1 Peter 2:4-5 ESV  As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious,  (5)  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.

Dear Fellowship of the Burning Heart:

In the Old Testament the priests ministered before the Lord on behalf of the people. Priesthood was an office associated with worship. It was a spiritual office with specific duties and functions. And in the Old Testament, those duties revolved around offering sacrifices.

Now, in the New Testament Christians are called to be priests. One of the important truths recovered by Martin Luther was the priesthood of believers. Peter makes this clear in his first epistle or letter.

1 Peter 2:9 ESV  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.

According to Peter, we are to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. So, what are these sacrifices. They are not “blood” sacrifices. The author of Hebrews makes it clear that the “once-for-all-time” sacrifice of Jesus has removed the need for the blood of bulls and goats. Our sacrifices are, nonetheless, real and important sacrifices.

1. We are to present our bodies as a living sacrifice.

(Romans 12:1 ESV)  I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

2. We are to offer sacrificial service to the body of Christ.

(Philippians 2:17 ESV)  Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.

3. We are to offer the sacrifice of our gifts.

(Philippians 4:18 ESV)  I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.

4. We are to offer the sacrifice of praise.

(Hebrews 13:15 ESV)  Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.

5. We are to offer the sacrifice of good works.

(Hebrews 13:16 ESV)  Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

These are some of the sacrifices I have identified in the New Testament that we as priests are enjoined to offer unto our God. There may be others, but these offer a starting point. I would only ask, “Have you been engaged in your priestly duties lately?” We must be about our Father’s business!