A chosen people for God’s glory!

A chosen people for God’s glory!

By Charles Spurgeon and others

(You will find it helpful to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)
 
“You are . . .
  a chosen people,
  a royal priesthood,
  a holy nation,
  a people belonging to God,
that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9

This verse is both a comfort and a challenge. It reminds every genuine Christian of their identity in Christ and the purpose for which they were redeemed.

First, Peter declares that believers are a chosen people.

Our election is not based on our merit, works, or foreseen faith–but solely on God’s sovereign grace! (Ephesians 1:4–5). This humbles us, for we were not chosen because of anything in us–but in spite of our unworthiness. God’s love is set upon His people from eternity past, and this should fill us with deep assurance and joy. If God has chosen us, He will surely keep us (John 10:28–29).

Next, Peter states that Christians are a royal priesthood.

Under the Old Covenant, priests were set apart to intercede before God. Now, in Christ, all believers are priests–we have direct access to God through our Mediator, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 4:16). But with this privilege comes responsibility. As priests, we are called to offer up spiritual sacrifices–our lives, our praise, and our obedience (Romans 12:1; Hebrews 13:15). We do not live for ourselves, but for the glory of our King.

We are also a holy nation.

Holiness is not optional for God’s people. To be holy means to be set apart from sin, and set apart unto God.
In justification, He has made us holy in Christ.
In sanctification, He is making us holy in our daily lives.

This verse challenges us–do we live as citizens of heaven, or are we entangled in the world’s ways? (Philippians 3:20; 1 John 2:15-17).

As Christians, we belong to God.

What a comfort to know that we are not our own! We belong to God by election, and are purchased by the sin-atoning death of Christ. This means we are secure in His love, but it also means we do not have the right to live for ourselves. Our purpose is not self-fulfillment, but God’s glory.

Lastly, all Christians are called into God’s marvelous light.

We were once in darkness: dead in sin, enslaved to the world, and blind to the beauty of Christ. But God has rescued us from the dominion of darkness, and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son! (Colossians 1:13). This was not a mere invitation, but an effectual summons that brought us from death to life (Ephesians 2:1–5).

Now, we walk in His light, seeing His truth, loving His ways, and reflecting His glory.

All of this–our election, priesthood, holiness, and belonging–has a purpose: that we may declare His praises! We are saved not merely for our benefit, but primarily to glorify God. Our lives should be a continual testimony to His grace. Our lips should be filled with His praises.

This verse is both a deep comfort and a weighty calling. Let us ever strive to live . . .
  as God’s chosen people,
  as His royal priesthood,
  as a holy nation,
  as a people belonging to God,
  and declaring His praises!

“God’s people are His peculiar treasure, His special portion. What greater honor can be conferred upon a man than this–to belong to God! The Lord values His saints more than all the world!”