who are we (Part 2)

Everyone is not a minister, but everyone is a priest. St. Peter teaches in his first epistle, “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” (2:5). Peter goes on to say, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (2:9). 

This doctrine is called the Priesthood of All Believers. All believers have been made priests in Christ. As members of this royal priesthood, we are to offer up spiritual sacrifices. Hebrews 13:15-16 teaches, “ Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” 

The sacrifices we offer as the Priesthood of All Believers are spiritual sacrifices: thanksgiving, praise, offering, help to our neighbors, a holy life, and alms.