Saints Compared to Priests

    SAINTS COMPARED TO PRIESTS

    "But ye are a chosen generation, a holy Priesthood" &c., 1Pe 2:9.

    "And hath made us unto our God kings and Priests" &c., Re 5:10.

    GOD'S people are called Priests, and an holy Priesthood, as appears by these scriptures. That of kings shows forth the dignity of the Saints, and this of priests respects their office and work.

    PARALLELS.

    I. THE Priests under the law were set apart, or consecrated to God, to attend him in his service: so every true Christian, God hath set apart for himself; he is separated from the world, and worldly worships, and sinful customs, to the holy service of God. "The Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself," Ps 4:3.

    II. The Priests under the law were admitted to approach near unto God; they had more perfect knowledge of him, and holy intimacy with him, than others: so the Saints are a people near to God: "Ye who sometimes were afar off, are made nigh by the blood of Christ. Eph 2:13. They have more perfect and clear knowledge of God than others, and more precious fellowship and communion with him.

    III. The Priests offered sacrifices to God: so the saints offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1. They offer up their bodies and their spirits, "A broken and a contrite heart." 2. They offer up their prayers upon that golden altar, which is as sweet incense in the nostrils of God. 3. They offer their substance as God calls for it, which is a sacrifice well-pleasing in his sight. 4. They offer up praises:"Whoso offereth praise, glorifieth me; and to him that orderetb his conversation aright, will I show the salvation of God," Ps 50:23.

    INFERENCES.

    I. SAINTS are Priests, not typical Priests, but a royal Priesthood, better than the Priests under the law: they are spiritual Priests, they offer up spiritual sacrifices, &c.

    II. Their persons, as well as their sacrifices, are accepted of God, through Jesus Christ: if the person be not sanctified, the offering is not accepted: "For their sakes sanctify I myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth," Joh 17:19.

    III. Let all take heed they offer not the lame and the blind, when they have a kid in the flock. "My son, give me thy heart," Pr 23:26.