No, you haven’t even attended, let alone graduated from a seminary. You haven’t done the eight years of study required after high school. You haven’t studied philosophy, nor have you taken courses in dogmatic, moral and pastoral theology. You may know very little about church history or canon law and even less about homiletics. You have never officiated at a church ceremony nor have you ever publicly stood and prayed to God. Some priest you are!

And some priest you really are! Every child of God is a priest. Every believer is a God-recognized priest. The Bible teaches that if you are a Christian, you are a priest. A priest is one who has access to God and can offer sacrifices to God. Perhaps you have heard someone say: “We believe in the priesthood of all believers.” That’s what they mean. We do not need another person down here on earth to offer sacrifices to God on our behalf or to represent us before God.

The Apostle Peter said we belonged to a holy and a royal priesthood. (1Peter 2:5, 9) The moment of your salvation you were inducted into God’s holy priesthood. You started functioning as a priest the very moment you offered up a sacrifice of thanks to God for your salvation. Because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ every single believer on the planet has access to the Throne of God.

“…you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” 1Peter 2:5

What sacrifices can and should you offer to God? William MacDonald in Believers Bible Commentary suggests several sacrifices. Go down this list and see how you are doing as a priest.

1. SACRIFICE OF YOURSELF – Each day, do you bring yourself to the Lord and lay all your abilities, your intellect, your personality, your time and money – all of you on the altar for HIM!

“Therefore, I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” Romans 12:1

2. SACRIFICE OF YOUR FAITH – Are you offering up to God your life by serving Him in any and every way you can?

“…the sacrifice and service of your faith.”  Philippians 2:17

3. SACRIFICE OF YOUR MONEY – How much of your money are you giving to the Lord each week?

 “…the gifts you sent are a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.” Philippians 4:18

4. SACRIFICE OF PRAISE – How often do you bow your head and thank the Lord for His goodness, for His blessings, for your salvation and preservation? How often does praise for God come from you?

Through Him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.” Hebrews 13:15

5. SACRIFICE OF GOOD WORKS – How frequently do you do good things for others and to others i.e. other Christians and non-Christians?

“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” Hebrews 13:16

Think today about how you are doing as a priest. What sacrifices are you making?

Walk carefully and closely with the Lord today.

Warmly in Christ
Peter Ramsay

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