How does Deuteronomy 4:20 connect with 1 Peter 2:9 about being chosen? Chosen Then and Now Deuteronomy 4:20: “Yet the LORD has taken you and brought you out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be a people of His inheritance, as you are today.” 1 Peter 2:9: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” God’s Pattern of Choosing • In Egypt, God literally lifted Israel out of slavery—“the iron furnace”—and declared them His inheritance. • Through Christ, God lifts believers out of “darkness” and declares them His possession. • The same God, the same initiative, the same purpose: a people uniquely His. Old-Covenant Identity • Israel was chosen by grace (Deuteronomy 7:6-8). • They belonged to Him as a treasured possession (Exodus 19:5). • Their calling: display God’s character among the nations (Isaiah 43:10-12). New-Covenant Fulfillment • In Jesus, Gentiles and Jews alike are grafted into one “royal priesthood” (Romans 11:17-24; Revelation 1:5-6). • The titles Peter uses echo Exodus 19:6, showing continuity, not replacement. • The redemption is deeper—out of sin’s bondage, not merely Egypt’s chains (John 8:34-36). Key Parallels • Rescue: Egypt’s furnace ⇢ moral darkness. • Ownership: “people of His inheritance” ⇢ “people for God’s own possession.” • Purpose: bear witness in Canaan ⇢ proclaim His virtues to the world. Continuous Story of Redemption • Scripture’s literal history (the Exodus) becomes the framework for understanding spiritual deliverance in Christ. • God’s faithfulness to Israel guarantees His faithfulness to the church (Jeremiah 31:35-37; Hebrews 13:8). Living as the Chosen • Celebrate deliverance: remember where He brought you from. • Embrace identity: loved, set apart, royal representatives. • Proclaim His virtues: tell His rescue story with word and life (Matthew 5:16). Supporting Scriptures • Exodus 19:4-6; Isaiah 42:6-7; Hosea 1:10; John 15:16; Romans 9:23-26; Colossians 1:13 |
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