427. 1PE 2:9. THE PRIESTS TYPICAL OF BELIEVERS
1Pe_2:9. The Priests Typical Of Believers
"A royal priesthood."’971Pe_2:9.
The ancient priesthood passed away, when the Christian dispensation was established. Jesus is now the only priest, who has presented one great sacrifice for sin, and who "ever lives to make intercession for us." But in a spiritual sense, all believers are now priests, and as such they are designated by the apostle in our text, "A royal priesthood." The kingly and priestly offices were separate and distinct under the Mosaic economy. In Jesus they were united; he was a royal priest, or a "priest upon his throne." Believers in Christ’s right and by virtue of union to him, are made kings and priests unto God and the Father, &c. At present let us view the priesthood of the Christian, as typified by the priests under the law. They were so,
I. In their Separation to the Priestly falling.
The priests were separated from the other tribes and devoted to the worship of God. Believers are called out of the world, and separated to the service of God. Hence they give themselves to the Lord. Present themselves as a living sacrifice, &c. Consecrate their service to the Lord. They cease to be of the world, and come out of it, bearing Christ’s cross and following him. Besides, as the priests under the law were required to be sound in body and free from deformity, so none are of the spiritual priesthood but those who are sincere in heart, and fully devoted in life to the service of the Lord.
II. In the Manner in which they entered upon their Office.
They did this,
1. By being washed in pure water, Exo_29:4.
A striking emblem of baptism, by which we commence our Christian profession, and put on the Saviour before men. To this doubtless the apostle refers, "Let us draw near," &c., Heb_10:22.
2. By being clothed with the sacerdotal vestments.
Without dwelling minutely on these, we may observe that believers are clothed with that holiness which is likened to fine linen. That they wear the girdle of truth,’97the robe of salvation,’97the breastplate of righteousness,’97and the shoes of the preparation of the gospel of peace. On their heads too they have, as their mitre and helmet, the hope of salvation.
3. By being anointed with consecrating oil.
In this was typified the communication of the Holy Spirit. Compare Exo_29:7, with 2Co_1:21, and 1Jn_2:20.
4 By the whole being ratified through the blood of sacrifices, (Exo_29:10,) with which also they were hallowed for their sacred service.
In this we are distinctly led to behold the acceptance of the believer, through the merit of Jesus Christ, the great sacrifice for sin; and the application of his blood to the sanctifying of the conscience before God.
III. In the Duties which devolved upon them.
They were,
1. To offer sacrifices, Heb_5:1.
The nature and manner of doing this was revealed to them by the Lord. Thus also do believers present their sacrifices to God. They present themselves as a living sacrifice. "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit," &c. They present the sacrifice of prayer and thanksgiving, with that of benevolence, and liberality, and mercy, with which God is well pleased, Psa_51:16, Psa_107:22; Heb_13:15, Heb_13:16.
2. They were to offer intercession for their fellow-worshippers.
And this duty belongs to the Christian priesthood. See 1Ti_2:1. They are to pray one for another, Jam_5:13, Jam_5:18.
3. They were to instruct and bless the people.
To feed the people with knowledge. To explain and enforce the will of the Lord, Mal_2:7. And in the name of the Lord to bless the people. The Christian priest is, in like manner, to diffuse abroad the light of the gospel, holding forth the word of life, and by his life and influence to be a blessing to those around him. God says of such, "I have blessed thee and will make thee a blessing," "Ye are the salt of the earth," &c.
4. They were to carry on the services of the tabernacle, and to keep the fire continually burning on the altar.
In this too we behold the trust which God has committed to his church. It is for his spiritual priests to maintain the ordinaries of the gospel in all their purity, and to convey them down to posterity. They are to maintain the celebration of Christian worship, the preaching of the word of life, and to offer up their united prayers for the extension of the church, and the salvation of the world. Consider,
IV. The Privileges which they enjoyed.
1. Their support was ordained of God and fully provided for them.
Certain portions of the sacrifices were to be for Aaron and his sons, Lev_2:10 The great Sacrifice for sin, provides all his spiritual priests with "meat indeed." Christ in all his fulness is to be received for the support and strengthening of the soul. Jesus said, "Verily, verily, I say unto yon, except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you," Joh_6:53.
2. Their office was one of peculiar dignity and honor.
Separated from secular pursuits. They were dedicated to a holy calling, and raised to occupy as it were a sacred place between God and the people. This honor have all God’s saints. They are a people sanctified to the Lord. His chosen servants. The Lord’s delight and heirs to his eternal kingdom and glory.
3. They had more direct intercourse with Deity.
Through the blood of the sacrifices, by their offering of incense, and their intercessions, they came immediately before the Lord. Of believers the apostle says, "Through him (Christ) we both have access, by one Spirit unto the Father," Eph_2:18. So also, "Having boldness to enter into the holiest of all," &c., Heb_10:19.
Application
1. Let believers rejoice in their high and heavenly calling. "Unto him who hath loved us," &c.
2. With fervor and delight attend to the duties of their sacred avocation. Especially never allow the fire of devotion to expire on the altar of their hearts.
3. To have respect in all things to the great sacrifice for sin. Here alone is merit, and righteousness, and acceptance with God.
4. To anticipate the more perfect services of the heavenly temple.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS