1 Peter 2:9-10
Peter wrote, “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; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.

God has always had His people. In Old Testament times they were the children of Israel. God watched over His people and protected them against the enemy. Not only did He watch over them, but He made them prosper in the face of enemies who were greater in number, more powerful, and superior in almost every way. However, the children of Israel, when they were obedient, had God on their side. Because God was with them, they defeated some of the greatest nations in the world and became a nation that was feared.
In New Testament times, there was another group of people called a “chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people.” God continues to have His own people. This group are those who have become children of God.

Why Are Christians God’s Own Special People?
In the Old Testament, God’s people were the descendants of Abraham (to whom God promised to make a great nation). Upon being of this lineage, the children of Israel must be obedient. If they were not obedient, God would often use other nations to punish them.

Now, we have been “bought at a price” (1 Cor. 6:20). We have been redeemed by the incorruptible blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:18-19). It is only for this reason that we can be children of God.

There is now no difference between Jews and Gentiles in God’s eyes (Gal. 3:28), but all are one in Christ Jesus. We all can be unified and can be members of the body of Christ. How wonderful a blessing it is to be God’s own special people!

What Does It Mean To Be The People Of God?
(1) We are no longer enemies of God. Before we became Christians, we were considered enemies. Now, we are united with our Heavenly Father and can have a peace that surpasses understanding with Him (Phil. 4:6-7). When we stand before Christ on judgment day, we can do so as friends and brothers of Christ rather than enemies!

(2) We can proclaim the praises of God (1 Pet. 2:9). Having been given such a wonderful blessing, we ought to desire to celebrate the excellence of God!

(3) We have been called out of darkness. Perhaps we fail to realize the extent to which we are in debt to God. We were in darkness, without hope, without peace, lost in our sin, and separated from God. We should contrast this condition with the fact that…

(4) We have been called into His marvelous light. Now we are capable of seeing. Now we can walk in the paths of righteousness. Now we possess the hope of eternal life.

(5) We have obtained mercy. This is not something that we deserve. But, God has given us mercy. Even though we are children of God, we often do that which is sinful. However, God has compassion on us and allows us to have forgiveness.

(6) God is with us. Read Romans 8:31-39 and be encouraged to know that God is with His children. In fact, if we are faithful to Him, nothing “shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (v. 39).

Conclusion
Christians are God’s own special people. We have been redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. As a result, we can rest assured that God is with us. However, we must be faithful and obedient to Him. Let all Christians be joyful because we are God’s own special people!

By - Eric Krieg

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