Churches Divine Design “The Essence of Church” (Series) Part

As we continue this series, I want to consider the elements of
the church described here as we think on: The Essence of the Church.

The bible reveals that “Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9). Peter reveals that we are a chosen generation.

We were literally chosen of God. God in His infinite wisdom and mercy provided a means for our salvation. He looked out over the masses of humanity throughout eternity and chose to save

us! We were included in His plan. I marvel to think that God would choose me, one who was so undeserving!

We really don’t like to think in those terms, but it is true nonetheless. How many of us woke up on the morning we were saved intending to get saved? Had God not come to us, revealing Himself to us and shown our need for Him, we would still be lost in our sin! Salvation is an act of His sovereign grace.

Who am I that a King would bleed and die for? Who am I that He would offer such
wonderful, marvelous grace? Being a part of the church involves being chosen of God.

We also discover that we are a royal priesthood. This reveals a two-fold state. Those who belong to the Lord, those who have been saved and born into the family of God are royal. That has to do with “majesty, sovereignty, and divine rule.” That does not imply that we possess the deity and authority of our King, but we do belong to His royal family. We are all His ambassadors to the world. We are the King’s children!

We were all unworthy of His grace, deserving of hell, and yet He redeemed us and made us part of His family, partakers in the eternal inheritance that He alone provides. We are a royal priesthood. This reveals the blessing of serving the Lord and the responsibilities associated with it. Membership has its privileges, but it also has its obligations.

Prior to Calvary and the birth of the church at Pentecost, God’s people were served by
the priesthood. Only a select few were allowed to participate in the most holy ordinances of the temple. The high priest was man’s representative to God. He was the only one with access to the holy of holies. It was there that he went in, behind the veil on the Day of Atonement, and offered the blood sacrifice for the sins of the people. He was the only one who was privileged to experience the presence of God in that place.

With the New Covenant and our salvation, all believers are now a royal priesthood. We
no longer are limited in our service for the King. God has set the guidelines for particular
offices, but all have the privilege and responsibility of working in the ministry of God! The Church i.e. the body of Christ is this avenue by which we can truly touch the world in a powerful way. This makes the Church and its essence so important and incredible.