But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people [people for God's own possession]; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; (I Peter 2:9)

There is a concept that often has been rejected by both Jews and Christians. The concept is that of the royal priesthood. The Lord informed the Israelites in the wilderness that they were a special called-out nation, a people belonging to God in a manner not true of the remainder of mankind.

In many instances the Jews and Christians have virtually ignored the fact of their calling, preferring to be regarded as no different than other people. Their unwillingness to accept their election is rebellion against the Lord.

Until the separation of the royal priesthood is understood and accepted it is impossible for a member of God's Israel, whether Jewish or Gentile, to gain a clear picture of the program of God in the earth and thus to grow spiritually and minister effectively.

A priest is an individual who stands between God and people. God has selected people from the ranks of mankind to stand between Himself and other people for eternity.

We see from the above two verses that the Israelites in the wilderness of Sinai and the Christians in the wilderness of the world of today have precisely the same calling. Their calling is to belong to God in a manner that is not true of other people.

A kingdom of priests. A holy nation. A chosen generation. A royal priesthood. A people for God's own possession.

The Apostle Paul did not refer to believers as Christians but as "saints," that is, holy ones. Holiness is the Presence of God. To be holy is to be close to God and part of God.

Let us look at the context of Exodus 19:6 (above):

Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself. Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure [My treasured possession] unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. (Exodus 19:4-6)

It is clear that God called the Israelites under the old covenant, and Jews and Gentiles under the new covenant, to belong to Him in a way not true of other people. The Church, including the Israelites and the Christian Jews and Gentiles, is to be a firstfruits of mankind unto the Lord.

Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. (James 1:18)

To be continued.