"But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9).

Peter describes Christians in vivid contrast to those who, "being disobedient to the word," stumble upon Christ and His gospel (1 Peter 2:8). These descriptions drive to the heart of who we are as disciples of Christ. First, we are a "chosen generation" ("elect race," ASV). Just as God chose Jesus Christ to be the "chief cornerstone" in Zion, a generation has been chosen to be precious in the sight of God (1 Peter 2:4, 6). With foreknowledge, God elected this generation of "living stones" that compose God's "spiritual house" (1 Peter 1:1-2; 2:5).

Calvinist (Reformed) theology says God unconditionally chose (elected) the individuals who are saved. Millions have adopted and adapted this false teaching. Scripture says God "chose us in Him (Christ) before the foundation of the world," not that God unconditionally chose each individual (Ephesians 1:4). God desires all to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). Those who meet His conditions are "accepted by Him" (Acts 10:35). These are saved in Christ and are a chosen race of people, "who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God" (John 1:13; 3:1-5). All who believe in Jesus Christ have the power to become a child of God, and thus be among this chosen generation (John 1:12).

Peter has developed the point that Christians are "a holy priesthood" because Christ is the chief cornerstone of the house of God, the church (1 Peter 2:4-6). In this summary passage, he says our priesthood is royal or regal. Because we are citizens of the kingdom of God, we share in the blessings granted by the King (Jesus), who has "made us kings (a kingdom) and priests to His God and Father" (Revelation 1:6). Just as priests serve in a temple, Christians compose the temple of God - the church - and serve God in it (Ephesians 2:19-22). (This shows the importance and value God places on the church.) We are privileged to offer up spiritual sacrifices to God which are acceptable through Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:5). Therefore, our sacrifices and service to God must agree with His will since we are "priests to our God" (Revelation 5:10). The church does not decide what is acceptable service to God. God has done that, and revealed it to us in His word. It is up to us to offer Him the priestly service He expects and deserves (Romans 12:1-2).

Some nations are ungodly, like Assyria (Isaiah 10:5-6). Some nations are angry and headstrong, like ancient Babylon (Habakkuk 1:6). Israel was a "sinful nation" during the days of Isaiah (Isaiah 1:4). But, the church of Christ is a "holy nation" - a spiritual nation of holy people (saints). We are sanctified in Christ Jesus - set apart from sin and made holy before Him (1 Corinthians 1:2). The call of the gospel is a call to holiness in heart and life, not a call to continue living in the defilement of sin (1 Thessalonians 4:1-7). "Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you" (2 Corinthians 6:17). Christ's kingdom is not of this world, therefore, as its citizens we must not be of this world and we must not love this world (John 18:36; 1 John 2:15-17). The church is a holy nation that constitutes a holy priesthood, serving in the house of God under the kingly and priestly rule of Jesus Christ (Zechariah 6:12-13; Psalm 110:1-4; Hebrews 1:8-9; 5:5-6). Therefore, let us "cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2 Corinthians 7:1).

All the earth and all who dwell on it belong to the Lord God (Psalm 24:1), but Christians are God's "own special people." The word "special" conveys an idea of acquisition and possession. We have been acquired by God, purchased or redeemed "with the precious blood of Christ" (1 Peter 1:18-19). We belong to Him and not ourselves (1 Corinthians 6:20). Here again we see the value of the church from heaven's point of view since Christ purchased the church with His own blood (Acts 20:28). The church, God's purchased possession, will be redeemed eternally when Christ delivers it up to God on resurrection day (Ephesians 1:14; 1 Corinthians 15:23-24). Having been purchased by Christ's blood, we are purified to accomplish God's purposes. As "His own special people" we are redeemed from sin to be "zealous of good works" (Titus 2:14). Therefore, we bear a great responsibility to represent God faithfully and honorably in this world (1 Peter 2:11-12). Belonging to God means we arm ourselves with the mind of Christ and live for the will of God, not for the lusts of men (1 Peter 4:1-2). We belong to God. Let us live for His will, not our own.

Having outlined our rich spiritual blessings in Zion, Peter also explained what these privileges equip us to do. Our rich spiritual provisions in Christ prompt us to "proclaim the praises" of God. Notably, God is worthy to be praised because He called us (summoned us) "out of darkness into His marvelous light." We could not save ourselves; we were dead in sin (Romans 6:23). God did not leave us alone and lost in the darkness of sin. By the gospel, God called us out of sin "into the fellowship of His Son" and "into His own kingdom and glory" (1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 2:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:14). His great love has provided the redeeming sacrifice for our sins (Romans 5:8-10). His gospel is His invitation to call on the name of the Lord and be saved (Acts 2:21, 36-41). Thus saved, we proclaim God's praises by spreading His gospel of salvation to the world (Mark 16:15-16). We proclaim God's praises by living as pilgrims on this earth and abstaining from fleshly lusts (1 Peter 2:11). And, we proclaim God's praises by living morally honorable lives, so they may also glorify God (1 Peter 2:12). Blessings bring responsibilities. Let us rejoice in our spiritual inheritance and meet the challenge of proclaiming God's praises each day.

edited with permission