📖Scripture:
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” — 1 Peter 2:9
🔎Examination:
From the moment God delivered Israel from bondage in Egypt, His purpose was explicit: “You shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6). This priestly calling was not a reward for Israel’s merit but a manifestation of divine election and mercy. God chose them—not because they were numerous, righteous, or mighty—but because of His covenant love (Deuteronomy 7:7–8).
The priesthood was a sacred bridge between a holy God and a sinful people. The priests bore the names of the tribes upon their breastplate and shoulders (Exodus 28:9–29), symbolizing mediation and representation. Their ministry pointed forward to the ultimate Mediator—Christ Jesus, our eternal High Priest—who entered not into an earthly tent but into the heavenly sanctuary by His own blood (Hebrews 9:11–12).
Peter, writing to the elect scattered across the Roman Empire, declares that through union with Christ, this priestly ministry has been transferred from an ethnic nation to a spiritual one. Those born again by the imperishable seed of the Word are now the “royal priesthood”—not because they wear vestments or offer animal sacrifices, but because they offer their lives as living sacrifices, acceptable to God through Christ (Romans 12:1).
This royal priesthood stands in radical contrast to the counterfeit churches of our age that have abandoned the inerrant, sufficient, and immutable Word of God. Their priests of tolerance and apostles of sentiment have exchanged the gospel of grace for the doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4:1). In forsaking Christ’s Lordship, they forfeit the very priesthood they claim to uphold. The true elect, however, crave the pure spiritual milk of the Word (1 Peter 2:2). They proclaim—not themselves, not progress, not inclusivity—but the excellencies of Him who called them out of darkness into light.
The OT priests were consecrated through blood and anointing oil. Likewise, the saints are consecrated by the blood of the Lamb and the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Their garments are washed white in the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 7:14). Their inheritance is incorruptible, undefiled, and unfading (1 Peter 1:4). In this priestly role, Christians serve as mediators of divine truth—not by offering new revelation, but by heralding the once-for-all revelation of God in Christ. Just as the Levites taught Israel the difference between holy and unholy (Leviticus 10:10–11), so too must the saints proclaim the unchanging distinctions of righteousness in a world that loves moral ambiguity.
This is no passive calling. To be a royal priesthood is to be set apart—to stand in the gap (Ezekiel 22:30), to bear the reproach of the world while declaring that there is one God and one Mediator between God and man: the Man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5).
The saints are not volunteers in a religious organization—they are ambassadors of Christ’s Kingdom. They carry His name, not for cultural acceptance but for divine proclamation. To proclaim His excellencies is to display His attributes—His holiness, mercy, justice, and truth—in word and deed. The priests of old offered incense before the veil; the priests of grace spread the aroma of Christ in every place (2 Corinthians 2:14–15).
🤺Action:
Examine your calling (2 Corinthians 13:5). Are you functioning as a priest unto God or a consumer of religion?
Test your loyalties (James 1:22–25). Does your doctrine flow from Scripture or sentimentality?
Assess your proclamation (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Are you declaring His excellencies or your own experiences?
Search your motives (Psalm 139:23–24). Do you crave holiness or affirmation?
Measure your obedience (Galatians 6:4–5). Is your ministry aligned with Christ’s mission—to reconcile sinners to God?
🧠Reflection:
To be part of Christ’s royal priesthood is the highest calling of grace. It is a commission grounded not in worthiness, but in election. The faithful stand between heaven and earth—not to mediate atonement, but to announce it accomplished. In a world awash with counterfeit gospels and hollow religion, let your life be a living altar where His excellencies blaze in purity. The same God who called Israel out of Egypt has called you out of darkness—so that through you, His glory might be proclaimed to every tribe, tongue, and nation.
The incense of this priesthood is not ritual smoke—it is the fragrance of a life fully surrendered to the Lamb who is worthy.
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Blessings & love,
Kevin M. Kelley
Pastor
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