How many times we have read this verse and yet we do not truly understand the magnitude of Peter's Words. A "chosen generation" speaks of a group of people who have been set aside by God for a special place in history. The phrase "a royal priesthood" imparts the idea of both a royal and a priestly nature found in the same people. "A holy nation" speaks of a people who are walking in a special relationship with God. "A peculiar people" speaks of a people who are different than any other people. "That ye should show forth the praises . . ." speaks of a people who have a unique and special purpose. That purpose is nothing less than revealing the Glory of God for the world to see through their steadfast worship and ministry to the one who has given them eternal life!

When we seek to look further into this mystery of a dual nature of royalty (being the progeny of THE King and inheriting His Kingly nature) and of the Priest (one who ministers TO the King as proxy for the world He created) we will eventually find our way to two passages in the final book of the Bible and one in the book of Romans.

Rev 1:5-6
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 forever and ever. Amen.

And so we see that in addition to loving us and washing us from our sins (saving us), He has also made us "kings and priests unto God and His Father". Thus being made into a King and a Priest is as much a part of our redemption and life in Christ as is our salvation and the receiving of His life as our own. This is truly a calling from Him that is not an option, but a fact. If you are a believer in Christ you are a King-Priest!

Rev 5:9-10
And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

Rom 8:29-30 NLT
For, God knew His people in advance, and He chose them to become like His Son, so that His Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, He called them to come to Him. And having called them, He gave them right standing with Himself. And having given them right standing, He gave them His glory.

Jesus is THE King-Priest and Prophet of God. In order to truly obey God and his will for us to manifest Jesus' ministry on the earth, becoming like Him; we must embrace His calling and walk in His authority, enforcing His will among the nations. And we must, in our ministering to God, point the world to Him so that they may find Him and embrace Him as He deserves and desires.

To sum up:
As a King, under the authority of the Prince of Kings, we are to:

• declare and decree the Word of God
• live as royalty and reign with dominion, authority and power

• minister to God
• stand in the gap for all men
• worship the Lord in spirit and in truth
• manifest His presence