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A Kingdom of Priests

Revelation 1:6: “He has made us a Kingdom of priests for God his Father. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.” (NLT)

In the Old Testament the Levitical priesthood began with Aaron. This priesthood continued on with the descendants of Aaron, who were specifically chosen to be mediators between God and man. The main duty of the priests was to offer sacrifices that were required by the Mosaic Law. However, we read in Hebrews 7:11 that perfection could not be attained through the Levitical priesthood, and therefore Jesus came as the Great High Priest in the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 4:14-15 explains further, that Jesus was the Great High Priest who passed through the heavens and can sympathize with us because He too was tempted in all points, just like we are, and yet was without sin. 

By his sacrificial death for us on the cross, Jesus has transformed those who believe in Him to be a very special people. 1 Peter 2:9 details our position in God’s kingdom. “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." (NKJV). As the royal priesthood of God, each one of us, has a responsibility to share the gospel of Jesus Christ to those around us.

We also read in 1 Peter 2:5, “You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (NKJV) While the Levitical Priesthood was required to offer various kinds of earthly sacrifices, we as the body of Christ, are endowed with this priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices unto the Lord. 

Here are some of the spiritual sacrifices we can offer to God. The sacrifice of righteousness and justice (Proverbs 21:3), the sacrifices of a broken and a contrite heart (Psalm 51:17), the sacrifice of thanksgiving (Psalm 107:22), a continual sacrifice of praise to God (Hebrews 13:15), the sacrifice of an obedient heart, (1 Samuel 15:22), and most importantly, the living sacrifice of our bodies, as holy and acceptable to God. (Romans 12:1).

Here’s the greatest sacrifice that God requires of us, as mentioned in Mark 12:33, “And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” (NKJV)

As the Kingdom of priests, chosen and set apart for God, let us reflect our Great High Priest in every area of our lives.