A PECULIAR PEOPLE

1 Peter 2:9-10 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous 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.

Peter, in his writing to Christians living in an area known to us today as Asia Minor, whom he refers to as the elect, here in the lesson text refers to them as a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. Describing the saints that make up the churches in these locations, Peter uses various terms that could very well be lessons in themselves. However, in this particular lesson, we want to examine further the additional name Peter gives them, when he refers to them as a peculiar people.

Peculiar, in this instance, does not mean odd or strange people. Rather, it carries the meaning of an extraordinary people; a special and unique people. Peculiar, also, designates ownership, as belonging to a certain person or entity. The Greek translation uses the term, periousios, and from a biblical standpoint, means a people that belong only to God. Although all mankind belong to God, as their Creator, Christians are God's personal property that are dear to Him as His children, and are His treasured possession. They are peculiar - they are special - they are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. Although, the nation of Israel was spoken of in a number of places in this manner, today, in a biblical sense, the term a peculiar people, refers only to those individuals that are included in the body of Christ, His church. It is restricted to people, who have obeyed the commandments and instructions of God found in the New Testament, by which they become members of His Body, the church of Christ.

Notice what the apostle Paul told Titus. It was through His Son that God brought salvation to the world (Titus 2:11). Paul refers to our Savior Jesus Christ as the one who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works (Titus 2:13b-14). This peculiar people - this body of Christ making up His church, has been redeemed from sin and made pure. They recognize the favorable status they have with God, and, as His chosen people, have the desire to demonstrate their love by being ready, willing, and zealous of good works, in order to show forth the praises of God and His Son, Jesus Christ.

To show the unique nature of this peculiar people, the latter part of verse 9 of our lesson text, says that they were once lost in darkness but are now called out into His marvelous light. Prior to becoming His children, as the body of Christ, they were not a people of God. But through obedience to His will, they are now the people of God. As His people, they now enjoy the benefits of God's mercy, which, before being born again into the body of Christ, the privileges of His mercy were unknown. Notice the similarity of the prophecy of Hosea, to the teaching of Peter in our lesson text. Hosea wrote, And it shall come to pass in that day ...I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to them which were not My people, Thou art My people; and they shall say, Thou art my God (Hosea 2:21-23).

It is God's will that all mankind will become His precious children - His peculiar people. He wants all to learn of the mercy extended to each person that obeys His will. He wants all to hear His words found in the Bible which tell of His mercy, and how it can be found. It is His desire that all accept the truths found in His word, accept His Son Jesus, as their personal Savior, and be baptized into His body, in order to be redeemed from sin, and be pure in His sight. He wants every Christian to continue to be faithful and obedient to His commandments, and zealous of good works.

The words of the writer of Hebrews are very appropriate to close this lesson. As His peculiar people, it is said that God will Make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever (Hebrews 13:21).