Reading: “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.” 1 Peter 2:9

The doctrine of election, though mysterious, is wonderfully revealed in the Word of God. God, in sovereign grace, before the foundation of the world, has chosen to save some from the ruin of sin. This glorious doctrine of election and the truth of our salvation through grace alone should and will produce a reaction.

It will produce humility before God. No saved sinner has reason to boast in himself. We are simply sinners who have been chosen and converted by a God who had both the power and the reason to damn us in an eternal hell on account of our sin. This is why pride has no place in the life of a child of God. We are Christ’s, not because we deserved to be, but because God gave us to Him and Christ in turn died for us. Therefore let us humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God.

It will produce holiness unto God. In 1 Peter 2 those who are described as a chosen generation are also described as a holy nation. How can we hold on to sin when Christ has saved us from the power and penalty of sin?

It will produce honour to God. All the praise and glory for our salvation from sin belongs to the Lord. We have contributed nothing to it; therefore we can take no credit for it. Salvation is of the Lord; therefore the praise and glory belong to Him alone.

It will produce harmony before God. Though we are saved individually, believers collectively are the elect of God. We are a generation, a priesthood, a nation, and a people. We are God’s elect. We are members of Christ’s body, purchased by His blood; therefore, we must treat each other in a right and godly way.

O Saviour, as my eyes behold
The wonders of thy might untold,
The heav’ns in glorious light arrayed,
The vast creation Thou hast made—
And yet to think thou lovest me—
My heart cries out, “How can it be?”
                                    —Avis B. Christiansen