Work Shop The Royal Priesthood
The Church is the royal priesthood. It has been chosen by the Lord to govern, guide, and bless the members of the nations of saved people on the earth. It appears that throughout the history of the Christian Church there has been little understanding of this role of God' saints. The unceasing emphasis on our eternal residence in Heaven leads away from the idea that one day we will be governing, guiding, and blessing the peoples of the earth.
Each true Christian has experienced the seemingly endless dealings of the Lord with him or her. Every thought, every word, every actions is brought up for review it seems. The reason for this careful training is that we are being prepared to be priestsârepresentatives of God to man and of man to God. Priests must be holy. Holiness has to with spiritual purity and with our nearness to God. Righteousness has to do with our behavior toward people. Holiness has to do with our behavior toward God.
Believers are not usually referred to in the New Testament as "Christians." The term employed by the Apostle Paul is saints. The term saint means "holy one." It appears to me that our current generation of Evangelical believers is not, for the most part, sensitive to the issue of holiness. The Book of First John tells us that as Christ is, so are we to be in this world. We are to walk as He walked.
We may know something about righteous behavior. Now we must learn about holiness, about spiritual purity, about closeness to our holy God. "Be holy for I am holy," commands the Lord. "Without holiness no man shall see the Lord." Why not? Because only the pure in heart are permitted to see God. If we are to please God in the present hour we must return to the ways of holiness, no matter how much we are criticized by other Christians who are certain that the grace of God excuses their conduct.
Primary Scriptures
Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. (2 Corinthians 7:1)
Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14)
But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; (1 Peter 1:15 )
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9)
Essential Points of Emphasis
The Book of First John tells us that as Christ is, so are we to be in this World. We Are to Walk as He Walked.
Suggested References
The First fruits of the Bride; Holiness Unto the Lord; The Three Separations of the Royal Priesthood
Follow up Activities
Answer Review Questions for this topic.37
List additional Scriptures which support this concept.
Summarize this topic in your own words in one paragraph
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