In bright contrast to Israel’s rebellious rejection of their true Messiah, the beloved saints of God today are said to be “a chosen generation.” Here is the true election of God, those chosen by Him whose knowledge brought into consideration every circumstance long before creation. This is a precious, wonderful truth—much higher than that of Israel being God’s chosen earthly people.

“A royal priesthood” is the counterpart of “a holy priesthood,” which we find in verse 5: “You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” A “holy priesthood” is toward God and a “royal priesthood” toward men. It is royal character to bear God’s witness toward the world—a dignity conferred upon sinners saved by grace.

“A holy nation” is in contrast to Israel in the flesh, in her disobedience. It speaks of a vital sanctification for the glory of God, a setting apart to Himself.

“His own special people” gives the sense of being for Himself, as bondslaves rather than hired servants, as Jews under law considered themselves. We are entirely the possession of our Master.

All of this positive, eternal blessing, of course, has an end in view. The present result is that we believers “may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” It is not just telling those praises, but showing them. The whole life-character of the saints is involved in this. His marvelous light should shine forth brightly in our entire lives.