Four new names are given to Christians, terms that are now even more fitting for the New Covenant people God has created.
A New Holy Nation
Historically, the national identity of the Hebrews was formed in their Exodus out of Egypt. And the terms upon which it is based start in Exodus 19, with the covenant ratified in Exodus 24. We read about its progress, undulations and decline throughout the Old Testament.
Passing over discussion of the various views on the importance of Israel’s political state today or in the future, and passing over a debate on whether it is legitimate to view any human government as Christian, we should ask ourselves “What does it mean that we as Christians now constitute a new ‘holy nation?’”
The new “holy nation” cannot be identified with any earthly human political structures. Becoming a member of the Kingdom of God through Jesus Christ makes one a citizen of Heaven, a member of an eternal nation, one yet to ascend to prominence in this world (Philippians 3:20). At the Return of Christ the King, we will rise and inherit our land, and the whole earth will be ours!
Our Dual Citizenship
Our national allegiance is given first and foremost to this new “holy nation.” Our first interest is always the Kingdom of God, the welfare of the Church of God, and its progress.
This explains why at various times in history, and even today, Christians can be accused of treason, although, Christians tend to make the best citizens within almost any political state. We know that such fears by the people and authorities are unnecessary, for the most part; and yet, we acknowledge there is a widely mixed history within Christianity.
How we deal with our “dual citizenship,” being earthly citizens in many lands under various structures, is a subject our Apostle Peter will return to in this very letter (see 2:13-17; 3:13-17; 4:12-19). It has always been difficult to live this out in this world, and it always will be difficult. This will be the case at every level of personal political involvement or calling in this arena of service.
Throughout Church history there have been many examples of the extreme (e.g., violence in the name of Christ), the hasty (e.g., trying to establish the Kingdom by human political efforts ahead of schedule), the foolish (e.g. not wise in dealing with the world), the ignorant (e.g., improper use of Scripture) and the misguided (i.e., focused on wrong goals). Likewise, there are many examples of the humble, the thoughtful, the wise, the intelligent and the faithful. May we select our heroes, our philosophies and our politics very carefully—by being spiritually minded.
The description “holy” focuses us on obedience to serve the new calling faithfully. We are set apart from the ways of worldliness. Think about how being part of the “new holy nation” raises you above worldly politics, while at the same time making you most politically useful to this world!
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 Chosen Race, A New Royal Priesthood, A New People Of God.)
A New Holy Nation
Historically, the national identity of the Hebrews was formed in their Exodus out of Egypt. And the terms upon which it is based start in Exodus 19, with the covenant ratified in Exodus 24. We read about its progress, undulations and decline throughout the Old Testament.
Passing over discussion of the various views on the importance of Israel’s political state today or in the future, and passing over a debate on whether it is legitimate to view any human government as Christian, we should ask ourselves “What does it mean that we as Christians now constitute a new ‘holy nation?’”
The new “holy nation” cannot be identified with any earthly human political structures. Becoming a member of the Kingdom of God through Jesus Christ makes one a citizen of Heaven, a member of an eternal nation, one yet to ascend to prominence in this world (Philippians 3:20). At the Return of Christ the King, we will rise and inherit our land, and the whole earth will be ours!
Our Dual Citizenship
Our national allegiance is given first and foremost to this new “holy nation.” Our first interest is always the Kingdom of God, the welfare of the Church of God, and its progress.
This explains why at various times in history, and even today, Christians can be accused of treason, although, Christians tend to make the best citizens within almost any political state. We know that such fears by the people and authorities are unnecessary, for the most part; and yet, we acknowledge there is a widely mixed history within Christianity.
How we deal with our “dual citizenship,” being earthly citizens in many lands under various structures, is a subject our Apostle Peter will return to in this very letter (see 2:13-17; 3:13-17; 4:12-19). It has always been difficult to live this out in this world, and it always will be difficult. This will be the case at every level of personal political involvement or calling in this arena of service.
Throughout Church history there have been many examples of the extreme (e.g., violence in the name of Christ), the hasty (e.g., trying to establish the Kingdom by human political efforts ahead of schedule), the foolish (e.g. not wise in dealing with the world), the ignorant (e.g., improper use of Scripture) and the misguided (i.e., focused on wrong goals). Likewise, there are many examples of the humble, the thoughtful, the wise, the intelligent and the faithful. May we select our heroes, our philosophies and our politics very carefully—by being spiritually minded.
The description “holy” focuses us on obedience to serve the new calling faithfully. We are set apart from the ways of worldliness. Think about how being part of the “new holy nation” raises you above worldly politics, while at the same time making you most politically useful to this world!
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