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, NKJV)
All the earth and all who dwell on it belong to the Lord God, but Christians are God’s own special people (Psalm 24:1). The word “special” conveys an idea of acquisition and possession. We have been acquired by God, purchased or redeemed “with the precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:18-19). We belong to Him and not ourselves (1 Corinthians 6:20). Here again we see the value of the church from heaven’s point of view since Christ purchased the church with His own blood (Acts 20:28). The church, God’s purchased possession, will be redeemed eternally when Christ delivers it up to God on resurrection day (Ephesians 1:14; 1 Corinthians 15:23-24). Having been purchased by Christ’s blood, we are purified to accomplish God’s purposes. As “His own special people” we are redeemed from sin to be “zealous of good works” (Titus 2:14). Therefore, we bear a great responsibility to represent God faithfully and honorably in this world (1 Peter 2:11-12). Belonging to God means we arm ourselves with the mind of Christ and live for the will of God, not for the lusts of men (1 Peter 4:1-2). We belong to God. Let us live for His will, not our own.
Sword Tips 