The phrase “holy nation” is found in 1 Peter 2:9, which says: “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.” This verse speaks to the identity and purpose of God’s people.
To understand what it means that believers in Jesus are a “holy nation,” we should first define the key terms:
Holy
The word “holy” in the Bible means set apart or dedicated to God. To be holy is to be distinct from the world because of one’s relationship with God. Holiness also implies moral purity. As a holy nation, God’s people are called to be morally set apart from sin and dedicated to Him.
Nation
In the Bible, a “nation” does not refer to geopolitical boundaries but rather to a people group united by common ancestry, culture, language, and often religion. Nation connotes a unified community. Therefore, as a holy nation, believers share a common identity in Christ which transcends earthly national identities.
Chosen Race
This phrase emphasizes that this holy nation is not an ethnic nation. Rather, it is comprised of people from every tribe, tongue, and nation who are chosen by God to belong to His people. It is a spiritual nation united by faith in Christ.
Royal Priesthood
This highlights the privileged status and mission of God’s people. They have special access to God as priests, and they serve in the royal courts of the heavenly King as His representatives on earth.
People for His Own Possession
This descriptor shows that God treasures and lays claim to this holy nation as His most prized possession. They have been set apart by Him and for Him.
Proclaim His Excellencies
As God’s special possession and royal priests, believers have the mission of proclaiming the praises and virtues of Christ to the world. They are to shine the light of Christ through their words and lives.
Called Out of Darkness
This reminds believers that they have been called by God out of the spiritual darkness of sin and unbelief into the light of salvation, hope, and purpose in Christ.
Now that we have defined the key terms, let’s summarize the main points of what it means to be a holy nation:
Set Apart for God’s Glory
As a holy nation, believers are set apart from the world to pursue God’s purposes. Their identity is defined by their relationship to God rather than earthly allegiances. They live to glorify God and reflect His holy character (1 Peter 1:15-16).
United by Faith in Christ
This holy nation transcends human barriers and worldly divisions. All those who put their faith in Jesus belong to this nation regardless of ethnicity, language, culture, or social status. Unity in Christ defines them (Galatians 3:28).
Enjoy Privileged Access to God
As priests of God most High, believers can boldly approach His throne to receive grace and find help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). They have direct access to God through Christ their High Priest.
Called to Declare God’s Excellence
This holy nation exists to display and declare the goodness, love, power, and glory of God to the world. They are His messengers and witnesses, pointing people to salvation in Christ by how they live and what they say (Matthew 5:16).
Delivered from Darkness, Now in Light
Those who were once lost in the darkness of sin have now been called by the marvelous light of Christ into salvation and a new life. They are to walk in this divine light and shine it in a dark world (1 John 1:7).
In summary, as a holy nation believers have become God’s special possession, called out of darkness and united in Christ to declare His excellencies to the world. This unique identity gives God’s people privilege, purpose and a transforming ethic of holiness.
Practical Implications
Let’s explore some of the key practical implications of belonging to God’s holy nation:
Strive for Moral Purity
As a set apart people, believers must seek to maintain personal holiness and flee from sin, which contradicts their new holy identity in Christ (1 Peter 1:14-16). The grace of the gospel empowers moral transformation.
Prioritize Spiritual Brotherhood
If this nation transcends human barriers, Christians must live out that spiritual unity across lines of race, culture, economics, etc. They are to love one another as siblings in God’s family (Galatians 3:28, 1 Peter 2:17).
Use Gifts to Serve God’s Mission
Joining this holy nation means aligning with its purpose – declaring God’s glory so others can be saved. Believers must steward their gifts, abilities and influence for God’s mission (1 Peter 4:10-11).
Engage the World while Remaining Distinct
As God’s envoys on earth, believers are to engage people in their communities with the love of Christ, but without compromising their distinct identity as God’s people (John 17:14-18).
Find Identity in Christ Above All
No earthly identity – race, class, nationality – should supplant belonging to God’s holy nation. Allegiance to Jesus must be first and foremost for the people of God.
Worship God with Reverence and Awe
As priests with access to God’s presence, believers can approach Him boldly yet still with reverence, awe, thanksgiving and humility (Hebrews 12:28-29).
In closing, the precious truth that Christians constitute a unique, multi-ethnic holy nation devoted to declaring God’s glory should impact how they view themselves and engage the world. This spiritual identity transcends all earthly allegiances and gives believers a sacred mission with many important practical implications for how they live.