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II. The privileges of a Christian. 1Peter. 2:48.
The privileges of those who go to this living stone' and trust Him are many. Peter presents some in this portion.
1. Life v. 4 . Coming to Him as to a living stone
.you also as living stones .
The first blessing that we get as we come to Christ the living stone is life itself. As He is the source of life, He is able to impart life to us who are dead in sin and trespasses. Epeh. 2:1.
Consider our condition with out life. Dead, no movement, no enjoyment of things around, not conscious to the surroundings and finds no meaning for our existence! That exactly was our life before coming to Christ. Praise God, the Lord Jesus Christ has quickened us, regenerated us, for He has life in Himself, and He gives it abundantly. John. 10:10. 14:6; 1John 5:11 . Today we live by His life. Gal 2:20; Colo. 3:4. That's why the Lord says, Without me you can do nothing. John. 15:5
2. Fellowship. V. 5 . .you also as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house .
Immediately after reviving us the Lord places us in a building! It appears the writer remembers two things here: the Old Testament temple which is the center for all their spiritual services, also definitely he is thinking of the words of the Lord, I will build my church . Matt. 16:18. Peter is sure; the Lord Jesus has already begun that work on the day Pentecost. And today one by one as each individual comes to Christ and become spiritually recharged; He adds them to the church, as a stone in the temple construction.
Remember, in the New Testament the house of God or temple is not a building made of bricks and sand. Act. 17:24, 25. The company of the redeemed people of God collectively form the house of God today. 1 Cori. 3:16 ; Eph. 2:20 22; 1Tim. 3:15
This is a wonderful privilege of a Christian. He is not lonely. Though he comes to the Lord alone, the Lord incorporates him in to the Church, closely connected to fellow saints. It is an inseparable union as in a body or building. This also signifies our security; once the Lord has begun the work and placed us in the Church, He will not throw us away!
Above all, this truth speaks of the fellowship of a believer. We should gladly enjoy this unique relationship, sharing Christ together. We must be pleased to be associated with a local church. And it should be our endeavor always to fulfill our collective responsibility as well. Heb. 10:25
3. Access. V.5 .. are being built up a spiritual house , a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ .
Not only that the house God is made up of saints, the priests were also made up of the believers. In the Old Testament we know Aaron and His sons were the privileged group to enter the sanctuary and offer spiritual sacrifices on behalf of the people.
Today we have been made priests, not just few but all of us. We have the freedom to come close to the Lord Almighty at any time and offer sacrifices. Rev. 1:6.
This access to God is certainly a wonderful privilege which many long for. Peter will take this topic again when he comes to v. 9. So we will consider the New Testament priesthood in detail later.
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