To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen. Revelation 1:5-6

This verse is used in the chorus of the hymn, With Harps and With Vials: “Unto him who hath loved us, And washed us from sin, Unto him be the glory forever. Amen.”

The rest of the hymn is based on the following verses, “Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls (vials) full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth’” (Revelation 5:8-10).

God has made us a kingdom and priests, which is the thought contained in verse 3 of the hymn, “He makes of the rebel, a priest and a king.” It’s all about what God has done, not only for us, but in us. We are given value and worth in Christ. This is truly amazing, no longer in disgrace because of our sins but chosen, freed and made holy. We can live our lives knowing we are truly loved which gives us great security and confidence.

Peter says, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God …” (1 Peter 2:9). We are indeed blessed.