1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

This was our Scripture of the Year a few years back, but it certainly bears review. Frankly, very few Christians really believe this verse, much less apply it as it should be. From one standpoint it sounds like pure conceit, and it would be if it weren’t true! The spiritual placement of Christians is mind-boggling, but it is all grace, and nothing we have earned. When we get that straight, the next thing we have to understand is that, like everything else, this work of God has a purpose. The purpose is that we proclaim what God has done and give Him the credit He is due. That’s not at all because God is on some kind of ego trip, but it is because otherwise, the people around us aren’t going to know the provision God has made for their salvation. If they do not know, then they won’t turn to Him in repentance to receive the same grace that has been poured out on us. God desires to make us fit for fellowship with Him, and that requires incredible grace and deep repentance. God has provided the grace; the only thing we have to supply is repentance.

This is my message and my calling. I’ve got to walk in up-to-date repentance myself, but that doesn’t mean I’m to go around beating myself up for my sins. Jesus has already paid in full for all my sins, and continuing to carry them as guilt means either that I haven’t repented or that I don’t believe God when He says He has forgiven me. I need to walk in the liberty of forgiveness and do all I can to help others understand that they can do so too. As a pastor, I seek to help those who have already believed for salvation understand all the ramifications of that salvation, and this verse is a good tool for that. As I have said for years, when believers wake up to who they are in Christ, things happen!

Father, once again I am back to understanding that I can’t possibly do the job You’ve given me in my own strength. That’s why I ask You to do it through me. I ask You to pour out a Spirit of revelation on all the believers, just as Paul prayed in Ephesians 1:17-23. Help us all understand how much You love us and what that love has caused You to do for us, so that we may respond fully in the love, worship and obedience that You deserve, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!