A Royal Priesthood

Each and every one of the believers having been made priests of God by faith in our great High Priest, Jesus Christ, who has passed into the heavens, are so very privileged. To have the title of a priest is one thing, but then to have the free and full access to the Father, to approach him in prayer within the Holiest Place in Heaven by the blood of Jesus Christ and through the Holy Spirit, is astounding and beyond words (Hebrews 4:14-15). We are heard of God as we intercede for others of the church, those of the priesthood. There is an interconnectedness that is wonderful in its unity as we supplicate for all saints (Ephesians 6:18; 1 Timothy 2:1).
   In addition, we as priests of God have a responsibility to offer up spiritual sacrifices, with which God will be pleased (1 Peter 2:5). The foremost offering is of our bodies as a living sacrifice in complete surrender and separation to God (Romans 12:1-2). Then naturally there will flow from a heart of thanks, the sacrifice of praise from our lips to God continually (Hebrews 13:15). Our hands will also be ready to work for God on behalf of others and give what is needed to those of the household of faith in service to God (Hebrews 13:16). Our giving will extend far beyond our realm of influence to encompass mission endeavors to regions beyond (Philippians 4:14-18). Even though our gifts can and will aid in the spread of the gospel, it is of necessity that we take upon ourselves to minister the gospel of grace so that those saved might become a sweet-smelling savor unto our God (Romans 15:15-16). May God help us to willingly offer ourselves as a drink offering that is poured out in sweet abandon before the Lord on behalf of others, for with it comes great rejoicing (Philippians 2:17).

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 marvellous light: 1 Peter 2:9