What does 1 Peter 2.9 mean?

Answer 1

Always read the couple of verses before and afterany quote from Scripture to make certain it is in context and also as a lead-in. In this particular example reading from verses 1-2 and verses 9-11 makes all the difference: it tells you that Christians are to make sure of their calling and election because of thankfulness to Jesus Christ for being saved by growing in knowledge and how to develop a Godly nature:- 2Pe 1:1-11 NET Salutation [this is a sub-heading]

From Simeon Peter, a slave and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those [ie Christians] who through the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ, have been granted a faith just as precious as ours. [v. 2] May grace and peace be lavished on you as you grow in the rich knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord!

[v. 3] Believers'salvation and the Work of God [this is a sub-heading]

I can pray this because his divine power has bestowed on us everything necessary for life and godliness through the rich knowledge of the one who called us by his own glory and excellence. [v. 4] Through these things he has bestowed on us his precious and most magnificent promises, so that by means of what was promised you may become partakers of the divine nature, after escaping the worldly corruption that is produced by evil desire. [v. 5] For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith excellence, to excellence, knowledge; [v. 6] to knowledge, self-control; to self-control, perseverance; to perseverance, godliness; [v. 7] to godliness, brotherly affection; to brotherly affection, unselfish love. [v. 8] For if these things are really yours and are continually increasing, they will keep you from becoming ineffective and unproductive in your pursuit of knowing our Lord Jesus Christ more intimately. [v. 9] But concerning the one who lacks such things - he is blind. That is to say, he is nearsighted, since he has forgotten about the cleansing of his past sins. [v. 10] Therefore, brothers and sisters, make every effort to be sure of your calling and election. For by doing this you will never stumble into sin. [v. 11] For thus an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be richly provided for you.

It may also help if you have a Bible with sub-headings added to give an idea of what the passage is about, such as the 'NET Bible' quoted here, but for true understanding the one absolute requirement is to be a Christian.

Answer 2

1 Peter 2:9 describes how Christians are chosen by God to be a "royal priesthood" and a "holy nation" to proclaim His praises. It emphasizes believers' special status and purpose in serving God and sharing His love with others.

Answer 3

It means that we are chosen by god for his work and not to waste this life , we are the few chosen people . chosen before the foundation of the earth to serve god.