Saturday, March 8, 2014

A New Chosen Race

Four new names are given to Christians, terms that are now even more fitting for the New Covenant people God has created.
1 Peter 2:9 ESV “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” 
The terms “chosen race,” “royal priesthood,” “holy nation” and “a people” are packed with meaning, being rooted in Old Testament history in God’s powerful dealings with Israel, most notably in their times of the Exodus and the Exile.
Exodus 19:5-6 ESV “Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. . . .””
Isaiah 43:20-21 ESV “. . . my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise.”
(See related blog entries:  A New Royal Priesthood, A New Holy Nation, A New People Of God.)

A New Chosen Race

Historically, the term “race” is referring to the physical descendants of Abraham.  Likewise, the “chosen” special people is referring to Israelites called out in the Exodus.

The new historical reality in the fullness of time in Christ is that a new “chosen race” would be formed.  This “race,” if you will, would eventually be made up of many from all racial groups throughout the world.  This “chosen” group would similarly be set apart from rest of humanity--called out for a purpose.

The term “chosen race” is such a wonderful term, although it sounds politically volatile and socially dangerous.  But, then again, maybe herein resides some of its power; and it is a power for all sorts of good in our world.

Ultimately, the only real cure to end the evils of racism in our world is in Christ Jesus the Lord.  So much of this can be observed today as Christians are making enormous progress in so many parts of the world working out the details in the real strife of life.

Back to the main point, which is that as believers in Christ we have so much in common, our bond is so tight in Holy Spirit, that it is as though we really are a new “race” of people in world.  We share a common heritage in the line of the faith of Abraham and the obedience of Moses.  Ultimately this identity is what matters before God Almighty, we are “neither Jew nor Gentile . . . Christ’s . . . Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.” (Galatians 3)

Our New Calling

What is our reason for existence as this new chosen race?  It is to declare the greatness of the One True God who has performed such an amazing feat as actually forming a new spiritual race of people!  

Think about the strong bond of unity we share as Christians regardless of our almost endless variety of backgrounds, how we actually have so much in common.  Take time to recall your own experience of being “called out of darkness into His marvelous light.”  

May our awareness of our new identity in Christ energize us to proclaim the excellencies of our eternally blessed and glorious Triune God! 

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