GOD’S PRIESTHOOD v. MAN’S PRIESTCRAFT
Isaiah 61:6. But ye shall be named the priests of the Lord.
To such low purposes has the noble word of “priest” been prostituted, so vilely has it been dishonoured, and so repulsive are all its present associations, that I confess it does not seem to me any very great compliment, or anything to rejoice much about, when my text declares, “And ye shall be named priests.” “Ye are,” said the Holy Ghost of all believers, “a royal priesthood.” This chapter has reference to the kingdom of Christ. It looks forward to the time when He should come who could say, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,” &c. When He came, all earthly priesthoods were abolished, and of all members of His kingdom it was to be said, “And ye shall be named the priests of the Lord.”
I. How is the office of the priesthood entered? You may glean this from the induction of Aaron and his sons into the priestly office, for they are the types of Christ’s high priesthood and the priesthood of all believers. The Holy Ghost has most clearly taught by this type the order of entrance into spiritual priesthood.
1. The priests became so by virtue of their union with the high priest (Exodus 28:1). And the call of Christ unto His high priesthood also includes the call of all His sons into their spiritual priesthood. The question of right to priesthood was not at all a question of personal qualities or social advantages. Carry out this argument in reference to all believers. Just as by virtue of their union and identification with Aaron his sons became priests, do you and I, by virtue of our union and identification with Christ, become the Lord’s priests.
2. In the consecration of Aaron’s sons to the priesthood there was not only union with the high priest, but there was also blood sprinkling. Christ’s high priesthood rests on an accomplished sacrifice—on blood. What does my priesthood rest on? Why, on blood too. Not only was the blood put on Aaron, but on Aaron’s sons; and believers enter into priesthood by virtue of the same blood that forms the basis of Christ’s high priesthood. Unless we have the blood sprinkled upon us, we are no priests.
3. The anointing gives the qualification for priesthood. If we are believers, have not we received the anointing which qualifies for priesthood? (1 John 2:20; 1 John 2:27).
4. The qualification of garments. They were dressed for priestly service (Exodus 28:40).
II. The privileges and duties appertaining to this priesthood.
1. To offer up spiritual sacrifices (1 Peter 2:5). Our bodies (Romans 12:1); our prayers; our praise; our intercessions.
2. It was the priest’s duty and privilege to maintain the service of the sanctuary. Every believer, being a priest, has equal right with every other believer to engage in maintaining the service of the sanctuary. How long shall clerical intolerance pervade the land, and how long will the people submit to it? Preach up the priesthood of believers, and the priestcraft of a clique must fall. Know of no priesthood concerning which it cannot be said, “This honour have all the saints.”—Archibald G. Brown: Penny Pulpit, New Series, No. 750.
I. The office of God’s people. Priests to intercede. Ministers to execute God’s will: II. Their privileges—supply—honour.—Dr. Lyth.
Isaiah 61:7. I. The present condition of God’s people. Shame. Confusion. II. Their future condition. Joy—proportionate, everlasting.
Isaiah 61:8. I. The principles of the Divine administration in His Church. God loves judgment. Hates hypocrisy. II. The mode in which these principles are applied. God directs His people by His Word. And by the agency of His Spirit. III. The manner in which they are permanently secured. By the New Testament covenant—sealed with blood.—Dr. Lyth.