A Royal Priesthood
In the book of Revelation, John stated that in his vision he saw: - the entire company of redeemed people called priest. Then in the book of I Peter 2 vs. 9 it states, "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light…"
Our Royal Priesthood is not an individualistic thing; it is more corporate, and the church is the channel through which this Priesthood flows. As believers, we are called to the Priesthood. This does not mean that there is no room for professional ministers; there are numerous functions in the ministry. Some of which require full time commitment. The highest standing in the church is that of the Royal Priesthood. This is an honor every believer shares. We tend to design class distinctions even in the church. Yet the throne of God is fully available to every Christian. Therefore the one called to be in the ministry of helps as an usher or a custodian has no less of a "spiritual" importance than the one who is called to be pastor.
A priest is a mediator, a go-between God and sinful man. According to Jeremiah 18 vs. 18 a mediator was seen in the light of a Priest who was a teacher of the word, a Prophet who spoke the Word of God and a Wise Man who gives counsel. This is the basis of the doctrine of "Priesthood" to all believers and all that believe in Christ are called to participate.
Priesthood is not limited to the members of the clergy. The right to the sacrament and to minister the word belongs to every Christian. No one outside of Christ (those outside the Household of Faith) has access to this privilege. There are two prime things we are called to do as priests:
- Mediate between God and sinful man.
- Identify with the sufferings of Christ.
Yes, if we truly are members of the royal priesthood we must also be willing to identify with Christ sufferings. (Philippians 1 vs.29)
All through history the aim of religion has been to encourage people to become aware of their sins. Not to bring their sins directly to God, but rather to take them to a point. Only a selected group of people were "chosen" to be priest, thus creating a safe barrier between man's sin and the wrath of God. Only a priest had a right to access to God. Therefore we still cannot approach the throne of Grace unless we are PRIESTS. Not only must we have a mediator in heaven, but earthly mediators are also required. If Christ is the High Priest in heaven then we are His "Royal Priest" on earth.
Hebrews 4 vs.16 states, "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Here the apostle declares that as believers we have limitless access and limitless help. The Hebrews were kept distant from God. The temple was built in such a way to reflect these barriers. There was a court of the Gentiles - open to all worshippers, as you crossed you came to barrier. There was a court of the women where only ceremonially clean Jews could enter. There was a court of the Israelites - here there was a notice of death to any woman that dared to enter, only ceremonially clean men could enter. The Holy place was where only the priest on duty could enter. Here now the Apostle comes with the idea that ordinary people could now freely approach the Lord God…. COME TO THE THRONE!!!!
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