This lesson continues on from the previous lesson, to look at the things Peter tells about ourselves so that we can form a right self image.

4. We are a Holy and Royal Priesthood

1Pe 2:5,9

Peter describes us collectively as a "priesthood" which means that each one of us is a priest. The priesthood to which we belong is both "holy" and "royal".

That reflects the authority of Jesus Christ who rules us as both our Priest and King. The prophets foretold this. "The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek"* (Psa 110:4). "He will be a priest on his throne, and the counsel of peace will be between the two offices" (Zec 6:12). For this reason, we who are under Christ are a "royal priesthood".

*Note: Melchizedek was king of Salem and a priest of the Most High God (Gen 14:18-20 Heb 7). As such he was a "type" or symbol of Christ who is both King and High priest. For background information on this matter see The Order of Melchizedek

5. We are God's Chosen People

1Pe 2:9-10

You will recall that the very first thing we noticed when we began our study of First Peter, was that God has chosen us by his foreknowledge (1Pe 1:1-2). Thus Peter now says that we are a "chosen people... for God's own possession".

God has not extended his mercy and made this choice indiscriminately, arbitrarily, or by some sort of celestial lottery system. He has made the choice intelligently and justly. It all boils down to being in the right place at the right time with the right qualifications. If we want to be chosen for a certain job, or a place in the local brass band or football team, then we need to be well qualified, and we have to present ourselves for selection at a time when applications are being invited. Being chosen for eternal life is no different (although of course it's infinitely more important).

The qualification and presentation of ourselves was also clearly explained by Peter at the beginning of his letter: "That you obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with his blood" (1Pe 1:2). Since anybody can do that, anybody who wishes can be chosen.

There are only so many places in a football team, brass band, or job vacancy, but there are as many places in heaven as there are people willing to obey Jesus Christ and to be sprinkled with his blood. Some people cannot accept this, because they say this means a person can choose God rather than God choosing the person. However there is nothing unreasonable in believing that we can choose to be chosen. It is only by God's "mercy", after all, that we are permitted to do this and given the opportunity. So there is no conflict in our choosing to be chosen. Rather it is good news that we can do so.

I can think of no better thing for you to think about yourself than this: God offered you an opportunity to obey Jesus Christ. You chose to accept that opportunity, and to be sprinkled with his blood. Because that blood made you clean in God's sight, he chose you. So you are now a member of the elect, the chosen people of God, and you rejoice in this and praise the Lord.

Part 1 (first three things)
Part 3 (two more things)
1Peter index

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