Know what this means? who it refers to? After a cursory study of this phrase, I thought it referred to God’s chosen people – the Jews. Then in one scripture I saw that it referred to us (Gentiles)
“Once you were not a people [at all], but now you are God’s people; …”
[1 Peter 2:10]
We are the ‘once you were not a people’. And when we make Jesus our Lord:
“For all of you who were baptized into Christ [into a spiritual union with the Christ, the Anointed] have clothed yourselves with Christ [that is, you have taken on His characteristics and values]. There is [now no distinction in regard to salvation] neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you [who believe] are all one in Christ Jesus [no one can claim a spiritual superiority]. And if you belong to Christ [if you are in Him], then you are Abraham’s descendants, and [spiritual] heirs according to [God’s] promise.” [Galatians 3:27-29]
This changes everything! Do you realize this is part of what describes, defines you? You are part of the People of God. One point is that We never were called as lone rangers – to be on our own. We are a family. We have been grated in (Romans 11: 11-36) and stand together. Does that mean we always agree… hardly, but we also don’t let disagreements destroy us. Satan, on the other hand, has always tried to thwart God’s people coming and acting together… in one accord. This also defines how we act – together. We’re not off by ourselves to be picked off by our enemy one by one. Together we are:
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a [special] people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies [the wonderful deeds and virtues and perfections] of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Once you were not a people [at all], but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” [1 Peter 2:9-11]
Those 3 verses tell us we ARE: Chosen, Royal Priesthood, Consecrated Nation, God’s own possession, Proclaim the excellencies, Called out of darkness, God’s people, Receive Mercy. What gifts we are given! And do realize that you are talking about relationship. With God. With one another. What did Jesus call the second greatest commandment?
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” And Jesus replied to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’” This is the first and greatest commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for others].’ The whole Law and the [writings of the] Prophets depend on these two commandments.” [Matthew 22:36-40]
This defines, describes People of God. And this is Who you are, Whose you are, and How you do You.
