Now, my reader should ponder both these aspects of the believer, in order that he may see, not only what a highly exalted and privileged place he occupies with Christ on high, but also what ample provision there is for him in reference to his every need and weakness here below. This distinction might further be developed in this way:--The believer is represented as being _of the Church_, and _in the kingdom_. As the former, heaven is his place, his home, his portion, the seat of his affections: as the latter, he is on earth, in the place of trial, responsibility, and conflict. Hence, therefore, priesthood is a divine provision for those who though being of the Church, and belonging to heaven, are nevertheless in the kingdom, and walking on the earth. This distinction is a very simple one, and, when apprehended, explains a vast number of passages of Scripture in which many minds encounter considerable difficulty.[19] [19] A comparison of the epistle to the Ephesians with the first epistle of Peter will furnish the reader with much valuable instruction in reference to the double aspect of the believer's position. The former shows him as seated in heaven; the latter, as a pilgrim and a sufferer on earth. In looking into the contents of the chapters which lie open before us, we may remark three things put prominently forward, namely, the authority of the Word, the value of the blood, the power of the Spirit. These are weighty matters--matters of unspeakable importance--matters which must be regarded by every Christian as unquestionably vital and fundamental.