A Holy Nation: The Church's High Calling

In one of the more universally praised sermons of the conference, Dr. D. A. Carson stepped up to speak from 1 Peter 2:4-10.

1) Our identity. A chosen people/race, a specific OT reference (Isaiah 43) applied originally to Israel now applied to Christ's people. A royal priesthood--this derives from the Exodus. Kingdom and priests or royal priests. The Levitical priesthood was not voluntary, rather by appointment. But in one way all the people of God are considered as priests, mediators between God and men. In the NT Paul speaks of discharging his priestly role through evangelism. Christians mediate through intercessory prayer. Nation here means ethnicity (the idea of nation-state is of 18th century origin). We are a holy nation. The distinction between communicable and incommunicable attributes. Holiness is in a unique category; it has concentric rings of meaning. At its core holy is almost an adjective for God as God. The highest order of angels cover their faces as they extol his holiness. What does this mean for a people commanded to be holy? Set aside by God for God, therefore holy but also behaviorally/functionally. God's special possession. God has ownership of all nations but his people are his in a special sense. Nothing intrinsic in ourselves, but by God's sovereign choice according to his purposes.

2) Our purpose. That we may declare his praises, his excellences. Consider the sheer God-centeredness of this concept. Is God egocentric? Selfish? It is a supreme act of love for us that he requires this, for it is for our own good. God has no needs, he is entire in himself. There is also a sense of sheer privilege as we are called out of darkness and into his marvelous light.

3) Our foundation. Once not a people but now a people (Hosea 1 and 2). God's gracious restoration of his people; in the case of Romans 9 and 1 Peter 2 this is extended to Gentiles because Jews and Gentiles are in the same boat (Romans 1:18-3:20). This identity, purpose, and foundation erases all other distinctions.

Dr. Carson made repeated references back to the opening verses of the epistle throughout the sermon.

If anyone were inclined to obtain an audio copy of just one of the 2009 presentations this is probably the one for persons already familiar with Dr. Sproul's ideas; for newbies to Ligonier material I'd go with his Saturday message, the notes for which are yet forthcoming.