The Upward Look
© Copyright 2010, Max D. Hutto,

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the One who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
   1 Peter 2:9 HCSB ©

Peter uses four specific phrases from the Old Testament to describe the believers and the New Testament church. “A chosen race” or “a chosen people” points to God having chosen them based on His love, mercy, and grace, not because they deserved to be chosen. “A royal priesthood” reflects God’s intention that the church is to represent the King of kings to all nations. “A holy nation” reinforces the thought of being set apart to do God’s work that also demands moral and ethical behavior. “A people for His possession” emphasizes God’s ownership and the value He places on them.

Lord Jesus, You have given Your church the important task to proclaim the gospel to all the world. Help me to be a witness in word and deed of Your great light in this dark world.

* (footnotes & credits)

NASB ©
The Bible quotes marked NASB are from the New American Standard Bible,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977,
by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA. (used with permission)

HCSB ©
The Bible quotes marked HCSB are from the Holman Christian Standard Bible,
© Copyright 2000 by Holman Bible Publishers (used with permission).

NIV ©
The Bible quotes marked NIV are from the New International Version,
© Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, by The International Bible Society. (used with permission)