The Priesthood of Believers – Dr. Charles Stanley
According to Scripture, the believer’s citizenship is in heaven
(Philippians
3:20). In other words, we’re not going to be citizens of
an eternal kingdom; we already are.
What’s more, every person who professes Jesus Christ as Lord is
part of God’s priesthood. In the ancient Israelite culture, priests were the
privileged servants of Almighty God. They carried out all the tasks related to
keeping the Law and preserving the spiritual well-being of the people. They
cared for the temple, offered sacrifices, and interceded on behalf of the
community.
When John says in Revelation 1 that
you and I are priests, he is placing us among the ranks of a people set apart
as God’s servants. It is a blessing and calling to worship the Lord, to adore
and honor Him, and to ensure that all glory is given to His name. Our duties
also include interceding on behalf of others.
The one priestly task we do not have to do is perform
sacrifices. God Himself offered the final sacrifice on the cross of Calvary,
when His Son died in our place. Our part is to bear witness to the breadth and
depth of His love for all people. Once you grasp the fact that God looks on His
children—every one a former slave to sin—with unconditional devotion, you can’t
keep quiet about it.
Believers are special in the eyes of their God and King. We are
a sacred people and a holy order. What are you doing with your life? As a
believer, you are not your own anymore (1
Corinthians 6:19). You are a priest and a privileged servant of the Most
High God.
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