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The new people of the Lord. Previously they were not a nation or a people. That has been changed, they are now the people of God. Where they were without mercy, they have now received mercy from the Lord. His great love has been made manifest in their lives. 1 Peter 2:10 As the chosen of the Lord, they are the favored favorite of Him who loves them with His great everlasting love. Because of Spiritual birth, they are the offspring of God. 1 Peter 2:9 Remember, no one, Jew or Gentile, who will meet the criterion necessary to be identified with this people will be refused citizenship.
They are, the royal priesthood. In their dedication and consecration to the Lord these will have fulfilled the hearts desire of the Lord in having a very special people. They are the spiritual house, the priesthood of true holiness. A building, a temple constructed of lively stones, thus the whole structure is built of stones living in the day of its erection. Their presentation of spiritual offerings is exactly according to the perfect will of the Lord. 1 Peter 2:5 A dual position, combined in one. They are themselves kingly and will be ministering to the King of kings. It is the good pleasure of the Lord to designate this people to be both kings and priests ministering before Him. Rev. 1:6 The dual ministry follows the example given by the prophet of the builder of the temple being both king and priest. Zec. 6:13 What great gratification it will give Him to have a people who are exactly like Him, in every aspect.
The children of Israel were called to become a kingdom of priests and an holy nation. Thus we see the purpose of the Lord, not only a people but a certain type of people, a nation of holiness. Ex. 19:6 There is a beauty to holiness that is not to be found elsewhere. This is an important item when related to the Bride. She is the one who has been beautified by His holiness. A cosmetic unequaled in this world. We are to worship Him in the beauty of holiness. 1 Chr. 16:29 The man without the wedding garment was cast out. Mt. 22:11-13 The new creature is one in whom is demonstrated the cleansing effect of redemption by the blood of Christ. He is now made to be holy and righteous. Eph. 4:24 Holiness is that which is becoming to the redeemed. We are called to be unblameable in holiness. 1 These. 3:13 Holiness is not of our own making. We are invited to become partakers of His holiness. It is something that is imparted unto us of the Lord and not our own works. Heb. 12:10.