"A chosen generation". This next description of them indicates "a chosen race." They were formed into an entirely new company bearing the features of Christ. What an honour! What a privilege to be able to reproduce the features of Christ and thus manifest that they were of a new spiritual race. Israel under law had completely failed to produce features that were pleasing to God, but now there was this new generation manifesting the features of Christ and thus walking under the eye of God for His pleasure. Only by the Holy Spirit could this be brought about, and only by believing could they receive the Spirit. But they had believed, and they had the Spirit, and the characteristics of Christ were manifested, shewing in truth that they were "a chosen race," v. 9.

"A royal priesthood". Priests were those who were devoted to the service of God. Royal, or kingly priests, would shew the dignity of their calling. Holding themselves at all times for the service of God, ever having in mind that what they did as serving Him ascended to Him as a priestly offering.

"An holy nation". If this new race was to function as a priestly company, it could only be as in sanctified conditions. This is the bearing of the word "holy" — sanctified, or set apart. No doubt it involved being set apart from what is sinful, and from Judaism in which none of these spiritual features were found. The christian company was set apart from all that would keep man from God and hinder its service to Him in the liberty of the Holy Spirit. This sanctified state is twofold in character — from what is contrary to God, and to what is pleasurable to Him. It involves being kept in the liberty into which Christ has brought His own, and into the enjoyment of the spiritual blessings which are experienced in the new Christian circle apart from all that would hinder enjoyment of this new privilege. Thus, Israel, as a nation who served God, has been supplanted, (v. 9).

"A people belonging to God," or it might read — "a people for a possession." Not only were they in the present enjoyment of the blessings which were theirs as belonging to Christ, but they were a people whom God owned as His. He had formed a company for Himself, a company who manifested the features of Christ; who served Him as priests, and held themselves first of all as His people, ready to do His pleasure. As such a people they were privileged to "shew forth the praises of Him who" had "called them out of darkness into His marvellous light," (v. 9). Virtues, or excellencies, is the meaning of this word "praises." Judaism had been characterized by darkness, God in His love unknown; but now they were in the full light of the revelation of God as made known through His well-beloved Son. As a kingly priesthood they were displaying to men the excellencies of God. In this way God was finding His pleasure in them as His own possession in this world.

How well for us to keep these simple thoughts in mind! Whatever we may do before men, as shewing forth the excellencies of God, ever ascends to Him as an acceptable offering. In this priestly service every believer, as set apart by God for His own pleasure, may have part.