Topical Encyclopedia
The term "Chosen Generation" is a significant biblical designation that underscores the unique identity and calling of believers in Christ. This title is rooted in the New Testament and is primarily derived from the Apostle Peter's first epistle. It reflects the continuity of God's redemptive plan and the special status of the Church as God's people.
Biblical FoundationThe phrase "Chosen Generation" is found in
1 Peter 2:9, where the Apostle Peter writes: "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" . This passage highlights the collective identity of believers as a distinct and divinely selected community.
Theological Significance1.
Election and Identity: The term "chosen" emphasizes the doctrine of election, where God, in His sovereign grace, selects individuals and communities for a specific purpose. This concept is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where Israel is described as God's chosen people (
Deuteronomy 7:6). In the New Testament, this election is extended to all who are in Christ, signifying a new spiritual Israel.
2.
Royal Priesthood: The designation of believers as a "royal priesthood" indicates their dual role as both kings and priests. This reflects the believer's access to God and their responsibility to intercede for the world, echoing the priestly function in the Old Testament (
Exodus 19:6).
3.
Holy Nation: As a "holy nation," the Church is set apart for God's purposes. Holiness implies moral and spiritual purity, as well as a distinctiveness from the surrounding world. This calling to holiness is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, urging believers to live lives that reflect God's character.
4.
Proclamation of Virtues: The purpose of being a "chosen generation" is to "proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." This mission involves bearing witness to God's transformative power and grace, highlighting the believer's role in evangelism and testimony.
Historical ContextIn the early Church, the concept of being a "chosen generation" provided encouragement and identity to believers facing persecution and marginalization. It affirmed their place in God's redemptive history and their role in His unfolding plan. This identity was not based on ethnic or cultural heritage but on faith in Jesus Christ, uniting diverse groups into one spiritual family.
Practical ImplicationsFor contemporary believers, the title "Chosen Generation" serves as a reminder of their privileged status and responsibility. It calls Christians to live in a manner worthy of their calling, to engage in the mission of the Church, and to maintain a distinct witness in a secular world. It also provides assurance of God's ongoing presence and purpose in their lives, reinforcing the hope and confidence found in their identity as God's people.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
1 Peter 2:9But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light;
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Kingly Priesthood of the Saints
... everything you like; but know that those titles will not ... thick jungle of India shall
see the saints of God ... t expect kings to put down their names for trifles. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the kingly priesthood of the.htm
Motives to the Oversight of the Flock
... but the appendage of the work Is it names and honor ... and his Church, and never think
of titles and reputation ... Have we the conduct of those saints that shall live ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 3 motives to.htm
The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... on Aaron's breast-plate was fixed the names of the ... odours, which are the prayers
of saints, and they ... Thus you see what terms, characters, titles, and privileges ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm
Select Works and Letters or Athanasius
... not formally belong to the essence of the Son, but are names given Him ... All the titles
of the Son coincide in Him ... Examples of Scripture Saints in defence of flight ...
//christianbookshelf.org/athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/
Introduction.
... assume the testamentary form we have the titles only of some ... it is announced that
Messiah and the saints with Him ... orders and degrees; in Enoch the names of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/introduction.htm
Jesus' Conception of Himself
... contrast with these the kingdom of the saints of the ... men, is expressed by the
unqualified names, "the Father ... These titles in which Jesus gave expression to his ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/iv jesus conception of himself.htm
The Second Sermon, in the Afternoon.
... clergy, (how much soever we arrogate these holy titles unto us ... swear by all he-saints
and she-saints too, that ... see them come in again with their names; and that ...
/.../latimer/sermons on the card and other discourses/the second sermon in the.htm
The Recall to Religion in the Hymns of Charles Wesley
... There is a communion of saints indeed. ... and its ordinances; but by far the greatest
number of the titles are such as ... These notions, forms, and modes and names,. ...
/.../manning/the hymns of wesley and watts five papers/the recall to religion in.htm
Book vi. It is with a Full Knowledge of the Dangers and Passions ...
... by adoption, His Godhead a lie, His titles a pretence ... no more title than any member
of the company of saints? ... It cannot have been that the names of Father' and ...
/.../hilary/the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/book vi it is with.htm
Rom. xvi. 5
... of Heaven, as not to think that names only, but ... For those are mere titles of rank
(timhes), but these ... the name of Brethren, some by the appellation of Saints. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxxi rom xvi 5.htm
Resources
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