But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. – 1 Peter 2:9-10
After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all the tribes, peoples, and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” – Revelation 7:9-10
In 1 Peter 2:9-10, the Church is described as “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession… called out of darkness into His marvelous light.” This passage reminds us that the Church does not exist because of our human capabilities, but by divine calling. And although we were “not a people”, we are now God’s people – formed by grace and sustained by mercy. This new identity isn’t one we can just soak up or possess and keep to ourselves. As recipients of God’s grace, we’re also bearers of it – called to proclaim God’s “excellencies” to the world.
Then, in Revelation 7:9-10, we get a glimpse of the Church not only in its mission, but in its fulfillment: “a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all the tribes, peoples, and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.” This is not a modern vision of diversity – it’s an eternal one. It was God’s plan from the beginning that the Church would be this radiant image of cultures, languages, and people – all united in worship, and all recipients of the same saving grace.
These two passages together tell the story of the Church from call to completion. Diversity in the church isn’t a response to cultural pressure. It’s a reflection of God’s heart and heaven’s reality. It’s a testament to the wide reach of grace and the unifying power of the gospel. We’re not just individuals saved by grace. We are a people formed by grace, shaped to reflect God’s glory in our differences, and united in our purpose.
I’ve been reflecting this week on what it means to be a part of the Church. Every time we show up—whether to worship, to serve, or just to share life together—we’re stepping into something so much bigger than ourselves. Of course, the Church isn’t perfect, but it’s still the way God chooses to show His love and wisdom to the world. When we invest our time, our talents, and our treasures at New Hope Fellowship and beyond, we’re not just growing personally—we’re joining God in His amazing work of changing lives and transforming the world.