The equality of all members as royal priests is confirmed by the priestly duties that all Christians share. In this matter, the New Testament emphasizes sacrifices. These are not to be confused with sacrifices for sin. Remember that Christ alone was offered “once for all.” His singular sacrifice was perfectly effective in removing all sins (Romans 6:10; Hebrews 7:27; 9:12-14, 24-26; 10:10-14; 1 Peter 3:18). Any sacrifice we Christian priests offer cannot be interpreted as removing sins or implying anything incomplete about Christ’s perfect sacrifice. Our sacrifices are not equivalent to the Old Covenant’s sin and guilt offerings.
Rather, they are more like “free will offerings” and “thank offerings.” Our sacrifices please God, not because they are so impressive, but because of how they come to God. Notice the role of Christ in our new priesthood.
You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:5)
Through Him [Jesus] then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God…. (Hebrews 13:15)
We offer sacrifices through Jesus. They prove acceptable through Jesus Christ. From the smallest sacrifice to the greatest, from the simplest to the most difficult, the key is Christ Himself. His participation makes our priestly work effective. His mediation carries our offerings to God, not with our feebleness and failings, but with His strength and perfection. Delivered “through Jesus,” every priestly prayer and sacrifice is purified and empowered to be “acceptable to God.” Every Christian benefits from Christ’s mediation, which makes every Christian a holy, royal priest—fully effective in the worship and service of the King.