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Articles
A Royal Priesthood
A Royal Priesthood
In I Pet..2:5&9 we read, "Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. . . . But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:" Again in Rev.1:6, "And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." In theses passages Peter and John are affirming the priesthood of every believer. Peter addresses the book to the Christians scattered abroad, chap.1:1, "Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,". In the New Testament order, there is not a separate group of the people that serve as priests for the rest of the people of God; as was in the O.T. (and as seen in churches of men today). No, every child of God has the exalted privilege of becoming a part of this holy priesthood, this royal priesthood. Priests are people those that offer sacrifices to God. Now we "offer up spiritual sacrifices" today under New Testament practice, by Jesus Christ our high priest. The Hebrew writer put it this way about these spiritual sacrifices, "By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased." Heb.13:15-16. We become a part of this priestly order when we believe and obey the gospel of Christ. Have you turned to the Lord Jesus Christ in faith and obedience? You too can be a part of this royal priesthood. The reward of heaven awaits those who do so!
