Have you ever wondered about some of the terms that we have used throughout the years, such as, “One nation under God,” and “God’s Country?”
It’s election time once again, and we are sure to hear these phrases to prop up America, even placing it in “Most Favored Nation” status by God!
I am as patriotic as any other red blooded American. I am so very thankful to live in what is still the freest country in the world. I do not think I would want to live in any other country on the planet. Citizens of other nations have the same emotions when it comes to their heritage – even when we thumb our noses at them.
Has the United States become the greatest nation on earth because God has chosen it to be? I would love to echo the sentiment put forth by so many that it is. But the truth is that God has chosen only one Nation.
Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. – Exodus 19:5-6
This was to be a holy nation comprised of a priesthood of individuals in that nation. These individuals would be obedient to the Lord, and serve Him, and Him alone.
This is the very same nation that Peter refers to in 1 Peter 2:9:
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: – 1 Peter 2:9
This particular verse is most often used to describe members of the Body of Christ. But it cannot be, because Peter’s epistles were directed to the “scattered strangers” – the Jews of the Diaspora.
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, – 1 Peter 1:1
I can actually understand how someone can apply “chosen generation” to the church. I can even get the concept of Christians being a “royal priesthood.” I don’t, however, think that these actually do apply to the church, but to the same chosen nation – Israel. But a holy nation? How in the world can the Body of Christ even be looked at as a nation whatsoever?
Every member of the Body is IN Christ. Every member has intimate ties with one another in both function, and form. We do not function as a nation, under the Law – be it God’s, or a municipality.
In short – we as members of the Body of Christ are not priests offering up priestly sacrifices and offerings to the Lord. We are actual members of His Body, intimately connected to Him, as the Head of the Body. The good news is that the Head will not die, or even malfunction. I often jokingly say that I am the spleen of the Body. That’s a member that isn’t very comely, yet very necessary.
No matter your position in the Body of Christ you are IN! You are under the headship of Him (Colossians 1:18)! Oh, what a joy it is to be IN Him!
For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: – Colossians 2:9-10
Complete in him! That sure does beat being part of a royal priesthood or holy nation!
IN HIM! IN HIM! IN HIM!
Bob Picard
Pastor, God’s Grace Bible Church
Millbury, Massachusetts 01527
http://www.godsgracebc.org / info@godsgracebc.org
SUPPLY OF GRACE 
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