Members Popular Post Pastor Scott Markle Posted January 12, 2016 Members Popular Post Share Posted January 12, 2016 (edited) The Priesthood of New Testament Believers I. Revelation 1:4-6 “John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” Herein God’s Word declares that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has made us to be both kings and priests unto God the Father. Yet to whom does this truth apply? First, it applies unto believers; for the concluding line of verse 5 indicates that it applies unto those who have been washed from their sins in Christ’s own blood. Second, it applies unto believes of the New Testament church; for the opening line of verse 4 indicates that John was inspired by God the Holy Spirit to write these Scriptural truths unto “the seven churches” which were in Asia during his life time. II. 1 Peter 2:4-6 “To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.” Herein God’s Word declares that through having come unto our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in faith, we are being built up as “a spiritual house” and “an holy priesthood,” for the purpose that we might “offer up spiritual sacrifices” that are “acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” Yet to whom does this truth apply? It applies unto those who have been redeemed “with the precious blood of Christ.” (See 1 Peter 1:18-19) It applies unto those who have been born again “by the Word of God.” (See 1 Peter 1:23-25) It applies unto those who have “tasted that the Lord is gracious” unto salvation. (See 1 Peter 2:3) It applies unto those who have come through faith unto the Lord Jesus Christ, “as unto a living stone” of eternal redemption, eternal salvation, and eternal life. (See 1 Peter 2:4) It applies unto those who have believed on Him as Savior, and who have indeed been saved (not confounded). (See 1 Peter 2:6) So then, is the teaching of 1 Peter 2:4-6 in some way contradictory to that teaching which God the Holy Spirit inspired through the apostle Paul? It is not at all. Indeed, the teaching of Ephesians 2:19-22 is in perfect unity with the teaching of 1 Peter 2:4-6 – “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” A. 1 Peter 2:4 & 6 indicates that our Lord Jesus Christ is the “chief corner stone,” “chosen of God and precious” – “To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious . . . . Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.” Ephesians 2:40 indicates that same – “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.” B. 1 Peter 2:5 indicates that believers “are built up a spiritual house” unto God – “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 2:21-22 indicates the same – “In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” C. 1 Peter 2:4-5 indicates that this building up together of believers as “a spiritual house,” “an holy temple,” “an habitation of God” is accomplished through our coming unto the Lord Jesus Christ in faith – “To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 2:21-22 indicates the same – “In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” However, the two passages of 1 Peter 2:4-6 and Ephesians 2:19-22 do present a difference in focus concerning these truths. A. On the one hand, Ephesians 2:19-22 places its focus upon the principle of unity that is a part of these truths – “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” B. On the other hand, 1 Peter 2:4-6 places its focus upon the principle of responsibility that is a part of these truths – “To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.” Even so, the “holy priesthood” description, which is referenced in 1 Peter 2:5 and which is not directly referenced in Ephesians 2:19-22, is not presented as a contradiction between the two passages. Rather, it is presented in order to exhort us with our responsibility toward God our heavenly Father, as being individual building blocks of His “spiritual house,” His “holy temple,” His habitation “through the Spirit.” That responsibility is to be a priesthood of holy character, who “offer up spiritual sacrifices” that are “acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” So then, how might we define these “spiritual sacrifices” that we are responsible to “offer up” unto God our heavenly Father? A. The “living sacrifice” of our whole selves and bodies. (See Romans 12:1-2) B. The “fruit of our lips giving thanks” and praise unto God. (See Hebrew 13:15) C. The doing of good, godly woks for the glory of God. (See Hebrews 13:16) D. The giving of material and financial help unto the needy. (See Philippians 4:18; Hebrews 13:16) Edited January 12, 2016 by Pastor Scott Markle Invicta, No Nicolaitans, heartstrings and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators HappyChristian Posted January 12, 2016 Administrators Share Posted January 12, 2016 Pastor Scott Markle 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Alan Posted January 13, 2016 Members Share Posted January 13, 2016 Amen! Excellent study on the Priesthood of the believer. 1 Peter 2:4-6 and Ephesians 2:19-22 compliment each other on our spiritual relationship with God. Invicta and Pastor Scott Markle 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Invicta Posted January 13, 2016 Members Share Posted January 13, 2016 Rev 1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Rev 5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. Pastor Scott Markle and Alan 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members beameup Posted January 13, 2016 Members Share Posted January 13, 2016 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. Exodus 19:5-6 How does this "covenant" fit into the above discussion? Ronda 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Pastor Scott Markle Posted January 13, 2016 Author Members Share Posted January 13, 2016 Just now, beameup said: Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. Exodus 19:5-6 How does this "covenant" fit into the above discussion? Brother "Beameup," (If you would grant me your given name, I would prefer to call you by it.) I have limited time tonight for internet usage; therefore, I shall present the following "quick" answer to your above question -- Exodus 19:5-6 expressed the Lord God's promise unto the children of Israel as national group of people. Revelation 1:4-6; 1 Peter 2:4-6; Ephesians 2:19-22 expresses the Lord God's truth concerning New Testament believers. In the time of the Old Testament the children of Israel were "a kingdom of priests" unto the Lord God. In this time of the New Testament we New Testament believers are "an holy priesthood" unto the Lord God. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members beameup Posted January 13, 2016 Members Share Posted January 13, 2016 23 minutes ago, Pastor Scott Markle said: Brother "Beameup," (If you would grant me your given name, I would prefer to call you by it.) I have limited time tonight for internet usage; therefore, I shall present the following "quick" answer to your above question -- Exodus 19:5-6 expressed the Lord God's promise unto the children of Israel as national group of people. Revelation 1:4-6; 1 Peter 2:4-6; Ephesians 2:19-22 expresses the Lord God's truth concerning New Testament believers. In the time of the Old Testament the children of Israel were "a kingdom of priests" unto the Lord God. In this time of the New Testament we New Testament believers are "an holy priesthood" unto the Lord God. So, you are subscribing to Replacement Theology (the "church" has "replaced" Israel - all the promises/covenants of Israel now belong to "the church"). PS: The Apostle to the Gentiles does not teach this "theology". This Replacement Theology was a creation of (Saint) Augustine of Hippo and approved by Emperor Constantine. "priest", "priests", "priesthood" is never once mentioned in any of the Apostle to the Gentile's Epistles. Ronda 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members No Nicolaitans Posted January 13, 2016 Members Share Posted January 13, 2016 22 minutes ago, beameup said: So, you are subscribing to Replacement Theology (the "church" has "replaced" Israel - all the promises/covenants of Israel now belong to "the church"). PS: The Apostle to the Gentiles does not teach this "theology". This Replacement Theology was a creation of (Saint) Augustine of Hippo and approved by Emperor Constantine. "priest", "priests", "priesthood" is never once mentioned in any of the Apostle to the Gentile's Epistles. You're right...he doesn't. However... He certainly used the word "minister" a whole lot...and I mean a WHOLE lot. What were the priests? Ministers. What was their duty? To minister. Like it or not, you're a priest. Do you serve God? Do you serve his people? If so, you're a priest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members beameup Posted January 13, 2016 Members Share Posted January 13, 2016 (edited) 12 minutes ago, Oὐ Νικολαΐτης said: You're right...he doesn't. However... He certainly used the word "minister" a whole lot...and I mean a WHOLE lot. What were the priests? Ministers. What was their duty? To minister. Like it or not, you're a priest. Do you serve God? Do you serve his people? If so, you're a priest. Read my post on the fact that the Apostle to the Gentiles informs us (those saved by grace alone: Gentiles) that we are Ambassadors of the Kingdom and are to "minister" to others that they MUST be reconciled to God. Some might also assume that we will also be Ambassadors to Gentile Nations, on the earth, after Christ returns to the earth to set up his Kingdom on the earth. When Christ (Messiah) returns to the earth, He will set up his Kingdom in Israel (Jerusalem), and his "kinsmen" Hebrews will indeed be a "Kingdom of Priests" at that time. Edited January 13, 2016 by beameup Ronda 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members No Nicolaitans Posted January 13, 2016 Members Share Posted January 13, 2016 7 minutes ago, beameup said: Read my post on the fact that the Apostle to the Gentiles informs us (those saved by grace alone: Gentiles) that we are Ambassadors of the Kingdom and are to "minister" to others that they MUST be reconciled to God. Right, that's the ministry that he has given to us as ambassadors... 11 minutes ago, beameup said: When Christ (Messiah) returns to the earth, He will set up his Kingdom in Israel (Jerusalem), and his "kinsmen" Hebrews will indeed be a "Kingdom of Priests" at that time. Then why did the apostle John tell the seven churches in Revelation (that were in existence when he wrote it) that Jesus Christ had made them kings and priests? They were already made kings and priests... Pastor Scott Markle 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Invicta Posted January 13, 2016 Members Share Posted January 13, 2016 5 hours ago, beameup said: Read my post on the fact that the Apostle to the Gentiles informs us (those saved by grace alone: Gentiles) Not only gentiles are saved by grace. Anyone, Jew or Gentile, who are in Christ Jesus are saved by grace. There is no difference. Acts 15: 6 ¶ And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. 7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. 8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; 9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. No difference. But read all of the following and understand what it says. Romans 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. 27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. 29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12 ¶ For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Pastor Scott Markle 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members beameup Posted January 13, 2016 Members Share Posted January 13, 2016 (edited) For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Zion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. Romans 11:25-27 The gifts and calling of God are without repentance [unchangeable] For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles Romans 11:13a Edited January 13, 2016 by beameup Ronda 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Invicta Posted January 13, 2016 Members Share Posted January 13, 2016 3 hours ago, beameup said: For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Zion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. Romans 11:25-27 The gifts and calling of God are without repentance [unchangeable] For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles Romans 11:13a And how is all Israel to be saved? There is only one way to be saved. Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. The same gospel was preached to Israel in Damascus and in Judea, and then to the Gentiles, Acts 26:20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. Acts 3:17 And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers. 18 But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled. 19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; 20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. Pastor Scott Markle 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Popular Post John81 Posted January 14, 2016 Members Popular Post Share Posted January 14, 2016 So many of these threads would be better if the anti-christ teaching of there being more than one means of salvation, different means of salvation for different people, were not present. Considering presenting a false gospel has long been something not acceptable on this site I'm wondering why this particular false gospel has been allowed to be presented over and over for such a long time now. This false gospel is 100% clearly not a traditional IFB teaching, not a traditional Baptist teaching, not in accord with the Word of God. This false gospel is just as dangerous, just as wrong as all the other false gospels. Jim_Alaska, swathdiver, Invicta and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Pastor Scott Markle Posted January 14, 2016 Author Members Share Posted January 14, 2016 (edited) 23 hours ago, beameup said: So, you are subscribing to Replacement Theology (the "church" has "replaced" Israel - all the promises/covenants of Israel now belong to "the church"). Brother "Beameup," I most certainly do NOT subscribe to the doctrine of Replacement Theology, which doctrine I firmly consider to be false (to which those who do hold to the doctrine of Replacement Theology against whom I have engaged would likely bear witness). Brother, I would graciously counsel you that before you deliver such an accusation, you search out the matter more thoroughly, as per Proverbs 18:13. Concerning Exodus 19:5-6. As I stated above, this passage expressed the Lord God's promise unto the children of Israel as a national group of people; and this promise has NEVER been removed from them. However, during this time of the New Testament church, the Lord God has administered spiritual "blindness in part" upon the children of Israel as a national group. (See Romans 11:25) Indeed, the Lord God has administered upon them "the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear." (See Romans 11:8) From a spiritual perspective, the children of Israel, as the national people group that the Lord God has chosen unto Himself, have temporarily fallen and have temporarily been cast aside. (See Romans 11:11-12, 15) Yea, this spiritual condition for the children of Israel as a national group of people shall continue "until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled" and "until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in." (See Luke 21:24 & Romans 11:25) Even so, during this time of the New Testament church, the administration of their priesthood responsibilities have been temporarily set aside. Yet this is only temporary; for when the Lord God establishes and administers the fullness of His new covenant with the children of Israel as a national group of people, which He shall do at the Second Coming of Christ, then they shall be restored unto full fellowship with Him and shall reengage the administration of their priesthood responsibilities before Him. (See Romans 11:26-27) Concerning Revelation 1:4-6; 1 Peter 2:4-6; Ephesians 2:19-22. As I stated above, these passages, in perfect unity with one another, express the Lord God's truth concerning New Testament believers. The truths of these passages are NOT given at all as a cancellation of or a replacement for the promise of Exodus 19:5-6. Rather, the truths of these passages are given in addition to the promise of Exodus 19:5-6. During this time of the New Testament church, we who are New Testament believers have been made “an holy priesthood” unto God our heavenly Father, and have been given “an holy priesthood” responsibility before God our heavenly Father, “to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ,” unto whom we have come in faith, “as unto a living stone,” “chosen of God, and precious,” and through whom we have been made “lively stone” that are being “builded together” and “fitly framed together” as “an holy temple in the Lord,” for an habitation of God through the Spirit." 23 hours ago, beameup said: "priest", "priests", "priesthood" is never once mentioned in any of the Apostle to the Gentile's Epistles. And to this I do respond with the question -- So what??? God the Holy Spirit inspired the holy man of God John just as much as He inspired the holy man of God Paul. Furthermore, that which God the Holy Spirit inspired John to communicate in Scripture is just as absolutely true as that which He inspired Paul to communicate in Scripture. So then, with that understanding concerning the doctrine of Holy Spirit inspiration in mind, I would ask you the question -- To whom and about whom did God the Holy Spirit inspire John to communicate the message of Revelation 1:4-6? I would even suggest that you answer with the very words (as translated into English) that God the Holy Spirit inspired John to write, for those words are absolutely true and perfect. Edited January 14, 2016 by Pastor Scott Markle John81, Invicta and swathdiver 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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