The People of God: Called, Chosen, and Transformed
Today, we delve into one of the most comforting and identity-shaping concepts in all of Scripture: The People of God. This beautiful phrase signifies a group distinct from all others, set apart because of their unique and special relationship with the Lord Himself.
In the Old Testament, this phrase was primarily applied to the nation of Israel, God's chosen covenant people. In the New Testament, through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, this glorious identity is extended and applied to the church – composed of all who believe in Him, regardless of their earthly origin.
Let's explore what it truly means to be part of the People of God.
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I. God Cares for His People
From the very beginning, God's relationship with His people has been marked by His unwavering love, care, and intervention.
• In Egypt, He saw their affliction and heard their cry (Exodus 3:7–8). When His people were suffering under harsh slavery, God did not remain distant. He saw their misery, heard their groaning, and declared His intention to rescue them.
• He delivered them from slavery out of love (Exodus 6:7). God didn't deliver Israel because they deserved it, but because of His steadfast love and covenant faithfulness. He acted to make them His people, and for them to know Him as their God.
• His presence was with them in the wilderness (Exodus 33:13–17). Even in their wanderings and rebellions, God's presence, manifested in the pillar of cloud and fire, accompanied them. His presence was the distinguishing mark that set them apart from all other peoples. Moses himself declared, "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?"
• They were His inheritance (Deuteronomy 4:20; 9:29). Moses reminded Israel that God brought them out of the iron-smelting furnace of Egypt to be "the people of His inheritance." They were His treasured possession.
• They were His exclusive people, set apart for Him (Deuteronomy 14:2). God chose Israel not because they were numerous, but because He loved them, to be a people holy to Himself, distinct from all other peoples on earth.
• They were a precious people (2 Samuel 7:23). David marvelled at God's unique choice of Israel, asking, "And who is like your people Israel—the one nation on earth that God went out to redeem as his own people?"
This historical reality underscores a profound truth: God's care for His people is deeply personal, active, and rooted in His eternal love and covenant faithfulness.
II. God Chose All as His People
While in the Old Testament, God’s chosen people were primarily Israel, the New Testament reveals a glorious expansion of this divine election.
A. In the New Testament, God opens the door to the Gentiles:
• Acts 15:14 records James's pivotal statement at the Jerusalem Council: "Simon [Peter] has described to us how God first intervened to choose a people for his name from the Gentiles." This was a revolutionary truth for many Jewish believers – God was actively calling Gentiles, those previously outside the covenant, to be His very own people.
• Romans 9:24–26 quotes the prophet Hosea to explain this inclusion: "even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles. As he says in Hosea: 'I will call them ‘my people’ who are not my people; and I will call her ‘my loved one’ who is not my loved one,' and, 'In the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ there they will be called ‘children of the living God.’'" Those who were once alien to the covenant promises are now, through Christ, called "children of the living God."
B. In Christ there is no longer any distinction:
• The unifying work of Christ breaks down all barriers. Ephesians 2:14–15 declares, "For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace." There is no difference of race or nationality—no Jew, no Gentile—in terms of access to God’s people.
• Similarly, Colossians 3:11 states, "Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all." In Christ, these distinctions fade.
• The profound truth is that all who obey the gospel – all who repent and believe in Jesus Christ – can be part of this special people of God. This is the inclusive, grace-filled invitation of the New Covenant.
III. Characteristics of God's People
So, what are the defining characteristics of this special people, the church, the people of God today? 1 Peter 2:9 gives us a comprehensive description: "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
A. A people chosen by God (1 Peter 2:9):
• Chosen race – This signifies a spiritual race, designed and selected by God. Just as Israel was chosen, so are believers in Christ, not by bloodline, but by divine purpose. Isaiah 43:20-21 speaks of this: "The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise."
• Royal priesthood – We are all priests, not just a select few, with direct access to God through Christ, called to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise, thanksgiving, and service (Exodus 19:6; 1 Peter 2:5).
• A holy nation – We are set apart from the world, consecrated to God for His purposes, as Deuteronomy 7:6 described Israel: "For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession."
• God's special possession – We are God's private property, His treasured possession, bought with the precious price of Christ's blood (1 Corinthians 6:20; 7:23; 1 Peter 1:19). We belong exclusively to Him.
• To proclaim his virtues – Our very existence as God's people is for a purpose: to be proclaimers of His excellencies, the glorious light we have received.
B. A people zealous for good works (Titus 2:14):
• Christ "gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good." We were saved for good works, not by them.
• We were created for good works (Ephesians 2:10): "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
• We must be occupied in good works (Titus 3:8): Paul insisted that believers "be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone."
• We are to be an example of good works (Titus 2:7): Titus was instructed to be "an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness." Our lives should demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel.
• We must not forget to do good, for it pleases God (Hebrews 13:16): "And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."
- Preaching on Test the Spirits 1 John 4:1
- Preaching About Hope Colossians 1:5
- Preaching on The Wrath of God
Conclusion
What a glorious identity we have in Christ! We are not just individuals trying to navigate life alone. We are part of The People of God – a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession.
Let us live out this extraordinary calling with joy and purpose. Let us live as the distinct, holy, and zealous people God desires us to be, proclaiming His virtues to a world in darkness. May our lives reflect His love, His holiness, and His power, for His glory alone.
Amen.
