Who are you? There are many ways in which we identify ourselves, but in order to really know who we are, we need to get God’s perspective. Here’s a very important Scriptural take on who Christians are:
1 Peter 2:9-10 (NKJV) But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.
Who are we? A chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own special people. Wow!
There’s a lot in these verses, so I’m going to focus in several posts on some significant words or phrases. Today, let’s look at the phrase “His own special people.”
The Christian life starts on a purely individual basis. Each of us, Jesus said in John 3:3, must be born again. That’s not a group activity! Each individual must make his or her own personal decision to invite Christ to be Savior and Lord of their life.
But what then? God looks upon us as individuals, but not only as individuals. He names us His own special people. Once I have a personal relationship with God through Christ, it’s not just about me working out my personal relationship with Him. That’s vitally important, but it’s not the whole story.
Matthew 16:18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
Jesus established the church to be the community of the people of God on earth, and every believer needs to be connected into it. Yes, I must have my own personal relationship with Christ. But He intends that I also have a relationship with others of His people. That’s the way He has set it up for His work to be accomplished in this age.
Jesus Himself is the One who instituted the church. Christians who believe they can make it in this world on their own, just them and God, are missing an important part of the Lord’s plan. We need the church. And the church certainly needs us. And that’s exactly what Christ intended.
Every Christian needs to be connected into the church.
Ron Franklin
