1 Peter 2:9 But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR [God's] OWN POSSESSION, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 1 Peter 2:10 for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY.
In 1 Peter 2:9, the Apostle reminds the Jewish and Gentile Christians of the special privileges they have in Christ and the responsibilities of their calling. Now, in 1 Peter 2:10, he expands on the benefits of their salvation by specifically reminding the Gentile Christians of who they were before their conversion, to who they are now and what God has done for them. There is a stark contrast in their past and present description.
1 Peter 2:10 You Belong Because of Him
For you once were not a people – This phrase is used in Hosea 1:9 when Israel, God’s chosen people, were given a bill of divorce from God because of their disobedience. The Gentiles also understood alienation from God. Macknight on the Epistles writes, “Who formerly were not a people of God, being worshippers of idols; but now are a people of God having subjected yourselves to His government; who had not obtained the benefit of an external revelation, but now have obtained that mercy jointly with the Jews”.
See Romans 9:25-26.
We can relate to the concept that disobedience separates us from God. While raising my children there were times when the consequence of disobedience kept one of them from taking part in family activities. My love for them never changed but their actions were a hindrance to enjoying the privileges of being part of the family. Without God, we are not a people, we are not part of His Kingdom, and we do not belong. Read the Apostle Paul’s words to the Ephesian church:
Ephesians 2:1-3 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.
“We were outcast Gentiles, who were counted as little better than dogs: how grateful ought we to be that we now enjoy the same portion as the favored people of old”, Spurgeon Devotional Commentary.
But now you are the people of God – look back to 1 Peter 2:9 and read the description of God’s people. Chosen, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession – with all the privileges associated with His blessings.
All those who believe are God’s people; having obtained all the privileges and blessings that are bestowed upon those who exercise faith in Jesus Christ.
Before, you were not; now, you are. Can you identify with this significant change? What was your identity before God called your heart to understand His love and your need for a Savior?
If you are now His child, you were chosen by Him specifically to bring glory to His name. You were once in darkness, now you have understanding; you were uncertain of the future, now you look forward to heaven; your security was in people and things which change, now your trust is in God who is always the same. Your happiness ebbed and flowed with circumstances, now you have joy even in the midst of trials and difficulties.
Consider one area how God has changed you. Think of your before and after testimony of His faithfulness. Fill in the blank –
Before Christ I was _________________________, now I am __________________________.
We were without, we were unworthy. Read again Ephesians 2:1-3. God’s children are changed in the present to receive His blessings and for the future to be received into His Kingdom.
Have you bowed before the throne of God? If not, will you? You have everything to gain.
1 Peter 2:10 goes on to say you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Consider what it means to have received God’s mercy or compassion in your life. This will then build a clear picture of the absence of His mercy when we reject Him.
God’s mercy means He forgives iniquity and transgression (Exodus 34:6-7)
God’s mercy means He is ready to pardon, He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness (Nehemiah 9:17)
The Lord is longsuffering, and of great mercy (Numbers 14:18)
God is rich in mercy (Ephesians 2:1-10)
God’s mercy means He hears our call and saves us from the hand of our enemies (Nehemiah 9:27)
God is abundant in His mercy and calls us to a living hope (1 Peter 1:3)
God’s mercy is certain to those who call upon Him (Isaiah 55:3)
God’s mercy has no end (1 Chronicles 16:34; Psalm 89:28; Psalm 136)
God’s mercy is tender (Psalm 25:6; Psalm 103:4; Luke 1:78)
God’s mercy is new every morning (Lamentations 3:23)
God’s mercy is great (Psalm 103:11)
The earth is full of God’s mercy (Psalm 119:64; Psalm 33:5)
His mercy is over all His works (Psalm 145:9)
God delights in showing mercy (Micah 7:18)
God’s mercy is manifested in sending His Son (Luke 1:78)
God’s mercy is shown in the salvation of sinners (Titus 3:5)
God’s mercy is patient (Lamentations 3:22)
God gives mercy to backsliders (Jeremiah 3:12; Hosea 14:4)
God shows His mercy in forgiveness (Psalm 32:5; Proverbs 28:13; Isaiah 55:7)
God gives mercy in comforting those who are afflicted (Isaiah 49:13)
God’s mercy gives hope (Psalm 130:7; Psalm 147:11)
God’s mercy produces trust (Psalm 52:8)
God’s mercy is for the weak (Psalm 6:2)
God’s children rejoice in His mercy (Psalm 31:7)
Now consider a void of God’s mercy. There is no forgiveness, no patience shown towards us, no protection, no hope, no future, no compassion extended towards us, no strength, no substance, no favor, no Savior. Without God’s mercy we are unable to be faithful, we have no comfort, no trust, and no joy.
Albert Barnes’ NT Commentary describes the absence of God’s mercy as those, “who had been living unpardoned, having no knowledge of the way by which sinners might be forgiven, and not evidence that your sins were forgiven. They were then in the condition of the whole heathen world, and they had not then been acquainted with the glorious method by which God forgives iniquity”.
It is God’s mercy that saves, not our own merits. Change in our lives from darkness to light is only because of His outstretched hand. The relationship with God which was at one time specific to the Jews is now extended to all those who believe. This was an important message to the Gentiles who had been saved in Peter’s time and this is an important message to all today. Salvation is not granted by the religious group you identify with, nor by ceremonies or rituals practiced. The identifier of God’s mercy is Jesus’ blood. God’s work on the human soul, His grace and mercy given through His Son’s death and suffering, and the work of His Spirit, claims His children.
The stark difference between not belonging to God and being without His mercy, weighed against being God’s child and having obtained His blessings, demands a response.
Not belonging to God = without His mercy
Belonging to God = God’s mercy and blessings
Is your heart full of gratitude for His work?
My friend, is there joy in your heart, a smile on your face, and encouragement in your words? If you are downhearted, perhaps there is a lack of understanding of what you have in Christ.
Is your life an offering of service for mercy shown, for His glory? When our concentration is on assisting others for their encouragement and growth, we have less time to focus on our own difficulties.
Because of God’s mercy you belong to Him. Because of God’s mercy you have a glorious future. Let’s be committed that our words, attitude, actions, and pursuits reflect this truth.
You were once not a people, but now you are the people of God
You had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy
