431. 1PE 2:9. THE JEWISH NATION TYPICAL OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH
1Pe_2:9. The Jewish Nation Typical Of The Christian Church
"A chosen generation. A holy nation. A peculiar people."’971Pe_2:9.
The apostle here has obvious reference to the Jewish people as a type of the Christian church. And if the various sacrifices and services were typical of Christ and the Gospel, we need not be surprised to find a striking analogy between the Jewish nation and the spiritual kingdom of the Saviour. The apostle uses three terms in the text, which we shall endeavor to illustrate in their typical signification.
I. The Church of Christ is a chosen Generation.
God selected Abraham and called him to be his servant, and promised that he would make of him "a great nation," and said, "I will bless thee and make thy name great, and thou shalt be a blessing," &c., Gen_12:1-3. We enter not into the principles of this choice; we know not why and wherefore God made the Jews his chosen generation; but, he did so, although it is evident in this choice Jehovah had respect to an election to privileges, and which did not secure, irrespective of faith and obedience, either his favor or everlasting life. See Heb_3:7, Heb_3:19; Heb_4:1. Thus believers are called and chosen to the fellowship of the gospel. In their collective capacity they are the delight of God. The objects of his love, the recipients of his blessings, a generation to show forth the praises and glory of God. They are chosen "through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus," 1Pe_1:2.
11. They are a Holy Nation.
A nation distinct and separated to God, us were the Jews, the seed of Abraham. Now we shall find a striking analogy in the following particulars, between the Jewish nation and the church of Jesus.
1. As a nation originally they had no supreme ruler or king but Jehovah.
Theirs was a theocracy, and their laws were all divine. The spiritual nation of believers has no head and king but Jesus. He is the head over all things to his church. The only king in Zion.
2. As a nation they were distinctly separated from all other people.
So the church is a distinct spiritual nation or kingdom, not of this world. Redeemed out of it, and separated manifestly from it. "Ye are not of the world," &c.
3. As a nation they had their especial religious laws and ordinances.
So the church of Jesus has the revealed laws of the Son of God. He has given her his holy word, and established within her holy ordinances and institutions.
4. As a nation they enjoyed many immunities and blessings.
God was their kind benefactor, guardian, and friend. So the church of Christ possesses distinguished privileges and favors. The Most High dwells within her. He is constantly imparting the riches of his grace. And he is as a wall of fire to his Zion, and their glory in the midst. He watches and Keeps his holy hill in perfect safety.
III. They are a peculiar People.
That is, distinct and differing from others. Now many things which were peculiar to the Jews we have adverted to. But we may add, of God’s spiritual people,
1. They are the subjects of peculiar love.
"What manner of love hath the Father, &c. "Herein is love," &c.
2. They are peculiar in their experience.
Passed from death to life. Plucked as brands from the fire. Brought out of vassalage, &c. New creatures in Christ Jesus. Much about them paradoxical. Alive, yet dead. Rich, yet poor. Sorrowful, yet rejoicing. Princes, yet beggars. Weak, yet strong. As nothing, yet heirs of God, and possessing all things. Dying daily, yet having a sure hope of life and immortality.
3. As a people they were distinguished by their peculiar costume, habits, and language.
So the disciples of Christ are a spiritual nation, influenced by spiritual principles, distinct in their appearance by the graces and fruits of the Spirit, and have a holy conversation and speech, unlike that which prevails in the world. And this leads us to the next particular.
4. They have peculiar enjoyments.
Food to eat, of which others are ignorant. Sweet visitations from God. God manifests himself unto them, &c. They have peculiar peace, which passeth all understanding. Peculiar joy, with which strangers cannot intermeddle; joy unspeakable and full of glory. Bright providences, and glowing hopes of future blessedness.
Application
Learn,
1. Believers only, whose faith worketh by love, and produces obedience to God, belong to this chosen generation, &c. Let us not depend upon the logical peculiarities or doctrinal notions, and from these infer our character and condition. The safe test is living, purifying faith. "Dost thou believe in the Son of God?"
2. Let such walk worthy of their high and heavenly calling. As the chosen, holy and peculiar people of God, let their conversation and spirit honor God, and practically recommend religion to those around them. "So let your light shine before men," &c.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS