Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy 1 Peter 2:7-10.
To those who are granted faith to believe the gospel, the Lord Jesus Christ is most precious and altogether lovely, "Unto you therefore which believe He is precious" (1Peter 1:7). Christ Jesus is everything in salvation, this is the true admiration of the faith of God's elect (Col.3:11). To those who refuse to believe the gospel, the Lord Jesus Christ is made unto them a, "stone of stumbling and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed"(1 Peter 2:8). Peter then gives to us the reasons why some believe Christ to the saving of the soul and why some are disobedient to the condemnation of their soul. Simply put, it is God Who has made us to differ (1 Cor.4:7). God gives us a sevenfold description of His people and how they differ from the unbeliever.
1). A chosen people, "You are a chosen generation." Our sovereign God elected a people unto salvation. We believe because of God's grace (Acts 13:48; 1 Peter 1:2). This is what the scriptures plainly teach (Eph.1:3-6; 2 Thes.2:13).
2). A royal people, "a royal priesthood." Through our union with Christ and by His blood atonement, He has made us kings and priests unto God (Rev.5:9). We are crowned and dressed with His righteousness (Jer.23:5).
3). A holy people, "an holy nation." We claim no holiness in our obedience (Isa. 64:5). We say with the apostle, "in my flesh dwellth no good thing" (Rom.7:18). However, every believer rightfully claims that Christ Jesus alone is our sanctification ( 1Cor.1:30; Phil.3:7-9).
4). A purchased people, "a peculiar people." The Lord Jesus Christ bought His church at great expense, His precious blood (1 Pt.1:18-20; Acts 20:28; Eph.5:25). That which Christ purchased, He must possess.
5). A called people, "called you out of darkness into his marvellous light."
This is the irresistible call of the gospel by the command of Almighty God. Those who God chose in eternity, in time will be called out of darkness of ignorance and death into light and life (2 Cor.4:7; Col.1:13; 2 Tim.1:9).6). A worshipping people, "that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you." Every believer has a vigorous desire to worship and reverence the Lord of glory for all that has been freely given (Psa. 115:1).
7). A blessed people, "Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." God has of His own purpose and grace determined to bless His elect with the abundance of all spiritual blessings in Christ (Eph.1:3; 1 Peter 1:3; Rom.9:12-16).