OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, the term identity politics has become commonplace. Identity politics is the practice of some groups who have a particular racial, religious, ethnic, social, or cultural identity to promote their own specific interests or concerns with less attention given to the interests or concerns of any larger political group. The LGBTQ+ community and other groups on the political Left have often been described as employing identity politics. At times, groups on the Right, like Evangelical Christians, have also been described this way.
In 1 Peter 2:9, the Apostle Peter was calling the churches of Asia Minor to participate in identity politics of a different order. Their “identity” and “politics” were to be centered on their membership in the kingdom of God for the glory of Christ among the nations. Whereas the identity politics practiced within America’s political landscape today are self-centered, the identity politics of the kingdom are centered on God and others.
In this verse, Peter describes Christians with four identity markers that not only set them apart from the world but also describe their calling in the world – a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession. The Church in many respects was taking on the calling that Israel had been given at Sinai (Exodus 19:5-6). Peter writes that God has given Christ’s followers this status for the purpose of “proclaiming the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” Their distinct identity was to lead to worship and mission.
Chosen Race
The Church is comprised of God’s elect people – both Jew and Gentile. Our chosenness is dependent on being identified with Christ. Paul writes in Ephesians 2:13-15, “But now in Christ Jesus you who were once far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility … that he might create in himself one new man in place of two.” What an amazing privilege we have as God’s “chosen race” – that is, his people. We now have a spiritual “ethnicity” that supersedes our natural ethnicity.
Royal Priesthood
If you’ve ever had the privilege of visiting England, you quickly come to realize the royal family is a pretty big deal – they own castles throughout the realm, their faces are printed on British notes, and the leader of the family is even called “The Sovereign.” The House of Windsor is unlike any other family in all of the United Kingdom, but they’re not unlike other royals. Royalty has always been exclusive, unapproachable, unattainable. For that reason, it is quite interesting for Peter to describe the Church of Jesus Christ as a royal “priesthood” because priests are meant to be inclusive, approachable, and receptive. Priests not only represent God to people by their holiness, but they also represent people to God through service and sacrifice. Priests are intercessors and mediators. This is the amazing truth – our membership in the household of the King, our royalty, should lead to the service of others.
Holy Nation
Like Israel before it, the Church is to be a people set apart for God’s purposes. Christians from every country around the world now comprise a new “nation” that is not bound by borders. Being a holy nation involves not only a level of Spirit-empowered practical righteousness, but also a missional identity of being sent into the world with the Word and work of the gospel. The Lord has redeemed us as a people for himself to bear the image of Christ throughout the world that we may “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).
People For His Own Possession
We belong to Jesus! As 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “You are not your own, for you were bought with a price.” Christ paid the ultimate price for us through the shedding of his blood on the cross. This was the most disproportionate transaction in history. No one had ever overpaid so much. Our response to his sacrifice is thankfulness that leads to worship, and worship that leads to witness – that we may “proclaim the excellences of him who called us out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
PRAYER
Father, we are not deserving of any of these titles that you have bestowed on your Church. It is only by grace and the work of your Son that we could be called your people. We want to not only embrace the unbelievable favor you have given us, but also live in light of our identity in Christ. You have truly called us “out of darkness and into your marvelous light.” May we walk in your light and shine like the Light of the World. Amen.
PONDER
- How was each member of the Trinity involved in calling you “out of darkness?”
- Which of the titles from 1 Peter 2:9 mean the most to you as an exile? Why?
- In what ways is God calling you to “proclaim his excellencies” today?