| Every blood-washed sinner is a priest, “having … boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,” and is invited to “come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” As believer-priests, we “also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” And what are these “spiritual sacrifices” which we are “to offer up”? First of all, we are to offer ourselves, to “present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” Then, having offered ourselves, “by Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” Such is to Him “an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God.” |
