In 1 Peter 2:9 Peter uses Old Testament language to help believers understand the global nature of the church. “Chosen race” and “royal priesthood” are terms used in Exodus and Isaiah respectively to describe God’s relationship with His people.

God set Israel aside as His chosen people, but Peter expands the community to include all believers. We are chosen because of faith.

Before Christ only the Levitical priests could enter the Holy of Holies to intercede for the people, but through Christ every believer has direct, unhindered access to God.

We belong to a spiritual nation that isn’t based on physical boundaries. Rather it transcends physical borders and is set apart from the moral decay of the world.

We are God’s prized possession, redeemed by Christ as His treasure.

Throughout the Old Testament, particularly following the Exodus, the Israelites are commanded to remember God’s deeds, to never forget how He delivered them from captivity, provided for them in the wilderness and brought them to the promised land. Peter expands that command in the last phrase of 1 Peter 2:9 when he says, “that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” Jesus has called us out of the darkness of sin and death into His light. How can we not shout that freedom to the world?

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