The Royal Priesthood: Embracing Our Identity in Christ

Have you ever considered yourself a priest? Or perhaps even royalty? While these titles may seem far removed from our everyday lives, the Bible paints a fascinating picture of believers as both priests and members of a royal family. This profound truth, often overlooked, has the power to transform how we view ourselves and our role in God's kingdom.

In 1 Peter 2:5, we find a striking description of believers: "Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ." This verse unveils a beautiful metaphor - we are living stones in God's spiritual house, each one of us vital to the structure He is building.

But it doesn't stop there. We're not just building blocks; we're also priests. This concept harkens back to God's original intention for Israel in Exodus 19:6, where He declared, "ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation." While Israel struggled to fulfill this calling, through Christ, we now have the opportunity to step into this role.

What does it mean to be a priest in the New Testament era? It's about offering spiritual sacrifices. Unlike the Old Testament priests who offered animal sacrifices, our offerings are of a different nature. Let's explore three types of sacrifices we can offer:

1. The Sacrifice of Praise (Hebrews 13:15)
Praise isn't always easy. It can be a sacrifice of our pride, our comfort, or our desire to blend in. But when we lift our voices in praise, whether we feel like it or not, we're fulfilling our priestly role. Remember, we praise God not because we're good, but because He is good.

2. The Sacrifice of Giving (Hebrews 13:16)
Just as the grain offering in the Old Testament expressed gratitude for God's provision, our giving today is a tangible way to acknowledge God's goodness. It's not about the amount, but the heart behind it. Giving can break the hold of materialism in our lives and open us up to greater blessings.

3. The Sacrifice of Self (Romans 12:1)
The ultimate offering is presenting our entire selves to God as "living sacrifices." This echoes the burnt offering of the Old Testament, where the entire animal was consumed. When we hold nothing back from God, dedicating our whole being to His service, we're fulfilling our priestly calling in the most profound way.

But there's more to our identity than just being priests. 1 Peter 2:9 declares, "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:" We're not just priests; we're royal priests. We serve under Jesus, who is both our High Priest and King.

This royal identity should shape how we view ourselves and our purpose. We're called to "show forth the praises" of God. This isn't just about individual evangelism; it's about our collective worship being a testimony to the world. When we gather to worship, our very assembly should proclaim God's greatness to those around us.

Our identity as a royal priesthood also sets us apart. We're called to be in the world but not of it. Just as Israel was meant to be a light to the nations around them, we're called to be different - not in isolation, but in our interactions with the world. Our lives should raise questions in the minds of those who don't know Christ, leading them to wonder about the source of our hope and joy.

It's crucial to understand that this identity isn't something we earn; it's who we are in Christ. We don't serve to become priests and royalty; we serve because that's who we already are. This understanding should transform our approach to Christian living. We're not striving to attain a position; we're living out the reality of who God has already declared us to be.

This truth challenges us to reconsider how we approach church and worship. Do we come with a "bless me if you can" attitude, or do we come ready to be a blessing? Do we enter God's presence with thanksgiving and praise, regardless of how we feel? Our worship isn't just about personal edification; it's about corporately showing forth the praises of God.

As we embrace our identity as royal priests, we're called to offer sacrifices not out of obligation, but out of love and gratitude. The mandatory sin and trespass offerings have been fulfilled in Christ's sacrifice. What remains are the voluntary offerings - praise, giving, and self-dedication. These are the ways we express our love for God and our commitment to His kingdom.

In conclusion, let's challenge ourselves to live in light of this incredible identity. You are a priest. You are royalty. Not because of anything you've done, but because of who Christ is and what He has done for you. How might your life look different if you truly embraced this truth? How might it change your approach to worship, to service, to your daily interactions?

Remember, you are a living stone in God's spiritual house. Your presence matters. Your praise matters. Your giving matters. Your complete dedication to God matters. As you go about your week, carry with you the knowledge that you are part of a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. Let this identity shape your actions, your words, and your thoughts. Show forth the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.