1:11 - Christians are 'chosen in Christ'

• 1 Peter 5:3 - elders are over His "heritage' (chosen people)

• Acts 26:18 - are God's 'kleros' when turn to God

• Colossians 1:12 - partakers of 'the inheritance'

Laity - from greek work 'Laos'

1. Literally = people.

2. Old Testament -

Lev. 26:12; Ezek. 37:27, Israel = God's people.

3. Prophecy of Church

Hosea 1:10 - of church, 'they shall be My people'....

Romans 9:25-26, 1 Peter 2:10 - shows this is the church.

4. New Testament always the church.

2 Cor. 6:16, those called out of wickedness are to be His people

Hebrews 8:10, They shall be my people...

Titus 2:14 redeemed us for His people...

1 Peter 2:9-10 - a chosen people - God's chosen people = the church.