Restored Purpose
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
1 Peter 2:9 (CSB)
God created us with a purpose. He told Jeremiah that in the womb He already knew him and had called him to prophesy to the nations. When God creates, He does so with a strategic purpose that fulfills His plans, for His glory, and for His praise. This purpose can become lost in sin. Yet, through restoration, we regain the ability to understand the purpose God has for us as we experience the leading of the Spirit in our lives and receive spiritual gifts through our restoration. The apostle Paul noted that because of our restored purpose, we gain new titles that identify our new position.
A CHOSEN RACE
The apostle Peter uses Old Testament imagery by referring to the restored believer as part of the chosen race. The chosen race is the tribe of God that has been redeemed and restored by the blood of Christ. As the chosen race, redeemed individuals become unified as the Body of Christ and as the family of God. This description comes in the restored state of humanity.
ROYAL PRIESTHOOD
The restored individual becomes a priest in the kingdom of God. As a priest, the restored individual serves the Lord and strives to honor Him in all their endeavors. In this restored state, the believer becomes a priest of God, the King. Thus, through restoration, we become servants of the royal, eternal King.
HOLY NATION
The apostle Peter again refers to the Old Testament when declaring the restored state a holy nation. This term indicates that the restored people of God are a nation set apart for the Lord. They are dedicated to God alone and have surrendered themselves to His service.
PEOPLE OF HIS POSSESSION
Continuing with Old Testament terminology, the apostle Peter describes the restored individual as part of God’s people. These individuals are defined by their intimate relationship with the Lord. As God's possession, the restored individual lives under the Lord's provision, guidance, and work. Those who belong to His possession are dedicated to the Lord and live differently from the unrestored people of the world.
PROCLAIM THE PRAISES OF GOD
The summation of the classifications of the restored people of God reveals their task: proclamation and praise. The children of God must praise the Lord with all they are, both in their words and deeds. Their acts of obedience celebrate God's goodness and declare to the world the greatness of the Lord. The restored people of God must proclaim the message of the Lord with boldness. They must share God’s offer of salvation and declare the truth of His Word.
QUESTIONS
How does the identity of the restored self reveal the restored purpose of praising and declaring the Lord?
When you consider the names of God’s people, how are you encouraged to live in faithfulness?
